7 things to see and do in Northern Ireland's Mourne Gullion Strangford Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark

Just an hour’s drive from George Best Belfast City Airport, you'll find the district of Newry, Mourne and Down, comprising three areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty that are readily awaiting UNESCO Global Geopark status. Here’s what to see and do in this picturesque corner of Northern Ireland.

On 26 May 2023, the dramatic scenery of Northern Ireland's district of Newry, Mourne and Down – which comprise the Ring of Gullion in County Armagh, the serene waters of Strangford Lough and the imposing granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains in County Down – is set to gain UNESCO Global Geopark status. In doing so they'll join just eight other areas worldwide, each recognised for their internationally significant geology and landscapes.

In honour of the new geopark status for these three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, local businesses have worked tirelessly to form a programme of experiences that embrace the landscape and celebrate Irish culture. Here are seven things to see and do in the area if you're planning a visit. 

1. Hike the Mourne Mountains

A great way to absorb what the aspiring geopark has to offer is by donning your walking boots and venturing into the mountains. And, while a solo amble is a delightful way to spend a morning, the best way to fully appreciate this stunning landscape is by joining a guided walk or hike led by local adventurer and guide, Peter Rafferty of Walk the Mournes.

You’ll begin by following the winding path alongside Glen Stream, rich in lush, moss-covered rocks, plants and trees. Pause to listen to the trickling water while Peter imparts his wisdom on native birds and wildlife – including red squirrels and pine martens – along with how to identify edible wild plants such as zesty wood sorrel.

Further on, you’ll reach The Cloughmore Stone – meaning 'The Big Stone' – a 50-tonne boulder, which legend dictates was thrown by famous Causeway giant, Finn McCool. 

Once you’ve caught your breath while taking in the extraordinary views across Carlingford Lough, you’ll return through ancient oak woodlands that are said to have inspired CS Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia.

Walk the Mournes / Tourism Ireland

2. Sip poitín at Killowen Distillery

If the idea of a wee dram while perched on a wooden stool sounds more your pace, then a visit to the small-batch Killowen Distillery in the Mourne Mountains is an absolute must. 

Here, your guides will share with you the magic of Irish whiskey making. The drink begins its life as just grains and water, before being moved into two handmade artisan Portuguese copper stills. Here, the 72-hour fermented grains are heated by gas, vaporising into a clear liquid that's collected and passed through the second still before being transferred into barrels for three years or more to age into fine whiskey, which looks like liquid gold. You'll also get a chance to sample poitín – a clear yet punchy moonshine created from virgin whiskey before it’s barrel-aged.

From there, you’ll move on to the much-anticipated tasting room, where experts Shenda O'Hare and Danny McGreevy lead you in a generous sampling of poitíns, whiskeys and gins, all made on-site with local crops. If you're lucky, Danny will also treat you to an enchanting rendition on his Uilleann pipes and Irish whistle as he summons the fairies of the Kilfeaghan hills to bless the booze. 

A distillery tour and tasting costs £36pp and can be booked at killowendistillery.com.

Killowen Distillery / Tourism Ireland

3. Learn how to build a traditional dry stone wall

For those interested in both history and architecture, head over to The Green Holiday Cottages to experience the 5,000-year-old craft of dry stone wall building. 

Mark and Jenny Hanna have lovingly restored the 18th-century corn mill close to where Mark and his brother grew up in Kilkeel and used dry stone walls – or ‘ditches’ as they’re known here – as boundaries to complement the surrounding landscape. 

Fun for the whole family, visitors will work alongside Mark to learn both ancient and new techniques, before helping to build part of a granite stone wall themselves. Firstly, an assisted trial with a digger (for ages 12 and above) tests your coordination by shifting weighty foundation stones, followed by several challenges placing smaller rocks to form the perfect goat-proof (almost!) boundaries.

Your hard work will be rewarded with a welcome cup of tea and Jenny’s traditional boiled cake served in a biscuit tin to echo a true Mourne builder’s lunch, accompanied by chirping robins on the banks of the Kilkeel River.

The Green Holiday Cottages / Tourism Ireland

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4. Rest and recuperate at the Avoca Hotel

Situated in an idyllic spot along the promenade of Newcastle in County Down, the Avoca Hotel offers a restful spot to recuperate after a day’s adventure, combined with stunning views of where the Mournes meet the sea.

The eclectic decor marries nostalgia with contemporary styling – exposed aged brickwork and beams complement vivacious wallpapers and come-hither velvet seating in spacious king, super king and family rooms, all with en-suites and sea views.

The Avoca restaurant is just downstairs, offering a plethora of hearty dishes, including a mouth-watering pizza menu. If you fancy a tipple, The Wild Hare bar is situated just next door, with classic cocktails and live music on weekends. Old Fashioned by the fire, anyone?

Double rooms at the Avoca Hotel start from £150 per night.

Avoca Hotel

5. Explore Castlewellan Forest Park by e-bike

Lying just north of the Mournes, you’ll discover the historic Annesley Estate, now known as Castlewellan Forest Park. The imposing Victorian castle was built by the Annesley family between 1856 and 1858 and is now a Christian conference centre but remains open to visitors. The Scottish baronial-style building overlooks the lake, with endless vistas of the surrounding countryside.

You can explore the castle grounds on a guided Mourne Trails and Ales Tour with Bike Mourne. You’ll not only get to enjoy panoramic views of the lake, but your trail will take you on a fascinating journey past the Peace Maze, pausing at the Moorish Tower and on to the beautiful walled Annesley Garden (National Arboretum), featuring fountains, ponds and ornamental greenhouses. The tour also includes pit stops to sample ales from the local Whitewater Brewery.

A guided three-hour Mourne Trails and Ales tour starts at £67pp and includes helmet hire. E-bikes can also be hired for independent exploration.

Bike Mourne / Tourism Ireland

6. Try paddleboarding and soda bread making at Strangford Loch

Situated just a stone’s throw from Strangford Lough, crossing the threshold of Tracey Jeffery and her husband Joe’s 17th-century thatched cottage – known as Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen – is like taking a step back in time. 

If you can tear yourself away from the cosy atmosphere and scent of freshly baked bread, allow paddleboarding instructor and self-proclaimed "water god" Joe to guide you down to the lough for a relaxing SUP experience, taking in the rugged landscape and all the native flora and fauna it has to offer.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, a hearty lunch awaits back at the farmhouse. Served on vintage china, Tracey’s baked soda bread, homemade jams and locally sourced delicacies fill the table. Going hungry is impossible!

Just when you’ve fallen under Tracey’s soda bread spell, she’ll teach you how to make it in a hands-on masterclass. There’s no need for previous baking experience as the traditional bread is made on the griddle with no weighing or measuring – plus, it's ready to eat in just 15 minutes. Gluten-free flour is available on request. 

Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen SUP and Soda experience costs from £35pp and includes a wetsuit, life vest, paddleboard and paddle hire.

Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen / Tourism Ireland

7. Join chef Paul Cunningham for a secret dining experience

County Down chef Paul Cunningham shot to fame representing Northern Ireland in series 13 of BBC’s Great British Menu, making a second appearance the following year.

While on the show, Paul was the owner of Brunel’s, a successful high-end Newcastle restaurant, but in 2022 he sold up and started a new zero-waste eatery, Scopers. Alongside this, the chef has launched Mourne Larder, a secret dining and sustainability-focused pop-up venture that's a love letter to his hometown. 

The remarkable 11-course menu in a secret venue showcases local ingredients all sourced within a 15-to-20-mile radius of Co Down. Paul takes the time to describe each miniature work of art in person, communicating each process and element with passion. 

With stars of the coastline including smoked eel, gin-cured trout and sea truffle paired with foraged wild garlic, wood sorrel and Dexter beef from the mountains, you’ll leave with your belly full and your imagination captured.

Secret Dining by Chef Paul Cunningham costs from £130pp.

Scopers / Facebook

Getting there

Flights from London to Belfast take just 1 hour 30 minutes, or 1 hour 10 from Manchester. Ferries also depart from Cairnryan in Scotland to Belfast, taking just over two hours. 

For more information, visit Ireland.com/northernireland

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Main image: Tourism Ireland