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Annalong River

Wild Swimming Spot

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Mountain, Valley, Riverside

Swimming

Summer

Eric Jones / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Annalong River runs down a broad, open valley in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, and where it spills over ledges of granite it forms a set of rock pools and small falls. The largest pool is deep enough to swim in, with smaller cascade pools scattered around it. This is bare upland country, tr...

10

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

3

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

10 overnight parking

The Harbour Inn – Newcastle, The Galley Inn – Annalong, O’Hare’s Lounge Bars – Newcastle

Oakwood Glamping, Gorse Hill Glamping, Enniskeen Estate & Forest Spa

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Annalong River?
Northern Ireland holds this beautiful mountain stream in County Down. Hikers usually follow the trails leading into the mountains from the coast to find the best spots.

What type of place is Annalong River?
Annalong River is a wild swimming spot in the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland.

When is the best time to visit Annalong River?
Summer brings the warmest weather for taking a dip in the mountain pools. September also offers a great opportunity to visit early in the morning before any other hikers arrive.

What can you do at Annalong River?
Submerging your body into the icy crystal mountain rock pools brings an instant exhilarating rush. People also enjoy walking along the scenic riverside trails or hiking through the rugged mountain landscape.

How long should I spend at Annalong River?
Allowing a full morning or afternoon gives you plenty of time to complete the mountain walk and enjoy a proper swim. A longer visit works best if you plan to tackle the higher peaks nearby.

Where do I park at Annalong River?
Spaces for ten vehicles are available nearby, providing ten overnight parking spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Annalong River?
The Harbour Inn in Newcastle, The Galley Inn in Annalong, and O’Hare’s Lounge Bars in Newcastle offer three spots to get a meal in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Annalong River?
Oakwood Glamping, Gorse Hill Glamping, and Enniskeen Estate & Forest Spa provide three places to book a stay nearby. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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