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Mountains of Mourne

Walk

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Mountain, Valley

Walking

Spring to Autumn

Photo: Eric Jones via Geograph.org.uk

The Mountains of Mourne are a compact range of granite peaks in County Down, the highest hills in Northern Ireland, rising steeply from the coast near Newcastle. Slieve Donard, the highest at around 850 metres, is the best known, usually climbed from Newcastle up the Glen River. Across the high tops...

4

Parking nearby

1

Food Spots nearby

3

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

4 overnight parking

The Mourne Lodge – Atticall

Oakwood Glamping, Greenview Glamping Pods, Thistle Thatch Cottage

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Mountains of Mourne?
County Down holds this dramatic landscape in the south-east corner of Northern Ireland. Walkers cross the wild trails to experience where the high peaks meet the Irish Sea.

What type of place is Mountains of Mourne?
Mountains of Mourne is a granite mountain range and coastal walking route in County Down in Northern Ireland.

When is the best time to visit Mountains of Mourne?
Spring through to autumn offers the most manageable weather conditions for tackling the open trails. Clear seasonal mornings bring out the rich colours of the wild bell heather and gorse.

What can you do at Mountains of Mourne?
Hikers follow the historic Brandy Pad trail from the coast into the high upper valleys. Anyone seeking a challenge can trace the massive drystone boundary wall that runs across fifteen separate summits.

How long should I spend at Mountains of Mourne?
Allocating a full day allows you to properly explore the lengthy coastal footpath and historic packhorse paths. A shorter visit of two hours works well if you only want to see the lower rocky shoreline.

Where do I park at Mountains of Mourne?
Spaces for four vehicles exist near the trail, offering entirely overnight parking options. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Mountains of Mourne?
The Mourne Lodge – Atticall provides a single spot to get a hot meal near the mountains. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Mountains of Mourne?
Oakwood Glamping, Greenview Glamping Pods, and Thistle Thatch Cottage offer three choices for an overnight stay in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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