Mourne Coastal Route - Visit Ards and North Down · all at the original set of Game of Thrones,...

Mourne Coastal Route

Contents

04 Welcome

07 Can’t Miss List

10 Zone 1 – Belfast to Portaferry

18 As Seen on Screen

20 Zone 2 – Portaferry to Newcastle

28 Zone 3 – Newcastle to Newry Including ‘Mourne Scenic Loops’,

42 Information & Services

44 Visitor Information Centres

46 Overview Map

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BelfastLarne

DublinDun Laoghaire

HolyheadLiverpoolFleetwood

TroonCairnryanStranraer

London

Edinburgh

CardiffThe Mourne Coastal RouteThe Mourne Coastal Route is a driving trail, taking you from Belfast via North Down, the Ards Peninsula, County Down coastline, Mourne Mountains and on to the city of Newry. The route leads you through some of the most scenic views in all of Ireland.

The landscape is varied, bypassing green fields and edging dramatic coastline. It makes an intriguing journey, where you will be immersed in history, nature and stunning scenery.

As you drive, expect to get many glimpses into the past, from ancient tower houses to stately homes and gardens. Four scenic loops give you the option of heading right into the heart of the mountains.

Please be aware that some buildings are not manned, but sites arestill accessible and well worth a visit for stunningviews and photo opportunities.


The route is divided into 3 Zones Zone 1

Zone 1, from Belfast wind your way through North Down, along theArds Peninsula to Portaferry, introduces you to the twin industries that shaped this land - farming and fishing.

With the Irish Sea coast on one side and Strangford Lough on the other, your journey takes you through an area known as the ‘creative Peninsula’.

The small villages and towns enroute are only a short trip frombustling Belfast and are hometo many heritage sites, artisanproducers and attractions.

Zone 2 Zone 2, from Portaferry via Strangford to Newcastle, runs along the coast of County Down, through an area known as Lecale.

This is Saint Patrick’s Country, where Ireland’s patron saint established his first church and began his Christian mission.

The area has beautiful beaches, an outstanding National nature reserve and many heritage sites.

Zone 3 Zone 3 runs from Bloody Bridge (outside Newcastle) to the city of Newry, with scenic loops into the Mourne Mountains.

The coastal towns en route each have their own charm and legends, whilst the great outdoors offers stunning views at every turn.

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Driving TipsThe Mourne Coastal Route is clearly marked with white text on brown signs. As in the rest of the UK and Ireland, drive on the left hand side of the road. Speed signs are in miles per hour.

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This ‘can’t miss’ list will help you to make the most of driving the Mourne Coastal Route. There are many other fantastic attractions and places to visit along the way, but make sure you check these off for a start!

Can’t miss list…

Take your taste-buds on a tripLocal produce from farming and fishing is globally famous. With Northern Ireland’s three main fishing ports on the Mourne Coastal Route, you’ve just got to try the fresh seafood. It features on many restaurant menus, if you’re looking for fine dining or just to grab some fish and chips and watch the sun go down over the harbour.

Artisan food producers are plentiful in this area, be sure to try Comber potatoes, Portavogie prawns, Dundrum Bay oysters, local honey, Finnebrogue venison and local brews and beverages.

Enjoy real-life twitterBirdwatching is really rewarding here. The winter skies are full of geese and duck, while the rocky coastline is home to oystercatchers and curlew.

In the summer, nesting tern make this coastline their habitat. Strangford Lough is a Marine Nature Reserve, meaning the marine life is also worth exploring.

Pottering along the shore reveals starfish, urchins, shellfish and even glimpses of seals basking on the rocks. If you stop for a walk along the coast, you’re sure to see beautiful wild flowers and a huge variety of butterflies.

Take to the waterWell, it is a coastal route, so you should take to the water! A boat trip from Portaferry on Strangford Lough is great family fun, and interesting for birdwatchers too.

You can brave the water elsewhere by canoe, sea safari or even the Strangford Ferry. Alternatively, just take a seat by the shore and watch the world go by.

Be sure to explore what makes its home in our waters at Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, an underwater world of fun.

St Patrick’s Trail takes in a host of Christian sites on the 92 mile linear driving route:

www.saintpatrickcountry.com

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Live like a lordThe National Trust sites in this area all offer beautiful views and glorious nature. Neo-classical Mount Stewart has exceptional gardens and walks, as well as a house tour.

Castle Ward estate extends right to the edge of Strangford Lough, with its unique mansion, gardens and trails. Also in Caste Ward you can experience guided tours, archery and a medieval banquet all at the original set of Game of Thrones, ‘Winterfell’.

Head to thebeachYou’re spoilt for choice with beautiful sandy beaches for sandcastle-building, paddling or a sea breeze. The Ards Peninsula has lovely local strands peppered along the coast from Bangor all the way towards Ballyquintin Point at its tip.

Likewise, the route from Strangford to the mouth of Carlingford Lough has many glorious stretches of beach, including Tyrella, Murlough Bay and Cranfield. There’s no excuse for keeping your toes dry!

Discover something fishyNorthern Ireland’s three main fishing ports feature on this route - Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel.

Firstly, you’ve got to sample the local seafood. The ports themselves all have a varied history, and it’s satisfying to watch the trawlers unload their catch at the harbours.

Time spent in any of the fishing towns and villages lets you really appreciate the journey from port to plate.

Can’t miss list…

Castle Ward

Portavogie


Stroll along the PromenadeNewcastle is a bustling town nestled at the foot of Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in the Mournes. Not only will you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, the town also offers you a huge choice of activities and places to relax.

The rejuvenated Promenade is definitely worth a walk to take in the sea air and see the public art on display. The town is also home to Royal County Down Golf Club, one of the world’s finest links courses, and a previous host of the Irish Open.

Grab a space in the green outdoorsIt’s hard to believe that, in just one driving trail, there are quite so many forest parks. Lovers of the great, green outdoors will find many diversions en route.

Explore Crawfordsburn Country Park in North Down, where theleafy forest trails and stunning shores of Belfast Lough meet.

Castlewellan and Tollymore Forests, near Newcastle, offer outdoor activities, walks, biking and horse riding.

Rostrevor Forest adds to the outdoor thrills, with its scenic drive, beautiful woodland and world class mountain bike trails. Adjacent Kilbroney Park is home to the magic Narnia Trail.

Be still in the heart of the mountainsSilent Valley Mountain Park is ringed by dramatic peaks and reservoirs, and definitely worth the detour onto the High Mournes Scenic Loop of this route.

Prepare for breathtaking beauty. You’ll find all the facilities you need to make a pit stop and take in the views. Cameras ready!

Newry Heritage TrailStarting and finishing in two bustling cities, the Mourne Coastal Route ends in Newry City.

The city has a fascinating heritage trail which begins at the Visitor Information Centre in Newry and Mourne Museum - Bagenal’s Castle.

It’s worth taking in the sights of this ancient city, and discover the links to the legacy of Saint Patrick.

Newry

Newcastle

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Zone 1Belfast to Portaferry

Ards Crafts

Strangford Lough Portavogie

Explore the East Coast and Ards PeninsulaThe first part of your journey in Zone 1 takes you from Belfast via the Irish Sea coast of the Ards Peninsula to Portaferry, which is right at the entrance to Strangford Lough.

You’re only a short trip from the lively sights of Belfast but, as you drive, the views open up to reveal green fields, interesting buildings and an abundance of wildlife. You’re in the heart of County Down’s farming and fishing community, and there are so many interesting villages and towns to explore along the way.

If you’re interested in learning about the area’s history, including the pre-Christian sacred sites or the Plantation of Ulster, you’ll find plenty of information on various interpretive signs at the key stopping points.

Leaving Belfast, your first landmarks are the coastal towns of Holywood and Bangor in North Down.

Escape the busy capital city, and enjoy the colourful streets, interesting boutiques and delicious coffee shops, as well as fascinating history and heritage of the area.

The Ards Peninsula is well-known as the “Creative Peninsula” so if you’re hoping to pick up a unique souvenir of your visit, or try some artisan produce, keep your eyes open for craft shops, galleries and farm shops. The area’s Visitor Information Centres also showcase plenty of local talent, be sure to pick up a souvenir!

Although you’ve left the busy capital city behind, Holywood and Bangor also have bustling high streets, interesting boutiques and coffee shops, as well as plenty to see and do while you’re there. Slightly further along the coast is the pretty seaside town of Groomsport.

There’s a great play park if the family needs a break and the town has a more relaxing feel.

Many of the towns have heritage trails, including Holywood, Donaghadee, Millisle, Ballywalter Portavogie and Portaferry.

You can download trail guides from visitstrangfordlough.co.uk or ask in any local Visitor Information Centre.


Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Scottish settlersThis area was a key site in the Plantation of Ulster in the 1600s by settlers from Scotland andbeyond. Communities here still have strong links to Ulster-Scots culture and language.

Donaghadee Harbour

Zone

1

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Zone 1: Belfast to Portaferry

On Your Journey…The Irish Sea coast of the Ards Peninsula (and indeed the entire Strangford Lough area) is packed with things to do and places to see, both indoor and outdoor.

Take your pick from a huge range of outdoor activities, from sailing and canoeing to walking and birdwatching. You’ll also find plenty of family-friendly attractions and places to visit.

Strangford Lough is the largest sea lough in the UK, and Northern Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve. Visit Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry to find out about it’s inhabitants.

For those who appreciate knowing that its beauty and interest is officially recognised, you’ll also understand why it’s designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

Yes, the land is so green because of plentiful, soft rain! However, this is a 365 days a year place to visit. There’s something for everyone to enjoy on this part of your trip.

Strangford Lough


Friendly Towns and Villages…

Holywood is a town with a lively cafe culture, making it a great pitstop. Specialist boutiques and friendly pubs, delis and cafes provide an interesting mix. At one end of the town’s Main Street is Holywood Priory, on the site of a 7th century monastery. The 12th century Anglo-Norman ruins that remain are well preserved.

You should make time to walk on the North Down coastal path. This 16 mile path runs from Holywood to Orlock, near Groomsport, and you can join the walk at lots of entry points en route.

The shoreline gives you a real flavour of the varied landscape, as it moves from rocky coast to mudflat and marsh, interspersed with lovely sandy beaches.

Wildlife watchers will find plenty of thrills, including seals at Ballymacormick, Orlock and Rockport. Birdlife varies according to the season, so there’s always something interesting to spot. Look out for the colony of Black Guillemots, also known as Bangor Penguins!

FREE Wifi available in the larger towns

Zone

1

Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

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On Your Journey…

In Bangor, North Down Museum is Northern Ireland’s most visited small museum, housed in a courtyard behind Bangor Castle. It gives you a great introduction to the region’s wildlife, history and archaeology. Don’t miss the Bronze Age Ballycrochan Swords and the Bangor Bell. Learn more about the Plantation of Ulster from the Raven Maps - the only complete folio of Plantation maps in Ireland.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Award winning Walled Garden, on the grounds of Bangor Castle, is another treasure. Like many walled gardens, it feels like a secret sanctuary in the middle of a busy town and the horticulture is vibrant. Bangor Marina is lively and colourful too, as is the legendary Pickie Funpark. Kids love the mini-golf and giant pedal swans.

Groomsport was once a fishing harbour, and evidence remains at the thatched fishermen’s cottages of Cockle Row. You’ll find the Visitor Information Centre inside one of the cottages. The village has picnic and play areas, a sandy beach and plenty of fine places to find refreshment.

You’re closer to Scotland inDonaghadee than anywhere else on this route. The lovely seafront is backed up by great restaurants and cafes. From here, you can take a trip to see the Copeland Islands. The island was once used by smugglers, but you’re more likely to see birdwatchers today. It’s great fun to climb aboard one of the regular summer boat trips.

Once you’ve walked to the end of the Pier, enjoy the view from Donaghadee lighthouse. You should be able to spot the Scottish coast.

North Down Museum

Donaghadee


As you leave Donaghadee and head along the route you will enter the seaside village of Millisle.

Ballycopeland Windmill is one of Northern Ireland’s last remaining windmills, complete with sails, and is just west of Millisle. It was built at the turn of the 19th century, and worked until the First World War, the visitor information centre on-site tells the history.

The award winning Beach Park has a lovely sandy beach, sea water lagoon, picnic and play areas with a fabulous Pirate Play Ship, well worth a stop.

Nearby Eden Pottery has a pottery shop and airy cafe, as well as facilities to make or paint your own creation allowing you to take home a memory of your day.

Stay a while!With a wide variety of accommodation available,why not book in and stay a night somewhere along the route? Check out all theoptions online.

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1

Ballycopeland Windmill

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On Your Journey…A slight detour towards Strangford Lough, and away from the coast, takes you to the National Trust property of Mount Stewart and Greyabbey village. Mount Stewart is the neo-classical ancestral home of the Londonderry family, and has exceptional gardens with a lake.

The Temple of the Winds has beautiful views over the lough, and house tours are available.

Nearby Greyabbey is famous for antique shopping, as well as the Grey Abbey that gives the village its name. You can bring a picnic and wander among the ruins of the Anglo-Norman church.

Driving into Ballywalter you cansee the harbour stretching into the sea, this is the evidence of a busy port back in the early 17th century and still dominates the village today. Nearby is Ballywalter Park, home of Lord Dunleath and one of Ulster’s finest Victorian houses. Just south of the harbour is a wide stretch of sandy shore perfect for a paddle, walk or picnic.

At Glastry Nature Reserve, near Ballyhalbert, you’ll find flooded clay pits managed as a wildlife reserve by The National Trust. Ireland’s most easterly point, Burr Point, is on the headland, while Burial Island lies offshore. Rumours of Viking treasure on the island have never been proven!

The next village brings you into the heart of County Down’s fishing community, in Portavogie. The busy harbour is the hub of the village, and there are two beautiful sandy beaches to explore. The village has a new heritage trail, where you can learn more about its maritime history.

Grey Abbey Portavogie


Cloughey village is another good stopping point - the Warren Car Park has picnic sites and scenic walks on the boardwalk through to the beautiful sandy beach sprinkled with shells.

The National Trust manages the 18th century fishing village of Kearney further along the coast. As well as coastal walks, take in the whitewashed cottages and get a sense of the way of life of fishing families in times past.

Ballyquintin Point is at the tip of the Ards Peninsula. Take in a bracing walk and some birdwatching. You’ll spot migratory birds, waders and wildfowl. Great views lead your eye towards Scotland, the Isle of Man and the Mourne Mountains.

Portaferry is the last stop on this zone of the route. It sits alongside the channel of water known as The Narrows, at the entrance to Strangford Lough. A walk to Windmill Hill will reward you with tremendous, sweeping views over the lough.

The town itself has plenty to offer, including Exploris Aquarium, Portico Arts and Heritage Centre, Portaferry Castle (a 16th century tower house) and the Visitor Information Centre within it. The Loft Gallery here showcases work by local artists and craftspeople.

Portaferry boasts a Game of Thrones Door, located in Fiddlers Green just off the Square, be sure to call in and get your Game of Thrones Passport stamped. A short ferry crossing runs between Portaferry and Strangford, and takes you onto the next stage of your journey.

Zone

1

Exploris

SMS text message alert service:

Strangford – PortaferryDeparts on the hour and half hour.Portaferry – StrangfordDeparts at quarter past and quarter to the hour.S 0300 2007898

Strangford LoughFerry Service–Sailings every 30 minutes

Passengers can register to receive SMS text message service updates. You can:

Text ‘FERRY’ to 67300 to register Text ‘STOP’ to 67300 to stop

Text messages are free in the UK

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Castle Ward Inch Abbey

The Irish Sea coastline and the landscape around Strangford Lough and the Mournes is so beautiful that it’s no surprise that filmmakers come here to capture that charm on screen. The Mourne Coastal Route brings you to some of the most popular film locations in the UK.

As Seen on Screen…


Archery

Tollymore Forest

Venture north of the wall (Downpatrick)

Did you know that this area is the real Westeros? Game of Thrones is filmed all over Northern Ireland, and the real-world settings of Westeros’ medieval warfare are dotted around the Northern Irish coastline.

Locally, you’ll find the setting of Winterfell at Castle Ward, Robb Stark’s camp at Audley’s Field near Strangford Lough, Riverrun on the River Quoile near Downpatrick and the Haunted Forest, which was filmed in Tollymore near Newcastle.

Inch Abbey near Downpatrick was the scene of Hoster Tully’s funeral. The opening sequence to the series was shot in Tollymore Forest. Activities such as the archery experience at Winterfell have been lovingly recreated locally to let you assume the character of the show’s stars.

You can download a (sepia-tinted!) Game of Thrones itinerary at visitstrangfordlough.co.uk that leads you around the local settings and talks you through the locations scene by scene.

Easy on the eye

Dracula Untold was filmed using Mount Stewart, Scrabo Tower (near Newtownards) and Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle as locations. BBC thriller The Fall was filmed in Tollymore Forest Park, Annalong Harbour and Cranfield.

Oscar-winning short film, The Shore, was shot in Killough along the Mourne Coastal Route, while Oscar-nominated film Philomena featured the town of Killyleagh, Rostrevor and Slieve Croob. Your Highness, starring Natalie Portman, shot scenes at Tollymore Forest and Castle Ward.

It’s easy to see why this area has caught cinematographers’ eyes. Coastlines, villages, loughs and mountains are all staggeringly pretty and unspoilt. The local landscape inspired writers like CS Lewis, and this area is a natural setting for all kinds of magical kingdoms, from Dracula Untold to Robot Overlords.

Zone

2

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Zone 2Portaferry to NewcastleIn the Footsteps of Heroes

The first stage of your journey into Zone 2 will take you across on the ferry from Portaferry into Strangford. This area of east County Down is called Lecale, and it is known as Saint Patrick’s Country.

Much evidence remains here of both Christian and pre-Christian sacred sites. You’ll find holy wells, standing stones and ancient tombs.

Plan to stop for a meal along this stretch of coast. Strangford, Ardglass, Newcastle and Dundrum all have fine restaurants where, among other produce, you’ll find fantastic local seafood.

Ardglass is one of Northern Ireland’s most important fishing ports. The town has many interesting heritage buildings, as it has the most tower houses in all of Ireland.

There are more lovely beaches along this zone. To name but a few you can enjoy the small cove near Cloghy Rocks and Kilclief, the beach at Ballyhornan and Coney Island beyond Ardglass, Killough, St John’s Point, Minerstown and Tyrella are all worth a visit.

Friendly and easily walkable villages and towns are dotted along Zone 2. If you’re interested in life at sea, there’s an operational lighthouse at Saint John’s Point. Its light can be seen for miles along the coastline.

Dundrum is famous for its Anglo Norman castle. The views from here across the bay are stunning. Finally the route leads towards the Mourne Mountains, which are visible for miles, but now edge closer.

The lyrics of the famous Percy French song, “Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea” are bound to pop into your head as you approach Newcastle.

You can download heritage trails for Strangford, Ardglass, Dundrum and Castlewellan at visitmournemountains.co.uk or pick them up at any local Visitor Information Centre.

Portaferry Castle

Saul Church


Zone 3

Zone 1

Call into the localVisitor Information Centre to pick up advice and detailed information onthe area.

Ferry

Zone

2

Zone 2

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Zone 2: Portaferry to Newcastle

On Your Journey…The heritage trail in Strangford takes around an hour, but be sure to build in a hospitality stop! The Cuan provides local information, as well as food, drink and a place to stay.

In The Cuan you can see Door 1 of the Game of Thrones doors, don’t forget to pick up your passport so you can visit the other nine located throughout Northern Ireland.

King Edward VII stayed here back in 1903. There’s plenty to see in the town, including a castle and watch house, established as a 19th century lookout to prevent smuggling in this busy port.

You may have spotted Castle Ward from the Portaferry shore, as the estate extends to the edge of Strangford Lough.

The National Trust house is designed with a fusion of architectural styles on opposing facades, both classical and gothic. The estate is also home to Clearsky Adventure Centre, with endless outdoor activities, including archery, rock climbing, sea kayaking and biking. You’ll also find plenty of walking trails.

The short detour towards Downpatrick is worthwhile, especially if you are interested in Irish heritage. This area has the site of Saint Patrick’s first church at Saul.

Castle Ward Downpatrick Cathedral


Within Downpatrick itself you’ll find Saint Patrick’s grave at Down Cathedral. The Saint Patrick Centre and Down County Museum are located nearby. Within a very small rural area, you’ll also see Struell’s Holy Wells, Ballynoe Stone Circle and stunning Inch Abbey. The remains of this 12th century Cistercian abbey are well preserved and very photogenic.

Back onto the Mourne Coastal Route from Strangford, and your next stop should be the car park at Cloghy Rocks Nature Reserve.

You can often see seals basking on or swimming near the rocks, as well as some interesting shore birds.

There’s also a car park opposite Kilclief Castle, which was built in the 1400s by the Bishop of Down, making it the earliest datable tower house in the county.

Nature lovers are spoilt for choice along this coast, and should find time for a walk in Killard Nature Reserve, to see rare flowers and orchids around interesting rock formations.

Ballyhornan beach is near Killard. It overlooks Guns Island, and some stones remain from the old harbour that existed here until 1850.

Download the app at:wwwwalkdownpatrick.com

Zone

2

Ballynoe Stone Circle

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On Your Journey…

Driving on to Ardglass, prepare to savour the atmosphere of a busy fishing port. The town is on a natural inlet and is an ideal haven for boats.

Historically it was an important Norman port, and it has more medieval tower houses than any other Irish town. The heritage trail leads you to Jordan’s Castle, Cowd Castle and Margaret’s Castle, as well as to the oldest trading complex in Ireland at Newerk.

Workers discovered Bronze Age funeral relics when building Isabella’s Tower in the 1850s. Historians believe the site is a prehistoric carn, or monument to an ancient chief.

The port was once an elegant Victorian spa, and you can spot the Bathing House opposite the play park, built to provide privacy to female bathers. Activity today centres on the harbour and marina, where fishermen regularly unload prawn, herring and mackerel.

Stunning Coney Island beach is just a short drive along the coast.

The next village is Killough, with its circular Rope Walk. The main street has a choice of cafes and pubs.

Saint John’s Point church and lighthouse are a further few minutes drive. The lighthouse is still operational. The ruins are on the site of a holy well, and may have served as a shrine church. Excavations revealed many early Christian graves nearby.

Ardglass Golf Club Saint John’s Lighthouse


Rossglass, Minerstown and Tyrella beaches are next on the route, each with their own charm and characteristics. Rossglass is home to seals and wading birds.

You may also spot seals off Minerstown beach. Tyrella beach has a great expanse of sand, as well as a Dune Conservation Area. The water is sparkling, and the beach has won Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards.

Lifeguards patrol during the summer.

Heading inland along Dundrum Bay, you’ll find Clough, with its Anglo Norman motte and bailey castle enclosure. It’s worth climbing the motte to appreciate panoramic views for miles around, towards Belfast Lough, Slieve Croob and Dundrum.

Zone

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Tee TimeThe Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle is one of the world’s finest links courses, and it was host to the Irish Open and is ranked the number one links course in the world.

Dundrum Bay

Tyrella Beach

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On Your Journey…Seaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House is a short detour from Clough. Families will love the free-flying tropical butterflies, maze and walled garden, and there’s also a tearoom, shop and kids’ play area.

The area around the old train tracks running along Dundrum Inner Bay is home to many overwintering birds, including Brent Geese from the Canadian Arctic, swan and teal.

Waders such as curlews and oystercatchers are attracted by this habitat too, as are heron, tern and kingfisher.

Dundrum is best known for its ruined Anglo Norman Castle, built by John de Courcy in the late 1100s. The castle is one of Northern Ireland’s most important historical monuments, and much of it is open to explore. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views from the walls to the Mourne Mountains sweeping across Dundrum Bay, and to Murlough National Nature Reserve.

Try the celebrated Dundrum Bay oysters while you’re in the area.

Troops preparing for D-day trained in the dunes at Murlough National Nature Reserve. The nearby beach is hugely popular, and you can reach it via a boardwalk from the car park. The dunes themselves are fantastic for birdwatchers.

Murlough BeachSeaforde Gardens and Tropical Butterfly House


A slight detour before reaching Newcastle takes you to Castlewellan Forest Park. This offers outdoor adventures including rock climbing, bouldering, mountain biking, kayaking and walking.

The lake walk is lovely and the Peace Maze is particularly popular with energetic visitors.

Newcastle is your destination on this zone of the route. It’s worth visiting the Visitor Information Centre on Central Promenade, as there are always events and activities taking place in this bustling seaside town.

You could easily spend days here, taking in the nearby attractions in the mountains, forest parks and the town itself.

There’s plenty of visitor accommodation here, as well as shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes.

It’s also hard to beat the simple pleasure of eating an ice cream while walking along the public art trail!

Zone

2

Slieve Donard stands Approx 853M above sea level (2,790 ft).

Castlewellan Forest Park (Courtesy of Outdoor Recreation NI)

Castlewellan Castle

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Zone 3Newcastle to NewryPostcard Perfect

Zone 3 of the route is all about the majestic landscape. As you look around, it will come as no surprise that you are in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’re in the heart of the Mournes now, surrounded by birdlife and incredible views. Skyscraping summits, patchwork green fields and sparkling water fill your gaze as you travel.

This section of the Mourne Coastal Route also offers four additional Scenic Loops that take you into the mountains. The loops vary in length and driving time - picking one or more of them is a great way to ensure you see the highlights of the mountain range. See pages 37-41 for Scenic Loop maps.

You might also want to take the opportunity to walk in the Mournes. Make sure you’re clothed and booted sensibly if you do. Weather conditions are unpredictable, so be prepared.

If you’re venturing upland, or off the beaten track, tell someone your plans before you set off, and make sure you carry some essential equipment - map, compass and GPS. From leisurely stroller to serious climber, there is walking terrain to suit every level. Ask at any Visitor Information Centre for details.

The coastal towns and villages in this zone are really charming - with welcoming locals and cosy fireside hospitality. There’s no shortage of historical interest either, with castles and lighthouses to spot along the way.

Look out for seals as you journey along the rocky coast. Kilkeel harbour is a great spot for sealspotting - you might see them following the fishing boats. Annalong harbour is home to nesting guillemots and geese.

Any local Visitor Information Centre can tell you more about walking and heritage trails in various towns in this zone, including Kilkeel, Rostrevor and Newry, or you can download them at visitmournemountains.co.uk

Kilkeel Harbour

Cloughmore StoneNewry and Mourne Museum -Bagenal’s Castle


Zone 2

Zone 1

Magical landscapesCS Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia, was so inspired by the Mourne landscape that he wrote - “I have seen landscapes … which made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge.”

The Mourne Landscape – Inspiration for CS Lewis

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Zone 3

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Zone 3: Newcastle to Newry

On Your Journey…Before you leave Newcastle, it’s worth exploring Tollymore Forest. Walking along the Shimna River is particularly lovely, where you’ll spot grottos, stepping stones and pretty stone bridges.

Your route out of Newcastle takes you past the car park opposite Bloody Bridge. Its name comes from a massacre during the Irish rebellion in the 1640s, when the river was said to run red with the blood of the dead.

The walking track into the mountains from here is called “The Brandy Pad”. It was once a well-used smugglers’ route to and from the coast, where goods like brandy were carried through Hare’s Gap beyond and into Hilltown.

The Mourne Mountains were formed in the last Ice Age, and many of their summits are crowned by granite tors. If you enjoy hill walking, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to get onto the tracks that criss-cross the range. Both serious climbers and leisurely strollers will find terrain to suit.

The range is divided into two distinct areas - the Eastern or ‘High’ Mournes, closer to the coast, and the Western or ‘Low’ Mournes that lie inland. A scenic loop in the Mourne Coastal Route will help you explore the High Mournes more closely.

Bloody Bridge


Within the mountains, the Mourne Wall was built in the early years of the 20th century. This 22 mile long granite wall is a real feat of ingenuity. The wall crosses 15 mountains, and was built to enclose the Silent Valley area.

The Mournes form Northern Ireland’s highest range, and the giant of them all is Slieve Donard, which rises above Newcastle. It’s 853m high, and named after the saint who built a hermit’s prayer cell at its summit. Donard was one of Saint Patrick’s early disciples.

The Silent Valley lies in the heart of the mountains, and the surroundings are truly stunning. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the water ringed by dramatic peaks. The reservoir itself was opened in the 1930s and, with nearby Ben Crom, still supplies Belfast and County Down with water. You can visit here by following signs to the Silent Valley Mountain Park, off the road to Annalong. The interpretive centre, coffee shop and nature trail make it worth the detour.

Passing Bloody Bridge, the next seaside village is Annalong. Its unique feature is the restored Cornmill, now a visitor attraction.

It was built from Mourne granite, and still has its original waterwheel. In operation from the early 1800s, the mill was finally closed in the 1960s, and is now part of Annalong’s Marine Park. Once the old harbour here was home to ships exporting Mourne granite and potatoes.

Zone

3

Silent Valley

PAGE 31


On Your Journey…

Kilkeel is home to Northern Ireland’s biggest fishing fleet. It’s also known as the seafood capital of the Mournes, so don’t miss a chance to sample the local produce, available throughout the town. Kilkeel is also famous for farming and Mourne granite.

Kilkeel’s maritime tradition endures today, and fishing supports much of the local economy. Northern Ireland’s largest fishing fleet mainly catches Irish Sea prawns, although there’s also a great choice locally of other native seafood.

Find a fantastic photo opportunity at the Big Fish sculpture at the harbour, as well as a chance to pop into the Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre nearby for visitor information, heritage exhibitions and the Mourne Seafood Cookery School.

The town has a heritage trail, and you’ll also find award-winning fish and chip shops, cafes and restaurants.

Heading slightly off route to the headland, you’ll discover appealing picnic areas and other facilities at sandy Cranfield beach. The sea here is supposedly the warmest in Northern Ireland! Look out for the Haulbowline Lighthouse.

Nearby Greencastle was a medieval settlement built to guard the entrance to Carlingford Lough. Hugh de Lacy’s castle was the childhood home of Elizabeth de Burgh, wife of Robert the Bruce.

There was an aerodrome in this area during the Second World War, which was home to the US Air Force and an Infantry Division training for D-day (General Patton and Eisenhower paid them a visit).

There is a new ferry service linking Greencastle with Greenore allowing travel across Carlingford Lough.

Kilkeel HarbourMourne Seafood Cookery School


Driving along the shore of Carlingford Lough, you’ll arrive in Rostrevor. The village itself is charming, and leads visitors into stunning walks in Kilbroney Park and Rostrevor Forest Park. The Fairy Glen beside Kilbroney Park offers enchanting strolls along the riverbank.

The walk from the high car park in the forest to the Cloughmore Stone on the side of Slieve Martin is more strenuous, but you’re rewarded with fantastic 360-degree views. Kilbroney has great play facilities for children, and plenty of space for picnics, as well as a restaurant. CS Lewis holidayed in Rostrevor as a child, and the park’s Narnia Trail is worth exploring.

Saint Bronagh’s Church is also interesting. Its graveyard contains an 8th century cross and a healing well. Giant Murphy’s grave is here too. Born in 1834, the Kilkeel man was over eight feet tall and travelled with a circus.

Mourne GraniteLocally quarried Mourne granite forms the Seafarer’s Memorial in Kilkeel, as well as the Diana Memorial Fountain in London’s Hyde Park and the 9/11 Memorial Gardens in New York.

Zone

3

Narnia Trail, Rostrevor

Rostrevor Village

PAGE 33


On Your Journey…Driving towards Newry leads you past Narrow Water tower house, which was built on the site of a 13th century keep, to defend the approach to Newry. Just across the road from the older building you’ll see the newer stately home of Narrow Water Castle, which still serves as a family home.

Look out for the statue of the giant elk nearby. Now extinct, these animals once commonly roamed the local landscape.

Warrenpoint has amazing views of Carlingford Lough from its shores. Thousands of emigrants left Ireland from the port here in the 1800s. The town is a great point for a pitstop - don’t miss the colourful park with its play area, then take your pick from a good range of cafes and bistros. In the summer, you might be lucky to catch a concert in the bandstand.

The final stage of the route follows Newry Canal into the city. Newry is an ancient place, with strong links to Saint Patrick. The 16th century Bagenal’s Castle, Newry’s oldest building, houses Newry & Mourne Museum, which displays the robes of the Order of Saint Patrick. Newry’s Heritage Trail begins at the Visitor Information Centre, and guides you around the city’s key sites.

Narrow Water keep Carlingford Lough


The Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Colman, built of local granite in the 19th century, is particularly impressive. It was the first cathedral opened after Catholic emancipation. Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland was the first Protestant church built in the country after the Reformation.

The author of Gulliver’s Travels, Dean Jonathan Swift, once preached here.

Ideally in Newry you should combine the heritage trail with some relaxed browsing in the city centre.

Shopping opportunities are endless, and you’ll find a great range of places to eat and drink. Spending some time relaxing in this ancient city is the perfect conclusion to your drive.

Zone

3

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Colman

Discover Newry, Mourne & Down

A place that is steeped in history and made for exhilaration. An astonishing landscape to set any heart racing.

Wild outdoor adventures in the hills. The original world of Game of Thrones. The footsteps of St. Patrick himself.

The ancient wisdom of the Celts and early saints. Whatever your idea of heaven, find it here.

heaveninaheartbeat.com

PAGE 35

Ben Crom, Silent Valley Mountain Park


Zone

3


Scenic LoopsThe Mourne Mountains are a varied and beautiful area situated in the South East of Northern Ireland. It is a delightful blend of stunning natural beauty, traditional experiences and fascinating sites. The Mourne Mountains offer breathtaking scenery where rich heritage lies around every corner. You will find it a unique place to explore, discovering secrets and treasures for years of happy memories.

PAGE 37


Slieve Croob Scenic Loop 1

This starts at Castlewellan Forest Park and finishes near Corry Wood. The geological formation of the land around Slieve Croob is more ancient than the Mournes, occurring around 400 million years ago, to be precise! An ocean closure caused craggy peaks and green valleys to form. The River Lagan, which flows to the sea in Belfast, has its source on these slopes.

There’s car parking near Legannany Dolmen, which is a Bronze Age portal tomb. Three upright rocks support an enormous granite capstone.

Windy Gap provides a passage through the terrain (car parking available nearby). The views from here are stunning - across to the Mournes and South to the Cooley Mountains beyond Carlingford Lough and to the Ring of Gullion in County Armagh.

The ‘lazy beds’ are an interesting feature here. Locals used these ridges for growing potatoes. These ones date from before the Great Famine.

Slightly further along the loop lies Binder’s Cove, again with car parking nearby. This is an underground passage, or souterrain, that may have been used for shelter or storage.

The walk to the summit of Slieve Croob is achievable and rewarding. A paved road leads you to the top. Just park at Dree Hill car park and head up! Once again, the view is amazing. Your reward here is to see just how far you have travelled. You’ll be able to see the Lecale coast that you drove along in Zone 2 of the Mourne Coastal Route, and even the Ards peninsula that featured in Zone 1!

Visibility permitting, you may even spot the Belfast Hills and the yellow cranes at the city’s harbour - home of Harland & Wolff shipyard where RMS Titanic was built.

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Ramsey

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Castletown

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A18

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A75

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High Mournes Scenic Loop

Newry

Warrenpoint

Rostrevor

Killowen

Kilkeel

Ballymartin

Annalong

Newcastle

Dundrum

Castlewellan

Rathfriland

Hilltown

Mayobridge

Banbridge

Dromore

Dromara The Spa

BryansfordKilcoo

Bessbrook

Camlough

Crossmaglen

CullyhannaCastleblaney

Forkhill

Meigh

NewtownhamiltonBelleek

Scarva

Gilford

LoughbricklandKatesbridge

Creggan

Mullaghbane

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Armagh

Markethill

Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee

Slane

Navan

Balbriggan

Omeath

Carlingford

Portadown

Dungannon

Coalisland

Stewardstown

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Craigavon

Lurgan

Lisburn

Ballyclare Ballynure

Doagh

Parkgate

Templepatrick

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BroughshaneCullybackey

Ahoghill

Crumlin

Portglenone

Kilrea

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Glenavy

Randalstown

Kells

ToomeMagherafelt

Tobermore

Moneymore

Cookstown

Whitehead

Carrydu�

Tandragee

Tyrella

Hillsborough

Carlingford Lough

Dundrum Bay

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Ring ofGullion

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B10

B3

B7

B7

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B1

B7B7

B6

B6

B2

B176

B7

B77

B178

B7

B8

B8

B8

B27

B27

B180

B180

A27

B3

B3

B3

B113

B134

B30

B134

B133

B30

B1

35

B25

B2

B25B25

B25

B1 7

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Slieve Donard

SlieveCommedaghSlieve

Bearnagh

CoveMountain

Chimney Rock MountainSlieve Muck

Slieve Lamagan

ShanlieveSlieve Binnian

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Slieve Gullion

Slieve Croob

LeganannyMountainSlievenaboley

Mountain

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

CamloughMountain

CarlingfordMountain

Knockiveagh

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Slievemartin Rocky Mountain

Knockshee

River Bann

River Lagan

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TollymoreForest Park

CastlewellanForest Park

GosfordForest Park

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SilentValley

SpelgaDam

Slieve GullionForest Park

CamloughLake

FathomForest

MourneWood

AnnalongWood

CorbetLough

ActonLake

LoughbricklandLake

LoughRoss

M1 Northfrom Dublin

M1 Southfrom Belfast

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GoresIslandCastle

Island

IslandTaggart

Islandmore

MaheeIsland

ConleyIsland

ChapelIsland

CopelandIslands

GunsIsland

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BelfastLough

LoughNeagh

DonardForest



DrumkeeraghForest

RowallaneGarden

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GlenoneForest

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RandalstownForest

TardreeForest

ClegganForest

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CapanaghWood

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WoodburnForest

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A28A27

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A3

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A4

A22

A23

A21

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BowLough

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McAuley’sLake

LoughinislandLake

CleaLakes

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B7B7

B6

B172

B59

B90

B59

B62

B96

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B75

B93

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B94

B94

B97

B53

B12

B513

B39B160

B160

B42

B42

B41

B18

B160

B160

B160

B149

B170

B21B20

B5

B6

B2

B173

B176

B7

B77

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A25

A2

A2

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A20

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A24

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A21

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A55

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A8

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A29

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A31

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A44

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Killyleagh

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Groomsport

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Holywood

Belfast

Carrickfergus

GreenislandNewtownabbey

Whiteabbey

Larne

Ballygalley

Antrim

Carrowdore

BallywalterGreyabbey

Newtownards

Comber

Moneyreagh

Dundonald

Portavogie

Kircubbin

Lisbane

Whiterock

KillinchyBalloo

Shrigley

DarraghCross

Cloughey

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Ardglass

Killough

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ArdsPeninsula

Drumaness

Annacloy

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RdBallyhornan Rd

Ringduferin Rd

B

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Bonecastle Rd

Orch ard Rd

Glen R d

Commons Rd

A rdilea

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Wallace Hill Rd

Clay RdTullyn

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Ba llydrain Rd

Myra

Rd

Mearne Rd St Patricks Rd

P

oint Rd

Bar Ha

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Quarter Rd

Victoria Rd

Blacksta� RdBog Rd

Ballygelagh Rd

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Rd

Woburn Rd

Dunover RdStump Rd

Cardy Rd

Mt Steward R d

Parsonage Rd

W

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Kilbright Rd

Comb er Rd

Qu

arry Rd

Ardmillan Rd

Upper Gransha Rd

B

ally

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Kyles tone Rd

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Man

se Rd

Holywo od Rd

Lismore Rd

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Maggy’s Leap

Annsborough

Bloody Bridge

Cranfield Point

Murlough

Seeconnell

CranfieldBeach

Greencastle

Flagsta�

Derrymore

Burren

Attical

Greenore

Ferguson’sIrish Linen

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Castletown

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A2

A18

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A7

A5

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A75

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Newry

Warrenpoint

Rostrevor

Killowen

Kilkeel

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Newcastle

Dundrum

Castlewellan

Rathfriland

Hilltown

Mayobridge

Banbridge

Dromore

Dromara The Spa

BryansfordKilcoo

Bessbrook

Camlough

Crossmaglen


Forkhill

Meigh


Scarva

Gilford


Creggan

Mullaghbane

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Armagh

Markethill

Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee

Slane

Navan

Balbriggan

Omeath

Carlingford

Portadown

Dungannon

Coalisland

Stewardstown

Coagh

Craigavon

Lurgan

Lisburn


Doagh

Parkgate

Templepatrick

Ballymena


Ahoghill

Crumlin

Portglenone

Kilrea

Maghera

Glenavy

Randalstown

Kells

ToomeMagherafelt

Tobermore

Moneymore

Cookstown

Whitehead

Carrydu�

Tandragee

Tyrella

Hillsborough

Carlingford Lough

Dundrum Bay

Mourne Mountains

Ring ofGullion

B10

B10

B3

B7

B7

B7

B1

B7B7

B6

B6

B2

B176

B7

B77

B178

B7

B8

B8

B8

B27

B27

B180

B180

A27

B3

B3

B3B1

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B30

B134

B133

B30

B1

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B25

B2

B25B25

B25

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Slieve Donard


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan


Wee Binnian

Slieve Gullion

Slieve Croob


Mountain

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

CamloughMountain

CarlingfordMountain

Knockiveagh

Finlieve


Knockshee

River Bann

River Lagan

New

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Forkhill River

Cully Water

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River Boyne

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GosfordForest Park

KilbroneyPark

RostrevorForest

SilentValley

SpelgaDam


CamloughLake

FathomForest

MourneWood

AnnalongWood

CorbetLough

ActonLake

LoughbricklandLake

LoughRoss

M1 Northfrom Dublin


SaltIsland

GoresIslandCastle

Island

IslandTaggart

Islandmore

MaheeIsland

ConleyIsland

ChapelIsland

CopelandIslands

GunsIsland

Dundrum Bay

StrangfordLough

BelfastLough

LoughNeagh

DonardForest



DrumkeeraghForest

RowallaneGarden

Lough IslandReavy

GlenoneForest

Rea’sWood

RandalstownForest

TardreeForest

ClegganForest

LongmoreWood

CapanaghWood

BallyboleyForest

WoodburnForest

MoneystaghanWood

Annagarri�Wood

M1

M1

M1

M3

M1 M1

M2M5

M2

M2

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A25

A25

A25

A2

A2

A50A2

A2

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A50

A50

A26A26

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A49

A28A27

A25

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A29

A37

A24

A29

A29

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A28

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A51

A27

A4

A22

A23

A21

A7

N1

N2

N51

N51

N52

N33

A1

A1

A1

N2



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LoughHenney

BowLough

CreevyLough

DairyLough

McAuley’sLake

LoughinislandLake

CleaLakes

LoughMoney

Leca

le W

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Lecale Way

B1

B7B7

B6

B172

B59

B90

B59

B62

B96

B62

B75

B93

B98

B94

B94

B97

B53

B12

B513

B39B160

B160

B42

B42

B41

B18

B160

B160

B160

B149

B170

B21B20

B5

B6

B2

B173

B176

B7

B77

B178

B180

B1 7

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B52

A25

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A20

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A24

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A22

A22A23

A21

A21

A55

A48

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A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A8

A8

A6

A6

A6

A6

A29

A29

A31

A54

A26

A26

A36

A42

A42

A42

A43

A44

A36

A6

A52A52

A55

A57

A57

A2

A21

A20A7

A7

Patr

ick’

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- Pi

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Wal

k

Slieve Donard

Slievenagriddle

Slieve Patrick

Cairngaver

Scrabo Hill

Castlemahon Mt


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan

Slieve Croob

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

BlackMountain

SquiresHill

SlemishSlievmoyle

Slieve Gallion

Sallagh Braes

CaveHill

Bla

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Q uoile Rive r

River Blackwater

Comber River

Rive

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Six Mile Water

Crumlin River

Glenavy River

River Bann

Moyola River

Ballinderry River

Rive

r Bla

ckwa

ter

River Cree

Castlewellan

Ballynahinch

The Spa

Seaforde

Clough

Bryansford

Carrydu�

Ballygowan

Saintfield

Crossgar

Downpatrick

Tyrella

Killyleagh

Strangford

Portaferry

Ballyhalbert

Millisle

Donaghadee

Groomsport

Bangor

Holywood

Belfast

Carrickfergus


Whiteabbey

Larne

Ballygalley

Antrim

Carrowdore


Newtownards

Comber

Moneyreagh

Dundonald

Portavogie

Kircubbin

Lisbane

Whiterock

KillinchyBalloo

Shrigley

DarraghCross

Cloughey

Ballykinler

Ardglass

Killough

LECALE

ArdsPeninsula

Drumaness

Annacloy

Ballyhornan

Chur

chto

wn

Rd

Killa

r d R

d

Crew

Rd

B i shops Court

RdBallyhornan Rd

Ringduferin Rd

B

allyl

ig Rd

Bonecastle Rd

Orch ard Rd

Glen R d

Commons Rd

A rdilea

Rd

Scad

dy R

d

Wallace Hill Rd

Clay RdTullyn

akill Rd

Ba llydrain Rd

Myra

Rd


P

oint Rd

Bar Ha

ll Rd

N

ewca

stle

Rd

Quarter Rd

Victoria Rd


Ballygelagh Rd

Bally

easb

orou

gh R

d

Killaughe y

Rd

Abbey

Rd

Woburn Rd

Dunover RdStump Rd

Cardy Rd

Mt Steward R d

Parsonage Rd

W

indmill Rd

Kilbright Rd

Comb er Rd

Qu

arry Rd

Ardmillan Rd

Upper Gransha Rd

B

ally

mon

ey R

d Whinney Hi ll

Kyles tone Rd

Cunn

ingb

urn

Rd

Man

se Rd

Holywo od Rd

Lismore Rd

Inch

Abb

ey R

d

G

rerstone Rd

Maggy’s Leap

Annsborough

Bloody Bridge

Cranfield Point

Murlough

Seeconnell

CranfieldBeach

Greencastle

Flagsta�

Derrymore

Burren

Attical

Greenore


BrontëHomeland

27km or 40 mins



High Mournes Scenic Loop 2

This loop starts in Newcastle and finishes just before Annalong. It takes you along the edge of Tollymore Forest Park, through various peaks of the Eastern Mournes, and back to the coast around Annalong village.

There are plenty of areas for car parking along the way, and a stunning photo opportunity at Spelga Dam. This loop gives you a good opportunity to stop firstly at Tollymore Forest Park and in picturesque Bryansford village.

Then, with Tollymore Forest Park and the smaller Moneyscalp Wood behind you, the vista opens up into peaks and heathland. The next stage of the loop brings you into popular Mourne walking territory. The Trassey Track and Hare’s Gap are well-used access points to the mountains.

The mountain colours are broken up by the sparkling blue of various reservoirs and loughs - Fofanny Dam, Spelga Dam and Lough Shannagh. Spelga Dam marks the boundary of the High and Low Mournes, and the source of the River Bann is nearby. Farmers once brought their cattle for summer grazing at Deer’s Meadow near Spelga, where

Zone

3

Douglas

Ramsey

Peel

Castletown

A3

A2

A18

A3

A3

A7

A5

A5

A4

A75

A716

A714

A75

A75

A77

A77

Stranraer

Mou

rne W

all

AONB

AONB


Whi

tewa

ter S

ceni

c Loo

p

Mourne Way

Ring of G

u llion Way

Newry Canal Way



Mourne Coasta

l Route

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k


Walk

Roosley Scenic Loop

Roo

sley S

ceni

c Loo

p

High

Mou

rnes

Sce

nic L

oop


Newry

Warrenpoint

Rostrevor

Killowen

Kilkeel

Ballymartin

Annalong

Newcastle

Dundrum

Castlewellan

Rathfriland

Hilltown

Mayobridge

Banbridge

Dromore

Dromara The Spa

BryansfordKilcoo

Bessbrook

Camlough

Crossmaglen


Forkhill

Meigh


Scarva

Gilford


Creggan

Mullaghbane

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Armagh

Markethill

Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee

Slane

Navan

Balbriggan

Omeath

Carlingford

Portadown

Dungannon

Coalisland

Stewardstown

Coagh

Craigavon

Lurgan

Lisburn


Doagh

Parkgate

Templepatrick

Ballymena


Ahoghill

Crumlin

Portglenone

Kilrea

Maghera

Glenavy

Randalstown

Kells

ToomeMagherafelt

Tobermore

Moneymore

Cookstown

Whitehead

Carrydu�

Tandragee

Tyrella

Hillsborough

Carlingford Lough

Dundrum Bay

Mourne Mountains

Ring ofGullion

B10

B10

B3

B7

B7

B7

B1

B7B7

B6

B6

B2

B176

B7

B77

B178

B7

B8

B8

B8

B27B27

B180

B180

A27

B3

B3

B3

B113

B134

B30

B134

B133

B30

B1

35

B25

B2

B25B25

B25

B1 7

5

Slieve Donard


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan


Wee Binnian

Slieve Gullion

Slieve Croob


Mountain

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

CamloughMountain

CarlingfordMountain

Knockiveagh

Finlieve


Knockshee

River Bann

River Lagan

New

ry Canal

Shim

na River

Kilk

eel R

iver

New


Creggan River

Forkhill River

Cully Water

Whi

te W

at

er

River Boyne

DonardForest



GosfordForest Park

KilbroneyPark

RostrevorForest

SilentValley

SpelgaDam


CamloughLake

FathomForest

MourneWood

AnnalongWood

CorbetLough

ActonLake

LoughbricklandLake

LoughRoss

M1 Northfrom Dublin


SaltIsland

GoresIslandCastle

Island

IslandTaggart

Islandmore

MaheeIsland

ConleyIsland

ChapelIsland

CopelandIslands

GunsIsland

Dundrum Bay

StrangfordLough

BelfastLough

LoughNeagh

DonardForest



DrumkeeraghForest

RowallaneGarden

Lough IslandReavy

GlenoneForest

Rea’sWood

RandalstownForest

TardreeForest

ClegganForest

LongmoreWood

CapanaghWood

BallyboleyForest

WoodburnForest

MoneystaghanWood

Annagarri�Wood

M1

M1

M1

M3

M1 M1

M2M5

M2

M2

M1

A25

A25

A25

A25

A2

A2

A50A2

A2

A2

A50

A50

A26A26

A50

A51

A24

A24

A49

A28A27

A25

A29

A29

A37

A24

A29

A29

A3

A28

A28

A28

A29A45

A3

A3

A3

A3

A26

A51

A27

A4

A22

A23

A21

A7

N1

N2

N51

N51

N52

N33

A1

A1

A1

N2



LoughErne

LoughHenney

BowLough

CreevyLough

DairyLough

McAuley’sLake

LoughinislandLake

CleaLakes

LoughMoney

Leca

le W

ay

Lecale Way

B1

B7B7

B6

B172

B59

B90

B59

B62

B96

B62

B75

B93

B98

B94

B94

B97

B53

B12

B513

B39B160

B160

B42

B42

B41

B18

B160

B160

B160

B149

B170

B21B20

B5

B6

B2

B173

B176

B7

B77

B178

B180

B1 7

5

B52

A25

A25

A2

A2

A2

A20

A20

A50A2

A24

A24

A49 A24

A22

A22

A23

A21

A21

A55

A48

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A8

A8

A6

A6

A6

A6

A29

A29

A31

A54

A26

A26

A36

A42

A42

A42

A43

A44

A36

A6

A52A52

A55

A57

A57

A2

A21

A20

A7

A7

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k

Slieve Donard

Slievenagriddle

Slieve Patrick

Cairngaver

Scrabo Hill

Castlemahon Mt


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan

Slieve Croob

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

BlackMountain

SquiresHill

SlemishSlievmoyle

Slieve Gallion

Sallagh Braes

CaveHill

Bla

ckst

a� Rive

r

Q uoile Rive r

River Blackwater

Comber River

Rive

r Mai

n

Six Mile Water

Crumlin River

Glenavy River

River Bann

Moyola River

Ballinderry River

Rive

r Bla

ckwa

ter

River Cree

Castlewellan

Ballynahinch

The Spa

Seaforde

Clough

Bryansford

Carrydu�

Ballygowan

Saintfield

Crossgar

Downpatrick

Tyrella

Killyleagh

Strangford

Portaferry

Ballyhalbert

Millisle

Donaghadee

Groomsport

Bangor

Holywood

Belfast

Carrickfergus


Whiteabbey

Larne

Ballygalley

Antrim

Carrowdore


Newtownards

Comber

Moneyreagh

Dundonald

Portavogie

Kircubbin

Lisbane

Whiterock

KillinchyBalloo

Shrigley

DarraghCross

Cloughey

Ballykinler

Ardglass

Killough

LECALE

ArdsPeninsula

Drumaness

Annacloy

Ballyhornan

Chur

chto

wn

Rd

Killa

r d R

d

Crew

Rd

B i shops Court

RdBallyhornan Rd

Ringduferin Rd

B

allyl

ig Rd

Bonecastle Rd

Orch ard Rd

Glen R d

Commons Rd

A rdilea

Rd

Scad

dy R

d

Wallace Hill Rd

Clay RdTullyn

akill Rd

Ba llydrain RdM

yra Rd


P

oint Rd

Bar Ha

ll Rd

N

ewca

stle

Rd

Quarter Rd

Victoria Rd


Ballygelagh Rd

Bally

easb

orou

gh R

d

Killaughe y

Rd

Abbey

Rd

Woburn Rd

Dunover RdStump Rd

Cardy Rd

Mt Steward R d

Parsonage Rd

W

indmill Rd

Kilbright Rd

Comb er Rd

Qu

arry Rd

Ardmillan Rd

Upper Gransha Rd

B

ally

mon

ey R

d Whinney Hi ll

Kyles tone Rd

Cunn

ingb

urn

Rd

Man

se Rd

Holywo od Rd

Lismore Rd

Inch

Abb

ey R

d

G

rerstone Rd

Maggy’s Leap

Annsborough

Bloody Bridge

Cranfield Point

Murlough

Seeconnell

CranfieldBeach

Greencastle

Flagsta�

Derrymore

Burren

Attical

Greenore


BrontëHomeland

Douglas

Ramsey

Peel

Castletown

A3

A2

A18

A3

A3

A7

A5

A5

A4

A75

A716

A714

A75

A75

A77

A77

Stranraer

Mou

rne W

all

AONB

AONB


Whi

tewa

ter S

ceni

c Loo

p

Mourne Way

Ring of G

u llion Way

Newry Canal Way



Mourne Coasta

l Route

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k


Walk

Roosley Scenic Loop

Roo

sley S

ceni

c Loo

p

High

Mou

rnes

Sce

nic L

oop


Newry

Warrenpoint

Rostrevor

Killowen

Kilkeel

Ballymartin

Annalong

Newcastle

Dundrum

Castlewellan

Rathfriland

Hilltown

Mayobridge

Banbridge

Dromore

Dromara The Spa

BryansfordKilcoo

Bessbrook

Camlough

Crossmaglen


Forkhill

Meigh


Scarva

Gilford


Creggan

Mullaghbane

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Armagh

Markethill

Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee

Slane

Navan

Balbriggan

Omeath

Carlingford

Portadown

Dungannon

Coalisland

Stewardstown

Coagh

Craigavon

Lurgan

Lisburn


Doagh

Parkgate

Templepatrick

Ballymena


Ahoghill

Crumlin

Portglenone

Kilrea

Maghera

Glenavy

Randalstown

Kells

ToomeMagherafelt

Tobermore

Moneymore

Cookstown

Whitehead

Carrydu�

Tandragee

Tyrella

Hillsborough

Carlingford Lough

Dundrum Bay

Mourne Mountains

Ring ofGullion

B10

B10

B3

B7

B7

B7

B1

B7B7

B6

B6

B2

B176

B7

B77

B178

B7

B8

B8

B8

B27

B27

B180

B180

A27

B3

B3

B3

B113

B134

B30

B134

B133

B30

B1

35

B25

B2

B25B25

B25

B1 7

5

Slieve Donard


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan


Wee Binnian

Slieve Gullion

Slieve Croob


Mountain

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

CamloughMountain

CarlingfordMountain

Knockiveagh

Finlieve


Knockshee

River Bann

River Lagan

New

ry Canal

Shim

na River

Kilk

eel R

iver

New


Creggan River

Forkhill River

Cully Water

Whi

te W

at

er

River Boyne

DonardForest



GosfordForest Park

KilbroneyPark

RostrevorForest

SilentValley

SpelgaDam


CamloughLake

FathomForest

MourneWood

AnnalongWood

CorbetLough

ActonLake

LoughbricklandLake

LoughRoss

M1 Northfrom Dublin


SaltIsland

GoresIslandCastle

Island

IslandTaggart

Islandmore

MaheeIsland

ConleyIsland

ChapelIsland

CopelandIslands

GunsIsland

Dundrum Bay

StrangfordLough

BelfastLough

LoughNeagh

DonardForest



DrumkeeraghForest

RowallaneGarden

Lough IslandReavy

GlenoneForest

Rea’sWood

RandalstownForest

TardreeForest

ClegganForest

LongmoreWood

CapanaghWood

BallyboleyForest

WoodburnForest

MoneystaghanWood

Annagarri�Wood

M1

M1

M1

M3

M1 M1

M2M5

M2

M2

M1

A25

A25

A25

A25

A2

A2

A50A2

A2

A2

A50

A50

A26A26

A50

A51

A24

A24

A49

A28A27

A25

A29

A29

A37

A24

A29

A29

A3

A28

A28

A28

A29A45

A3

A3

A3

A3

A26

A51

A27

A4

A22

A23

A21

A7

N1

N2

N51

N51

N52

N33

A1

A1

A1

N2



LoughErne

LoughHenney

BowLough

CreevyLough

DairyLough

McAuley’sLake

LoughinislandLake

CleaLakes

LoughMoney

Leca

le W

ay

Lecale Way

B1

B7B7

B6

B172

B59

B90

B59

B62

B96

B62

B75

B93

B98

B94

B94

B97

B53

B12

B513

B39B160

B160

B42

B42

B41

B18

B160

B160

B160

B149

B170

B21B20

B5

B6

B2

B173

B176

B7

B77

B178

B180 B

1 75

B52

A25

A25

A2

A2

A2

A20

A20

A50A2

A24

A24

A49 A24

A22

A22

A23

A21

A21

A55

A48

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A8

A8

A6

A6

A6

A6

A29

A29

A31

A54

A26

A26

A36

A42

A42

A42

A43

A44

A36

A6

A52A52

A55

A57

A57

A2

A21

A20

A7

A7

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k

Slieve Donard

Slievenagriddle

Slieve Patrick

Cairngaver

Scrabo Hill

Castlemahon Mt


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan

Slieve Croob

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

BlackMountain

SquiresHill

SlemishSlievmoyle

Slieve Gallion

Sallagh Braes

CaveHill

Bla

ckst

a� Rive

r

Q uoile Rive r

River Blackwater

Comber River

Rive

r Mai

n

Six Mile Water

Crumlin River

Glenavy River

River Bann

Moyola River

Ballinderry River

Rive

r Bla

ckwa

ter

River Cree

Castlewellan

Ballynahinch

The Spa

Seaforde

Clough

Bryansford

Carrydu�

Ballygowan

Saintfield

Crossgar

Downpatrick

Tyrella

Killyleagh

Strangford

Portaferry

Ballyhalbert

Millisle

Donaghadee

Groomsport

Bangor

Holywood

Belfast

Carrickfergus


Whiteabbey

Larne

Ballygalley

Antrim

Carrowdore


Newtownards

Comber

Moneyreagh

Dundonald

Portavogie

Kircubbin

Lisbane

Whiterock

KillinchyBalloo

Shrigley

DarraghCross

Cloughey

Ballykinler

Ardglass

Killough

LECALE

ArdsPeninsula

Drumaness

Annacloy

Ballyhornan

Chur

chto

wn

Rd

Killa

r d R

d

Crew

Rd

B i shops Court

RdBallyhornan Rd

Ringduferin Rd

B

allyl

ig Rd

Bonecastle Rd

Orch ard Rd

Glen R d

Commons Rd

A rdilea

Rd

Scad

dy R

d

Wallace Hill Rd

Clay RdTullyn

akill Rd

Ba llydrain Rd

Myra

Rd


P

oint Rd

Bar Ha

ll Rd

N

ewca

stle

Rd

Quarter Rd

Victoria Rd


Ballygelagh Rd

Bally

easb

orou

gh R

d

Killaughe y

Rd

Abbey

Rd

Woburn Rd

Dunover RdStump Rd

Cardy Rd

Mt Steward R d

Parsonage Rd

W

indmill Rd

Kilbright Rd

Comb er Rd

Qu

arry Rd

Ardmillan Rd

Upper Gransha Rd

B

ally

mon

ey R

d Whinney Hi ll

Kyles tone Rd

Cunn

ingb

urn

Rd

Man

se Rd

Holywo od Rd

Lismore Rd

Inch

Abb

ey R

d

G

rerstone Rd

Maggy’s Leap

Annsborough

Bloody Bridge

Cranfield Point

Murlough

Seeconnell

CranfieldBeach

Greencastle

Flagsta�

Derrymore

Burren

Attical

Greenore


BrontëHomeland

68km or 1 hour

people lived in turf dwellings called ‘booley huts’. A visit to the Silent Valley Mountain Park is well worth the time. It’s the most visited site in the Mournes, with excellent visitor facilities and a chance to take in the scale and beauty of the two reservoirs - Silent Valley and Ben Crom.

The final stage of this loop brings you into Annalong valley via Carrick Little. Once again, the view is breathtaking. This time your photographs will be filled with patchwork green fields edged with dry stone walls. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to see the Isle of Man or beyond to Cumbria in the north of England.

PAGE 39


Whitewater Scenic Loop 3

The Whitewater loop starts in the fishing port of Kilkeel and ends inland at Whitewater Bridge. It’s named after the Whitewater River, which flows from the Mournes to the sea at Mill Bay, and is the shortest of the scenic loops.

This loop leads you through authentic farming country, to help you understand how the twin industries of farming and fishing have shaped the local community and economy. The loop also takes you close to the Silent Valley Mountain Park. Excellent facilities at the Mournes’ most visited site make it a good spot to stretch your legs. The views of the reservoirs are glorious.

Workers building the dam here in the 1920s lived in a temporary town called Watertown, which had its own cinema, hospital and policeman!

Another obvious pitstop is at Attical, the Mournes’ highest village. It’s just over halfway around the loop, and you’ll find all the facilities you need to take a break from driving.

The views from here to Slieve Binnian are spectacular. Binnian is the third highest peak in the range, at 747m, and has a long ridge at the summit. The rocky tors at the top look like animal horns - you should be able to spot them on a clear day.

As you drive towards Whitewater Bridge you’ll see the Mourne Wood to your left and Rocky Mountain to your right. Nearby is Mourne Park House, ancestral home of the Earls of Kilmorey, and visited by Edward VII.

The end of the loop brings you back onto the Mourne Coastal Route, where you can continue your journey along the shores of Carlingford Lough into Rostrevor.

Douglas

Ramsey

Peel

Castletown

A3

A2

A18

A3

A3

A7

A5

A5

A4

A75

A716

A714

A75

A75

A77

A77

Stranraer

Mou

rne W

all

AONB

AONB


Whi

tewa

ter S

ceni

c Loo

p

Mourne Way

Ring of G

u llion Way

Newry Canal Way



Mourne Coasta

l Route

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k


Walk

Roosley Scenic Loop

Roo

sley S

ceni

c Loo

p

High

Mou

rnes

Sce

nic L

oop


Newry

Warrenpoint

Rostrevor

Killowen

Kilkeel

Ballymartin

Annalong

Newcastle

Dundrum

Castlewellan

Rathfriland

Hilltown

Mayobridge

Banbridge

Dromore

Dromara The Spa

BryansfordKilcoo

Bessbrook

Camlough

Crossmaglen


Forkhill

Meigh


Scarva

Gilford


Creggan

Mullaghbane

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Armagh

Markethill

Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee

Slane

Navan

Balbriggan

Omeath

Carlingford

Portadown

Dungannon

Coalisland

Stewardstown

Coagh

Craigavon

Lurgan

Lisburn


Doagh

Parkgate

Templepatrick

Ballymena


Ahoghill

Crumlin

Portglenone

Kilrea

Maghera

Glenavy

Randalstown

Kells

ToomeMagherafelt

Tobermore

Moneymore

Cookstown

Whitehead

Carrydu�

Tandragee

Tyrella

Hillsborough

Carlingford Lough

Dundrum Bay

Mourne Mountains

Ring ofGullion

B10

B10

B3

B7B7

B7

B1

B7B7

B6

B6

B2

B176B7

B77

B178

B7

B8

B8

B8

B27

B27

B180

B180

A27

B3

B3

B3

B113

B134

B30

B134

B133

B30

B1

35B25

B2

B25B25

B25

B1 7

5

Slieve Donard


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan


Wee Binnian

Slieve Gullion

Slieve Croob


Mountain

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

CamloughMountain

CarlingfordMountain

Knockiveagh

Finlieve


Knockshee

River Bann

River Lagan

New

ry Canal

Shim

na River

Kilk

eel R

iver

New


Creggan River

Forkhill River

Cully Water

Whi

te W

at

er

River Boyne

DonardForest



GosfordForest Park

KilbroneyPark

RostrevorForest

SilentValley

SpelgaDam


CamloughLake

FathomForest

MourneWood

AnnalongWood

CorbetLough

ActonLake

LoughbricklandLake

LoughRoss

M1 Northfrom Dublin


SaltIsland

GoresIslandCastle

Island

IslandTaggart

Islandmore

MaheeIsland

ConleyIsland

ChapelIsland

CopelandIslands

GunsIsland

Dundrum Bay

StrangfordLough

BelfastLough

LoughNeagh

DonardForest



DrumkeeraghForest

RowallaneGarden

Lough IslandReavy

GlenoneForest

Rea’sWood

RandalstownForest

TardreeForest

ClegganForest

LongmoreWood

CapanaghWood

BallyboleyForest

WoodburnForest

MoneystaghanWood

Annagarri�Wood

M1

M1

M1

M3

M1 M1

M2M5

M2

M2

M1

A25

A25

A25

A25

A2

A2

A50A2

A2

A2

A50

A50

A26A26

A50

A51

A24

A24

A49

A28A27

A25

A29

A29

A37

A24

A29

A29

A3

A28

A28

A28

A29A45

A3

A3

A3

A3

A26

A51

A27

A4

A22

A23

A21

A7

N1

N2

N51

N51

N52

N33

A1

A1

A1

N2



LoughErne

LoughHenney

BowLough

CreevyLough

DairyLough

McAuley’sLake

LoughinislandLake

CleaLakes

LoughMoney

Leca

le W

ay

Lecale Way

B1

B7B7

B6

B172

B59

B90

B59

B62

B96

B62

B75

B93

B98

B94

B94

B97

B53

B12

B513

B39B160

B160

B42

B42

B41

B18

B160

B160

B160

B149

B170

B21B20

B5

B6

B2

B173

B176B7

B77

B178

B180

B1 7

5

B52

A25

A25

A2

A2

A2

A20

A20

A50A2

A24

A24

A49 A24

A22

A22

A23

A21

A21

A55

A48

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A8

A8

A6

A6

A6

A6

A29

A29

A31

A54

A26

A26

A36

A42

A42

A42

A43

A44

A36

A6

A52A52

A55

A57

A57

A2

A21

A20

A7

A7

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k

Slieve Donard

Slievenagriddle

Slieve Patrick

Cairngaver

Scrabo Hill

Castlemahon Mt


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan

Slieve Croob

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

BlackMountain

SquiresHill

SlemishSlievmoyle

Slieve Gallion

Sallagh Braes

CaveHill

Bla

ckst

a� Rive

r

Q uoile Rive r

River Blackwater

Comber River

Rive

r Mai

n

Six Mile Water

Crumlin River

Glenavy River

River Bann

Moyola River

Ballinderry River

Rive

r Bla

ckwa

ter

River Cree

Castlewellan

Ballynahinch

The Spa

Seaforde

Clough

Bryansford

Carrydu�

Ballygowan

Saintfield

Crossgar

Downpatrick

Tyrella

Killyleagh

Strangford

Portaferry

Ballyhalbert

Millisle

Donaghadee

Groomsport

Bangor

Holywood

Belfast

Carrickfergus


Whiteabbey

Larne

Ballygalley

Antrim

Carrowdore


Newtownards

Comber

Moneyreagh

Dundonald

Portavogie

Kircubbin

Lisbane

Whiterock

KillinchyBalloo

Shrigley

DarraghCross

Cloughey

Ballykinler

Ardglass

Killough

LECALE

ArdsPeninsula

Drumaness

Annacloy

Ballyhornan

Chur

chto

wn

Rd

Killa

r d R

d

Crew

Rd

B i shops Court

RdBallyhornan Rd

Ringduferin Rd

B

allyl

ig Rd

Bonecastle Rd

Orch ard Rd

Glen R d

Commons Rd

A rdilea

Rd

Scad

dy R

d

Wallace Hill Rd

Clay RdTullyn

akill Rd

Ba llydrain Rd

Myra

Rd


P

oint Rd

Bar Ha

ll Rd

N

ewca

stle

Rd

Quarter Rd

Victoria Rd


Ballygelagh Rd

Bally

easb

orou

gh R

d

Killaughe y

Rd

Abbey

Rd

Woburn Rd

Dunover RdStump Rd

Cardy Rd

Mt Steward R d

Parsonage Rd

W

indmill Rd

Kilbright Rd

Comb er Rd

Qu

arry Rd

Ardmillan Rd

Upper Gransha Rd

B

ally

mon

ey R

d Whinney Hi ll

Kyles tone Rd

Cunn

ingb

urn

Rd

Man

se Rd

Holywo od Rd

Lismore Rd

Inch

Abb

ey R

d

G

rerstone Rd

Maggy’s Leap

Annsborough

Bloody Bridge

Cranfield Point

Murlough

Seeconnell

CranfieldBeach

Greencastle

Flagsta�

Derrymore

Burren

Attical

Greenore


BrontëHomeland

Douglas

Ramsey

Peel

Castletown

A3

A2

A18

A3

A3

A7

A5

A5

A4

A75

A716

A714

A75

A75

A77

A77

Stranraer

Mou

rne W

all

AONB

AONB


Whi

tewa

ter S

ceni

c Loo

p

Mourne Way

Ring of G

u llion Way

Newry Canal Way



Mourne Coasta

l Route

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k


Walk

Roosley Scenic Loop

Roo

sley S

ceni

c Loo

p

High

Mou

rnes

Sce

nic L

oop


Newry

Warrenpoint

Rostrevor

Killowen

Kilkeel

Ballymartin

Annalong

Newcastle

Dundrum

Castlewellan

Rathfriland

Hilltown

Mayobridge

Banbridge

Dromore

Dromara The Spa

BryansfordKilcoo

Bessbrook

Camlough

Crossmaglen


Forkhill

Meigh


Scarva

Gilford


Creggan

Mullaghbane

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Armagh

Markethill

Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee

Slane

Navan

Balbriggan

Omeath

Carlingford

Portadown

Dungannon

Coalisland

Stewardstown

Coagh

Craigavon

Lurgan

Lisburn


Doagh

Parkgate

Templepatrick

Ballymena


Ahoghill

Crumlin

Portglenone

Kilrea

Maghera

Glenavy

Randalstown

Kells

ToomeMagherafelt

Tobermore

Moneymore

Cookstown

Whitehead

Carrydu�

Tandragee

Tyrella

Hillsborough

Carlingford Lough

Dundrum Bay

Mourne Mountains

Ring ofGullion

B10

B10

B3

B7

B7

B7

B1

B7B7

B6

B6

B2

B176

B7

B77

B178

B7

B8

B8

B8

B27

B27

B180

B180

A27

B3

B3

B3

B113

B134

B30

B134

B133

B30

B1

35

B25

B2

B25B25

B25

B1 7

5

Slieve Donard


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan


Wee Binnian

Slieve Gullion

Slieve Croob


Mountain

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

CamloughMountain

CarlingfordMountain

Knockiveagh

Finlieve


Knockshee

River Bann

River Lagan

New

ry Canal

Shim

na River

Kilk

eel R

iver

New


Creggan River

Forkhill River

Cully Water

Whi

te W

at

er

River Boyne

DonardForest



GosfordForest Park

KilbroneyPark

RostrevorForest

SilentValley

SpelgaDam


CamloughLake

FathomForest

MourneWood

AnnalongWood

CorbetLough

ActonLake

LoughbricklandLake

LoughRoss

M1 Northfrom Dublin


SaltIsland

GoresIslandCastle

Island

IslandTaggart

Islandmore

MaheeIsland

ConleyIsland

ChapelIsland

CopelandIslands

GunsIsland

Dundrum Bay

StrangfordLough

BelfastLough

LoughNeagh

DonardForest



DrumkeeraghForest

RowallaneGarden

Lough IslandReavy

GlenoneForest

Rea’sWood

RandalstownForest

TardreeForest

ClegganForest

LongmoreWood

CapanaghWood

BallyboleyForest

WoodburnForest

MoneystaghanWood

Annagarri�Wood

M1

M1

M1

M3

M1 M1

M2M5

M2

M2

M1

A25

A25

A25

A25

A2

A2

A50A2

A2

A2

A50

A50

A26A26

A50

A51

A24

A24

A49

A28A27

A25

A29

A29

A37

A24

A29

A29

A3A28

A28

A28

A29A45

A3

A3

A3

A3

A26

A51A27

A4

A22

A23

A21

A7

N1

N2

N51

N51

N52

N33

A1

A1

A1

N2



LoughErne

LoughHenney

BowLough

CreevyLough

DairyLough

McAuley’sLake

LoughinislandLake

CleaLakes

LoughMoney

Leca

le W

ay

Lecale Way

B1

B7B7

B6

B172

B59

B90

B59

B62

B96

B62

B75

B93

B98

B94

B94

B97

B53

B12

B513

B39B160

B160

B42

B42

B41

B18

B160

B160

B160

B149

B170

B21B20

B5

B6

B2

B173

B176

B7

B77

B178

B180

B1 7

5

B52

A25

A25

A2

A2

A2

A20

A20

A50A2

A24

A24

A49 A24

A22

A22

A23

A21

A21

A55

A48

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A8

A8

A6

A6

A6

A6

A29

A29

A31

A54

A26

A26

A36

A42

A42

A42

A43

A44

A36

A6

A52A52

A55

A57

A57

A2

A21

A20

A7

A7

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k

Slieve Donard

Slievenagriddle

Slieve Patrick

Cairngaver

Scrabo Hill

Castlemahon Mt


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan

Slieve Croob

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

BlackMountain

SquiresHill

SlemishSlievmoyle

Slieve Gallion

Sallagh Braes

CaveHill

Bla

ckst

a� Rive

r

Q uoile Rive r

River Blackwater

Comber River

Rive

r Mai

n

Six Mile Water

Crumlin River

Glenavy River

River Bann

Moyola River

Ballinderry River

Rive

r Bla

ckwa

ter

River Cree

Castlewellan

Ballynahinch

The Spa

Seaforde

Clough

Bryansford

Carrydu�

Ballygowan

Saintfield

Crossgar

Downpatrick

Tyrella

Killyleagh

Strangford

Portaferry

Ballyhalbert

Millisle

Donaghadee

Groomsport

Bangor

Holywood

Belfast

Carrickfergus


Whiteabbey

Larne

Ballygalley

Antrim

Carrowdore


Newtownards

Comber

Moneyreagh

Dundonald

Portavogie

Kircubbin

Lisbane

Whiterock

KillinchyBalloo

Shrigley

DarraghCross

Cloughey

Ballykinler

Ardglass

Killough

LECALE

ArdsPeninsula

Drumaness

Annacloy

Ballyhornan

Chur

chto

wn

Rd

Killa

r d R

d

Crew

Rd

B i shops Court

RdBallyhornan Rd

Ringduferin Rd

B

allyl

ig Rd

Bonecastle Rd

Orch ard Rd

Glen R d

Commons Rd

A rdilea

Rd

Scad

dy R

d

Wallace Hill Rd

Clay RdTullyn

akill Rd

Ba llydrain Rd

Myra

Rd


P

oint Rd

Bar Ha

ll Rd

N

ewca

stle

Rd

Quarter Rd

Victoria Rd


Ballygelagh Rd

Bally

easb

orou

gh R

d

Killaughe y

Rd

Abbey

Rd

Woburn Rd

Dunover RdStump Rd

Cardy Rd

Mt Steward R d

Parsonage Rd

W

indmill Rd

Kilbright Rd

Comb er Rd

Qu

arry Rd

Ardmillan Rd

Upper Gransha Rd

B

ally

mon

ey R

d Whinney Hi ll

Kyles tone Rd

Cunn

ingb

urn

Rd

Man

se Rd

Holywo od Rd

Lismore Rd

Inch

Abb

ey R

d

G

rerstone Rd

Maggy’s Leap

Annsborough

Bloody Bridge

Cranfield Point

Murlough

Seeconnell

CranfieldBeach

Greencastle

Flagsta�

Derrymore

Burren

Attical

Greenore


BrontëHomeland

14km or 20 mins



Slieve Roosley Scenic Loop 4

This circular loop begins and ends in Rostrevor and takes you via the forest to Hilltown. There’s plenty to see in Rostrevor before or after you take off on this scenic loop. Kilbroney Park is beautiful and popular with families, as there are many activities for everyone to enjoy.

Moving into more densely forested landscape, you’ll find Oakwood National Nature Reserve. This mature woodland overlooks Carlingford Lough, and is home to rare oakwood that is at least 250 years old. In fact, much of the Irish landscape was once covered in this native oak. Bring your binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.

Pack a picnic and head for Leitrim Lodge, just beyond the forested area. Both here and Hen Mountain are set up for walkers and picnicking passers by. Various nearby paths offer post-lunch walks along a beaten track.

Hilltown is a friendly market village, and was once a key location in the smugglers’ route! During the 18th and 19th centuries, people smuggling goods from the coast near Newcastle would travel via the aptly named ‘Brandy Pad’ through the Mournes. Their final destination was Hilltown. The village is still well-served for pubs, although the refreshments you’ll enjoy there now are legal!

Zone

3

Douglas

Ramsey

Peel

Castletown

A3

A2

A18

A3

A3

A7

A5

A5

A4

A75

A716

A714

A75

A75

A77

A77

Stranraer

Mou

rne W

all

AONB

AONB


Whi

tewa

ter S

ceni

c Loo

p

Mourne Way

Ring of G

u llion Way

Newry Canal Way



Mourne Coasta

l Route

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k


Walk

Roosley Scenic Loop

Roo

sley S

ceni

c Loo

p

High

Mou

rnes

Sce

nic L

oop


Newry

Warrenpoint

Rostrevor

Killowen

Kilkeel

Ballymartin

Annalong

Newcastle

Dundrum

Castlewellan

Rathfriland

Hilltown

Mayobridge

Banbridge

Dromore

Dromara The Spa

BryansfordKilcoo

Bessbrook

Camlough

Crossmaglen


Forkhill

Meigh


Scarva

Gilford


Creggan

Mullaghbane

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Armagh

Markethill

Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee

Slane

Navan

Balbriggan

Omeath

Carlingford

Portadown

Dungannon

Coalisland

Stewardstown

Coagh

Craigavon

Lurgan

Lisburn


Doagh

Parkgate

Templepatrick

Ballymena


Ahoghill

Crumlin

Portglenone

Kilrea

Maghera

Glenavy

Randalstown

Kells

ToomeMagherafelt

Tobermore

Moneymore

Cookstown

Whitehead

Carrydu�

Tandragee

Tyrella

Hillsborough

Carlingford Lough

Dundrum Bay

Mourne Mountains

Ring ofGullion

B10

B10

B3

B7

B7

B7

B1

B7B7

B6

B6

B2

B176

B7

B77

B178

B7

B8

B8

B8

B27

B27

B180

B180

A27

B3

B3

B3

B113

B134

B30

B134

B133

B30

B1

35

B25

B2

B25B25

B25

B1 7

5

Slieve Donard


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan


Wee Binnian

Slieve Gullion

Slieve Croob


Mountain

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

CamloughMountain

CarlingfordMountain

Knockiveagh

Finlieve


Knockshee

River Bann

River Lagan

New

ry Canal

Shim

na River

Kilk

eel R

iver

New


Creggan River

Forkhill River

Cully Water

Whi

te W

at

er

River Boyne

DonardForest



GosfordForest Park

KilbroneyPark

RostrevorForest

SilentValley

SpelgaDam


CamloughLake

FathomForest

MourneWood

AnnalongWood

CorbetLough

ActonLake

LoughbricklandLake

LoughRoss

M1 Northfrom Dublin


SaltIsland

GoresIslandCastle

Island

IslandTaggart

Islandmore

MaheeIsland

ConleyIsland

ChapelIsland

CopelandIslands

GunsIsland

Dundrum Bay

StrangfordLough

BelfastLough

LoughNeagh

DonardForest



DrumkeeraghForest

RowallaneGarden

Lough IslandReavy

GlenoneForest

Rea’sWood

RandalstownForest

TardreeForest

ClegganForest

LongmoreWood

CapanaghWood

BallyboleyForest

WoodburnForest

MoneystaghanWood

Annagarri�Wood

M1

M1

M1

M3

M1 M1

M2M5

M2

M2

M1

A25

A25

A25

A25

A2

A2

A50A2

A2

A2

A50

A50

A26A26

A50

A51

A24

A24

A49

A28A27

A25

A29

A29

A37

A24

A29

A29

A3

A28

A28

A28

A29A45

A3

A3

A3

A3

A26

A51

A27

A4

A22

A23

A21

A7

N1

N2

N51

N51

N52

N33

A1

A1

A1

N2



LoughErne

LoughHenney

BowLough

CreevyLough

DairyLough

McAuley’sLake

LoughinislandLake

CleaLakes

LoughMoney

Leca

le W

ay

Lecale Way

B1

B7B7

B6

B172

B59

B90

B59

B62

B96

B62

B75

B93

B98

B94

B94

B97

B53

B12

B513

B39B160

B160

B42

B42

B41

B18

B160

B160

B160

B149

B170

B21B20

B5

B6

B2

B173

B176

B7

B77

B178

B180

B1 7

5

B52

A25

A25

A2

A2

A2

A20

A20

A50A2

A24

A24

A49 A24

A22

A22

A23

A21

A21

A55

A48

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A8

A8

A6

A6

A6

A6

A29

A29

A31

A54

A26

A26

A36

A42

A42

A42

A43

A44

A36

A6

A52A52

A55

A57

A57

A2

A21

A20

A7

A7

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k

Slieve Donard

Slievenagriddle

Slieve Patrick

Cairngaver

Scrabo Hill

Castlemahon Mt


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan

Slieve Croob

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

BlackMountain

SquiresHill

SlemishSlievmoyle

Slieve Gallion

Sallagh Braes

CaveHill

Bla

ckst

a� Rive

r

Q uoile Rive r

River Blackwater

Comber River

Rive

r Mai

n

Six Mile Water

Crumlin River

Glenavy River

River Bann

Moyola River

Ballinderry River

Rive

r Bla

ckwa

ter

River Cree

Castlewellan

Ballynahinch

The Spa

Seaforde

Clough

Bryansford

Carrydu�

Ballygowan

Saintfield

Crossgar

Downpatrick

Tyrella

Killyleagh

Strangford

Portaferry

Ballyhalbert

Millisle

Donaghadee

Groomsport

Bangor

Holywood

Belfast

Carrickfergus


Whiteabbey

Larne

Ballygalley

Antrim

Carrowdore


Newtownards

Comber

Moneyreagh

Dundonald

Portavogie

Kircubbin

Lisbane

Whiterock

KillinchyBalloo

Shrigley

DarraghCross

Cloughey

Ballykinler

Ardglass

Killough

LECALE

ArdsPeninsula

Drumaness

Annacloy

Ballyhornan

Chur

chto

wn

Rd

Killa

r d R

d

Crew

Rd

B i shops Court

RdBallyhornan Rd

Ringduferin Rd

B

allyl

ig Rd

Bonecastle Rd

Orch ard Rd

Glen R d

Commons Rd

A rdilea

Rd

Scad

dy R

d

Wallace Hill Rd

Clay RdTullyn

akill Rd

Ba llydrain Rd

Myra

Rd


P

oint Rd

Bar Ha

ll Rd

N

ewca

stle

Rd

Quarter Rd

Victoria Rd


Ballygelagh Rd

Bally

easb

orou

gh R

d

Killaughe y

Rd

Abbey

Rd

Woburn Rd

Dunover RdStump Rd

Cardy Rd

Mt Steward R d

Parsonage Rd

W

indmill Rd

Kilbright Rd

Comb er Rd

Qu

arry Rd

Ardmillan Rd

Upper Gransha Rd

B

ally

mon

ey R

d Whinney Hi ll

Kyles tone Rd

Cunn

ingb

urn

Rd

Man

se Rd

Holywo od Rd

Lismore Rd

Inch

Abb

ey R

d

G

rerstone Rd

Maggy’s Leap

Annsborough

Bloody Bridge

Cranfield Point

Murlough

Seeconnell

CranfieldBeach

Greencastle

Flagsta�

Derrymore

Burren

Attical

Greenore


BrontëHomeland

Douglas

Ramsey

Peel

Castletown

A3

A2

A18

A3

A3

A7

A5

A5

A4

A75

A716

A714

A75

A75

A77

A77

Stranraer

Mou

rne Wall

AONB

AONB


Whi

tewa

ter S

ceni

c Loo

p

Mourne Way

Ring of G

u llion Way

Newry Canal Way



Mourne Coasta

l Route

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k


Walk

Roosley Scenic Loop

Roo

sley S

ceni

c Loo

p

High

Mou

rnes

Sce

nic L

oop


Newry

Warrenpoint

Rostrevor

Killowen

Kilkeel

Ballymartin

Annalong

Newcastle

Dundrum

Castlewellan

Rathfriland

Hilltown

Mayobridge

Banbridge

Dromore

Dromara The Spa

BryansfordKilcoo

Bessbrook

Camlough

Crossmaglen


Forkhill

Meigh


Scarva

Gilford


Creggan

Mullaghbane

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Armagh

Markethill

Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee

Slane

Navan

Balbriggan

Omeath

Carlingford

Portadown

Dungannon

Coalisland

Stewardstown

Coagh

Craigavon

Lurgan

Lisburn


Doagh

Parkgate

Templepatrick

Ballymena


Ahoghill

Crumlin

Portglenone

Kilrea

Maghera

Glenavy

Randalstown

Kells

ToomeMagherafelt

Tobermore

Moneymore

Cookstown

Whitehead

Carrydu�

Tandragee

Tyrella

Hillsborough

Carlingford Lough

Dundrum Bay

Mourne Mountains

Ring ofGullion

B10

B10

B3

B7

B7

B7

B1

B7B7

B6

B6

B2

B176

B7

B77

B178

B7

B8

B8

B8

B27

B27

B180

B180

A27

B3

B3

B3

B113

B134

B30

B134

B133

B30

B1

35

B25

B2

B25B25

B25

B1 7

5

Slieve Donard


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan


Wee Binnian

Slieve Gullion

Slieve Croob


Mountain

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

CamloughMountain

CarlingfordMountain

Knockiveagh

Finlieve


Knockshee

River Bann

River Lagan

New

ry CanalSh

im

na River

Kilk

eel R

iver

New


Creggan River

Forkhill River

Cully Water

Whi

te W

at

er

River Boyne

DonardForest



GosfordForest Park

KilbroneyPark

RostrevorForest

SilentValley

SpelgaDam


CamloughLake

FathomForest

MourneWood

AnnalongWood

CorbetLough

ActonLake

LoughbricklandLake

LoughRoss

M1 Northfrom Dublin


SaltIsland

GoresIslandCastle

Island

IslandTaggart

Islandmore

MaheeIsland

ConleyIsland

ChapelIsland

CopelandIslands

GunsIsland

Dundrum Bay

StrangfordLough

BelfastLough

LoughNeagh

DonardForest



DrumkeeraghForest

RowallaneGarden

Lough IslandReavy

GlenoneForest

Rea’sWood

RandalstownForest

TardreeForest

ClegganForest

LongmoreWood

CapanaghWood

BallyboleyForest

WoodburnForest

MoneystaghanWood

Annagarri�Wood

M1

M1

M1

M3

M1 M1

M2M5

M2

M2

M1

A25

A25

A25

A25

A2

A2

A50A2

A2

A2

A50

A50

A26A26

A50

A51

A24

A24

A49

A28A27

A25

A29

A29

A37

A24

A29

A29

A3

A28

A28

A28

A29A45

A3

A3

A3

A3

A26

A51

A27

A4

A22

A23

A21

A7

N1

N2

N51

N51

N52

N33

A1

A1

A1

N2



LoughErne

LoughHenney

BowLough

CreevyLough

DairyLough

McAuley’sLake

LoughinislandLake

CleaLakes

LoughMoney

Leca

le W

ay

Lecale Way

B1

B7B7

B6

B172

B59

B90

B59

B62

B96

B62

B75

B93

B98

B94

B94

B97

B53

B12

B513

B39B160

B160

B42

B42

B41

B18

B160

B160

B160

B149

B170

B21B20

B5

B6

B2

B173

B176

B7

B77

B178

B180

B1 7

5

B52

A25

A25

A2

A2

A2

A20

A20

A50A2

A24

A24

A49 A24

A22

A22

A23

A21

A21

A55

A48

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A8

A8

A6

A6

A6

A6

A29

A29

A31

A54

A26

A26

A36

A42

A42

A42

A43

A44

A36

A6

A52A52

A55

A57

A57

A2

A21

A20

A7

A7

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k

Slieve Donard

Slievenagriddle

Slieve Patrick

Cairngaver

Scrabo Hill

Castlemahon Mt


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan

Slieve Croob

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

BlackMountain

SquiresHill

SlemishSlievmoyle

Slieve Gallion

Sallagh Braes

CaveHill

Bla

ckst

a� Rive

r

Q uoile Rive r

River Blackwater

Comber River

Rive

r Mai

n

Six Mile Water

Crumlin River

Glenavy River

River Bann

Moyola River

Ballinderry River

Rive

r Bla

ckwa

ter

River Cree

Castlewellan

Ballynahinch

The Spa

Seaforde

Clough

Bryansford

Carrydu�

Ballygowan

Saintfield

Crossgar

Downpatrick

Tyrella

Killyleagh

Strangford

Portaferry

Ballyhalbert

Millisle

Donaghadee

Groomsport

Bangor

Holywood

Belfast

Carrickfergus


Whiteabbey

Larne

Ballygalley

Antrim

Carrowdore


Newtownards

Comber

Moneyreagh

Dundonald

Portavogie

Kircubbin

Lisbane

Whiterock

KillinchyBalloo

Shrigley

DarraghCross

Cloughey

Ballykinler

Ardglass

Killough

LECALE

ArdsPeninsula

Drumaness

Annacloy

Ballyhornan

Chur

chto

wn

Rd

Killa

r d R

d

Crew

Rd

B i shops Court

RdBallyhornan Rd

Ringduferin Rd

B

allyl

ig Rd

Bonecastle Rd

Orch ard Rd

Glen R d

Commons Rd

A rdilea

Rd

Scad

dy R

d

Wallace Hill Rd

Clay RdTullyn

akill Rd

Ba llydrain Rd

Myra

Rd


P

oint Rd

Bar Ha

ll Rd

N

ewca

stle

Rd

Quarter Rd

Victoria Rd


Ballygelagh Rd

Bally

easb

orou

gh R

d

Killaughe y

Rd

Abbey

Rd

Woburn Rd

Dunover RdStump Rd

Cardy Rd

Mt Steward R d

Parsonage Rd

W

indmill Rd

Kilbright Rd

Comb er Rd

Qu

arry Rd

Ardmillan Rd

Upper Gransha Rd

B

ally

mon

ey R

d Whinney Hi ll

Kyles tone Rd

Cunn

ingb

urn

Rd

Man

se Rd

Holywo od Rd

Lismore Rd

Inch

Abb

ey R

d

G

rerstone Rd

Maggy’s Leap

Annsborough

Bloody Bridge

Cranfield Point

Murlough

Seeconnell

CranfieldBeach

Greencastle

Flagsta�

Derrymore

Burren

Attical

Greenore


BrontëHomeland

29km or 50 mins

An ancient stone circle beyond Hilltown at Mullaghmore is known locally as Murphy’s Fort. There are five standing stones here, and excavations suggest a site that dates from the late Bronze Age.

The last stage of your journey returns you via the foothills of the Mournes to Rostrevor. From here you can rejoin the Mourne Coastal Route and head towards the city of Newry via Warrenpoint.

PAGE 41

Information & ServicesEmergency Services

call 999 Ambulance, Fire, Police Service NI or

101

Mourne Mountain Rescue and the Coast Guard are co-ordinated through the local PSNI. Initial contact should be through dialing 999.

Hospitals Daisy Hill Hospital5 Hospital Rd, Newry BT35 8DR

028 3083 5000

Downe Hospital2 Struell Wells RoadDownpatrick BT30 6RL

028 4461 3311

Ulster HospitalUpper Newtowanrds Road Dundonald BT16 1RH

028 9048 4511

Out of Hours Emergency DoctorIf you require urgent medical assistance outside normal GP hours contact the GP Out of Hours Service. This is usually after 6pm Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.

Daisy Hill Hospital5 Hospital Rd, Newry BT35 8DR

028 3839 9201

DowneDoc2 Struell Wells RoadDownpatrick BT30 6RL

028 9260 2204

Kilkeel Primary Care CentreGreencastle St, Kilkeel, Newry BT34 4BH

028 3839 9201

Police Service, non emergency


Transport

Translink Public Transport

028 9066 6630translink.co.uk

Dublin Airport

+353 (0)1814 1111dublinairport.com

Belfast International Airport (Crumlin)

028 9448 4848belfastairport.com

George Best Belfast City Airport

028 9093 9093belfastcityairport.com

P&O Ferries

087 1664 2121poferries.com

Scenic Carlingford Ferry

028 4176 2488carlingfordferry.com

Stena Line

084 4770 7070stenaline.co.uk

Strangford Ferry

0300 200 7898 Sailings every 30 minutes

Strangford – PortaferryDeparts on the hour and the half hour.

Portaferry – StrangfordDeparts at quarter past and quarter to the hour.

SMS text message alert service:Passengers can register to receive SMS text message service updates.

You can:Text ‘FERRY’ to 67300 to registerTest ‘STOP’ to 67300 to stopText messages are free in the UK

PAGE 43

For further information on general touring, accommodation, short breaks and activity breaks please contact one of the following Visitor Information Centres or visit our websites…

The areas Visitor Information Centres are your one-stop shop to help you make the most of your visit. Call in to say hello and find out more.

events information

accommodation booksmaps

souvenirs

Ards Visitor Information Centre31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4ADT: +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

Bangor Visitor Information Centre Tower House, 34 Quay Street, Bangor, BT20 5EDT: +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

Downpatrick Visitor Information CentreThe Saint Patrick Centre, 53a Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6LZT: +44 (0) 28 4461 2233

Kilkeel Visitor Information CentreNautilus Centre, Rooney Road, Kilkeel, BT34 4AGT: +44 (0) 28 4176 2525

Groomsport Visitor Information CentreCoske Row Cottages, Main StreetGroomsport, BT19 6GHT: +44 (0)28 9127 2269

Newcastle Visitor Information Centre10-14 Central Promenade, Newcastle, BT33 0AAT: +44 (0) 28 4372 2222

Newry Visitor Information CentreBagenal’s Castle, Castle Street, Newry, BT34 2BYT: +44 (0) 28 3031 3170

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry, BT22 1NZ T: +44 (0) 28 4272 9882

#[email protected] visitmournemountains.co.ukvisitstrangfordlough.co.uksaintpatrickscountry.com visitardsandnorthdown.com heaveninaheartbeat.com

PAGE 45

Douglas

Ramsey

Peel

Castletown

A3

A2

A18

A3

A3

A7

A5

A5

A4

A75

A716

A714

A75

A75

A77

A77

Stranraer

Mou

rne W

all

AONB

AONB


Whi

tewa

ter S

ceni

c Loo

p

Mourne Way

Ring of G

u llion Way

Newry Canal Way



Mourne Coasta

l Route

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k


Walk

Roosley Scenic Loop

Roo

sley S

ceni

c Loo

p

High

Mou

rnes

Sce

nic L

oop


Newry

Warrenpoint

Rostrevor

Killowen

Kilkeel

Ballymartin

Annalong

Newcastle

Dundrum

Castlewellan

Rathfriland

Hilltown

Mayobridge

Banbridge

Dromore

Dromara The Spa

BryansfordKilcoo

Bessbrook

Camlough

Crossmaglen


Forkhill

Meigh


Scarva

Gilford


Creggan

Mullaghbane

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Armagh

Markethill

Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee

Slane

Navan

Balbriggan

Omeath

Carlingford

Portadown

Dungannon

Coalisland

Stewardstown

Coagh

Craigavon

Lurgan

Lisburn


Doagh

Parkgate

Templepatrick

Ballymena


Ahoghill

Crumlin

Portglenone

Kilrea

Maghera

Glenavy

Randalstown

Kells

ToomeMagherafelt

Tobermore

Moneymore

Cookstown

Whitehead

Carrydu�

Tandragee

Tyrella

Hillsborough

Carlingford Lough

Dundrum Bay

Mourne Mountains

Ring ofGullion

B10

B10

B3

B7

B7

B7

B1

B7B7

B6

B6

B2

B176

B7

B77

B178

B7

B8

B8

B8

B27

B27

B180

B180

A27

B3

B3

B3

B113

B134

B30

B134

B133

B30

B1

35

B25

B2

B25B25

B25

B1 7

5

Slieve Donard


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan


Wee Binnian

Slieve Gullion

Slieve Croob


Mountain

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

CamloughMountain

CarlingfordMountain

Knockiveagh

Finlieve


Knockshee

River Bann

River Lagan

New

ry Canal

Shim

na River

Kilk

eel R

iver

New


Creggan River

Forkhill River

Cully Water

Whi

te W

at

er

River Boyne

DonardForest



GosfordForest Park

KilbroneyPark

RostrevorForest

SilentValley

SpelgaDam


CamloughLake

FathomForest

MourneWood

AnnalongWood

CorbetLough

ActonLake

LoughbricklandLake

LoughRoss

M1 Northfrom Dublin


SaltIsland

GoresIslandCastle

Island

IslandTaggart

Islandmore

MaheeIsland

ConleyIsland

ChapelIsland

CopelandIslands

GunsIsland

Dundrum Bay

StrangfordLough

BelfastLough

LoughNeagh

DonardForest



DrumkeeraghForest

RowallaneGarden

Lough IslandReavy

GlenoneForest

Rea’sWood

RandalstownForest

TardreeForest

ClegganForest

LongmoreWood

CapanaghWood

BallyboleyForest

WoodburnForest

MoneystaghanWood

Annagarri�Wood

M1

M1

M1

M3

M1 M1

M2M5

M2

M2

M1

A25

A25

A25

A25

A2

A2

A50A2

A2

A2

A50

A50

A26A26

A50

A51

A24

A24

A49

A28A27

A25

A29

A29

A37

A24

A29

A29

A3

A28

A28

A28

A29A45

A3

A3

A3

A3

A26

A51

A27

A4

A22

A23

A21

A7

N1

N2

N51

N51

N52

N33

A1

A1

A1

N2



LoughErne

LoughHenney

BowLough

CreevyLough

DairyLough

McAuley’sLake

LoughinislandLake

CleaLakes

LoughMoney

Leca

le W

ay

Lecale Way

B1

B7B7

B6

B172

B59

B90

B59

B62

B96

B62

B75

B93

B98

B94

B94

B97

B53

B12

B513

B39B160

B160

B42

B42

B41

B18

B160

B160

B160

B149

B170

B21B20

B5

B6

B2

B173

B176

B7

B77

B178

B180

B1 7

5

B52

A25

A25

A2

A2

A2

A20

A20

A50A2

A24

A24

A49 A24

A22

A22

A23

A21

A21

A55

A48

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A8

A8

A6

A6

A6

A6

A29

A29

A31

A54

A26

A26

A36

A42

A42

A42

A43

A44

A36

A6

A52A52

A55

A57

A57

A2

A21

A20

A7

A7

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k

Slieve Donard

Slievenagriddle

Slieve Patrick

Cairngaver

Scrabo Hill

Castlemahon Mt


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan

Slieve Croob

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

BlackMountain

SquiresHill

SlemishSlievmoyle

Slieve Gallion

Sallagh Braes

CaveHill

Bla

ckst

a� Rive

r

Q uoile Rive r

River Blackwater

Comber River

Rive

r Mai

n

Six Mile Water

Crumlin River

Glenavy River

River Bann

Moyola River

Ballinderry River

Rive

r Bla

ckwa

ter

River Cree

Castlewellan

Ballynahinch

The Spa

Seaforde

Clough

Bryansford

Carrydu�

Ballygowan

Saintfield

Crossgar

Downpatrick

Tyrella

Killyleagh

Strangford

Portaferry

Ballyhalbert

Millisle

Donaghadee

Groomsport

Bangor

Holywood

Belfast

Carrickfergus


Whiteabbey

Larne

Ballygalley

Antrim

Carrowdore


Newtownards

Comber

Moneyreagh

Dundonald

Portavogie

Kircubbin

Lisbane

Whiterock

KillinchyBalloo

Shrigley

DarraghCross

Cloughey

Ballykinler

Ardglass

Killough

LECALE

ArdsPeninsula

Drumaness

Annacloy

Ballyhornan

Chur

chto

wn

Rd

Killa

r d R

d

Crew

Rd

B i shops Court

RdBallyhornan Rd

Ringduferin Rd B

allyl

ig Rd

Bonecastle Rd

Orch ard Rd

Glen R d

Commons Rd

A rdilea

Rd

Scad

dy R

d

Wallace Hill Rd

Clay RdTullyn

akill Rd

Ba llydrain Rd

Myra

Rd


P

oint Rd

Bar Ha

ll Rd

N

ewca

stle

Rd

Quarter Rd

Victoria Rd


Ballygelagh Rd

Bally

easb

orou

gh R

d

Killaughe y

Rd

Abbey

Rd

Woburn Rd

Dunover RdStump Rd

Cardy Rd

Mt Steward R d

Parsonage Rd

W

indmill Rd

Kilbright Rd

Comb er Rd

Qu

arry Rd

Ardmillan Rd

Upper Gransha Rd

B

ally

mon

ey R

d Whinney Hi ll

Kyles tone Rd

Cunn

ingb

urn

Rd

Man

se Rd

Holywo od Rd

Lismore Rd

Inch

Abb

ey R

d

G

rerstone Rd

Maggy’s Leap

Annsborough

Bloody Bridge

Cranfield Point

Murlough

Seeconnell

CranfieldBeach

Greencastle

Flagsta�

Derrymore

Burren

Attical

Greenore


BrontëHomeland


Douglas

Ramsey

Peel

Castletown

A3

A2

A18

A3

A3

A7

A5

A5

A4

A75

A716

A714

A75

A75

A77

A77

Stranraer

Mou

rne W

all

AONB

AONB


Whi

tewa

ter S

ceni

c Loo

p

Mourne Way

Ring of G

u llion Way

Newry Canal Way



Mourne Coasta

l Route

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k


Walk

Roosley Scenic Loop

Roo

sley S

ceni

c Loo

p

High

Mou

rnes

Sce

nic L

oop


Newry

Warrenpoint

Rostrevor

Killowen

Kilkeel

Ballymartin

Annalong

Newcastle

Dundrum

Castlewellan

Rathfriland

Hilltown

Mayobridge

Banbridge

Dromore

Dromara The Spa

BryansfordKilcoo

Bessbrook

Camlough

Crossmaglen


Forkhill

Meigh


Scarva

Gilford


Creggan

Mullaghbane

Zone 3

Zone 2

Zone 1

Armagh

Markethill

Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee

Slane

Navan

Balbriggan

Omeath

Carlingford

Portadown

Dungannon

Coalisland

Stewardstown

Coagh

Craigavon

Lurgan

Lisburn


Doagh

Parkgate

Templepatrick

Ballymena


Ahoghill

Crumlin

Portglenone

Kilrea

Maghera

Glenavy

Randalstown

Kells

ToomeMagherafelt

Tobermore

Moneymore

Cookstown

Whitehead

Carrydu�

Tandragee

Tyrella

Hillsborough

Carlingford Lough

Dundrum Bay

Mourne Mountains

Ring ofGullion

B10

B10

B3

B7

B7

B7

B1

B7B7

B6

B6

B2

B176

B7

B77

B178

B7

B8

B8

B8

B27

B27

B180

B180

A27

B3

B3

B3

B113

B134

B30

B134

B133

B30

B1

35

B25

B2

B25B25

B25

B1 7

5

Slieve Donard


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan


Wee Binnian

Slieve Gullion

Slieve Croob


Mountain

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

CamloughMountain

CarlingfordMountain

Knockiveagh

Finlieve


Knockshee

River Bann

River Lagan

New

ry Canal

Shim

na River

Kilk

eel R

iver

New


Creggan River

Forkhill River

Cully Water

Whi

te W

at

er

River Boyne

DonardForest



GosfordForest Park

KilbroneyPark

RostrevorForest

SilentValley

SpelgaDam


CamloughLake

FathomForest

MourneWood

AnnalongWood

CorbetLough

ActonLake

LoughbricklandLake

LoughRoss

M1 Northfrom Dublin


SaltIsland

GoresIslandCastle

Island

IslandTaggart

Islandmore

MaheeIsland

ConleyIsland

ChapelIsland

CopelandIslands

GunsIsland

Dundrum Bay

StrangfordLough

BelfastLough

LoughNeagh

DonardForest



DrumkeeraghForest

RowallaneGarden

Lough IslandReavy

GlenoneForest

Rea’sWood

RandalstownForest

TardreeForest

ClegganForest

LongmoreWood

CapanaghWood

BallyboleyForest

WoodburnForest

MoneystaghanWood

Annagarri�Wood

M1

M1

M1

M3

M1 M1

M2M5

M2

M2

M1

A25

A25

A25

A25

A2

A2

A50A2

A2

A2

A50

A50

A26A26

A50

A51

A24

A24

A49

A28A27

A25

A29

A29

A37

A24

A29

A29

A3

A28

A28

A28

A29A45

A3

A3

A3

A3

A26

A51

A27

A4

A22

A23

A21

A7

N1

N2

N51

N51

N52

N33

A1

A1

A1

N2



LoughErne

LoughHenney

BowLough

CreevyLough

DairyLough

McAuley’sLake

LoughinislandLake

CleaLakes

LoughMoney

Leca

le W

ay

Lecale Way

B1

B7B7

B6

B172

B59

B90

B59

B62

B96

B62

B75

B93

B98

B94

B94

B97

B53

B12

B513

B39B160

B160

B42

B42

B41

B18

B160

B160

B160

B149

B170

B21B20

B5

B6

B2

B173

B176

B7

B77

B178

B180

B1 7

5

B52

A25

A25

A2

A2

A2

A20

A20

A50A2

A24

A24

A49 A24

A22

A22

A23

A21

A21

A55

A48

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A2

A8

A8

A6

A6

A6

A6

A29

A29

A31

A54

A26

A26

A36

A42

A42

A42

A43

A44

A36

A6

A52A52

A55

A57

A57

A2

A21

A20

A7

A7

Patr

ick’

s Way

- Pi

lgri m

Wal

k

Slieve Donard

Slievenagriddle

Slieve Patrick

Cairngaver

Scrabo Hill

Castlemahon Mt


Bearnagh

CoveMountain


Slieve Lamagan

Slieve Croob

Slievenisky

Slievegarran

BlackMountain

SquiresHill

SlemishSlievmoyle

Slieve Gallion

Sallagh Braes

CaveHill

Bla

ckst

a� Rive

r

Q uoile Rive r

River Blackwater

Comber River

Rive

r Mai

n

Six Mile Water

Crumlin River

Glenavy River

River Bann

Moyola River

Ballinderry River

Rive

r Bla

ckwa

ter

River Cree

Castlewellan

Ballynahinch

The Spa

Seaforde

Clough

Bryansford

Carrydu�

Ballygowan

Saintfield

Crossgar

Downpatrick

Tyrella

Killyleagh

Strangford

Portaferry

Ballyhalbert

Millisle

Donaghadee

Groomsport

Bangor

Holywood

Belfast

Carrickfergus


Whiteabbey

Larne

Ballygalley

Antrim

Carrowdore


Newtownards

Comber

Moneyreagh

Dundonald

Portavogie

Kircubbin

Lisbane

Whiterock

KillinchyBalloo

Shrigley

DarraghCross

Cloughey

Ballykinler

Ardglass

Killough

LECALE

ArdsPeninsula

Drumaness

Annacloy

Ballyhornan

Chur

chto

wn

Rd

Killa

r d R

d

Crew

Rd

B i shops Court

RdBallyhornan Rd

Ringduferin Rd B

allyl

ig Rd

Bonecastle Rd

Orch ard Rd

Glen R d

Commons Rd

A rdilea

Rd

Scad

dy R

d

Wallace Hill Rd

Clay RdTullyn

akill Rd

Ba llydrain Rd

Myra

Rd


P

oint Rd

Bar Ha

ll Rd

N

ewca

stle

Rd

Quarter Rd

Victoria Rd


Ballygelagh Rd

Bally

easb

orou

gh R

d

Killaughe y

Rd

Abbey

Rd

Woburn Rd

Dunover RdStump Rd

Cardy Rd

Mt Steward R d

Parsonage Rd

W

indmill Rd

Kilbright Rd

Comb er Rd

Qu

arry Rd

Ardmillan Rd

Upper Gransha Rd

B

ally

mon

ey R

d Whinney Hi ll

Kyles tone Rd

Cunn

ingb

urn

Rd

Man

se Rd

Holywo od Rd

Lismore Rd

Inch

Abb

ey R

d

G

rerstone Rd

Maggy’s Leap

Annsborough

Bloody Bridge

Cranfield Point

Murlough

Seeconnell

CranfieldBeach

Greencastle

Flagsta�

Derrymore

Burren

Attical

Greenore


BrontëHomeland

Key

Zones 1 / 2 / 3



Saint Patrick’s Way – The Pilgrim Walk

The Mourne Way

Newry Canal Way

Ring of Gullion Way

AONB – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

This is based upon Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown copyright and database right 2013 CS&LA156.

0 1 2 3 4 5miles

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 kilometers

BelfastLarne

DublinDun Laoghaire

HolyheadLiverpoolFleetwood

TroonCairnryanStranraer

London

Edinburgh

Cardiff

PAGE 47

Ards Visitor Information Centre31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4ADT: +44 (0) 28 9182 6846

Bangor Visitor Information Centre Tower House, 34 Quay Street, Bangor, BT20 5EDT: +44 (0) 28 9127 0069

Downpatrick Visitor Information CentreThe Saint Patrick Centre, 53a Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6LZT: +44 (0) 28 4461 2233

Kilkeel Visitor Information CentreNautilus Centre, Rooney Road, Kilkeel, BT34 4AGT: +44 (0) 28 4176 2525

Newcastle Visitor Information Centre10-14 Central Promenade,Newcastle, BT33 0AAT: +44 (0) 28 4372 2222

Newry Visitor Information CentreBagenal’s Castle, Castle Street, Newry, BT34 2BYT: +44 (0) 28 3031 3170

For further information on general touring, accommodation, short breaks and activity breaks please contact one of the following Visitor Information Centres or visit our websites.

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The information in this guide is correct at the time of print and every care has been taken to ensure accuracy. However, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes which may occur. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this guide, or in the event of bankruptcy or liquidationof any company, individual or firm mentioned, or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded. ©2018.

#[email protected] visitmournemountains.co.ukvisitstrangfordlough.co.uksaintpatrickscountry.com visitardsandnorthdown.com heaveninaheartbeat.com

Mourne Coastal Route - Visit Ards and North Down · all at the original set of Game of Thrones,...

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