Mourne Mountains Travel Guide

For starters, the Mournes are home to Northern Ireland’s highest peak. Slieve Donard stands at 850m high and on a good day you’ll have views of many things; Scotlands peaks, the Isle of Man, the Wicklow Mountains and the Donegal Hills.

The Mourne Wall

The Mourne Wall is a fascinating feature of the Mourne Mountains. Standing at 1.5m high and 22 miles long, it passes over 15 peaks of the Mourne Range – a very useful feature for navigating! On three of the peaks – Slieve Donard, Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Meelmore – shelter towers are made to shelter the Mourne Wall’s hardy builders with “hands like shovels” from the elements. It was purpose-built to keep the man-made Silent Valley Reservoir free from livestock. Construction of this dry stone wall began in 1904 and took 18 years.

Glen River

From the Slieve Donard car park, take the well-defined path through native woodland – watch your step as the exposed root systems of the trees can be slippery. Trace the edge of the Glen River, crossing a few bridges along the way, until you catch a glimpse of the saddle beyond. Shortly after, you’ll come across a steep stone path leading straight to the col between Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh. It’s here you’ll first meet the famous Mourne Wall. Take left and follow the wall all the way to the top.

Bloody Bridge

It’s worth noting that parking for the Bloody Bridge involves crossing a busy main road to get to the trail head. A series of wooden gates leading from the car park will take you across the road to where the trail narrows, becoming uneven and stoney. Use the river as your guide until you reach a zig-zag trail – please keep on the path, no shortcuts! After reaching the quarry you’ll meet the Mourne Wall. Follow this for 1km until you reach the summit.

Legananny Dolmen

Located north of Castlewellan, at the foot of Slieve Croob this megalith dates back to the Neolithic period and is said to be over 5,000 years old. The name Legananny is derived from Irish Liagán Áine, meaning ‘Áine’s standing stone.’ Because of its three supporting stones, it’s known to be called a Tripod Dolmen. There’s evidence of a cairn site nearby and burial remains have been found in excavations of the site. Worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Silent Valley Park

You are surrounded by the mountains from every angle in “the valley”. The large expanse of water is the Silent Valley Reservoir which supplies Belfast and the surrounding area. A stunning spot for an easy going and peaceful amble. The easiest of the many walking trails are Ben Crom Trail and the Nature Trail. For more of a challenge, there’s also a mountain access to the High Mournes from here.

Not far from the Visitor Centre in the valley is the Binnian Tunnel. Built in the 1940s, it carves through underneath Slieve Binnian and connects the Silent Valley to Annalong Valley.

Castlewellan Forest Park

For tree lovers this is a must-see spot – The National Arboretum calls this park home. It was started as a pleasure project by the Scottish Annesley family and contains trees from Asia, North and South America, and Australasia.

Here, you will also find the Peace Maze, constructed in 2001 by volunteers, which contains over 6,000 Yews! It was once the world’s largest permanent Hedge Maze, though today it is now second in line after the Pineapple Garden Maze in Hawaii.

Dundrum Castle

Overlooking Dundrum Bay, Dundrum Dastle was built by the Anglo-Norman John de Courcy after his invasion of Ulster in the 12th century, and is a fine example of Norman architecture. It was built to control the land routes from Drogheda to Downpatrick and offers stunning views of the bay and Mourne Mountains to the South.

Dundrum Coastal Walk

This beautiful little coastal walk takes in part of the Lecale Way. Winding around the Inner Bay along an old railway track, this walk is a short 2.5km stretch. Starting from a national car park along the main Newcastle to Dundrum road, it’s perfect for taking in some fresh sea air after a day of exploring.

Clough Castle

Another one worth a visit is the wee Clough Castle. It’s also tied to John de Courcy and is also a great example of the Norman motte and bailey design. Excavations in the 1950s revealed a wooden structure around the motte that was used as a pit for archers.