The Mourne Mountains.

The Mourne Mountains

The Mourne Mountains rise dramatically from the sea in County Down, a compact range of rounded granite peaks that famously "sweep down to the sea" and are said to have inspired C.S. Lewis's land of Narnia. At their heart stands Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest mountain, climbed from the seaside resort of Newcastle for sweeping views over the Irish Sea.

Snaking across the high ground for 22 miles is the astonishing Mourne Wall, a dry-stone wall built over the early 1900s to enclose the reservoirs that still supply Belfast's water, and a beloved hikers' route linking the summits. It is a feat of patient craftsmanship, climbing and dipping across the peaks with the certainty of the land itself.

With granite tors, hidden valleys, the Silent Valley reservoir, forest parks and the lively coast at Newcastle, the Mournes are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the finest walking country in the north, peaceful, scenic and steeped in legend.

Where: County Down, the southeast
Best time: Late spring to early fall (May–Sep)
Good for: Hiking & mountains
Pair it with: Belfast or the coast

Where it is

On the map.

The Mourne Mountains rise in County Down in the southeast; the seaside town of Newcastle is the main gateway, with Slieve Donard above it.

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What you'll see

On the route.

Stop 01

The Mournes sweeping to the sea

A compact range of rounded granite peaks that rise straight from the County Down coast and famously sweep right down to the sea.

Stop 02

The Mourne Wall

A dry-stone wall running 22 miles across the high ground, climbing and dipping over the summits as a beloved hikers' route.

Stop 03

Slieve Donard

Northern Ireland's highest mountain, climbed from Newcastle for sweeping views over the Mournes and the Irish Sea beyond.

Stop 04

Granite tors and hidden valleys

Weathered granite outcrops crown the ridges, with the Silent Valley reservoir and quiet glens tucked among the peaks.

Know before you go

The practical details.

Good to know

The walking

The Mournes are superb walking country, from the climb up Slieve Donard from Newcastle to ridge routes along the Mourne Wall and gentler trails in Tollymore and Castlewellan forest parks; the high routes need proper hiking gear, fitness and a map or guide, as the weather can turn quickly.

Good to know

The sights

Beyond the summits, visit the Silent Valley reservoir and its mountain views, the granite tors, and the forest parks (Tollymore featured in Game of Thrones); base in the seaside resort of Newcastle, where the mountains meet the sea.

Good to know

When to go

Late spring through early fall brings the best walking weather and long daylight; the mountains are beautiful year-round but exposed, so pack warm layers and waterproofs whatever the season and check the forecast before heading high.

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The Mourne Mountains.

On the map.