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A mini guide to
The Mournes & Newcastle: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Prepare for the hills
Mountain weather changes quickly. Carry a map, waterproofs and food if you plan to climb Slieve Donard or walk beside the Mourne Wall.
Silent Valley access
Northern Ireland Water runs Silent Valley. Check its page for opening, parking and any charges before you drive in.
Forest parks
Tollymore and Castlewellan are state forest parks listed on nidirect. Check each page for opening times and any entry or parking charges.
Dunes at Murlough
Murlough National Nature Reserve is cared for by the National Trust. Keep to the paths through the dunes.
Borders on the water
Carlingford Lough forms part of the border with the Republic of Ireland. Venues listed here are on the Northern Ireland side.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Mournes & Newcastle?
The Mournes & Newcastle is in Newry, Mourne and Down District, Northern Ireland. Granite mountains, forest parks and a seaside town at the foot of Slieve Donard. Nearby stops and stations include Newcastle, Silent Valley, Tollymore.
How long do I need in The Mournes & Newcastle?
A day for Newcastle and Tollymore, two for the mountains and Silent Valley. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Slieve Donard, Mourne Mountains, Silent Valley Mountain Park. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Newcastle (Buses); Silent Valley (Car); Tollymore (Car or walk). The Getting there page links to the official schedules and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 19 places to eat and drink in and around The Mournes & Newcastle, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 10 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is The Mournes & Newcastle accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in The Mournes & Newcastle
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Mourne Wall
Granite dry-stone wall, 22 miles long, built between 1904 and 1922 around the Silent Valley catchment.
Tollymore Forest Park
Forest park of about 630 hectares at the foot of the Mournes, the first state forest park in Northern Ireland.
Murlough National Nature Reserve
National Trust nature reserve of sand dunes, wildlife and walking trails on Dundrum Bay.
Northern Ireland
More areas to explore
Fermanagh Lakelands
Lough Erne islands, National Trust houses and limestone caves around Enniskillen
Open the mini guide →
Belfast city centre & Cathedral Quarter
Civic landmarks, historic pubs and the alleys of the Cathedral Quarter
Open the mini guide →
Titanic Quarter & East Belfast
Shipyard heritage on the Lagan, then C. S. Lewis, Stormont and east Belfast high streets
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Newcastle seafront: Ardfern, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Mourne Wall: Eric Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Tollymore Forest Park: Eric Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Murlough National Nature Reserve: Eric Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Fermanagh Lakelands: Joli, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Belfast city centre & Cathedral Quarter: Bryn Holmes, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Titanic Quarter & East Belfast: Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- The Causeway Coast: Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0, source
- Derry~Londonderry: Mario Falcetti, CC BY 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Northern Ireland