The Mourne Mountains in County Down are one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive attractions.
Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark, the scenery is glorious and the scope of things to see and do extremely wide. Granite tors sit at the very top, giving a dramatic summit and natural viewing point.
The mountain region is divided into two distinct areas.
The eastern, or ‘high’ Mournes and northern of ‘low’ Mournes.
Each region offers excellent hill walking, cycling and outdoor pursuits.
There is also a wealth of history to explore, such as the eight-foot-high Mourne wall that was built in 1922 to keep sheep and cattle away from the Silent Valley reservoir. The area also has a lively and fascinating past as a smugglers’ haven during the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Hiking, walking and exploring on foot
Such is the diversity of the landscapes in the Mourne Mountains region that you can pretty much find any type of walk to enjoy. 
Coastal walks along sandy beaches like Murlough Beach offer dramatic and far-reaching views out to sea. Then, there are hill walks that take you through beautiful wooded areas like Tollymore Forest and across heathlands to see the flora and fauna that call the region home.
Choose from circular walks that set out and return from convenient car parks and starting points or linear walks that take you to new destinations and even more exciting adventures.
Walking festivals, tours and events take place every year, including the Wee Binnian Walking Festival in the early autumn. Guided hill walks that suit all levels of hikers and walking enthusiasts take place at different times of the day – and night – to show the region off at its seasonal finest.
Cycling challenges
The Mourne Mountains region is also an excellent choice for cycling fans.
Again, there is a wide range of routes from family friendly trails to more challenging tracks and lanes.
One famous cycling route is the Mourne Loop.
This is a 45-mile circular trail that takes cyclists on a mixed trail along easier flat areas, picturesque coastal paths, with a few challenging climbs and exciting descents thrown in for good measure.
Check out local tourist information sites for details of other self-guided and bookable cycling routes and excursions, including the Mourne trails and ales tour for local ale lovers. You can also hire electric mountain bikes for a different and fun experience exploring the beautiful region in style.
Local history and culture
St Patrick’s Day is only a few weeks away now. Ireland’s history is steeped in legend about this key figure and many others.
It is thought that St Patrick is buried in a graveyard close to Down Cathedral, located close to this fascinating region.
There are also guided walks along many of the routes St Patrick was believed to have walked in the area.
The Mourne Mountains also have a rich smugglers’ history, with valuable goods such as spices, leather, silk and tobacco coming into Newcastle and being trekked via ponies through the secluded mountain trails.
In fact, one commonly used trail in the high Mournes is still a highly popular walking route today, known as the Brandy Pad.
The unspoilt countryside and sweeping views really can transport visitors back to Ireland’s past, adding to the appeal of this stunning region. Several locations were used as filming backdrops for the HBO series Game of Thrones.
Check out our list of Hidden Ireland accommodation to find the ideal base for some Mourne Mountain adventures of your own.
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