discoverni Archives - Hidden Ireland

Explore the Mourne Mountain Region! From dramatic mountains sweeping down to the sea to miles of sandy beaches and magical Forest Parks. The Mourne Region has it all.

The Mourne Mountain range has many walks for all abilities and boasts many wonderful views. The tallest peak Slieve Donard was the inspiration for the Percy French song “Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea” as it dominates the quaint seaside town of Newcastle. The world class Royal County Down Golf Club sits between Newcastle and Murlough Beach which is a protected wildlife reserve and one of the most picturesque places for a swim in Ireland.

When you are exploring the Mourne Mountain Region there are 3 forest parks in the area. Tollymore Forest is 3 miles outside Newcastle and Castlewellan Forest is 5 miles from Newcastle. It has many forest walks and a mature maze to keep you occupied for hours. Kilbroney Park can be found in the pretty village of Rostrevor and was one of the areas which inspired CS Lewis to write The Tales of Narnia. You can climb up to the Cloughmor Stone and look out over Carlingford Lough to the Cooley Mountains. All three parks have designated bike tracks and bike hire is available.

Downpatrick is also close by and you can visit St Patrick’s Grave at the Cathedral and follow St Patrick’s trail. The many stone circles and Neolithic Dolmens in the area are also well worth a visit.

There is so much to discover in the Mourne Region and all over Northern Ireland. To learn more about discovering Northern Ireland click HERE.

Hidden Ireland also have two Country Houses, namely Kiltariff Hall & Tyrella House where you can stay and explore this whole area

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Set at the end of a short drive lies Kiltariff Hall Country House surrounded by mature oak, sycamore and pine trees. Lovingly cared for down the generations Kiltariff Hall Country House has been part of the history of Rathfriland since the 1750s. Catherine Cummings owns Kiltariff Hall Country House and loves sharing with guests the beautiful history of the house including the fact that it was her grandfather who actually built the house in 1888.

The House:

The reception rooms in Kiltariff Hall are beautifully spacious with high ceilings and ornate cornicing. The dining room boasts a large antique table and a Broadwood grand piano. The house also has many of the original fireplaces, pitch pine doors and woodwork. The bedrooms are exceptionally comfortable with well appointed en-suite bathrooms. There are exquisite views of the Mourne Mountains from one side of the house. Outside there is a vegetable garden and a patio for relaxing. Bedrooms are refreshed daily with fresh filtered water, milk and delicious home baked treats. Kiltariff Hall also has broadband internet available in every room.

Good Food:

Enjoy a traditional “Ulster Fry” or smoked salmon and scrambled egg in the dining room overlooking the garden. For a lighter breakfast, a selection of fresh fruit, yoghurt and cereal is available from the buffet on the sideboard. Kiltariff Hall’s own walled vegetable garden provides the fruit when in season. Catherine also has a variety of her own homemade preserves and freshly homemade wheaten bread. Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options available upon request.

Click here to book a stay in Kiltariff Hall Country House

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