Outdoor Adventures
Walking & Hiking
From gentle forest walks to challenging mountain summits, the Mourne region was voted 'Best Walking Destination' in Northern Ireland.
Find Your Trail
The Mournes offer 12 peaks over 600m, enchanted forests that inspired C.S. Lewis, and coastal paths with views across the Irish Sea. Whether you want a gentle stroll through woodland or a serious summit challenge, you'll find your perfect trail here.
Annual festivals celebrate our walking heritage, including the Mourne International Walking Festival and the Wee Binnian Walking Festival - bringing together walkers from across the globe to explore these legendary landscapes.
Plan Your Adventure
Detailed Trail Guides
Ready to hit the trails? Explore our comprehensive guides for detailed route information, maps, difficulty ratings, and essential tips for your walking adventure.
Walking Routes
Detailed trail guides covering routes for all abilities - from easy forest walks to challenging mountain summits. Includes distances, estimated times, and difficulty ratings.
Explore all routes
The Mourne Way
42kmNorthern Ireland's premier long-distance trail. A 42km journey through the heart of the Mournes, from Newcastle to Rostrevor, passing ancient forests and mountain passes.
Plan your journeyFeatured Trails
Iconic Mourne Hikes
Slieve Donard Summit
Northern Ireland's highest peak (850m/2,790ft)
Via Glen River from Newcastle
Duration: 4-6 hours round trip
"Standing on Northern Ireland's rooftop, you'll understand why this peak has drawn pilgrims for millennia."
Mourne Wall Challenge
22 miles, 15 peaks
Historic dry-stone wall route (7 years to build, 1904-1922)
Duration: 12-15 hours
"The ultimate Mourne challenge - follow the historic wall across 15 summits."
Hare's Gap Walk
Classic Mourne route through dramatic mountain pass
Beautiful valley between Slieve Bearnagh and Slieve Commedagh
Duration: 3-4 hours
"A classic Mourne walk through one of the range's most dramatic mountain passes."
Slieve Binnian
Distinctive tor-topped summit
Spectacular views of Silent Valley reservoir
Duration: 4-5 hours
"The rocky tors and reservoir views make this one of the most photogenic peaks."
Ways to Explore
From gentle forest strolls to guided mountain adventures, there's a walking experience for every ability and interest.
Forest Walks
Tollymore, Castlewellan, and Kilbroney offer gentle trails through ancient woodland - perfect for families and nature lovers.
Coastal Paths
Follow the Mourne Coastal Route on foot, discovering hidden coves, fishing villages, and dramatic sea views.
Guided Adventures
Join local guides for insider knowledge, safety expertise, and stories that bring the mountains to life.
Walking Festivals
Join walkers from around the world at the Mourne International Walking Festival and the Wee Binnian Walking Festival. These annual celebrations offer guided walks for all abilities, local food and music, and a chance to explore trails with expert guides.
Don't miss "Magic Hill" at Spelga Dam - a famous optical illusion where cars appear to roll uphill! It's a quirky stop on any Mourne adventure.
Plan your visit
Stories From the Trail
Plan Your Visit
Ready-made trip plans to make the most of your visit.
Ready to Hit the Trail?
Explore our detailed trail guides with maps, difficulty ratings, and insider tips for your perfect Mourne walking adventure.