Walking in Northern Ireland: Mourne Mountains
Northern Ireland is a dream for walking enthusiasts. The beautiful and diverse landscape of Northern Ireland means there are walks for people of all levels and with such an assorted offering, there’s a perfect walk for everyone. In this post we’re focusing on the magnificent Mourne Mountains.
About the Mourne Mountains
The Mourne Mountains are the highest mountain range in Northern Ireland, boasting some of the most dramatic peaks in the country and summits crowned by granite tors.
Intertwined throughout the Mourne Mountains is a complex network of paths and tracks that is a walker’s paradise. So much so that the area has been voted ‘Best Walking Destination’ in Northern Ireland, in part due to the amazing opportunities for walkers of all levels to explore and take in the wonderful surroundings.
The Mourne Mountains are divided into two distinct areas:
- The Eastern or ‘High’ Mournes
- The Western or ‘Low’ Mournes
If you’ve never visited the area you’ll be impressed with the variety of different landscapes you will find as you traverse the mountain range.
Where are the Mourne Mountains?
You can find this impressive mountain range in the beautiful County Down, just 31 miles south of Belfast.
Walking routes in the Mourne Mountains
Here are some of the most popular walking routes in the Mourne Mountains
(some of these walks will fall into more than one category so please research them before you go)
Coastal walks
Annalong Coastal Path
Bloody Bridge Coastal Route
Easy walks
Blue Lough
Bunkers Hill Walk
CastleWellan Forest Park
Drumee
Fairy Glen
Hanna’s Close - The Green Lane Walk
Silent Valley Nature Trail
Tollymore Forest Park - River Trail
Woodland walks
Montalto Estate Garden/Lake/Woodland Walk
Kilbroney Tree Trail
The Giant’s Lair Slieve Gullion
Tollymore Forest Park - Mountain & Drinks Trail
Steep/Mountain walks
Slieve Donard, Commedagh, Bearnagh
Trassey to Bloody Bridge
Slieve Binnian
Rocky Mountain
Granite Trail
Donard Forest Walk
The highest six peaks at Mourne Mountains
Want to challenge yourself by scaling the highest peaks? Thinking about attempting all six?
- Slieve Donard – 853m
- Slieve Commedagh – 765m
- Slieve Binnian – 747m
- Slieve Bearnagh – 739m
- Slieve Meelbeg – 708m
- Meelmore – 704m
Points of interest
The Mourne Wall
Probably the most famous landmark at Mourne Mountains is the Mourne Wall. Originally built to keep cattle and sheep out of the water catchment area of the Silent Valley reservoir, it took 18 years to complete and was finally finished in 1922. The stone wall reaches 8ft high and is 3ft wide taking up a 22 mile stretch of the Mournes.
