The Mournes (NT)
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Overview
The Mournes were immortalised in the song The Mountains of Mourne written by Percy French in 1896, and recorded more recently by The Kingston Trio, and Don McLean. They also influenced C.S. Lewis to write The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The climb to Slieve Donard Summit can be strenuous but worth it for spectacular views; the Co. Down coast, Newcastle town, Murlough Dunes and on a clear day Scrabo Tower to the North and the Isle of Man to the East. The Glen River Path leads up to the saddle, or col, between Donard and Commedagh and the Mourne Wall, a well-known feature in the Mournes. One of the last active granite quarries in the Mournes is Thomas's Quarry. It is from here the 47 tonne, 40 feet (12m) long Delamont Millennium stone was quarried, the highest modern standing stone in Northern Ireland. Another place to explore is Bloody Bridge. The name refers to a massacre at the site during the 1641 rebellion; the bodies of slain prisoners were thrown over the bridge into the river, turning the water red. Finally, take a wander along the Mourne Coast Path, which is hugely important for the access it affords visitors to an otherwise generally inaccessible coastline. The paths run from the rocky coastline of Dundrum Bay to the lower slopes of the Mourne Mountains.
About the area
Geographically, County Down seems to put a long arm around Strangford Lough, over 70 square miles of water. The arm is the Ards Peninsula, the most easterly part of Ireland.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Windsor Holiday Park
Windsor Holiday Park is located in the coastal town of Newcastle, within sight of the breath-taking Mourne Mountains. This very well managed and presented site has a small reception ben...
Ghan House
Dating from 1727, Ghan House oozes charm and comfort. Set in a two-acre walled garden, the house is within 50 metres of Carlingford’s centre, making it an ideal base for walking and tou...
Killeavy Castle Estate
Located in a 350 acre estate made up of woods and farm lands, Killeavy Castle was built in the 19th century, but only recently opened as a hotel after massive refurbishment and investme...
Seagoe Hotel
The Seagoe Hotel is ideally located close to Portadown and within easy reach of road and rail transport networks. This modern contemporary hotel caters well for the needs of both the bu...
The Lodge at Quarterland Bay
The Lodge at Quarterland Bay enjoys a peaceful location looking out on the rolling hills and down to Strangford Lough. The Lodge can cater for up to 24 guests with a minimum of 6 guests...
La Mon Hotel & Country Club
The La Mon Hotel and Country Club is surrounded by rolling countryside only 15 minutes from Belfast City Centre. A well equipped and presented hotel with spacious bedrooms providing the...
The Malone
The Malone is situated in the leafy suburbs of the university area of south Belfast, this stylish hotel forms the centrepiece of an attractive row of Victorian terraced properties. The ...
Tara Lodge
Tara Lodge is ideally located for the Botanic Gardens as well as Belfast university. Friendly staff and comfortable bedrooms make Tara Lodge popular for both leisure or business guests....
