The Mourne Mountains are the highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland, its summits crowned by granite tors. The mountains are criss-crossed by a network of paths and tracks and walking route cards are available from the visitor information centre in Newcastle. The routes providie enthusiastic walkers with incredible opportunities for exploration across the distinctive summits of 12 mountains spanning 15 miles in length. The Mournes are divided into 2 distinctive areas —the Eastern or ‘High’ Mournes and the Western or ‘Low’ Mournes. Any newcomer to the Mournes will be amazed at the variety of landscapes that can be encountered within such a confined geographical area.

See the Mourne Wall–a dry-stone wall that crosses fifteen summits, which was constructed in the late nineteenth century to define the boundaries of the 36 km2 (8,900-acre) area of land purchased by the Belfast Water Commissioners.

Percy French’s song, ‘Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea’ make them the best known mountains in Ireland.