Evelyn's Guidebook
Newcastle: lovely traditional seaside town
Where the Mourne Mountains swept down to the sea. A 3 mile bay, with sandy beach, play parks, forest parks, pedalo swans, beautiful promenade, traditional little harbour, world famous Royal County Down golf links, lots of great restaurants, pubs and cafes and a new Lidl supermarket. What's not to like!
Macken's Bar
Newcastle Harbour: traditional old pub with outside cover beer garden, with sea view.
Newcastle, Main Street, above Broadway cafe (stairs/no lift): Book immediately O2843726800 as it's a hidden really low cost gem liscenced pizzeria with great pizzas and best sea view. Great spot for a big table, very affordable celebration. Usually closed in winter.
Toscano Pizzeria
Newcastle, Main Street, above Broadway cafe (stairs/no lift): Book immediately O2843726800 as it's a hidden really low cost gem liscenced pizzeria with great pizzas and best sea view. Great spot for a big table, very affordable celebration. Usually closed in winter.
Newcastle Main St O2843723O8O Book now if you want to eat here as this place is renowned for great Mediterranean style food and good service and is always booked well in advance.
42 locals recommend
Villa Vinci
Newcastle Main St O2843723O8O Book now if you want to eat here as this place is renowned for great Mediterranean style food and good service and is always booked well in advance.
Newcastle Main St, O2843723100 for best fresh fish and chips/scampi plus lots more, at reasonable prices.
7 locals recommend
Doc's Restaurant Newcastle
Newcastle Main St, O2843723100 for best fresh fish and chips/scampi plus lots more, at reasonable prices.
Newcastle Harbour: vintage tearoom/cafe. Enjoy John's great coffee/ brunch/ lunch/ cakes and bakes at this very reasonable priced vintage tearoom, after a walk along the promenade to the quaint harbour, looking out to sea.
11 locals recommend
Olive Bizarre
Newcastle Harbour: vintage tearoom/cafe. Enjoy John's great coffee/ brunch/ lunch/ cakes and bakes at this very reasonable priced vintage tearoom, after a walk along the promenade to the quaint harbour, looking out to sea.
Newcastle Harbour: Sheltered outside dining area with great sea views. Try a local on tap brewed ale. The Brew Bar coffee shop is attached and also has a sheltered outdoor area for snacks, lunch, coffee and scones.
23 locals recommend
Harbour House Newcastle
Newcastle Harbour: Sheltered outside dining area with great sea views. Try a local on tap brewed ale. The Brew Bar coffee shop is attached and also has a sheltered outdoor area for snacks, lunch, coffee and scones.
Newcastle Harbour House Brew Bar: enjoy lunch/cofee with a great view of the sea. Eat inside or outside in lovely sheltered/covered area right beside the harbour.
South Prom Brew Bar
Newcastle Harbour House Brew Bar: enjoy lunch/cofee with a great view of the sea. Eat inside or outside in lovely sheltered/covered area right beside the harbour.
Avoca Hotel
Newcastle, Main St.O2843722253 good pub grub. Ask for a sea view.
Dundrum: Fabulous board walks among the sand dunes. Check out high tide on the BBC tide table if you plan to walk on the beach with the Mountains of Mournes rolling down to the sea. Bright and uplifting any day but a great boost on a dull day, walking by the waves, on the beach towards Newcastle and the majestic mountains rolling down to the sea. Newcastle has lots of options for snacks and dining - Olive Bizarre vintage tearoom, Avoca hotel, Wild Hare Bar for a roaring fire on a winter's evening and Villa Vinci for great Mediterranean style food with friendly service:book as it's very popular.
39 locals recommend
Murlough Beach
Dundrum: Fabulous board walks among the sand dunes. Check out high tide on the BBC tide table if you plan to walk on the beach with the Mountains of Mournes rolling down to the sea. Bright and uplifting any day but a great boost on a dull day, walking by the waves, on the beach towards Newcastle and the majestic mountains rolling down to the sea. Newcastle has lots of options for snacks and dining - Olive Bizarre vintage tearoom, Avoca hotel, Wild Hare Bar for a roaring fire on a winter's evening and Villa Vinci for great Mediterranean style food with friendly service:book as it's very popular.
Waymarked river & hill trails with Game of Thrones film site. Scenic old bridges and stepping stones across the Shimna river with waterfalls roaring after a wet day. Bring a picnic or plenty of food options in Newcastle.
155 locals recommend
Tollymore Park
Waymarked river & hill trails with Game of Thrones film site. Scenic old bridges and stepping stones across the Shimna river with waterfalls roaring after a wet day. Bring a picnic or plenty of food options in Newcastle.
One of the most famous golf links in the world. Enjoy fabulous golf to the backdrop of the Mournes and Murlough bay.
76 locals recommend
Royal County Down Golf Club
One of the most famous golf links in the world. Enjoy fabulous golf to the backdrop of the Mournes and Murlough bay.
Mourne Mountains:walking and scenic spots from car window
We enjoy walking and cycling. We've climbed all the Mournes and are very happy to advise on trails for all abilities. Strong footwear, raincoat, sun screen, water and snacks are essential and equally essential please...leave no trace.
The Mourne wall weaves it's way over 15 mountains for 22 miles to enclose the catchment area of the Silent Valley dam. Enjoy majestic views of mountain and dam when you follow the tarmac road from the Silent valley dam to Ben Crom dam or hop in the private bus (seasonal)
The Mourne Mountains are a paradise for hill walkers with walks/views for all abilities. We've climbed them all and are very happy to advise on routes for all abilities. You can soak up the Mournes from the car window on your own mini Mourne 'safari': drive up the coast road to the quaint harbour at Annalong, then through the mountains to the Silent Valley reservoir. Paid car parking/cafe/toilets. Walk up the 2 mile private road to the Ben Crom resevoir or take the seasonal mini bus. Then on to Attical and make sure you take a slight detour for one of my favourite viewpoints at Ballymageogh Road. Stop at the top of the hill (farm sheds on left) and look back to see the most panoramic view of southern Mournes. Maybe stretch your legs there at Aughrim hill short trail and car park just over the other side of the hill. Then on to Spelga Reservoir viewpoint car park.The Tullyree viewpoint car park for another fab favourite view of the Mournes, Tollymore forest, & Slievenaman valley. Takes about 2 hours if you don't stop but that. would be a shame!
The Mourne Wall
The Mourne wall weaves it's way over 15 mountains for 22 miles to enclose the catchment area of the Silent Valley dam. Enjoy majestic views of mountain and dam when you follow the tarmac road from the Silent valley dam to Ben Crom dam or hop in the private bus (seasonal)
The Mourne Mountains are a paradise for hill walkers with walks/views for all abilities. We've climbed them all and are very happy to advise on routes for all abilities. You can soak up the Mournes from the car window on your own mini Mourne 'safari': drive up the coast road to the quaint harbour at Annalong, then through the mountains to the Silent Valley reservoir. Paid car parking/cafe/toilets. Walk up the 2 mile private road to the Ben Crom resevoir or take the seasonal mini bus. Then on to Attical and make sure you take a slight detour for one of my favourite viewpoints at Ballymageogh Road. Stop at the top of the hill (farm sheds on left) and look back to see the most panoramic view of southern Mournes. Maybe stretch your legs there at Aughrim hill short trail and car park just over the other side of the hill. Then on to Spelga Reservoir viewpoint car park.The Tullyree viewpoint car park for another fab favourite view of the Mournes, Tollymore forest, & Slievenaman valley. Takes about 2 hours if you don't stop but that. would be a shame!
Paradise for hill walkers with walks/views for all abilities. We've climbed them all and are very happy to advise on routes for all abilities.
You can soak up the Mournes from the car window on your own mini Mourne 'safari': drive up the coast road to the quaint harbour at Annalong, then through the mountains to the Silent Valley reservoir. Paid car parking/cafe/toilets. Walk up the 1 mile private road to the Ben Crom resevoir or take the seasonal mini bus. Then on to Attical and make sure you take a slight detour for one of my favourite viewpoints at Ballymageogh Road. Stop at the top of the hill (farm sheds on left) and look back to see the most panoramic view of southern Mournes. Maybe stretch your legs there at Aughrim hill short trail and car park just over the other side of the hill. Then on to Spelga Reservoir viewpoint car park The Tullyree viewpoint car park for another fab favourite view of the Mournes, Tollymore forest, & Slievenaman valley. Takes about 2 hours if you don't stop but that. would be a shame!
135 locals recommend
Mourne Mountains
Paradise for hill walkers with walks/views for all abilities. We've climbed them all and are very happy to advise on routes for all abilities.
You can soak up the Mournes from the car window on your own mini Mourne 'safari': drive up the coast road to the quaint harbour at Annalong, then through the mountains to the Silent Valley reservoir. Paid car parking/cafe/toilets. Walk up the 1 mile private road to the Ben Crom resevoir or take the seasonal mini bus. Then on to Attical and make sure you take a slight detour for one of my favourite viewpoints at Ballymageogh Road. Stop at the top of the hill (farm sheds on left) and look back to see the most panoramic view of southern Mournes. Maybe stretch your legs there at Aughrim hill short trail and car park just over the other side of the hill. Then on to Spelga Reservoir viewpoint car park The Tullyree viewpoint car park for another fab favourite view of the Mournes, Tollymore forest, & Slievenaman valley. Takes about 2 hours if you don't stop but that. would be a shame!
Fabulous view and picnic place overlooking the Slievenamann Valley, with Tollymore forest park surrounded by the Mourne Mountains
Tullyree Road Lay-by
Fabulous view and picnic place overlooking the Slievenamann Valley, with Tollymore forest park surrounded by the Mourne Mountains
Castlewellan area has it all!
Something for all ages/abilities : 5 waymarked walks for all ages/abilities: 2.4 mile flat lake loop walk for buggies/wheelchairs, gardens, mountain bike trails and 'pump park', climb the hill behind the castle (Slievenaslat) for fabulous views of the Mournes. Big mature Peace maze and play park, outdoor equipment hire from private adventure centre, horse riding centre nearby. Free parking at Dolly's brae car park or town carpark. Blue badge parking at lake and gardens. Take a picnic or Nana's cafe or Hillyard House.
87 locals recommend
Castlewellan Forest Park
Something for all ages/abilities : 5 waymarked walks for all ages/abilities: 2.4 mile flat lake loop walk for buggies/wheelchairs, gardens, mountain bike trails and 'pump park', climb the hill behind the castle (Slievenaslat) for fabulous views of the Mournes. Big mature Peace maze and play park, outdoor equipment hire from private adventure centre, horse riding centre nearby. Free parking at Dolly's brae car park or town carpark. Blue badge parking at lake and gardens. Take a picnic or Nana's cafe or Hillyard House.
See Castlewellan forest park from horse back trekking on traffic free forest paths for all ages and abilities.
10 locals recommend
Mount Pleasant
See Castlewellan forest park from horse back trekking on traffic free forest paths for all ages and abilities.
Castlewellan: for very good food and sevice in lovely surroundings.
7 locals recommend
Hillyard House Hotel
Castlewellan: for very good food and sevice in lovely surroundings.
Castlewellan: Whitewater Brewery: O28437789OO Book now on their website for a tasting tour in the brewery to sample some of their fabulous beers/ales, with names that celebrate local: Maggie's Leap, Hen,Cock & Pigeon, Belfast Ale, Black & Lager, Ewe Rebel and many more. If you don't make it onto a tour make sure and ask for them when you're in local pubs and restaurants or pick up some at the brewery or in an off licence. Saturday nights only: new pizzeria/tap room experience with a variety of sourdough pizzas. Phone to book: occasionally closed
7 locals recommend
Whitewater Brewing Co
Castlewellan: Whitewater Brewery: O28437789OO Book now on their website for a tasting tour in the brewery to sample some of their fabulous beers/ales, with names that celebrate local: Maggie's Leap, Hen,Cock & Pigeon, Belfast Ale, Black & Lager, Ewe Rebel and many more. If you don't make it onto a tour make sure and ask for them when you're in local pubs and restaurants or pick up some at the brewery or in an off licence. Saturday nights only: new pizzeria/tap room experience with a variety of sourdough pizzas. Phone to book: occasionally closed
Tarmac path nearly to the top of Slieve Croob for fantastic views of the Mournes. Make up a 'Slieve Croob safari': traveling to Slieve Croob via Lighthouse Road. (small white house on top of hill: there's not a wave to be seen!) and stop at Lighthouse road viewpoint car park; nice place for a picnic. Check out wonderful sites spanning 6000 years of man's existence here at Legananny Dolmen, Finnis Souterrain; maybe stretch you legs at Drumkeragh forest with 12 miles of waymarked walking/cycling trails. Fabulous views at the Windy Gap
6 locals recommend
Slieve Croob Car Park
Tarmac path nearly to the top of Slieve Croob for fantastic views of the Mournes. Make up a 'Slieve Croob safari': traveling to Slieve Croob via Lighthouse Road. (small white house on top of hill: there's not a wave to be seen!) and stop at Lighthouse road viewpoint car park; nice place for a picnic. Check out wonderful sites spanning 6000 years of man's existence here at Legananny Dolmen, Finnis Souterrain; maybe stretch you legs at Drumkeragh forest with 12 miles of waymarked walking/cycling trails. Fabulous views at the Windy Gap
Fab views from this 1.5m tall tomb: try to figure out how it was constructed in 4000BC. Carry on a 'local scenic safari' to the Windy Gap viewpoint, dander up Slieve Croob.
10 locals recommend
Legananny Dolmen
Fab views from this 1.5m tall tomb: try to figure out how it was constructed in 4000BC. Carry on a 'local scenic safari' to the Windy Gap viewpoint, dander up Slieve Croob.
Strangford and St Patrick's country
Free museum in the old Gaol, where you can visit the cells and learn more about life in gaol. Check website to find out about current special events, exhibitions and hands on activities
28 locals recommend
Down County Museum
Free museum in the old Gaol, where you can visit the cells and learn more about life in gaol. Check website to find out about current special events, exhibitions and hands on activities
Game of Thrones film site. 12th Century abbey with helpful signs about how it would have looked and functioned
29 locals recommend
Inch Abbey
Game of Thrones film site. 12th Century abbey with helpful signs about how it would have looked and functioned
St Patrick's grave is in the Cathedral graveyard - a very big stone marks the spot to prevent pilgrims taking handfuls of soil.
17 locals recommend
Down Cathedral (Church of Ireland)
St Patrick's grave is in the Cathedral graveyard - a very big stone marks the spot to prevent pilgrims taking handfuls of soil.
Award adventure playground where young imaginations run wild on zip lines, towers,swings& slides. Take a stress free stroll along wooded lough shore. Check seasonal mini railway and free mobility scooters free to registered users.
46 locals recommend
Delamont Country Park
Award adventure playground where young imaginations run wild on zip lines, towers,swings& slides. Take a stress free stroll along wooded lough shore. Check seasonal mini railway and free mobility scooters free to registered users.
Beautiful National Trust house, gardens, grounds with waymarked forest, shore, farm multi purpose trails for walkers, mountain bikers, wheelchairs and buggies trails on the shores of beautiful Strangford Lough. 6 Game of Thrones film sites
135 locals recommend
National Trust - Castle Ward
Beautiful National Trust house, gardens, grounds with waymarked forest, shore, farm multi purpose trails for walkers, mountain bikers, wheelchairs and buggies trails on the shores of beautiful Strangford Lough. 6 Game of Thrones film sites
Whiterocks : lovely spot for home made treats and snacks in the cafe of renown Daft Eddie's - make this your stop of when you take a day trip to explore Strangford Lough. You can work up an appetite with a dander along the beautiful shoreline at Delamont park, then through the quaint village of Killyleagh, hugging the coast via Ballymorran Bay, to Whiterocks where you'll find Little Eddie's just across the causeway on Skettrick Island and round the next corner to Nendrum monastic site.
Little Eddy’s
Whiterocks : lovely spot for home made treats and snacks in the cafe of renown Daft Eddie's - make this your stop of when you take a day trip to explore Strangford Lough. You can work up an appetite with a dander along the beautiful shoreline at Delamont park, then through the quaint village of Killyleagh, hugging the coast via Ballymorran Bay, to Whiterocks where you'll find Little Eddie's just across the causeway on Skettrick Island and round the next corner to Nendrum monastic site.
Get close to nature at Castle Espie Wetland centre. Great activities for kids exploring the Brent geese barn,the pond zone and secret swamp.
The Kingfisher Cafe at Castle Espie
Get close to nature at Castle Espie Wetland centre. Great activities for kids exploring the Brent geese barn,the pond zone and secret swamp.
Ards Pennisula 'safari': take the short trip from Strangford across the mouth of Strangford Lough to Portaferry on the regular ferry and wind your way round the coast exploring the 'toe' of the Ards Pennisula with a picnic as there's few eateries. Hug the coast on very quiet roads to Ballyquintin point nature reserve, on to Kearney, Cloughy beach and back on the ferry and home by Ballyhornan: where there's a beautiful coastal walk.
6 locals recommend
Strangford Ferry Terminal
Ards Pennisula 'safari': take the short trip from Strangford across the mouth of Strangford Lough to Portaferry on the regular ferry and wind your way round the coast exploring the 'toe' of the Ards Pennisula with a picnic as there's few eateries. Hug the coast on very quiet roads to Ballyquintin point nature reserve, on to Kearney, Cloughy beach and back on the ferry and home by Ballyhornan: where there's a beautiful coastal walk.
A ferry trip across from picturesque Strangford, across the mouth of Strangford Lough to Portaferry and up the coast to Mount Stewart, stopping of in the the quaint little village of Greyabbey to check out the antique shops, then to the enchanting Mount Stewart house, 70 acres of gardens and 800acre demesne, with 12 miles of walking trails, and a truly unique 'big' house experience. Visit the excellent cafe and gift shop before you leave.
49 locals recommend
Mount Stewart House
A ferry trip across from picturesque Strangford, across the mouth of Strangford Lough to Portaferry and up the coast to Mount Stewart, stopping of in the the quaint little village of Greyabbey to check out the antique shops, then to the enchanting Mount Stewart house, 70 acres of gardens and 800acre demesne, with 12 miles of walking trails, and a truly unique 'big' house experience. Visit the excellent cafe and gift shop before you leave.
Belfast: out and about
Fabulous day out Tuesday-Sunday when the forecast is dry. Check website for seasonal opening hours and family/concession entry fees. It takes 3+ hours to enjoy wandering round a choice of 3 trails of over 55 old buildings and dwellings, complete with all their authentic furnishings and equipment, many of which have been collected from various parts of Ulster, brick by brick. You can walk and rest awhile to complete the entire 3 miles of winding trails to see farms, cottages, a typical town with shops, churches, pub, terraced and grand houses, school house, rectory, courthouse and bank; stepping back to the rural way of living in Ireland in the early 20th century. Enjoy watching heritage skills including blacksmithing, linen weaving and sample traditional baking. Take a picnic/snacks or enjoy lunch in the tearooms and finish with a browse in a beautiful gift shop which has. something for every pocket... including pocket money toys. Both the town and country trails are suitable for wheelchair and buggy. Email soonest to book a very limited number of motability scooters and wheelchairs or contact me and borrow the push wheelchair suitable for a small adult from MourneView.
134 locals recommend
Ulster Folk Museum
Fabulous day out Tuesday-Sunday when the forecast is dry. Check website for seasonal opening hours and family/concession entry fees. It takes 3+ hours to enjoy wandering round a choice of 3 trails of over 55 old buildings and dwellings, complete with all their authentic furnishings and equipment, many of which have been collected from various parts of Ulster, brick by brick. You can walk and rest awhile to complete the entire 3 miles of winding trails to see farms, cottages, a typical town with shops, churches, pub, terraced and grand houses, school house, rectory, courthouse and bank; stepping back to the rural way of living in Ireland in the early 20th century. Enjoy watching heritage skills including blacksmithing, linen weaving and sample traditional baking. Take a picnic/snacks or enjoy lunch in the tearooms and finish with a browse in a beautiful gift shop which has. something for every pocket... including pocket money toys. Both the town and country trails are suitable for wheelchair and buggy. Email soonest to book a very limited number of motability scooters and wheelchairs or contact me and borrow the push wheelchair suitable for a small adult from MourneView.
Escape for FREE on a wet day to the warm, covered spectacular Tropical Ravine and Palm houses, set in 28 acres of public park. Ulster Museum is next door for more FREE wet day fun with dinosaurs, an Egyptian mummy and the Game of Thrones tapestry, the museum explores the past, present and future through natural science, history & art. Check out Ulster museum website for workshops and temporary exhibitions. Bring a picnic or enjoy a lovely very reasonably priced lunch in the French village Bakery.
228 locals recommend
Ulster Museum
Escape for FREE on a wet day to the warm, covered spectacular Tropical Ravine and Palm houses, set in 28 acres of public park. Ulster Museum is next door for more FREE wet day fun with dinosaurs, an Egyptian mummy and the Game of Thrones tapestry, the museum explores the past, present and future through natural science, history & art. Check out Ulster museum website for workshops and temporary exhibitions. Bring a picnic or enjoy a lovely very reasonably priced lunch in the French village Bakery.
Belfast Botanic Garden: fabulous any day but especially on a wet day the tropical ravine, palm house and glasshouses, filled with exotic plants makes for a wonderful free walk 'in nature' and then into the Ulster Museum for Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, art and science and a cup of coffee.
271 locals recommend
Botanic Gardens Park
Belfast Botanic Garden: fabulous any day but especially on a wet day the tropical ravine, palm house and glasshouses, filled with exotic plants makes for a wonderful free walk 'in nature' and then into the Ulster Museum for Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, art and science and a cup of coffee.
Fabulous interactive display: see, hear and experience the Titanic story. Book tickets in advance
530 locals recommend
Titanic Belfast
Fabulous interactive display: see, hear and experience the Titanic story. Book tickets in advance
Belfast: Fabulous 4 hours for foodies. Book tour now as they're very popular. Enjoy sampling home made traditional food and drinks at St George's Market, genuine old pubs/cafes and shops with fun and informative guides.
13 locals recommend
Taste & Tour: Belfast Food Tour, Drinks Tours & Private Tours
Belfast: Fabulous 4 hours for foodies. Book tour now as they're very popular. Enjoy sampling home made traditional food and drinks at St George's Market, genuine old pubs/cafes and shops with fun and informative guides.
Belfast: Food and craft market Saturday and Sunday 9am - 3pm. Enjoy an eclectic extensive range of local and international food from local producers, farm shops and independent retailers alongside craft stalls. A real feel good foodie vibe.
254 locals recommend
ST. George's Market
Belfast: Food and craft market Saturday and Sunday 9am - 3pm. Enjoy an eclectic extensive range of local and international food from local producers, farm shops and independent retailers alongside craft stalls. A real feel good foodie vibe.
Belfast: Speciality grocers with an extensive and eclectic range of home produced and international foods and gifts.
9 locals recommend
Sawers
Belfast: Speciality grocers with an extensive and eclectic range of home produced and international foods and gifts.
Belfast: Extensive and eclectic range of home produced and international food - easy access on Lisburn Road
6 locals recommend
The Arcadia Delicatessen
Belfast: Extensive and eclectic range of home produced and international food - easy access on Lisburn Road
Carlingford and scenic Slieve Gullion
Your 'Ring of Gullion' 'safari' should start at Bagenal's castle in Newry which shows how the English settler gentry lived in 1500s: it's also the tourist info centre where they can provide more info on your journey to scenic Camlough lake, on to Slieve Gullion scenic drive in the forest park after letting the kids burn of some energy at the renowned adventure play park and checking out the fairy trail. There's good snacks in the court yard cafe or maybe you fancy lunch in Killeavy Castle Hotel, before a dander around Castle Roche to find the Murder Window and then back to Newry for bit of retail therapy in the Buttercrane/Quays shopping centres. Lots to keep the whole team engaged and enjoying.
9 locals recommend
Bagenal's Castle
Your 'Ring of Gullion' 'safari' should start at Bagenal's castle in Newry which shows how the English settler gentry lived in 1500s: it's also the tourist info centre where they can provide more info on your journey to scenic Camlough lake, on to Slieve Gullion scenic drive in the forest park after letting the kids burn of some energy at the renowned adventure play park and checking out the fairy trail. There's good snacks in the court yard cafe or maybe you fancy lunch in Killeavy Castle Hotel, before a dander around Castle Roche to find the Murder Window and then back to Newry for bit of retail therapy in the Buttercrane/Quays shopping centres. Lots to keep the whole team engaged and enjoying.
Free Slieve Gullion adventure play park with toddler area, adventure towers and slides for older children and the popular zip line. There's a Fairy Walk 1 mile walk, through the woods with fairy doorways and mythical dragons, giants and witches. Good food in the cafe. 5 mile scenic drive through woodland and heath with some spectacular views
67 locals recommend
Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Free Slieve Gullion adventure play park with toddler area, adventure towers and slides for older children and the popular zip line. There's a Fairy Walk 1 mile walk, through the woods with fairy doorways and mythical dragons, giants and witches. Good food in the cafe. 5 mile scenic drive through woodland and heath with some spectacular views
5 miles of scenic driving in the forest park, through purple heather(summer) and woodland, with some spectacular views, all from the car window. A waymarked trail leads on a short path from the drive to the passage tomb on the south summit of Slieve Gullion.
Slieve Gullion Forest Drive
5 miles of scenic driving in the forest park, through purple heather(summer) and woodland, with some spectacular views, all from the car window. A waymarked trail leads on a short path from the drive to the passage tomb on the south summit of Slieve Gullion.
Cooley Pennisula 'safari': Take the 20 min ferry trip for specular views of the Mournes and Cooley Pennisula from Greenore across Carlingford Lough to Greencastle or come the opposite direction. During the summer the ferries offer specialist 2 hours leisure cruises. Carlingford is a renowned quaint, mediaeval village with St John's castle, quiet roads and paths to dander with great views across Carlingford Lough to the Mournes. Enjoy great brunch and cakes in Ruby Ellen's vintage tearooms or PJ O' Hares for an outside beer garden in summer and cosy roaring fire in winter.
27 locals recommend
Carlingford Lough Ferry
Cooley Pennisula 'safari': Take the 20 min ferry trip for specular views of the Mournes and Cooley Pennisula from Greenore across Carlingford Lough to Greencastle or come the opposite direction. During the summer the ferries offer specialist 2 hours leisure cruises. Carlingford is a renowned quaint, mediaeval village with St John's castle, quiet roads and paths to dander with great views across Carlingford Lough to the Mournes. Enjoy great brunch and cakes in Ruby Ellen's vintage tearooms or PJ O' Hares for an outside beer garden in summer and cosy roaring fire in winter.
Check out the Murder Window: Lady Rohesia built the castle in 1236AD. Legend has it she promised her hand in marriage to the architect if she was happy with the castle. When he went to propose marriage she had him thrown out one of the windows, which is called the Murder Window. Spectacular views enroute and when you're in the derelict castle: a wonderful place to bring a picnic.
11 locals recommend
Castle Roche
Check out the Murder Window: Lady Rohesia built the castle in 1236AD. Legend has it she promised her hand in marriage to the architect if she was happy with the castle. When he went to propose marriage she had him thrown out one of the windows, which is called the Murder Window. Spectacular views enroute and when you're in the derelict castle: a wonderful place to bring a picnic.
Banbridge and Hillsborough
Wheelchair/buggy friendly boulevard outlet shopping centre for big name fashion and shoe brands, cafes, fast food, Omniplex cinema: good disabled toilets.
28 locals recommend
The Boulevard - Banbridge
Wheelchair/buggy friendly boulevard outlet shopping centre for big name fashion and shoe brands, cafes, fast food, Omniplex cinema: good disabled toilets.
Step inside the 7 kingdoms, walk through the epic sets and discover the secrets of film making at this epic family attraction. Park and get your tickets at Banbridge Outlet shopping centre and shuttle bus brings you to GoT centre. Finish of with snacks and outlet shopping. Filming locations in the Mournes include Leitrim lodge, Inch Abbey, Tollymore and Castleward.
87 locals recommend
Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Step inside the 7 kingdoms, walk through the epic sets and discover the secrets of film making at this epic family attraction. Park and get your tickets at Banbridge Outlet shopping centre and shuttle bus brings you to GoT centre. Finish of with snacks and outlet shopping. Filming locations in the Mournes include Leitrim lodge, Inch Abbey, Tollymore and Castleward.
We're surrounded by local golf courses including Banbridge, Spa/Ballynahinch, Portadown, Lurgan and Tandragee.
Banbridge Golf Club
We're surrounded by local golf courses including Banbridge, Spa/Ballynahinch, Portadown, Lurgan and Tandragee.
A good wet day activity in the pool with flume to burn of some energy. Check website for flume times. For those in the team who don't fancy the pool Banbridge is an excellent shopping town with an extensive number of independent retailers and Outlet shopping at the Boulevard.
6 locals recommend
Banbridge Leisure Centre
A good wet day activity in the pool with flume to burn of some energy. Check website for flume times. For those in the team who don't fancy the pool Banbridge is an excellent shopping town with an extensive number of independent retailers and Outlet shopping at the Boulevard.
Tandragee Golf Club
We have one golf fanatic in the family who can advise you!
NI's Royal Residence where you can explore 100 acres of gardens with the explorer map, meandering waterways picturesque glens, the Lost garden, Yew tree walk, the Moss walk, the Ice house & newly restored 4 acre walled kitchen garden. Sample the produce in the cafe where dishes have been made using heritage varieties. Fabulous winter outdoor light show after dark:very popular so book online.
78 locals recommend
Hillsborough Castle
NI's Royal Residence where you can explore 100 acres of gardens with the explorer map, meandering waterways picturesque glens, the Lost garden, Yew tree walk, the Moss walk, the Ice house & newly restored 4 acre walled kitchen garden. Sample the produce in the cafe where dishes have been made using heritage varieties. Fabulous winter outdoor light show after dark:very popular so book online.
Hillsborough: lovely restaurant with consistently excellent food and beverages for a range of prices to suit different pockets. Always book as it's always popular
29 locals recommend
The Parson's Nose
Hillsborough: lovely restaurant with consistently excellent food and beverages for a range of prices to suit different pockets. Always book as it's always popular
The Halfway House
Banbridge: Great food and service in this family run gastro pub near Banbridge.