Mourne Coastal Route PAGE 3 Contents 04 Welcome 07 Can’t Miss List 10 Zone 1 – Belfast to Portaferry 18 As Seen on Screen 20 Zone 2 – Portaferry to Newcastle 28 Zone 3 – Newcastle to Newry Including ‘Mourne Scenic Loops’, 42 Information & Services 44 Visitor Information Centres 46 Overview Map Mourne Coastal Route Edinburgh Troon Cairnryan Larne Stranraer Belfast Fleetwood Liverpool Dublin Holyhead Dun Laoghaire The Mourne Cardiff London Coastal Route The Mourne Coastal Route is a driving trail, taking you from Belfast via North Down, the Ards Peninsula, County Down coastline, Mourne Mountains and on to the city of Newry. The route leads you through some of the most scenic views in all of Ireland. The landscape is varied, bypassing green fields and edging dramatic coastline. It makes an intriguing journey, where you will be immersed in history, nature and stunning scenery. As you drive, expect to get many glimpses into the past, from ancient tower houses to stately homes and gardens. Four scenic loops give you the option of heading right into the heart of the mountains. Please be aware that some buildings are not manned, but sites are still accessible and well worth a visit for stunning views and photo opportunities. PAGE 5 The route is divided into 3 Zones Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 1, from Belfast wind your way Zone 2, from Portaferry via Zone 3 runs from Bloody Bridge through North Down, along the Strangford to Newcastle, runs (outside Newcastle) to the city of Ards Peninsula to Portaferry, along the coast of County Down, Newry, with scenic loops into the introduces you to the twin through an area known as Lecale. Mourne Mountains. industries that shaped this land - farming and fishing. This is Saint Patrick’s Country, The coastal towns en route each where Ireland’s patron saint have their own charm and legends, With the Irish Sea coast on one established his first church and whilst the great outdoors offers side and Strangford Lough on began his Christian mission. stunning views at every turn. the other, your journey takes you through an area known as the The area has beautiful beaches, ‘creative Peninsula’. an outstanding National nature reserve and many heritage sites. The small villages and towns en route are only a short trip from bustling Belfast and are home to many heritage sites, artisan producers and attractions. Zone 1 Driving Tips The Mourne Coastal Route is Zone 2 clearly marked with white text on brown signs. As in the rest of the UK and Ireland, drive on the left hand side of the Zone 3 road. Speed signs are in miles per hour. Mourne Coastal Route PAGE 7 Can’t miss list… This ‘can’t miss’ list will help you to make the most of driving the Mourne Coastal Route. There are many other fantastic attractions and places to visit along the way, but make sure you check these off for a start! Take your taste- Enjoy real-life Take to buds on a trip twitter the water Local produce from farming and Birdwatching is really rewarding Well, it is a coastal route, so you fishing is globally famous. With here. The winter skies are full of should take to the water! A boat Northern Ireland’s three main geese and duck, while the trip from Portaferry on Strangford fishing ports on the Mourne Coastal rocky coastline is home to Lough is great family fun, and Route, you’ve just got to try the oystercatchers and curlew. interesting for birdwatchers too. fresh seafood. It features on many restaurant menus, if you’re looking In the summer, nesting tern You can brave the water elsewhere for fine dining or just to grab some make this coastline their habitat. by canoe, sea safari or even the fish and chips and watch the sun Strangford Lough is a Marine Strangford Ferry. Alternatively, just go down over the harbour. Nature Reserve, meaning the take a seat by the shore and watch marine life is also worth exploring. the world go by. Artisan food producers are plentiful in this area, be sure to Pottering along the shore reveals Be sure to explore what makes try Comber potatoes, Portavogie starfish, urchins, shellfish and even its home in our waters at Exploris prawns, Dundrum Bay oysters, glimpses of seals basking on the Aquarium in Portaferry, an local honey, Finnebrogue venison rocks. If you stop for a walk along underwater world of fun. and local brews and beverages. the coast, you’re sure to see beautiful wild flowers and a huge variety of butterflies. St Patrick’s Trail takes in a host of Christian sites on the 92 mile linear driving route: www.saintpatrickcountry.com Mourne Coastal Route Can’t miss list… Live like a lord Head to the Discover The National Trust sites in this area beach something fishy all offer beautiful views and glorious You’re spoilt for choice with Northern Ireland’s three main nature. Neo-classical Mount beautiful sandy beaches for fishing ports feature on this route - Stewart has exceptional gardens sandcastle-building, paddling or Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel. and walks, as well as a house tour. a sea breeze. The Ards Peninsula has lovely local strands peppered along Firstly, you’ve got to sample the Castle Ward estate extends right the coast from Bangor all local seafood. The ports themselves to the edge of Strangford Lough, the way towards Ballyquintin all have a varied history, and it’s with its unique mansion, gardens Point at its tip. satisfying to watch the trawlers and trails. Also in Caste Ward you unload their catch at the harbours. can experience guided tours, Likewise, the route from Strangford archery and a medieval banquet to the mouth of Carlingford Lough Time spent in any of the fishing all at the original set of Game of has many glorious stretches of towns and villages lets you really Thrones, ‘Winterfell’. beach, including Tyrella, Murlough appreciate the journey from port Bay and Cranfield. There’s no excuse to plate. for keeping your toes dry! Portavogie Castle Ward PAGE 9 Stroll along Grab a space in the Be still in the heart the Promenade green outdoors of the mountains Newcastle is a bustling town It’s hard to believe that, in just Silent Valley Mountain Park is ringed nestled at the foot of Slieve Donard, one driving trail, there are quite so by dramatic peaks and reservoirs, the highest mountain in the many forest parks. Lovers of the and definitely worth the detour onto Mournes. Not only will you feel like great, green outdoors will find the High Mournes Scenic Loop of you’ve stepped into a postcard, the many diversions en route. this route. town also offers you a huge choice of activities and places to relax. Explore Crawfordsburn Country Prepare for breathtaking beauty. Park in North Down, where the You’ll find all the facilities you need The rejuvenated Promenade is leafy forest trails and stunning to make a pit stop and take in the definitely worth a walk to take in shores of Belfast Lough meet. views. Cameras ready! the sea air and see the public art on display. The town is also home to Castlewellan and Tollymore Royal County Down Golf Club, one of Forests, near Newcastle, offer the world’s finest links courses, and outdoor activities, walks, biking a previous host of the Irish Open. and horse riding. Rostrevor Forest adds to the outdoor thrills, with its scenic drive, beautiful woodland and world class mountain bike trails. Adjacent Kilbroney Park is home to the magic Narnia Trail. Newry Heritage Trail Starting and finishing in two bustling cities, the Mourne Coastal Route ends in Newry City. Newry The city has a fascinating heritage trail which begins at the Visitor Information Centre in Newry and Mourne Museum - Bagenal’s Castle. It’s worth taking in the sights of this ancient city, and discover the links to the legacy of Saint Patrick. Newcastle Mourne Coastal Route Zone 1 Belfast to Portaferry Explore the East Coast Leaving Belfast, your first Although you’ve left the busy and Ards Peninsula landmarks are the coastal capital city behind, Holywood and towns of Holywood and Bangor Bangor also have bustling high The first part of your journey in Zone in North Down. streets, interesting boutiques and 1 takes you from Belfast via the Irish coffee shops, as well as plenty to see Sea coast of the Ards Peninsula Escape the busy capital city, and do while you’re there. Slightly to Portaferry, which is right at the and enjoy the colourful streets, further along the coast is the pretty entrance to Strangford Lough. interesting boutiques and delicious seaside town of Groomsport. coffee shops, as well as fascinating You’re only a short trip from the history and heritage of the area. There’s a great play park if the lively sights of Belfast but, as you family needs a break and the town drive, the views open up to reveal The Ards Peninsula is well-known has a more relaxing feel. green fields, interesting buildings as the “Creative Peninsula” so if Many of the towns have heritage and an abundance of wildlife. you’re hoping to pick up a unique trails, including Holywood, You’re in the heart of County souvenir of your visit, or try some Donaghadee, Millisle, Ballywalter Down’s farming and fishing artisan produce, keep your eyes Portavogie and Portaferry. community, and there are so open for craft shops, galleries many interesting villages and and farm shops. The area’s Visitor You can download trail guides from towns to explore along the way.