Dundrum, County Down

Mourne Mountains

The Mourne Mountains are in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are at the heart of what is proposed to be the first National Park in Northern Ireland. The Mourne Mountains are part owned by the National Trust and are popular with walkers, cyclists and climbers. From Dundrum the nearest entry point to the Mourne Mountains is Newcastle but looking south from most points within Dundrum often offers an excellent view of the Mourne Mountains.Mourne Mountains

The Mourne Wall

The 22 mile long Mourne Wall was built by the Belfast Water Commisioners between 1904 and 1922 to enclose the 9000 acre catchment area for the Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs. More recently the Mourne Wall has proved a popular, if extremely challenging, walking route. The Mourne Wall ascends over 9000 feet and traverses 15 of the Mourne Mountains. Sections of the Mourne Wall can also be used as reference points for other walks in the Mourne Mountains. As with any other mountain area no walks in the Mourne Mountains should be untertaken lightly and you should ensure that you have the appropriate equipment (and fitness levels) for any walk that you are planning.

Slieve Donard

Slieve Donard, at 849m, is the largest of the Mourne Mountains and is the largest mountain in Northern Ireland although not the largest in the whole of Ireland.  Slieve Donard is readily accessible and offers impressive views for miles around.