Ulster Way

Mourne Way

The Mournes are a wonderfully compact range of mountains crowned by Ulster's highest summit, Slieve Donard. From all over County Down the dome of Donard and the serrated tors of Bearnagh and Binnian can be seen crowning a skyline of graceful peaks. The gentler foothills and surrounding farmlands are equally beautiful in their own pastoral way. Not surprisingly the Mournes are a magnet for walkers, and the 26-mile long Mourne Way marries many of the best features of Mourne country walking. Following a mixture of forest trails and mountain paths this route is almost entirely off-road as it travels through the foothills of the Mournes, from Newcastle on the Irish Sea, to Rostrevor on Carlingford Lough.

CountyDistanceOS MapTerrain
Down26 miles (42 km)Sheet 29The route follows forest paths and mixed mountain terrain. Steep in places
Start Town / VillageFinish Town / VillageGrid ReferencesPoints of Interest
NewcastleRostrevorStarts at J376311
Ends at J185180
Newcastle, Tollymore Forest Park, Rostrevor Forest Park, Rostrevor
Back top Map

Accommodation and Useful Facilities

A wide range of B&B, guesthouse, hotel and hostel accommodation is available in Newcastle at the start of the section. There is an adequate range of Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Rostrevor with a campsite in Kilbroney Park right at the end of the section. There are no significant refreshment stops along the route between Newcastle and Rostrevor but Meelmore Lodge offers hostel accommodation, camping and a coffee shop (Sat and Sun 9a.m - p.m.) approximately 7.5 miles along the route at GR J306307. The Cnocnafeola Centre/ Mourne Hostel based off the route in Attical also offers prearranged transfers to and from Ott Car Park.

Click on an item in the table below for more details and information.

Town, Villages, and Points of Interest

TypeNameAbout
Point of InterestRostrevor Forest Park / Kilbroney ParkRostrevor Forest on the edge of Rostrevor village ...
Café /RestaurantFresh WaterOfficial campsiteParkingShowerToilets

Rostrevor Forest on the edge of Rostrevor village covers an area of 1700 hectares of which 1000 hectares are planted with trees including coniferous species such as Sitka spruce, Douglas fir and pine. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife including jay, sparrow hawk, wood pigeon, red and grey squirrel, fox and badger. The forest park includes three waymarked trails, which vary in length from 1.25 miles to 4.5 miles and the Cloghmore Stone, a 40 tonne granite boulder deposited here at the end of the last ice age some 10,000 years ago and is a well known landmark in the locality the views from this point are spectacular.

Kilbrony Park is situated in Rostrevor Forest Park and offers a wide range of facilities and services, including tennis courts, childrens play area, playing fields, barbeque, picnic areas, café and a well serviced caravan and camping site.

Grid ReferenceJ187180
WebsitesForest Service - Kilbroney Park
Point of InterestTollymore Forest ParkCovering an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot ...
Fresh WaterOfficial campsiteParkingTelephoneToilets

Covering an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne mountains, Tollymore forest park offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at nearby Newcastle, while within its own boundaries are many splendid vistas of woodland and rivers. Tollymore is one of three forests across Northern Ireland piloting the "in-touch" information kiosk. The kiosk contains lots of information on the forest and its surrounding area including useful tourist information and is located at the bottom corner of the upper car park. Outdoor activities in the forest park include walking, caravanning and camping, horse riding, orienteering and many others.

Grid ReferenceJ348314
WebsitesForest Service Tollymore Forest Park
Town / VillageAnnalong
Grid ReferenceJ370198
Town / VillageNewcastleThe seaside resort of Newcastle lies on coast of the ...
Bus stationCafé /RestaurantFresh WaterPublic houseShopTelephoneToilets

The seaside resort of Newcastle lies on coast of the Irish Sea at the base of Slieve Donard, one of the Mourne Mountains, and is known for its sandy beach and the Royal County Down Golf Club. The town has benefitted from a multi million upgrade which included a new promenade.

Places of interest in Newcastle include the Mourne Mountains, the new promenade walk, Widows Row - a set of listed cottages and the Bloody Bridge which is a beautiful yet wild coastal area, where visitors come to see the old ‘Brandy Pad’, so named after the trade of illegal brandy which was smuggled down this route and also the remains of an ancient church and old bridge which once carried the coast road.

Newcastle boasts a wide variety of ice-cream shops, cafes and restaurants and has accommodation for every budget.

Grid ReferenceJ377311
Town / VillageRostrevorRostrevor lies at the foot of Slieve Martin on the ...
Fresh WaterShop

Rostrevor lies at the foot of Slieve Martin on the coast of Carlingford Lough. The Kilbroney River flows through the village. Places of interest include Kilfeaghan Dolmen situated about three and three quarter miles from Rostrevor. It is a prehistoric dolmen and the site is dated between 2000 and 1000 BC. The capstone is said to be one of the biggest in Ireland and is estimated to weigh between 35 and 40 tons and the old church, supposedly built on an original site established by St Bronagh stands in the graveyard on the Kilbroney road. It became a listed building in 1983.

Grid ReferenceJ178183
Town / VillageTrassey
Café /RestaurantFresh WaterOfficial campsiteParking
Grid ReferenceJ308306

Accommodation and Facilities

PlaceTypeNameRating
AnnalongSelf CateringCharmers Well Cottages4 star
Fresh WaterParkingShowerTelephoneToilets

Charmers Well is the perfect location for exploring the hidden marvels of the Mourne Mountains and South Down coast. It is nestled between the beautiful seaside town of Newcastle and the busy fishing town of Kilkeel

This haven of tranquillity ensures a relaxing stress- free break. A traditional cottage with a luxurious finish will help to relax business and holiday travellers alike. Elegantly built to include a unique blend of luxury and comfort; including a solar powered water heating system and the comfort of a wood-burning stove in the living room.

Located at the foot of Slieve Binnan Charmers Well is perfect for those wanting to go hiking in the Mournes. The location is also ideal for a range of activities including horse riding, golfing, fishing and other outdoor pursuits.

Grid ReferenceJ370198
Address98A Longstone Road Annalong Newry Co Down
BT34 4UZ
PhoneTel: 028 4376860
Emailcharmerswell@hotmail.com
AtticalHostelCnocnafeola Centre/ Mourne HostelN/A

Telephone or email in advance for and over night stay and collection can be arranged for individuals or group at Ott car park.

AddressBog Road Attical , Kilkeel
BT34 4HT
Phone(028) 4176 5859
Emailinfo@mournehostel.com
Websiteswww.mournehostel.com
NewcastleB&BAshmountN/A
Address27 Bryansford Road, Newcastle
BT33 0HJ
Phone028 43725074
Emailohausten@hotmail.com
NewcastleB&BAveen's at GrasmereN/A
Address16 Marguerite Park, Newcastle
BT33 0PE
Phone(028) 4372 6801
Emailnoel4@hotmail.co.uk
NewcastleB&BBeach HouseN/A
Address22 Downs Road, Newcastle
BT33 0AG
Phone(028) 4372 2345
Emailbeachouse22@tiscali.co.uk
NewcastleB&BCastle Corrigs HouseN/A
Address41 Castlewellan Road, Newcastle
BT33 0JY
Phone(028) 4372 6986
Emailcastlecorrigshouse@talk21.com
NewcastleB&BCastlebridge HouseN/A
Address2 Central Promenade, Newcastle
BT31 0AA
Phone(028) 4372 3209
NewcastleB&BCherry VillaN/A
Address12 Bryansford Gardens, Newcastle
BT33 0EQ
Phone(028) 43724128
Emailcherry.villa@virgin.net
NewcastleB&BClonmore HouseN/A
Address3 Slievenamaddy Avenue, Newcastle
BT33 0DT
Phone(028) 4372 5285
NewcastleB&BCoolgreeneyN/A
Address11 Downs Road, Newcastle
BT33 0AG
Phone(028) 4372 6390
Emailjen@coolgreeney.co.uk
NewcastleB&BDacaraN/A
Address47 South Promenade, Newcastle
BT33 0EY
Phone(028) 4372 6745
Emailinfo@dacaraguesthouse.com
Websiteswww.dacaraguesthouse.com
NewcastleB&BFairy GlenN/A
AddressFairy Glen, 10 Tullybrannigan Road, Newcastle
BT33 0DX
Phone(028) 4372 3810
Emailfairyglen@hotmail.co.uk
NewcastleB&BMountain and Sea B&BN/A
Address69 Moneyscalp Road Bryansford, Newcastle
BT33 0PY
Phone(028) 4377 0577
Emailmichael@oloughlins.fsnet.co.uk
NewcastleB&BMountain ViewN/A
Address74 Castlewellan Road, Newcastle
BT33 0JP
Phone(028) 4372 2634
Emailbrianclaire@hotmail.com
Websiteswww.armaghanddown.com
NewcastleB&BNumber TenN/A
AddressNumber 10, Westland Avenue, Newcastle
BT33 0BZ
Phone(028) 4372 3851
NewcastleB&BOakleigh HouseN/A
Address30 Middle Tollymore Road, Newcastle
BT33 0JJ
Phone(028) 4372 6816
Emailoakleighenquiries@btinternet.com
Websiteswww.oakleigh-ireland.com
NewcastleB&BRyans B&BN/A
Address47 Bryansford Avenue, Newcastle
BT33 0LG
Phone(028) 4372 7399
Emailsryans@tiscali.co.uk
NewcastleGuesthouseGolf Links HouseUnClassified
Address109 Dundrum Road, Newcastle
BT33 0LN
Phone(028) 4372 2054
Emailgolflinkshouse@hotmail.com
Websiteswww.golflinkshouse.com
NewcastleGuesthouseHarbour House InnOne Star
Address4-6 South Promenade, Newcastle
BT33 0EX
Phone(028) 4467 234
Websiteswww.harbourhouseinn.co.uk
NewcastleGuesthouseThe Briers Country HouseTwo Star
Address39 Middle Tollymore Road, Newcastle
BT33 0JJ
Phone(028) 43724347
Emailenquiries@thebriers.co.uk
Websiteswww.thebriers.co.uk
NewcastleHostelGlenada YMCAN/A
Address29 South Promenade, Newcastle
BT33 0DX
Phone(028) 43722402
Emailinfo@glenada.co.uk
Websiteswww.glenada.co.uk
NewcastleHostelNewcastle Youth HostelN/A
Address30 Downs Road, Newcastle
BT33 0AG
Phone(028) 43722133
Emailnewcastle@hini.org.uk
Websiteswww.hini.org.uk
NewcastleHotelAvoca HotelOne Star
Address93/97 Central Promenade, Newcastle
BT33 0HH
Phone(028) 43722253
Emailenquiries@avocahotel.com
Websiteswww.avocahotel.com
NewcastleHotelBurrendale Hotel Spa And Country ClubThree Star
Address51 Castlewellan Road, Newcastle
BT33 0JY
Phone(028) 4372 2599
Emailreservations@burrendale.com
Websiteswww.burrendale.com
NewcastleHotelDonard HotelTwo Star
Address27 Main Street, Newcastle
BT33 0AD
Phone(028) 4372 2203
Emaildonardhotel.com@btconnect.com
Websiteswww.donardhotel.co.uk
NewcastleHotelEnniskeen House HotelTwo Star
Address98 Bryansford Road, Newcastle
BT33 0LF
Phone028 43722392
Emailinfo@enniskeenhotel.com
NewcastleHotelSlieve Donard Resort & SpaFour Star
AddressDowns Road, Newcastle
BT33 0AH
Phone(028) 4372 1066
Emailres@sdh.hastingshotels.com
Websiteswww.hastingshotels.com
RostrevorB&BAn TobarN/A
Address2 Cherry hill, Rostrevor
BT34 3BD
Phone(028) 4173 8712
Emailwelcome@kilbroney.net
Websiteswww.kilbroney.net
RostrevorB&BFir TreesN/A
Address16 Killowen Old Rd, Rostrevor
BT34 3AD
Phone(028) 41738602
Emailinfo@firtrees.co.uk
Websiteswww.firtrees.co.uk
RostrevorB&BGlenbeighN/A
AddressRostrevor, Rostrevor
BT34 3EU
Phone(028) 4173 8025
Emailglenbeigh@hotmail.com
Websiteswww.glenbeighbedandbreakfast.com
RostrevorB&BMeadowleaN/A
Address25 Drumsesk Road, Rostrevor
BT34 3EG
Phone(028) 4173 9810
Emailmeadowlea@gmail.com
Websiteswww.meadowleabb.com
RostrevorCampsiteKilbroney Caravan ParkFour Star

Open Easter to 31st October

AddressKilbroney Park, Shore Road, Rostrevor
BT34 3DQ
Phone(028) 41738134
Emailkilbroneypark@newryandmourne.gov.uk
Websiteswww.visitnewryandmourne.com
TrasseyCampsiteMeelmore LodgeN/A
Address53 Trassey Road, Newcastle
BT33 0QB
Phone+44(0)28 4372 5950
Emailmeelmorelodge@hotmail.co.uk
Websiteswww.meelmorelodge.com
TrasseyHostelMeelmore LodgeN/A
Address52 Trassey Road, Newcastle
BT33 0QB
Phone+44(0)28 4372 5949
Emailmeelmorelodge@hotmail.co.uk
Websiteswww.meelmorelodge.com