One Day Wander In The Mournes

Highlights:

– Return trip on the Carlingford Lough Ferry
– Soak in the scenery on your way to Newcastle

– Brunch by the beach in Newcastle
– Explore the trails in the Silent Valley

1. Take the Carlingford Lough Ferry from Greenore to Greencastle

Arrive at our port in Greenore and purchase your return ferry ticket from a member of our friendly Crew. Or, save up to 10% by pre booking your tickets online at www.carlingfordferry.com. The choice is yours! Once you’re on board the ferry, simply sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Cooley Peninsula and the majestic Mourne Mountains as you sail across Carlingford Lough on your way to Greencastle. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or keep an eye on our website for the latest sailing timings and updates.

2. Drive to Newcastle through the Mountains

Disembark at our Greencastle Port, where you will get up close and personal with a piece of local history, the impressive Greencastle Castle, before driving to Newcastle via the mountains whilst admiring the towering and dramatic landscape.

Directions: When leaving the ferry port, take a right turn and follow the signs for Kilkeel. Drive into the town centre and take a left turn onto the Mountain Road, (the second left following the main traffic lights). You will continue on this road for 12.4 miles, passing both Spelga and Foffany Dam where you will eventually come to the end of the road sign, posting you right towards Newcastle (3 miles). Follow the road through the small village of Bryansford and past the back entrance of Tollymore Forest. As you leave Bryansford, you will take a right turn onto the Bryansford Road, which will direct you right into the heart of Newcastle, which operates in the one-way traffic system.

3. Stop for a bite of Brunch in Newcastle

Take advantage of the public car parking at either end of the town, park your car and take a leisurely stroll along the promenade where you can enjoy the salt air and beautiful sandy beaches.

With a wide variety of fabulous cafés, pubs and restaurants to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re searching for a dog friendly pitstop with a view, we recommend O’Hare’s Newcastle, where you and your canine friend can enjoy a hearty lunch menu in the front bar. Or, a short stroll up the street and you’ll find your way to the Harbour House Inn or South Prom Café, where well behaved furry friends are welcome to sit with their owners on the outdoor decking overlooking Newcastle Harbour.

4. Explore the peace and tranquility of the Silent Valley

Once you’ve refuelled, it’s time to continue your journey with a visit to the peace and tranquility of the Silent Valley Mountain Park. The reservoir grounds are open daily from 10:00am until 18:30 (Summer) and 10:00 until 16:00 (October to March).

Directions: From Newcastle, take the coastal route back to the fishing village of Kilkeel and take a right turn onto the Carrigenagh Road. (The next turn on the right, past the Spar) Continue to follow this road until you arrive at the gates of the Silent Valley. Entry to the park and car parking is £4.50 per vehicle.

Once parked up, you can follow a number of different forest trails and submerge yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the park. Learn about the industrial heritage, which gave rise to the magnificent Ben Crom Dam and shaped the surrounding landscapes in the interactive information centre, feed the ducks, enjoy the children’s playpark, or visit the café for light refreshments. During peak season, a shuttle bus is in operation which transports visitors to the Ben Crom Dam located just over 2.5 miles along an impressive reservoir with towering mountains either side. If the shuttle bus isn’t in operation, you’ll find lots of visitors make the journey on foot. We promise the view is worth it.