Picturesque Views

Landscape

Hugging the County Down coastline, the Mournes structure is made up of 12 peaks that extend into an area only 15 miles by 8 miles (24 x 13 kilometres), each mountain rising above 600m with the highest being Slieve Donard which towers above 852 metres.

The highest and most spectacular mountain range in Northern Ireland, its popularity is evident by the hordes of walkers even in the depth of winter. The climb to Slieve Donard summit can be strenuous but worth it for breathtaking views of the County Down Coast, Newcastle town, and Murlough beach. On a clear day Scrabo Tower to the north and the Isle of Man to the East.

The National Trust cares for and maintains 526 hectares of the Mournes, which takes in part of Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh and forms a very important part of the Eastern Mournes Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Noted for its biological and earth science interests, the extent and quality of the habitats represented is particularly notable.

Last active quarry

One of the last active granite quarries in the Mournes is Thomas's Quarry. It is from here that 47 tonne, 40 feet (12 metre) long Delamont Millennium stone was quarried, the highest modern standing stone in Northern Ireland.