How long is the Mourne Mountains Circuit from Downpatrick route?

This route takes 4 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Downpatrick to Downpatrick in County Down, Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Culture, Classic road trip, Adventure.

Mourne Mountains Circuit from Downpatrick

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The route · 6 stops

2 overnight bases · 2 day trips · 2 stops on the way

On the way

Downpatrick
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: Start of the loop at one of Ireland's most historic sites. Down Cathedral has marked the traditional grave of St Patrick since the 12th century. Visit Saint Patrick Centre in the town for context on early Christian Ireland. A compact city; use the first afternoon to settle in before heading south into the mountains.Worth a stop on the drive: Start of the loop at one of Ireland's most historic sites. Down Cathedral has marked the traditional grave of St Patrick since the 12th century. Visit Saint Patrick Centre in the town for context on early Christian Ireland. A compact city; use the first afternoon to settle in before heading south into the mountains.
Recommendations

On to Newcastle, County Down

Newcastle, County Down

2 nights

Sits where the Mournes sweep down to the sea. Two nights here give time to climb Slieve Donard (850m) via the Glen River path and Mourne Wall. On a rest day, Tollymore Forest Park has stone bridges and woodland trails a short drive west. Royal County Down Golf Club is here for those who play.Sits where the Mournes sweep down to the sea. Two nights here give time to climb Slieve Donard (850m) via the Glen River path and Mourne Wall. On a rest day, Tollymore Forest Park has stone bridges and woodland trails a short drive west. Royal County Down Golf Club is here for those who play.

Recommendations

On to Kilkeel

Kilkeel

1 night

Working fishing port at the foot of the Mournes' southern slopes. Use the day for Silent Valley Reservoir, where a 35km dry-stone Mourne Wall encloses the Belfast water catchment built 1904 to 1922. The visitor centre explains the history; a short walk circles the reservoir shore.Working fishing port at the foot of the Mournes' southern slopes. Use the day for Silent Valley Reservoir, where a 35km dry-stone Mourne Wall encloses the Belfast water catchment built 1904 to 1922. The visitor centre explains the history; a short walk circles the reservoir shore.

Recommendations

Day trips from Kilkeel

4
Rostrevor

On the way

Downpatrick
Quick stop
Loop close. Return via the A25 east from Newry, around 50 minutes. Clough Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey on the approach to Downpatrick, is worth a brief stop on the return.Loop close. Return via the A25 east from Newry, around 50 minutes. Clough Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey on the approach to Downpatrick, is worth a brief stop on the return.

Mourne Mountains Circuit from Downpatrick

The route · 6 stops