Skip to content

Mountains of Mourne Walking Holiday

The trail only WHI covers. Northern Ireland's most spectacular mountain range.

Explore Mourne Walks arrow_forward

The Mountains of Mourne

The Mountains of Mourne are what C.S. Lewis had in mind when he wrote about Narnia. Towering granite peaks, hidden valleys, and views that stretch from Ireland across the Irish Sea to Scotland on clear days. These mountains have inspired poets, songwriters, and walkers for centuries — "the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea" isn't just a line from a song, it's a lived experience when you walk these trails.

What makes the Mournes special is their accessibility combined with their wilderness. Unlike Ireland's west coast, which draws millions, the Mourne Mountains remain relatively undiscovered by tourists. Walk these trails and you might see a handful of other walkers, but more likely, you'll have the paths to yourself. The mountains feel raw, ancient, and entirely yours.

The Mourne Wall — 22 miles of dry-stone wall built in the early 1900s to enclose the water catchment — is one of Ireland's great walking achievements. The wall winds through the mountains, connecting peak after peak, creating a natural hiking route that takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery in the north.

public

We're the Only Self-Guided Operator Covering the Mournes

No other walking tour company offers self-guided holidays covering the Mountains of Mourne or the Cooley Peninsula. We go where no one else goes. That's what walking with Walking Holiday Ireland means — access to trails and regions you won't find anywhere else.

Walk the Mournes With Us

mountain_flag
Challenging

Cooley & Mournes

8 Days / 7 Nights | Starting from €879

The ultimate Northern Ireland mountain adventure. Start in the Cooley Peninsula with its ancient sites and coastal views, then transition to the dramatic granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains. Walk the famous Mourne Wall, summit Slieve Donard (the highest peak in Northern Ireland), and explore Silent Valley. This is serious mountain walking for experienced hikers.

View Full Tour arrow_forward
exploring
Moderate

Cooley Peninsula Solo

5 Days / 4 Nights | Starting from €539

A compact gateway to the cross-border mountains. Perfect for first-time Northern Ireland walkers or those with limited time. Walk ancient trails through the Cooley Peninsula with views of Slieve Gullion and the Carlingford Mountains. Less touristy than southern routes, with authentic village culture and fewer crowds.

View Full Tour arrow_forward

Key Features You'll Experience

landscape

Slieve Donard — Northern Ireland's Highest Peak

At 850m, Donard dominates the range. A challenging summit with 360-degree views across Ireland, the Irish Sea, and to Scotland on clear days.

water

Silent Valley — Mountain Water Cathedral

A stunning V-shaped valley holding a mountain reservoir, surrounded by soaring granite walls. One of Ireland's most dramatic valley settings.

public

The Mourne Wall — 22 Miles of Stone

Walk alongside or on this 100-year-old dry-stone wall that winds through the mountains, connecting peaks and creating natural trails.

tv

Game of Thrones Filming Locations

The Mournes were used extensively in Game of Thrones. Walk the same landscapes that featured in the series, now reclaimed by walkers.

mountain_flag

Carlingford Lough — Cross-Border Views

The Cooley Peninsula walks offer stunning views across the lough to the mountains beyond. Warm welcomes on both sides of the border.

history

Ancient Sites & Local Legend

The Cooley Peninsula is rich with Bronze Age history, Fionn Mac Cumhaill legend, and medieval monasteries woven into the landscape.

location_on Getting There

  • From Belfast: 1 hour drive
  • From Dublin: 1.5 hours drive
  • Nearest Airport: Belfast International
  • Train Access: Newry train station nearby

calendar_today Best Time to Walk

  • May-September: Peak walking season
  • June-July: Longest daylight, warmest weather
  • August: Can be busier on weekends
  • Spring/Autumn: Quieter, still excellent

info What to Know

  • Weather: Can change quickly, layers essential
  • No special permits needed
  • All trails are public rights of way
  • Mobile signal: Good in villages, patchy on peaks

Walk Where No Other Tour Company Goes

The Mountains of Mourne are waiting. Let us show you Ireland's hidden treasure.

Trusted & accredited by