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Mountains of Mourne Walking Holiday

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

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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.

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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

The Cooley & Mourne Mountains, Ireland
Challenging

The Cooley & Mourne Mountains

Two granite mountain ranges separated by Carlingford Lough and connected by a ferry crossing — where the…

5–8 Days

From

€625

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Saint Patrick's Way, Ireland
Moderate

Saint Patrick's Way

Walk 132km from Armagh to Downpatrick on Ireland's pilgrim trail — through the Mourne Mountains, along…

6–9 Days

From

€700

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Key Features You'll Experience

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

What Our Walkers Say

★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5

Based on 12 verified reviews

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★★★★★

"We had a fabulous time walking the Barrow River Way with Walking Holiday Ireland. Beautiful scenery, wonderful B&B hosts and the detailed maps and other information provided by Cliff was most helpful. Shame we did not have the time to do a second one elsewhere in Ireland."

Steve ABE
★★★★★

"My son and I really enjoyed our Barrow Way walk. We were blessed with very good weather, and the journey gave us plenty of memorable moments together. The Woodford Dolmen Hotel was a fantastic place to begin the trip. We especially want to mention Ter Kelly - what a gem! We reall..."

★★★★★

"I was able to enjoy a wonderful walk on and around the Dingle Peninsula, thanks in no small part to the great care of Walking Holiday Ireland. The overnight stays were very good and the route information was more than adequate, including a detailed route map in a waterproof sleev..."

Paul De Marez
Belgium
★★★★★

"The Burren Way was unique and well organised from start to finish."

★★★★★

"A beautiful journey along the Beara Way with seamless luggage transfers."

★★★★★

"Excellent organisation on the Wicklow Way. Great B&Bs and clear daily routes."

Sophie Laurent
France
Wicklow Way Full 7 Days →
★★★★★

"We had a marvellous week on the 7-day Burren walk, with spectacular views and varied landscapes. Our accommodation ranged from comfortable and friendly with a good breakfast to outstanding with the best breakfast imaginable (thanks to Nicola at the Wild Atlantic Lodge in Liscanno..."

Siobhan Staunton
Ireland
★★★★★

"Cliff planned our Dingle Way trip perfectly. The app made walking easy and stress free."

★★★★★

"Connemara was stunning. Cliff handled every detail so we could enjoy the walk."

Emily Carter
USA
★★★★★

"Clear routes, welcoming hosts, and excellent planning on the Kerry Way."

Michael O'Connor
Ireland
The Kerry Way Hiking Tour 8 Days →
★★★★★

"Walking Holiday Ireland is a great outfit to work with. Their planning for our Wicklow Way and Barrow Way trip was excellent — the walking routes and distances were perfect given our limited time, and all our accommodations exceeded our expectations. Highlights were our stay at ..."

Harv Babendure
USA
★★★★★

"Walking Holiday Ireland is a great outfit to work with — planning was excellent, the walking routes and distances were perfect, and every accommodation exceeded expectations. Kyle Farmhouse and the Carlow County Museum were highlights (we're not particularly museum people bu..."

Harv Babendure
USA
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