Camping in Mourne Mountains
A series of rugged mountain peaks overlooking the sea and offering lots of adventure.
Camping in Mourne Mountains guide
Where to go
Slieve Donard
For climbing, try the 854-metre Slieve Donard, where you’ll be rewarded with views of the sea and Newcastle. Other peaks worth climbing include Slieve Binnian and Slieve Commedagh, and if you’re looking for more adventure, try rock climbing, mountain biking, and abseiling.
Silent Valley
For gentler trails, head to the Silent Valley Visitor Centre and its marked walking trails or try the Spelga Dam for great views and a good picnic spot. While there are plenty of walking trails, many of these run through private land, so wild camping is not permitted.
Forest Parks
For camping, you’ll find campgrounds at Tollymore Forest Park in the foothills of the mountains and Castlewellan Forest Park to the north, with a 4-kilometre trail to the mountain peaks. There are plenty of camping and holiday parks along the coast from Newcastle around to Rostrevor, with pitches for tents and vehicles.
When to go
The best time to visit is during the summer months, which are the warmest and driest. Conditions in winter months can be cold and harsh. Weather in the Mournes can be unpredictable at any time of year, so always be prepared for rain, mist, high winds, and cooler temperatures, especially in higher areas, and don’t rule out hot sun either.
Know before you go
- Bring proper safety and navigation equipment even on short walks (unexpected mist can lower visibility), and don’t rely on mobile phone signals to work all over the mountains. You can buy Ordnance Survey maps online or at local tourist offices in Newcastle, Kilkeel, or Newry.
- Bring a rainproof jacket, warm layers, and proper hiking boots, plus water and food. There are no shops in the mountains, and streams and rivers may not be reliable for drinking water.
- The landscape can be boggy in places, and paths can become waterlogged during heavy rainfall.
- Check walking trails and terrain considerations at local tourist information centres.