Whatever the Weather

Whatever the weather

Adult things to do
  1. Visit Kilkeel Harbour which is home to N. Ireland’s largest fishing fleet and “Salt n Pepper” the resident seals. Secure parking is available at the Nautilus Centre Car Park. Enjoy a walk along the harbour to the quayside and watch the fleet landing their catch.
  2. Call into the Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre and Visitor Information Centre. Visit the exhibition about life in Mourne in the War as part of the GI Trail. Also home to the Mourne Seafood Cookery School. Tel: (028) 4176 2525.
  3. Seascope Lobster Hatchery, Northern Ireland’s first Lobster Hatchery Visitor Experience and Marine Research Centre. Let Lucy the Lobster take you on an adventure from tiny lobster eggs through the dangerous journey of reaching adulthood. Come and see our one of a kind experience and get up close to each stage of lobster life through our viewing tanks as well as seeing other fascinating sea creatures. Our interactive educational experience also offers fun learning opportunities for all ages as well as kids’ crafts and interactive treasure hunts. For more information on opening hours and prices please visit our website: www.seascopehatchery.com or contact us by phone on (028) 4176 9700.
  4. Visit and walk along Cranfield Beach – Award Winning Blue Flag Beach with Toilets, Car Park, Showers, Life Guards (during July and August), Play Park and Picnic Area overlooking the Haulbowline Lighthouse & Carlingford Lough.
  5. Step back in time to the 14th Century Norman Greencastle Castle, open only July & August.
  6. Visit and walk in the Silent Valley Reservoir Park in the heart of the Mournes, new play park, picnic area, nature walks, visitor centre, cafe, toilets and 3 miles flat walk between two dams. www.niwater.com, Tel: (028) 4176 2817
  7. Mountain Walks – Loughshannagh, Blue Lough, etc Walking Route Cards, Ordnance Survey Maps of the Mournes and Walking Routes available at Kilkeel Visitor Information Centre, Nautilus Centre, Kilkeel Harbour. Tel: (028) 4176 2525
  8. Horse Riding – Gamekeepers Lodge, go horse riding in the middle of the Mournes, situated on Moyadd Road on the way to Spelga Dam. Tel: (028) 4176 4771
  9. Hanna’s Close – Go back in time and visit the traditional “Clachan” group of cottages and enjoy the river walk, just a mile outside Kilkeel on the Aughnahoory Road. Visit their website: www.mournecountrycottages.com for more information.
  10. Sea Angling – Enjoy the stunning backdrop of Carlingford Lough as you chase the local catch. Carlingford Lough has the record for the largest tope in Ireland. Contact Peyton Cunningham, Pisces II Carlingford Lough Sea Angling, www.ukcharterboats.co.uk. Departs from Greencastle and Carlingford.
  11. Drive in countryside – download our circular driving tour of the Mournes to see the sites of interest.
  12. Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor – Drive up the scenic route towards the Cloughmore Stone to enjoy the stunning views of Carlingford Lough. Also includes forest walks, cafe, kids play park, tennis courts and walk around to the Fairy Glen. With a new Narnia trail there is a lot to see and do for all the family. www.newryandmourne.gov.uk.
  13. Golf – Play the championship parkland course at Kilkeel Golf Club, in the historic setting of Mourne Park, home to the Kilmorey Estate. Club house, professional shop, parking and golf driving range. www.kilkeelgolfclub.org.
  14. Visit Annett’s Garden Centre, 37 Rath Road, Warrenpoint. Visit the garden centre and nature walk, and then enjoy afternoon tea at the Sweetpea Café. For opening times please contact the Garden Centre on (028) 4177 3237.
  15. Annalong Cornmill – Visit the 18th century Cornmill in the picturesque setting of Annalong harbour with its resident guillemots, ducks, swans, play park, coastal walk and Harbour Inn pub & restaurant. Open daily from April-October from 2-5pm, for opening times during Easter and winter or for group bookings call (028) 4376 8123.
  1. Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre – Even on a wet and windy day you can watch the waves breaking over Kilkeel pier as the boats shelter in the harbour. Learn how the harbour has changed over the years, trace your seafaring relatives, and the great stories connected to the local fishing fleet, while the kids can play on the interactive screens. The centre is also home to the Visitor Information Centre and you can visit the exhibition about life in Mourne in the War as part of the GI Trail. Tel: (028) 4176 2525.
  2. Mourne Seafood Cookery School – Learn how to handle, fillet and cook a range of seafood. For more information please visit our website: www.mourneseafoodcookeryschool.com
  3. Seascope Lobster Hatchery, Northern Ireland’s first Lobster Hatchery Visitor Experience and Marine Research Centre. Let Lucy the Lobster take you on an adventure from tiny lobster eggs through the dangerous journey of reaching adulthood. Come and see our one of a kind experience and get up close to each stage of lobster life through our viewing tanks as well as seeing other fascinating sea creatures. Our interactive educational experience also offers fun learning opportunities for all ages as well as kids’ crafts and interactive treasure hunts. For more information on opening hours and prices please visit our website: www.seascopehatchery.com or contact us by phone on (028) 4176 9700.
  4. Call into Kilkeel Pet Centre, Nautilus Centre and visit the wide range of animals on display including rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, fish, terrapines, plus lots more. Tel: (028) 4176 3784.
  5. Leisure Centre & Swimming Pool – Enjoy a swim, sauna or relax in the whirlpool. If you are more energetic, then try a game of squash or work off some calories in the gym. Situated on Mourne Esplanade, tel: (028) 4176 4666.
  6. Visit the Kilkeel Library where you’ll not only be sheltered in the warmth from the rain but where you can sit down and enjoy a good book or view the displays in the Mourne Gallery or Showcase. Please contact the Library on (028) 4176 2278 for more information on opening times etc.
  7. Silent Valley Reservoir Park – Visit the Information Centre and learn how the dams were constructed and what conditions the men endured. Then visit the Café and enjoy a bowl of soup or hot chocolate and freshly made scones, while enjoying the view. The café is open on weekends in March-June and daily from July-September. Visit: www.niwater.com for more information on the opening hours etc.
  8. Call into any of our great local cafes or restaurants and treat yourself to a latte and cake. Kilkeel has many awarding winning fish and chip shops and indeed is home to N. Ireland’s best fish and chip shop 2013- Pitstop Fastfood, Bridge Street, tel: (028) 4176 3999.
  9. Retail Therapy – Browse around our independent retailers in Kilkeel Town Centre, who offer a personal service and choice of goods.
  10. Newry and Mourne Museum – Visit Bagenal’s castle which also hosts a Visitor Information Centre. Learn about the history of the area and how Newry city grew over the centuries. Tel: (028) 3031 3182 and you can visit their website: www.bagenalscastle.com for more information.
  11. Formula Karting, Newry.  Choose from 3 tracks and enjoy the adrenaline rush as they have some of the largest, fastest, most challenging and enjoyable race circuits in the world today. For more information visit their website: www.formula-karting.com or call their office on (028) 3026 6220.
  12. Newry Omniplex Cinema – Catch the latest blockbuster at the multi-screen cinema complex at the Quays shopping centre in Newry. For a full list of what is available please visit their website: www.omniplex.ie/cinemas/cinema/1003.
  13. Ten Pin Bowling, Space Quest & Cheeky Monkeys Adventure Play Centre Jungle, bar & restaurant just outside Newry. Visit: www.sheepbridgefec.com for further information such as opening times.
  14. Amusements, Newcastle – Enjoy some traditional seaside amusements in the many amusement arcades. The family favourites of dodgem cars, 2p machines, simulator rides, etc.
  15. Titanic Centre – Visit the iconic Titanic Visitor Centre, where Titanic was built on the edge of Belfast Lough. Visit their website: www.titanicbelfast.com.
  16. Explore the Tropical Butterfly Farm, Gardens & Tearoom at Seaforde, www.seafordegardens.com.
  17. Visit St. Patricks Centre and learn about the Patron Saint of Ireland, includes shop, visitor centre and café. www.saintpatrickcentre.com
Things to do for Children
  1. Enjoy a walk around Kilkeel harbour and keep an eye out for “Salt & Pepper” our resident seals. Watch the fishermen mend their nets, load up supplies, paint their boats or chat about their catch. Call into the Harbour Store and pick up a fishing rod and catch your tea of the end of the pier. If you don’t catch anything then pick up some fish at the fresh fish stall at the Harbour Store.
  2. Swim, build sandcastles, look for shells and watch the birds along the cliffs on Kilkeel beach, accessible from the Mourne Esplanade. Watch the fishing boats haul their creels looking for crabs and lobsters, and the fishing boats coming in and out of the harbour. There is also a play park, tennis courts, bowling pavilion and car park overlooking the beach and Irish Sea.
  3. Seascope Lobster Hatchery, Northern Ireland’s first Lobster Hatchery Visitor Experience and Marine Research Centre. Let Lucy the Lobster take you on an adventure from tiny lobster eggs through the dangerous journey of reaching adulthood. Come and see our one of a kind experience and get up close to each stage of lobster life through our viewing tanks as well as seeing other fascinating sea creatures. Our interactive educational experience also offers fun learning opportunities for all ages as well as kids’ crafts and interactive treasure hunts. For more information on opening hours and prices please visit our website: www.seascopehatchery.com or contact us by phone on (028) 4176 9700.
  4. Hunt for fossils and Viking ballast, or explore rock pools on the award winning Cranfield Beach, with a play park, picnic area, toilets, showers and car park overlooking Carlingford Lough and the Haulbowline Lighthouse. Call into the seaside themed Beachcomber Café for fish and chips or homemade dessert (open from Easter – September).
  5. Visit Silent Valley – Feed the ducks, enjoy the new play park and picnic area, visit the Visitor Centre, explore the nature walks and scenic beauty of mountains and water. Call into the cafe for an ice cream, (the café is open on weekends in March-June and daily from July-September).
  6. Play Pooh Sticks at Whitewater Bridge and Picnic area on Newry Road, Kilkeel.
  7. Step back in time to the 14th Century Norman Greencastle Castle, open only July & August.
  8. Horse Riding – Gamekeepers Lodge, go horse riding in the middle of the Mournes, situated on Moyadd Road on the way to Spelga Dam. Tel: (028) 4176 4771.
  9. Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor – Drive up the scenic route towards the Cloughmore Stone to enjoy the stunning views of Carlingford Lough. Also includes forest walks, cafe, kids play park, tennis courts and walk around to the Fairy Glen. With a new Narnia trail there is a lot to see and do for all the family, www.newryandmourne.gov.uk.
  10. Visit Annett’s Garden Centre, 37 Rath Road, Warrenpoint. Visit the garden centre and Dovecote Open Farm and nature walk, and then enjoy afternoon tea at the Sweetpea Café. For opening times please contact the Garden Centre on (028) 4177 3237.
  11. Annalong Cornmill – Visit the 18th century Cornmill in the picturesque setting of Annalong harbour with its resident guillemots, ducks, swans, play park, coastal walk and Harbour Inn pub & restaurant. Open daily from April-October from 2-5pm, for opening times during Easter and winter or for group bookings call (028) 4376 8123.
  1. Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre – Even on a wet and windy day you can watch the waves breaking over Kilkeel pier as the boats shelter in the harbour. Learn how the harbour has changed over the years, trace your seafaring relatives, and the great stories connected to the local fishing fleet, while the kids can play on the interactive screens. The centre is also home to the Visitor Information Centre and you can visit the exhibition about life in Mourne in the War as part of the GI Trail. Tel: (028) 4176 2525.
  2. Seascope Lobster Hatchery, Northern Ireland’s first Lobster Hatchery Visitor Experience and Marine Research Centre. Let Lucy the Lobster take you on an adventure from tiny lobster eggs through the dangerous journey of reaching adulthood. Come and see our one of a kind experience and get up close to each stage of lobster life through our viewing tanks as well as seeing other fascinating sea creatures. Our interactive educational experience also offers fun learning opportunities for all ages as well as kids’ crafts and interactive treasure hunts. For more information on opening hours and prices please visit our website: www.seascopehatchery.com or contact us by phone on (028) 4176 9700.
  3. Call into Kilkeel Pet Centre, Nautilus Centre and visit the wide range of animals on display, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, fish, terrapines and lots more. Tel : 028 4176 3784.
  4. Leisure Centre & Swimming Pool –  Enjoy a swim, sauna or relax in the whirlpool. If you are more energetic, then try a game of squash or work off some calories in the gym.  Mourne Esplanade,Tel : 028 4176  4666.
  5. Visit the Kilkeel Library where you can sit down and enjoy a good book or attend one of the many children’s reading groups which they have on offer. Please contact the Kilkeel Library on (028) 4176 2278 for more information on these groups.
  6. Silent Valley Reservoir Park – Visit the Information Centre and learn how the dams were constructed and what conditions the men endured. Then visit the Café and enjoy a bowl of soup or hot chocolate and freshly made scones, while enjoying the view. The café is open on weekends in March-June and daily from July-September. Visit: www.niwater.com for more information on the opening hours etc.
  7. Call into any of our great local cafes or restaurants and treat yourself to a latte and cake. Kilkeel has many awarding winning fish and chip shops and indeed is home to N. Ireland’s best fish and chip shop 2013- Pitstop Fastfood, Bridge Street, tel: (028) 4176 3999.
  8. Retail Therapy – Browse around our independent retailers in Kilkeel Town Centre, who offer a personal service and choice of goods.
  9. Newry and Mourne Museum – Visit Bagenal’s castle which also hosts a Visitor Information Centre. Learn about the history of the area and how Newry city grew over the centuries. Tel: (028) 3031 3182 and you can visit their website: www.bagenalscastle.com for more information.
  10. Formula Karting, Newry.  Choose from 3 tracks and enjoy the adrenaline rush as they have some of the largest, fastest, most challenging and enjoyable race circuits in the world today. For more information visit their website: www.formula-karting.com or call their office on (028) 3026 6220.
  11. Newry Omniplex Cinema – Catch the latest blockbuster at the multi-screen cinema complex at the Quays shopping centre in Newry. For a full list of what is available please visit their website: www.omniplex.ie/cinemas/cinema/1003.
  12. Ten Pin Bowling, Space Quest & Cheeky Monkeys Adventure Play Centre Jungle, bar & restaurant just outside Newry. Visit: www.sheepbridgefec.com for further information such as opening times.
  13. Amusements, Newcastle – Enjoy some traditional seaside amusements in the many amusement arcades. The family favourites of dodgem cars, 2p machines, simulator rides, etc.
  14. Titanic Centre – Visit the iconic Titanic Visitor Centre, where Titanic was built on the edge of Belfast Lough. Visit their website: www.titanicbelfast.com.
  15. Explore the Tropical Butterfly Farm, Gardens & Tearoom at Seaforde, www.seafordegardens.com
  16. St. Patricks Centre. Learn about the Patron Saint of Ireland, includes shop, tourist office and café. www.saintpatrickcentre.com
  17. Jumping Clay – Call in and let the kids get creative during a Jumping Clay modelling session. Great for younger kids. Situated in Warrenpoint, for more information call them on: 07511 527511.
  18. Fun House Newry – Let the kids’ burn up some energy in this fantastic indoor adventure play centre. For more information visit: www.newryfunhouse.com or call them on (028) 3026 3500.