Slieve Donard Challenge Weekend

Take on the highest peak in Northern Ireland

Don’t be put off by place names such as Bloody Bridge and the Mourne mountains as this weekend’s yomp is far from being a sad, swear-inducing trip!

In fact it’s uplifting, in the truest sense of the word as one of our walks includes striding to Northern Ireland’s highest point atop Slieve Donard. This peak is a great introduction to longer hill walks and one to tick off if you’re bagging the UK’s highest mountains.

Add in a further walk to the lovely Fairy Glen, spectacular beaches and a good dollop of Irish Craic and you’ve got a pretty perfect weekend in store.

In a nutshell

  • Get high (literally) with a walk to the highest point in Northern Ireland.

  • Keep the buzz going with a weekend of socialising that includes evenings out in the local pubs.

  • Feel the Cheshire cat grin emerging as you look out at beautiful mountain scenery while ambling along to wonderful spots such as The Fairy Glen.

 

Itinerary

Day One

On Friday morning we collect you from Belfast airport and break up our journey to our accommodation with a leg-loosening 4-6 mile stroll along a stretch of Northern Ireland’s coastline.

We then travel on to the peaceful seaside town of Newcastle, as far removed as it can be from the North-East city bearing the same name, and to our base for the weekend.

Once we’ve unpacked and settled in, we head out for an evening meal.

Day Two

Ok this is the big day so you’re welcome to tuck into a hearty breakfast before we step out to pick up a packed lunch and look at today’s target, the mighty 850-metre high Slieve Donard.

There’s no getting away from the fact that there will be plenty of ascent in this one but our route takes us along a well-defined trail and the varied landscape – rockpools, waterfalls, forest, the Mourne Wall and open mountain top – makes you forget the steeper bits as we head upwards.

At the top, and given a clear sky, there are fantastic views across to Wales and the Isle of Man, which are best enjoyed while tucking into a sandwich or chocolate bar.

We then head back down and with that oh-so-satisfying-weary-limb feeling we enjoy a bit of downtime back at the hostel before visiting another hostelry for the evening meal and a few celebratory drinks.

Day Three 

Today is an easier day spent exploring the Mourne Mountains or the coast. One of our possible walks is a circular route that takes in the beautiful Fairy Glen in Rostrevor.

This stroll includes views across to the Mournes as we follow the lovely Kilbroney River before entering the Rostrevor Forest and then making for the café for a re-fuel. We then cross parkland with views out to Carlingford Lough on our return.

Back at base we then enjoy a final meal out together.

Day Four 

Darn it, already it’s time to leave and we find ourselves packing the minibus as we transport you back to the airport for your onward journey home.

About the Area - The Mourne Mountains

The highest range of hills in Northern Ireland, the Mournes are named after an ancient tribe that lived in the area, and the hills are jam-packed with ancient sites and myths. The highest peak is Slieve Donard (850m) and there are several other peaks over 700m in the range. There are plans to make this area, with its hills, valleys and forests, Northern Ireland’s first National Park, and it’s already a huge draw for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the British Isles. On a clear day you can see Belfast from the peaks, and on a really clear day the Isle of Man and Wales are visible!

We'll be staying in hostel-style accommodation near Newcastle, Northern Ireland. Beds are allocated in a single-sex shared room basis.

Included:

  • 3 nights of hostel-style accommodation.

  • 4 days of guided walks including your chance to summit Slieve Donard.

  • Breakfasts & packed lunches for Saturday and Sunday

  • Transport from Belfast to the accommodation and back if needed.

Not Included:

  • Alcoholic drinks.

  • Friday and Monday lunches, evening meals.

Collections from Belfast:

For Friday arrivals, we will collect you from the International Airport at 9:30am, from Belfast City Centre (outside the main train station) at 10:15am and Belfast City at 10:30am.

On Monday, we can either drop you at the Belfast city at 3pm or at the International Airport at 3:45pm. We may be able to drop you off earlier than this, but we do not recommend booking a flight before 6pm just to be sure you make it.