Newry & Mourne Food and Tourism Trail.
Approach the Kingdom of Mourne south of Newcastle along the Mournes Coastal Scenic Drive which passes Bloody Bridge and Maggies Leap. Call in at The Glassdrumman Lodge, a special place nestled in the foothills of the majestic Mourne Mountains. With ten bedrooms featuring wonderful mountain and sea views, open fires and fantastic restaurant, Glassdrumman Lodge is the prefect home from home. Travel onto the charming fishing village of Annalong, with its old corn water mill back in action. Stop off at the Harbour Inn specialising in fresh local seafood and game dishes or a coffee stop at Mourne Grange Café. Continue along the coast a further 5 miles to the bigger fishing port of Kilkeel where Northern Ireland’s biggest trawling fleet is based. Down at the harbour call into Hugh Rooney Fish and R J Gracey for some freshly caught produce. Visit the new Nautilus Centre overlooking the harbour and the Mourne Seafood Cookery School which provides a range of seafood cookery classes & demonstrations and stay at the Kilbroney Arms Hotel.
Drive into the mountains towards the village of Attical and call into the Cnocnafeola Centre, a modern purpose built residential centre located in the heart of the Mountains, between Spelga Dam and the Silent Valley, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Crockanroe House nearby at Ballymartin, also offers 4 star self catering accommodation in a beautiful quiet location and the Cove Restaurant – good quality food.
Skirting the Mournes for eight miles more you are now on the north shore of beautiful Carlingford Lough. On entering Rostrevor you will pass one of the most ancient woodlands in Ireland, Oak Forest. Kilbroney Café in the nearby forest is a good place to stop and refresh. The town offers boat trips and pleasant waterfront walks. Moogoo Ice Cream is locally made here and well worth a taste. Two miles west lies Warrenpoint, another fantastic family orientated seaside resort. Look out for Narrow Water Castle which stands guard at the entrance to Newry Canal, the oldest in the British Isles. Over looking Carlingford Lough is the Whistledown Hotel a good place to stop or the Copper Restaurant or Restaurant 33 in Warrenpoint town.
Eight miles from Warrenpoint, along a sweeping dual carriageway lies the bustling border City of Newry, providing a gateway between north and south. Newry is surrounded by magnificent scenery, mountains and coastline. Steeped in fascinating history and heritage with excellent shopping and leisure facilities, Newry offers a warm welcome. The Red Brasserie and Wine Bar located in the centre of Newry offer quality local produce and whilst shopping check out the Olive Restaurant, Quays Shopping Centre, and the Old Tarts Café in the Buttercrane Shopping Centre.
Nearby at Mayobridge - Oaktree Restaurant, Head Chef Mark Grant is an advocate of local, high quality seasonal produce which is reflected in his restaurant menus.
Ring of Gullion Trail
South County Armagh, with its beautiful undulating countryside lies to the west of Newry. The drumlin landscape around Crossmaglen and the legendary Ring of Gullion are steeped in Celtic mythology and this area is famed for its rich cultural heritage and the numerous prehistoric and early Christian sites.
Crossmaglen is a busy little town with its broad square reputedly the largest market square in Ireland, where the local landlord built an impressive market house in 1811. The Cross Square Hotel is well known for its traditional fayre while Superbites has a sandwich bar and café on site. In nearby Silverbridge, look out for Garvey’s Restaurant.
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the midst of Slieve Gullion Park is the Courtyard Restaurant is perfectly situated. Established in 1820, its warm stone structure and facilities simply add to the appeal for all visitors. The homely coffee shop and restaurant provides just the right atmosphere for families, walkers and tourists alike.
For those with an interest in history, Killeavy Castle and Killeavy Old Church are nearby. Saint Moninna's Well and Shrine are situated high up on the hill and date back to 450 AD.
Johnny Murphy's Pub and Restaurant are located in Meigh, four miles from Newry on the road to Forkhill. Johnny Murphy's pub has undergone a few radical changes. From humble beginnings as the village bar the establishment has expanded to include a lounge, sports bar and restaurant. The clever thing is that it has retained the charm of the original bar.