Discover the food and drink of Newry, Mourne and Down

The breathtaking landscape of the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough & Lecale would set any heart racing. Soaring mountains, dew-dripping forests and a wild seacoast within 60 minutes north of Dublin. A long agricultural tradition, built on a rich and fertile landscape, has endowed this region with glorious food and drink. Why not experience a piece of Newry, Mourne and Down for yourself?

You could take in this unique landscape and its food on the Mourne Foods Cycle Trail, a route designed for cyclists of all abilities. Ride up to the farm gate, speak to local food producers, and buy direct from the farm. You’ll discover foodie experiences near Tollymore Forest Park – where key scenes from Game of Thrones were shot – and in the idyllic seaside town of Newcastle.

The nearby Mourne Mountains tumble directly into the Irish Sea, creating productive conditions for marine life. The Kilkeel fishing fleet has been plying these waters sustainably for centuries. You can sample some of their delicious produce at the Mourne Seafood Cookery School, and learn to cook it within sight of the boats that brought it in. Cooking seafood is a delicate art, so the School’s master chef will be on hand to guide you through. These fun and engaging classes take you from first principles to creating exquisite dishes in the company of other foodies. It’s a great way to get involved in the life of the Mourne’s maritime culture.

Ready for a tipple? The Mourne areas has a long association with fine spirits. Smugglers once used the Mourne Mountains as a secluded route to bring bootleg drink into Ireland from Britain. In fact, you can still retrace their steps along the Brandy Pad today, and the tradition lives on in craft in many of the distilleries throughout Mourne. You can book a guided tour of many of these including Shortcross Distillery in Crossgar.

Experience Newry, Mourne and Down's rural heritage at Hanna's Close Cottages, just outside Kilkeel. These gorgeous white-washed homes preserve the décor of yesteryear, while supplying modern comforts. Stoll around this 'claghan', a small settlement built by Scottish migrants in the seventeenth century in a bend above the Kilkeel River.

Perhaps you’re interested in heartier fare? Book into the Cuan, a four-star hotel on the shore of Strangford Lough, where the cast of Game of Thrones stayed while filming at nearby Castle Ward. This warm and welcoming inn is renowned for its seafood and wine cellar, but Thronies flock here for the hotel’s Game of Thrones experience. Take a seat at the banqueting table in Winterfell’s Great Hall and feast on authentic Westerosi fare made from recipes compiled from George R.R. Martin’s novels. Sip on fine Dornish wines and conspire against your fellow dinner guests. Later on, you’ll retire to the very rooms where Kit Harrington, Maisie Williams and Sean Bean once stayed. You’ll also find the first of 10 doors made from fallen beech trees that line the Dark Hedges. Each door has been intricately carved to represent a different episode from Game of Thrones.

No matter your tastes, there’s a food experience to suit them during a stay in Newry, Mourne and Down. Come up and experience this astonishing landscape – and its food – for yourself.

[ visitmournemountains.co.uk ]