Mournelive

05/06/2026

🌟JOB OPPORTUNITY - Conservation Officer (Mourne Catchments) 🌟

Turn your passion for nature into impact - apply for the Conservation Officer role today !
Applications close on Monday 15th June @ 12 noon.
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Northern Ireland Water Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

The Mourne Heritage Trust, in association with Northern Ireland Water, is excited to announce a new job opportunity. The Conservation Officer will support the development and delivery of habitat management plans across NI Water’s Mourne upland catchments, including conservation grazing....

05/06/2026

Step into nature during Mournes Week 2026 🌿✨

A fantastic programme of guided walks, tours, and talks showcasing the vital conservation work undertaken across the Mournes by the Forever Mournes partnership. From mountain trails to behind-the-scenes tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy 💚

Forever Mournes brings together Mourne Heritage Trust, National Trust and Northern Ireland Water to collaborate on protecting and enhancing the Mournes landscape.

📅 28th June - 4th July

Northern Ireland Water Murlough National Nature Reserve and The Mournes - National Trust Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark What's on Newry,Mourne& Down

05/06/2026

🌏WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
shines a light on the importance of protecting special places like the Mournes 🌿

From sweeping uplands to fragile peatlands, this landscape does more than inspire—it stores carbon, supports wildlife, and provides clean water for so many communities.

By caring for the Mournes today, we’re protecting them for generations to come. 💚

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

05/06/2026

Yesterday gave us all four seasons—today we’ve landed on sunshine. ☀️

04/06/2026

🏴‍☠️Secrets of the Mournes – The Smugglers’ Trail 🌊

Smuggling once flourished along the Mourne coast, and though it left few traces, today’s hikers unknowingly follow in those secret footsteps. The Brandy Pad winds from Bloody Bridge along the contours of the Annalong Valley to Hare’s Gap, a route once used to move contraband under the cover of darkness.

🛶 Small boats landed on quiet beaches, their cargo of wine, spirits, to***co, silks, soap, tea and coffee swiftly carried inland on the backs of sturdy ponies or shelties. Hidden caves and turf banks became perfect hiding places before the goods made their way to local villages.

One such place was Hilltown, where in 1835 nearly half the 21 houses were public houses – a sure sign of busy trade! Meanwhile, customs officers and coastguards fought an uphill battle to stop the flow. By 1835, there were 19 coastguard stations across County Down, but locals often sympathised with the smugglers, and few were willing to inform.

These stories of risk and reward still linger in the Mourne landscape — a reminder that every winding path and hidden cove holds a trace of its secret past. 🌿

📸: The Smuggler's Head, Bloody Bridge Car Park


Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

04/06/2026

🌟JOB OPPORTUNITY - Peatlands Conservation Ranger 🌟

Don’t miss the chance to be part of something meaningful — apply now and help make a real impact where it matters most.
Applications close - Monday 15th June @ 12 noon.

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark PEATPLUS Ulster Wildlife Northern Ireland Water Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

The Mourne Heritage Trust is excited to announce this new job opportunity through the PEAT+ Project — an ambitious programme focused on restoring and protecting fragile peatland habitats across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. PEAT+ is a...

04/06/2026

🐕 “My dog wouldn’t hurt anything!”
We hear it often - but even the friendliest dogs can accidentally disturb wildlife.
During breeding season, ground nesting birds hide their eggs in shallow scrapes on the ground. A curious sniff, a playful chase, or even a passing run can destroy a nest.
That’s why dogs MUST be kept on leads in sensitive areas.
It’s not about restricting fun, it’s about protecting vulnerable wildlife that has nowhere else to go. 💚

Places to walk your dog off the lead can be found here: https://www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/blog/read/2025/06/dog-friendly-walks-in-mourne-gullion-strangford-b197



Northern Ireland Water Murlough National Nature Reserve and The Mournes - National Trust RSPB Northern Ireland

03/06/2026

🦋Butterflies and moths to look out for in June, from common garden visitors to species found in the wider countryside. 🌺

📸: Butterfly Conservation

Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Mourne Nature Watch

02/06/2026

🌟VOLUNTEER WEEK 1ST - 7TH JUNE 2026 🌟

Our Volunteer Path Team have had all the seasons lately 😅

🌧️ 19th May – rained off ☹️
☀️ 26th May – absolutely roasting 🥵
🌦️ Today – more rain … classic “sandwich weather”! 🌧🌞🌧

Through it all, their commitment never wavers 💪
Huge thanks to the team for rolling with whatever the skies throw at them — rain or shine, the work continues!
With a backdrop like this, even the toughest days on the path feel pretty special.
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs