10km

The Windy Gap is a well know view point, off the Slievenaboley Road, in the Dromara Hills. The Windy Gap Pad is a rough farm track of just under a mile in length which joins the Slievenaboley and Legananny Roads.
The Dromara Hills, part of the Mourne and Slieve Croob Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are a compact area of hill, moorland and farms in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains.

A trip through lanes in the Slieve Croob area of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the countryside between Dromara and Ballynahinch. This walk follows 2 public rights of way and narrow country roads in the rolling Dromara Hills. A walk for clear weather when the views can be enjoyed. Drumkeeragh is a mixed conifer forest managed by Forest Service located off the Drumnaquoile Road between Dromara and Castlewellan.

Formerly within the former Banbridge District Council area as from April 1 2015 the route falls within the new Newry Mourne & Down district council area.

A superb walk encompassing a variety of landscapes. Here the Upper River Bann wends it way around farmed drumlin hills set in a lowland basin of extensive birch and moss on its journey from the Mourne Mountains to Lough Neagh. Ballyroney Lake supports a variety of wintering waterfowl including mute swan, whooper swan, mallard, teal, tufted duck and coot. It is one of the most important sites in Ireland for dragonflies.

Lovely walk around the small hamlet of Ballyroney, on the banks of the Upper River Bann. Formerly a raised bog, but now completely cut over, Lackan Bog represents one of the largest single blocks of lowland peat left in County Down. 13 out of 22 Irish species have been spotted in the bog. The best time to see them is between March and October.

Wander through the 98 acres of beautiful gardens of Hillsborough Castle. The gardens were developed from the 1760s onwards, and offer the visitor a contrast of ornamental grounds, woodland, waterways and lawns.

Nearly everyone is familiar with the song "The Star of the County Down" which is closely associated with the town of Banbridge and goes:
"Near Banbridge town, in the County Down
One morning in July
down a boreen green came a sweet colleen,
and she smiled as she passed me by."
The River Bann rises in the Mountains of Mourne and flows through the town on its journey to Lough Neagh. The river has been integral to the historic wealth of the district and the thriving town of Banbridge in particular.

The walk circumnavigates Castlewellan Lake. A short steep climb uphill brings you to the view point over the lake : Moorish Tower.

Enjoy a quiet stroll along woodland paths and country lane within this small, family owned estate located on the edge of the pretty village of Loughbrickland.