Spring into Visit Mourne in March and Embrace Your Next Giant Adventure

Visit Mourne has launched a host of festivals, events, and experiences in association with Tourism Northern Ireland across the District throughout March. From St Patrick's Day Parades to Viking, Outdoor and Aspiring Geopark Festivals, there is a full programme of family fun, outdoor activities, and giant adventures to suit people of all ages and abilities.

As part of the programme of events, Newry, Mourne and Down are delighted to announce the return of the St Patrick's Festival. Highlights of the festival include Irish Dancing displays, walks and guided tours through the home of St Patrick and Festival Parades in both Downpatrick and Newry have been organised to take place on Thursday 17 March.

The first ever ‘Outdoor Fest’ has also been launched by Visit Mourne, in partnership with Life Adventure Centre. A range of ‘give-it-a-go’ fun activities are available throughout the region beginning on Friday 25 February to Sunday 27 March. From breathtaking hikes and feasting in our forests to electric biking and forest bathing, there will be something for everyone to try this Spring in the great outdoors!

But that's not all. At the Visit Mourne Aspiring Geopark Spring Festival, which runs from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 March and again from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 March, you will be spoilt for choice. This festival offers experiences which celebrate our unique traditions and local customs. From Ceilí and craic, weaving with willow to lace making and Celtic woodturning you can immerse yourself in the rich landscape, culture, and heritage of our three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There will be an opportunity to meet the locals, share in their stories and learn something new, leaving with unforgettable memories.

For Viking fans, Newry Mourne and Down District Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council are delighted to bring you the Strangford Lough Viking Festival, taking place in Portaferry and Strangford from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 March. To celebrate our shared Norse heritage, you can visit the Viking encampments and watch exciting battle re-enactments, view Viking exhibitions, and event Long Boat displays. You can choose to live like the Vikings as you enjoy unique themed experiences, children’s activities as well as great food, drink, and music - this will be an adventure to remember!

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason said, “Just a few moments in the epic heart of the Mourne Mountains, along the rolling hills of the Ring of Gullion or on the rippling shores of Strangford Lough and you will soon discover why Saint Patrick chose to settle here. Living here in partnership with nature, the people make this area unique. Visit Mourne is one giant jewel and this Spring we welcome you all to embrace the great outdoors and experience our giant spirit through the host of Festivals and experiences that are on offer.”

Details of the full events programme are available on www.visitmournemountains.co.uk.