Mourne, Gullion, Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark

The Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is made up of three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, each with its own unique attributes that contribute to sustainable tourism, education, and scientific research. The Geopark tells a geological story that spans over 400 million years. From the closing of the Iapetus Ocean to the opening of the Atlantic Ocean — making it unlike any other place in the world. Evidence of the last glaciation can be seen at remarkable sites such as Killard Point.

The Geopark’s land boundary aligns with the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, while its coastal boundary includes several Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), such as Murlough Bay, Strangford Lough, and Carlingford Lough.

This extraordinary geological backdrop is home to vibrant communities rich in cultural heritage. This is where legendary tales—like those of Cú Chulainn and Fionn mac Cumhaill—live on. Our vision is to protect, promote and celebrate this remarkable landscape for current and future generations, with a focus on conservation, education, and sustainable development.

To learn more about the Geopark and its tourism experiences, visit mournegullionstrangfordgeopark.com. For ideas on activities and places to explore, go to www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/geopark.

A Land of Fire and Ice

The landscape has been forged by dramatic natural forces, shaped by volcanic activity and carved by ice, creating one of the island’s most breathtaking settings where people continue to live, work and thrive.

People and Places

Across the Geopark you will find ancient monuments, historic battle sites, and landscapes that have shaped countless generations. Its varied terrain has produced a rich cultural and built heritage, all set within a stunning mix of mountain and maritime environments.

Legendary Heroes

The unique geology of the Geopark supports an exceptional range of natural and semi-natural habitats—heather moorland, bog, pasture, woodlands, freshwater areas, and diverse coastal environments including sand dunes, rocky shores, mudflats and salt marsh.

This dramatic landscape has inspired some of Ireland’s most enduring legends. The stories of Cú Chulainn and Fionn mac Cumhaill are deeply rooted in the Geopark area.

Geological Highlights

The Geopark covers more than 400 million years of geological history. Its story includes:

the closure of the Iapetus Ocean,
the merging of ancient landmasses that formed the island of Ireland,
the region’s movement through tropical latitudes,
the birth of the North Atlantic Ocean, and
the sculpting of the landscape by ice during the last glaciation.

These geological events have created landscapes of global significance.

Our Geopark Story

To find out more about our incredible Global Geopark visit https://mournegullionstrangfordgeopark.com/

Visiting Our Global Geopark

For ideas of where to stay and things to do in the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark please visit: https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/geopark