Slieve Donard, above the seaside town of Newcastle, is the highest peak in the Mourne Mountains and in Northern Ireland, standing over 800 metres tall.
About Slieve Donard
Named for Saint Donard, said to have built a small church at its summit, Slieve Donard rewards the climb with panoramic views over the Mourne Mountains, the Irish Sea, and - on a clear day - the surrounding countryside. Hikers commonly follow the Mourne Wall on the ascent.
Newcastle and the Mournes
Newcastle, at the mountain’s foot, offers a sandy beach, a lively promenade, and Royal County Down Golf Club, making it a natural base for exploring Slieve Donard and the wider Mourne range, including neighbouring peaks like Slieve Commedagh and Millstone Mountain.
The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
This 19th-century hotel sits on a six-acre estate at the mountain’s foot, with a spa, several dining options including the Royal Restaurant, and the Percy French Suite - named for the Irish songwriter - offering private in-room dining. The hotel is around 30 miles south of Belfast and roughly 100 miles from Dublin.
Nearby
The Glen River offers a gentler valley walk near the mountain, while a Neolithic passage tomb (the “Great Cairn”) and Slieve Donard Lighthouse are both nearby landmarks.
Getting There
Newcastle is reachable by direct bus or train from Belfast, with the mountain within walking distance of the town centre and hotel.
