Before developing my Travel App, I done a bit of research on my specific topic the Mourne Mountains. Through using the internet and looking at my own book on The Mourne Mountains I found out a lot of information. This included the history of the Mournes, different points of interest, safety advice, routes, the best walks and peaks in the Mournes, places to stay, eat and drink etc. This information I gathered helped me form ideas and help me think of what content to include in my own App.
I looked at the following sites:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-mournes/features/walking-in-the-mournes
https://walkni.com/mourne-mountains-destination/
https://outsider.ie/ireland/best-hikes-mourne-mountains/
As well as this book below.
Research
The Mourne Mountains are the highest Mountain range in Northern Ireland. It is well known for its breathtaking view. The Mournes consist of popular rugged paths and tracks recognized by walkers all over Ireland. These walks allow walkers to explore the great outdoors. The Mournes have a vary of routes from Easy, Medium, and Hard which may situatable for beginners and experienced hikers of all abilities to enjoy.
The Mournes was voted the ‘Best Walking Destination’ in Northern Ireland in WalkNI’s inaugural awards.
There are many peaks in the Mournes. Below is a list of some:
- The highest peak is Slieve Donard which is 849M located in the town Newcastle.
- Slieve Commedgah is the second highest peak at 767m
- Slieve Binnian
- Slieve Meelmore
- Slieve Meelbeg
- Slieve Commedgah
- Slieve Muck
- Slieve Bearnagh
- Slieve Martin
- Hen, Cock, and Pigeon Rock
I looked at points of interest here is a few:
- The Mourne Walls- It is a famous landmark which strengths for 22 miles in length and connects the submits of 15 Mountains. This wall was built by stone granite by was locals. It was completed in 1922 and took over 18 years to complete. Today you occasionally see people maintaining the wall.
- Tollymore Forrest Park- Was established in 1995. It is stunning 630-hectare Forrest Park located in BryansFord at the foot of the Mourne Mountains near Newcastle. The Shimna river flows through the park.
- The Mourne Way- This is a 40km country route which travels between Newcastle and Rostrevor.
- Game of Thrones- The Sandy Brae near Attical, Tollymore Forrest Park and Leitrim Lodge all featured in Game of Thornes.
- Annalong Woods is an evergreen wood.
- Annalong Cornmill
- Annalong Valley
- Slient Valley and Ben Crom Reservoira
- Castlewellan Forrest Park- A 450 hectares Forrest park lying North of the Mourne mountains. It allows people to do Partake in Outdoor activites such as Camping and touring, walking, cycling, horse hiding, fishing on the lake, canoeing and orienteering. Recently it was announced at Castlewellan Forest Park was getting a £5.5 million revamp.
The Mournes are made up of Newry, Mourne and down area. They are situated North of the border between North and the Republic. They can accessed throughout Co Down in Hilltown, Rostrevor, Newcastle, Annalong and Castlewellan.
Safety Advice
- When hiking in the Mournes it’s important to stick to the routes so you don’t get lost
- Check the weather
- Bring a Map and Compass
- Plan a Route
- Bring a Snack and Water for hydration
- Bring along a friend for company
- Enjoy the experience
- Watch out for bikes
Basic Kit and equipment
- Boots and socks
- Trousers
- Hat and Gloves
- BackPack
- Map and Compass
- First Aid Kit
- Walking Poles
- Phone
- Food and Water
- Coats
- Map
- Compass
You may spot some Wildlife on your walk such as:
- Sheep
- Frogs & toads
- Rabbits
- Birds
- Bees
- Wasps
- Mice
- Squirrels
- Insects
The Mournes have alot of Plants and Flowers such as:
- Heather is spotted everywhere.
- Gorse
- Moss
- Ash, beech, birch, and Oak Trees
The Climate can vary from Windy, Wet, Damp, Cold and Dry depending on the different seasons. You can have sometimes get 4 seasons in one.
Accommodation & Places to Stay near the Mournes:
- Hotels- Slieve Donard Resort, The Donard, Kilmorey, The Whisteldown, Canal Court, The Rostrevor Inn, The Downshire Arms, Harbour House Inn
- Hostels-
- Holiday Homes- Hillyard Mews, Glassdrumman Lodge
- Bed and Breakfast- Slient Valley Bed and Breakfast
- Campsites- Annalong, Kilbrony Park, Tollymore forrest park, Castlewellan and Newcastle,
- Glamping Pods in Newry, Hilltown, Castlewellan Forrest Park, Newcastle, Annalong, etc.
Famous People who are from or mentioned the Mournes
- CS Lewis the creator of Narina was influenced by the landscape of the Mournes.
- Percy French who wrote “Where the Mountains of Mourne Sweep down of the Sea”
- Designer Thomas Wright of Durham
- Seamus Heaney
- Actor Nicole Kidman was – The film the Northman.
- Catherine McGrath Singer from Rostrevor Co Down
I felt this information was really useful and may prehaps helped me when planning and designing my Travel App.