Active Pursuits

Bicycling

The Mourne roads are narrow and often bordered by 1.7m-high (5 1/2-ft.) dry-stone walls. The foothills of the Mournes around Castlewellan are ideal for cycling, with panoramic vistas and very little traffic. In these parts, the perfect year-round outfitter is Ross Cycles, 44 Clarkhill Rd. (tel. 028/4377-8029), signposted from the Clough-Castlewellan road, .8km (1/2 mile) out of Castlewellan; the shop carries light-frame, highly geared mountain bikes for the whole family, with helmets and children's seats. All cycles are fully insured, as are their riders. You can park and ride, or request local delivery. Daily rates are around £7 to £10, and family and weekly rates are available.

Fishing

The best time to fish for trout and salmon is August to October. Some sizable sea trout can be seen on the Whitewater River in the Mournes, and not all of them get away. The Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle (tel. 028/4372-2599) and the Kilmorey Arms Hotel in Kilkeel (tel. 028/4176-2220) offer special holiday breaks for game anglers. For further information, as well as tackle, bait, and outfitting needs, try Four Seasons, 47 Main St., Newcastle (tel. 028/4372-5078).

Golf

Royal County Down, Newcastle, County Down (tel. 028/4372-3314; www.royalcountydown.org), is nestled in huge sand dunes with the Mountains of Mourne in the background. This 18-hole, par-71 Championship course was created in 1889 and is considered one of the best in the British Isles; the Annesley links are worth a try, too. Greens fees are £150 to £165 Mon-Sat, €180 Sun,. (In winter prices drop to £50-£100). Not too far away, the Kilkeel Golf Club, Mourne Park, Ballyardle, Kilkeel (tel. 028/4176-5095; www.kilkeelgolfclub.org), is a beautiful parkland course on the historic Kilmorey Estate. The best days for visitors are weekdays except Tuesday, and greens fees are £25 weekdays, £30 weekends.

Horseback Riding

The Mount Pleasant Trekking and Horse Riding Centre (tel. 028/4377-8651; www.mountpleasantcentre.com) offers group trekking tours into Castlewellan Forest Park for around £12 an hour. For riding in the Tollymore Forest Park or on local trails, contact the Mourne Trail Riding Centre, 96 Castlewellan Rd., Newcastle (tel. 028/4372-4351; www.mournetrailridingcentre.co.uk). It has quality horses and offers beach rides for skilled riders. Prices start at £18 an hour.

Watersports

For canoeing, rock climbing, and a variety of other intrepid activities, contact One Great Adventure, The Grange Yard, Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan, County Down (tel. 0844/770-5477; 028/4372-2882; www.onegreatadventure.com).