Attractions and Places To See around Ballynanny - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ballynanny are found within this 538-acre townland in County Down, Northern Ireland. Located within the civil parish of Annaclone, Ballynanny serves as a base for exploring the wider County Down area, including the Mourne Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region offers a mix of natural landscapes and historical sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Ballynanny
- The most popular attractions is Summit of Slieve Donard, a natural monument that is Northern Ireland’s highest peak. The Mourne Wall joins a stone tower and remains of two burial cairns on its summit.
- Another must-see spot is Tollymore Forest Park, a viewpoint with many hiking trails and facilities. Visitors can explore paths along the Shimna River and find a campsite within the park.
- Visitors also love Hare's Gap, a trail and mountain pass known for its rugged stile and dramatic views. It serves as a natural gateway into the high Mournes, featuring steep paths and striking rock formations.
- Ballynanny is known for its natural monuments, forest parks, and mountain passes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from challenging mountain climbs to family-friendly forest walks.
- The attractions around Ballynanny are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 39 upvotes and 23 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Slieve Commedagh Summit
Highlight • Summit
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Slieve Bearnagh
Highlight • Viewpoint
It is most accessible starting from the Cecil Newman Car Park and following the Trassey Track up and over Hares Gap, turning right and climbing the steps to meet the Mourne Wall which you follow to both summits. The final climb is steep requiring some hands and knees type scrambling. If doing a circular route descending from the North Tor (680m / J315282) to Pollaphuca is also extremely steep so care is required.
(mourne-mountains.com/mournes/mountains/slieve-bearnagh/)
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Slieve Binnian summit
Highlight • Summit
Fantastic views down to silent valley reservoir and south towards Carlingford.
As with any hill walking - be prepared for a change in weather and have good footwear. Enjoy
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Summit of Slieve Donard
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tollymore Forest Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
Slieve Binnian is absolute magic. Standing as the third-highest peak in Northern Ireland (747 meters), it easily claims the title for the most dramatic silhouette in the Mournes, thanks to the massive, weathered granite towers—called tors—that guard its summit. https://www.expresstollpass.com
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Slieve Commedagh, at 767 meters, is the second-highest peak in the Mourne Mountains and a rewarding climb for any hiker. Its summit offers sweeping views across the Mournes and out to the Irish Sea, a reminder of how close these mountains sit to the coast. The ascent is steep and demanding, often over pathless ground, but never overly technical in good weather. You can climb it on its own or link it with nearby peaks such as Slieve Donard, making for a truly memorable day in the heart of the Mournes.
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The park has no entry fee, you only have to pay 5 £ for parking.
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Easy route no special gear required. Very scenic
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I was lucky to see them at their best today, beautiful 😍
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Wonderful forest with an even more beautiful river
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Ballynanny?
The region around Ballynanny is dominated by the stunning Mourne Mountains, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can explore iconic peaks like Summit of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak, and Slieve Bearnagh, known for its rocky tors. Hare's Gap offers dramatic views and serves as a natural gateway into the high Mournes. Additionally, Tollymore Forest Park provides beautiful forest walks along the Shimna River.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Ballynanny?
Yes, Tollymore Forest Park is an excellent choice for families, offering many hiking trails, facilities, and a campsite. Its paths along the Shimna River are suitable for a casual day out. Hare's Gap, while featuring steep paths, is also considered family-friendly for those looking for a more adventurous outing with dramatic views.
What historical or cultural sites are there near Ballynanny?
The area boasts a rich history. The Mourne Wall, an impressive 35-kilometer dry-stone wall traversing mountain summits, is a significant historical landmark. Other notable sites include the Bronze Age Ballynoe Stone Circle, the ancient Legananny Dolmen, the picturesque ruins of Inch Abbey, and the intricately decorated Kilnasaggart Inscribed Stone.
What outdoor activities can I do near Ballynanny's attractions?
The region around Ballynanny is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking, with trails ranging from easy to difficult, exploring the Mourne Mountains. There are also numerous mountain biking (MTB) trails and running routes available. For more details on specific routes, you can explore the hiking guide, MTB guide, and running guide for the area.
Are there easy walking trails or beginner hikes near Ballynanny?
Yes, for easier walks, Tollymore Forest Park offers gentle paths along the Shimna River. In terms of dedicated hiking routes, you can find options like the 'Slieve Muck from Moyad Road' trail (2.4 km) and 'Hen Mountain' trail (1.35 km) which are rated as easy. More options are available in the hiking guide around Ballynanny.
Can I find challenging hikes in the Mourne Mountains near Ballynanny?
Absolutely. The Mourne Mountains offer several challenging hikes. Ascents to peaks like Summit of Slieve Donard and Slieve Bearnagh involve steep climbs and scrambling. The iconic Mourne Wall also provides challenging ridge walks across multiple summits. For specific difficult routes, consider trails like 'Rocky Path to the Cairn – Pierce's Castle loop' (41.8 km) or 'Eagle Mountain – Hen Mountain loop' (21.3 km) found in the hiking guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ballynanny?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, especially within the Mourne Mountains. The panoramic views from peaks like Slieve Donard are often highlighted. The unique experience of hiking alongside the historic Mourne Wall and the wild beauty of passes like Hare's Gap are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the variety of trails in Tollymore Forest Park for casual outings.
When is the best time to visit Ballynanny and its attractions?
The best time to visit Ballynanny and the surrounding County Down area, especially for outdoor activities in the Mourne Mountains, is typically during the warmer and drier months from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, you'll experience more pleasant weather for hiking and exploring, and the views are often clearer. However, the natural beauty can be appreciated year-round, with each season offering a different charm.
Are there any significant natural reserves or unique ecosystems nearby?
While not directly in Ballynanny, the Ballynahone Bog is an important lowland raised bog in Northern Ireland, significant for its diverse vegetation and rare species. It provides a habitat for breeding birds like curlew and snipe, as well as wintering birds of prey, and is home to one of the largest colonies of the large heath butterfly. You can learn more about it on the DAERA website.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Ballynanny?
The entire Mourne Mountains area offers numerous scenic viewpoints. Key spots include the summit of Slieve Donard, which on clear days provides views extending to the Isle of Man and Scotland. Hare's Gap is renowned for its dramatic vistas into the high Mournes. Tollymore Forest Park also offers picturesque views along the Shimna River and within its forested landscapes.
Are there mountain biking trails suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, the area around Ballynanny offers mountain biking trails for various skill levels. You can find easy routes like the 'View of Mourne AONB – Castlewellan Lake loop' (5.9 km) and 'Stepping Stones at Mourne AONB – Parnell's Bridge loop' (10.5 km). For more experienced riders, there are moderate to difficult trails such as the 'Mourne Hills loop from Hilltown' (48.4 km). Explore the MTB Trails around Ballynanny guide for more options.
Most popular attractions around Ballynanny
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