drivers handbook

www.visitmournemountains.co.uk Coach drivers handbook

visitmournemountains.co.uk elcome to The Mourne Mountains Larne Belfast Dublin Dun Laoghaire Edinburgh Troon Cairnryan tranraer Fleetwood Liverpool Holyhead Cardiff London The Mourne Mountains is a varied and beautiful area situated in the outh East of Northern Ireland. It is a delightful blend of stunning natural beauty, traditional experiences, fascinating sites and endless ways to pass a memorable holiday. If you are looking for a day excursion or a long distance tour, the Mourne Mountains offer breathtaking scenery where rich heritage lies around every corner. hatever your interests or age, you will find it a unique place to explore, discovering secrets and treasures for years of happy memories. For groups looking for more energetic activities along the Mournes paths and bridleways, linear walks offers an ideal way to start and finish a walk at different locations. Use your pre-arranged transport to drop off and pick up, as required. For more information on suggested walks, events and coach itineraries in the Mourne Mountains visit visitmournemountains.co.uk or contact any of the Visitor Information Centres in the area. Travelling around the Mournes by coach or minibus allows passengers to relax, unwind and enjoy the scenery of a peaceful and unspoilt environment. hether you are planning a tour of adventure sports, walking, nature, or if your group simply wish to travel from one fine hostelry to the next the Mourne Mountains has it all. By travelling in a group, you are helping to reduce the numbers of vehicles and congestion on the Mournes roads. Please use the coach parks shown on the maps so that your vehicle does not cause access problems and congestion for local farm traffic and emergency vehicles. This guide aims to help group organisers, tour planners and drivers to plan visits and excursions in the Mourne Mountains so that their clients get the maximum enjoyment from the area, whilst at the same time preserving the area s special qualities. Group organisers, tour planners and coach drivers can help to conserve the special qualities of the Mourne Mountains by following the advice given in this leaflet. 2

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Tips for drivers of coaches and other large vehicles Use the hierarchy of roads and advisory one way systems shown on the map to plan the best routes for your journey. This has been devised not only to prevent large vehicles meeting but also so that larger vehicles approach narrow bridges in the correct direction to allow them to cross with care. Note: some longer vehicles may find it impossible to cross these bridges if they approach in the wrong direction. Please park in designated parking areas or surfaced lay-bys only. Do not park in informal or designated passing places, or in locations which would cause problems for large vehicles. Avoid driving on roadside verges as these are often sensitive habitats for wild flowers and are important features in the landscape. Consider the use of smaller vehicles if your tour includes the narrower roads in the Mournes. Drive with extreme care on all roads within the Mourne Mountains; they are legitimately used by walkers and cyclists as well as vehicles. Farm animals and slow moving vehicles are also frequently encountered. Use lay-bys to allow traffic to pass when necessary. Visit Group Travel Information at visitmournemountains.co.uk for details of itineraries, accommodation and attractions. Mourne Mountains Visitor Code Enjoy the countryside and respect its lifestyles, work, and customs. upport local skills, services, producers, and craftsmen. herever you go keep to public route and access areas. Leave all gates as you find them; open or closed. Use gates and stiles to cross dry stone walls, fences, and hedges. Avoid trampling meadow grass by walking in single file through meadows in summer. Protect wild animals, trees and other plants. In particular leave wild flowers for others to enjoy, and avoid disturbing birds and other animals. Keep your dog under control, preferably on a lead. Leave livestock and farm machinery alone. Beware of farmyard dangers. Take your litter with you. Guard against the risk of fire. Help to keep rivers, streams, and lakes clean. herever possible use public transport. Take special care on narrow roads. Park thoughtfully. here available use official car parks and don t park on grass verges or in passing places. Respect other peoples peace and quiet. how consideration for those who use the countryside in other legitimate ways. The scenic routes have been carefully chosen to maximise the scenic value of each and to embrace the rural nature of this part of Northern Ireland. As a result some of the roads used for the loops are minor country roads which may not be entirely suitable for some larger vehicles. Drivers and operators are advised to assess each scenic loop for suitability in an appropriate vehicle prior to using a larger vehicle and where necessary preplan alternative routes. 5

6 1 M1 M1 A3 Lurgan Hillsborou A4 A3 A1 Craigavon B3 visitmournemountains.co.uk 6 9 B2 Riv er Portadown A50 Gilford carva B25 25 B2 B7 M1 M1 North from Dublin Dundalk op hanlieve Finlieve Kilbroney Park lievemartin Rocky Mountain Killowen N1 A37 li Mu arrenpoint Omeath u l l i on ay pelga Dam Rostrevor Forest Rostrevor ail High Mou rnes c Burren B25 B134 B7 B113 Flagstaff Ring of G er at Crossmaglen Fathom Forest r k s T tric t Pa n i a B2 7 Knockshee er hit e a t iver er y ull B1 B3 y anr Cl A1 B8 o Mourne Mountains al Can Meigh lieve Gullion Forest Park Forkhill ry New C lieve Gullion iver rkhill R Fo Mullaghbane 9 Newr y River 8 5 A 29 R gan iv e r Creg Creggan Ring of Gullion B30 B8 ic L cen sley Roo B8 Kilco 5 Hilltown Newry Camlough Mountain Camlough Lake Brontë Homeland Rathfriland Mayobridge Camlough 5 AONB B7 Derrymore Belleek Cullyhanna 6 A5 0 5 Bessbrook AONB B30 nn Ba er k s ay - Pilgrim tric Pa 7 rail s T ck tri Pa 34 B1 int Lough Ross A1 alk Newtownhamilton 35 Katesbridge Knockiveagh B1 33 lievenaboley Mountain B10 Loughbrickland Lake Acton Lake a A 29 Riv Loughbrickland 8 B7 Corbet Lough r wate cenic hite Loo p B3 B10 Ferguson s Irish Linen 7 Gosford Forest Park Markethill B25 Banbridge B3 8 Droma Roo sley ce nic Loo p 1 A5 6 y a Tandragee A51 an y Can al wr 7 Armagh Dromore 0 A5 Ne A3 La g Mourn ood Carlingford Lough Carlingford Mountain Carlingford Greencastle Greenore Cranfield Beach Cranfield Poin

1 1 5 Drumkeeragh Forest 4 eeconnell 5 B1 r oo b eaforde Clough 5 op nic Lo ce Castlewellan Forest Park Annsborough Dundrum Castlewellan Lough Island Reavy B1 A 50 80 Bryansford na r ve Ri Tollymore Forest Park Tyrella ay ourn M e al l ce nic Loo p lieve Bearnagh Donard Forest Maggy s Leap lieve Commedagh lieve Binnian e Mo e urn Co as Visitor Information Centre Caravan ite Coach ashing Facilities Hiking Access Qua rter Roa d op c Lo Fishing Boats Annalong lr ou t Kilk e el R i ver er cenic Loop ewat hit ceni nes Mour High ad d Ro Hea Attical Bloody Bridge Annalong ood ee Binnian r ne Coa s t al Rout e Visitor Information Point lieve Donard Cove Mountain lieve Chimney Rock Lamagan Mountain ilent Valley Mou Dundrum Bay Newcastle im h Dublin Murlough B180 rne ou M y - Pilgri ic Loop cen b oo 75 lie ve Cr lievegarran Belfast k m al Legananny Mountain Downpatrick lievenisky Patrick s a lieve Croob B27 nt A7 4 The pa ieve uck ne Ballynahinch Crossgar ec ev li oo aintfield B7 ara B 2 A7 4 9 A4 ugh ta Ballymartin alking Historic Building Ancient Monument Museums & Cultural Centres Cookery chool Kilkeel Picnic Area Mourne Coastal Route t Patrick s Trail AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 7

Kilkeel N E 0 1km 2km cale 4cm : 1km 8 Kilkeel has a long, strong tradition of fishing and farming. It is the main fishing port on this coast, with one of the largest fishing fleets in Northern Ireland. The town is the seafood centre of the Mournes, and the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Mourne. attractions The Nautilus Centre is the first point of call for visitors, with its panoramic views of the harbour. The centre houses the Visitor Information Centre, Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre and Mourne eafood Cookery chool. There is a new exhibition about tracing your roots in the Mournes, as well as a gift shop. The town s walking/ heritage trail starts here. The Big Fish sculpture is a popular backdrop for visitors souvenir photographs. Near the centre, the eafarers Memorial is a monument to fishermen who lost their lives at sea. Mourne granite is now protected, so this is one of the last large pieces to be quarried in the area. The Kilkeel company that created the monument also made the Diana Memorial Fountain in London s Hyde Park. Award-winning Cranfield Beach is just outside the town, at the mouth of Carlingford Lough. The long, south-facing beach has excellent facilities (play park, nearby café and toilets) and the warmest waters in Northern Ireland! The famous Percy French song, the Mountains of Mourne, was written when French stayed at the Temperance Hotel in Kilkeel. hopping & eating Ask for advice in the Visitor Information Centre Kilkeel has a range of local independent shops, as well as cafes, takeaways, and pubs serving food. There are also a few restaurants in the town. The town s heritage trail map (pick one up in the Visitor Information Centre) shows all the local services. Facilities Public toilets in Nautilus Centre, Greencastle treet, Lower quare and Cranfield Beach. Parking Free parking at the Nautilus Centre, on Mourne Esplanade near the play park and leisure centre, and several car parks in the town centre around Newry, Greencastle and Newcastle treets. hopping Visitor Information Centre Coach ashing

Newcastle N E 0 cale 4cm : 1km 1km 2km Newcastle is set in a stunning location on the Irish ea and at the base of lieve Donard, the highest of the Mourne Mountains peaks. This seaside town has lots to do for all the family, with many activities nearby and a promenade for walkers. The town is also famous for one of the world s most celebrated links courses the Royal County Down Golf Club, situated beside the luxurious lieve Donard Resort and pa. attractions Murlough National Nature Reserve, stretching from Dundrum to Newcastle, borders one of Ireland s most popular beaches. It s perfect for walking and spotting wildlife the network of boardwalks leads you through the reserve. Tollymore Forest Park is one of Northern Ireland s largest and most attractive forests, with walks along the scenic himna River. Professional golfers regularly name Royal County Down as one of the world s top golf courses. This links course runs along Dundrum Bay beside the nature reserve, with stunning views of the Mourne Mountains. The B/E Aerospace Festival of Flight takes place in Newcastle annually over a week in August, with many free events for all the family, including a programme of air displays with amazing jet aircraft. hopping & eating Newcastle Visitor Information Centre sells a range of traditional and contemporary crafts and local souvenirs for visitors. The centre can also advise on local listings for places to eat, and where to shop in the town s many independent boutiques. Newcastle is full of places to eat, catering for all tastes and budgets, and within walking distance of the town centre. Facilities Public toilets at the Visitor Information Centre, Donard Park, Murlough Nature Reserve and Tollymore Forest Park. Parking Large public car parks on the himna Road, Donard Park, Murlough Nature Reserve and Tollymore Forest Park. hopping Visitor Information Centre Coach ashing Free ifi Available 9

arrenpoint N E 0 cale 4cm : 1km 1km 2km 10 arrenpoint lies on the shores of Carlingford Lough. The town was built on a grid system, with its square (one of largest in Ireland) at the centre. In the 1800s, arrenpoint was one of the largest ports in the country and thousands of emigrants left Ireland from here. It was also a fashionable seaside resort, with a stunning backdrop of the Cooley Mountains. attractions Narrow ater Tower House was built in the 1560s. Hugh de Lacy, first Earl of Ulster, built a keep on the site in 1212, to prevent attacks on Newry by river. Across the road is a stately home Narrow ater Castle completed in 1836 in the Elizabethan Revival style and built of Mourne granite. Narrow ater is still a family home and popular wedding venue. The statue of a giant elk near Narrow ater shows an animal that is now extinct, but used to roam the local countryside. The Town Hall has a theatre and exhibition space and houses the Visitor Information Centre. arrenpoint Park has a play area, stunning flowers and greenery, as well as popular concerts in the summer in the Edwardian bandstand. The Magennis Coronation tone stands at Bridal Loanan, and is the stone of destiny of the Magennis clan. The clan s chieftain was inaugurated by putting his foot and staff of power into slots in the stone. hopping & eating arrenpoint has a great reputation as a hub for eating out and festivals. The Visitor Information Centre can help you with local listings. A stroll through the town will lead you to the many cafes, bistros, pubs and restaurants. Facilities Toilets at the Town Hall, the park in Queen treet and the quare. Parking Free parking in The quare (Dock treet) and East treet. hopping Visitor Information Centre Coach ashing

Newry N E 0 1km 2km cale 3cm : 1km Newry is the main city on the Belfast to Dublin corridor, sitting on the border between Down and Armagh. The River Clanrye, running through the city, forms the county border. centre has a craft and souvenir shop. The free museum features farming, fishing and folklore, history of the Gap of the North and robes of the order of aint Patrick. Newry Town Hall is on Bank Parade, and was built in the ith a reputation as one Classical style in 1893. The of the best shopping areas rivalry between Down and in Northern Ireland, Newry also has an ancient historical Armagh dictated its location on the county boundary of the and cultural heritage. Clanrye River. On the nearby attractions bridge is a 19th Century Bagenal s Castle is Newry s Russian canon, given to oldest surviving building, built in recognise the Newry men who the 16th Century. Newry Visitor fought in the Crimean ar. Information Centre and Newry The Albert Basin, in the canal Museum is here, as is the start harbour, is in the heart of the of the city s heritage trail. The shopping area. It has places to eat, a wildlife sanctuary and historic buildings. good mix of independent boutiques in Hill and Monaghan treets. The cathedral of aint Patrick and aint Colman is the most impressive building on Hill treet, built in local granite in 1829. It was the first cathedral opened after Catholic emancipation. aint Patrick s Church of Ireland was the first Protestant church built in Ireland after the Reformation. Dean Jonathan wift (author of Gulliver s Travels) preached here. Eating Great choice of places to eat, from restaurants to takeaways the Visitor Information Centre can help you choose. hopping hopping centres (Buttercrane and The Quays) have the big high street names. There is a Facilities Public toilets at the Visitor Information Centre/Newry Museum at Bagenal s Castle, Town Hall, Newry Market and shopping centres. Parking Around 15 car parks in the city centre, including large number of spaces at the two shopping centres. hopping Visitor Information Centre Coach ashing 11

lieve Roosley cenic Loop N E 0 1km 2km 3km 4km Approx Drive time: 50 minutes (29km) cale 14mm : 1km The lieve Roosley landscape could be described as the hidden Mournes and has formed part of the inspiration for author C.. Lewis, who spent boyhood holidays in Rostrevor, in his creation of the magical world of Narnia. It is an open landscape of windswept hilltops, more intimate valleys and foothills, interspersed with small villages and, along the glens, a mixture of homesteads and farms. Rostrevor oak wood is one of the few remaining native oak woodlands in Ireland and, along with the more recently planted Rostrevor and Yellow ater forests, offers peaceful walks. Leitrim Lodge and Hen Mountain amenity areas are both beautiful sites for a riverside picnic. Hen Mountain is one of the smallest of the Mourne Mountains but its summit, with its distinctive granite tors, presents an almost lunar landscape popular with rock climbers as well as walkers. Nearby Hilltown was the reputed destination of many of the 18th and 19th century smugglers who were said to have shared out their contraband here, having transported it across the mountains on ponies from the coast near Newcastle, via the Brandy Pad. It remains a good place for refreshment now entirely legal of course! Coyle s Hill at the top of the Yellow River above Hilltown offers a truly spectacular view over lieve Roosley and the high Mournes. *Drivers are advised to assess each scenic loop for suitability in an appropriate vehicle prior to using a large vehicle. hopping Visitor Information Centre Coach ashing uitable for all sizes of vehicles 12 Not suitable for larger vehicles

hitewater cenic Loop Finish tart N E 0 1km 2km 3km Approx Drive time: 20 minutes (14km) cale 24mm : 1km You are advised to start your journey at the Kilkeel end of the loop. Attical is the highest village in the Mourne Mountains; a true mountain home where visitors are catered for in the This route is named after the community run Cnocnafeola hitewater River which flows Hostel - remain to The from the lower slopes of the Mourne Hostel, Cnocnafeola. Mourne Mountains Travelling the loop affords to the sea at Mill Bay on the wonderful views of lieve main Mourne Coastal Route. Binnian, one of the most As well as a site of world distinctive of all the Mourne conservation importance for Mountains. In Binnian s its sea birds, the latter is a shadow is the ilent Valley location from which the first Mountain Park containing farmers in this area harvested forest, riverside and mountain seaweed to improve the thin walks, an adventure play area acidic soils and produce the and a visitor centre telling now productive farms that the story of the building you see as you drive the route. of the dams. This massive engineering project began in 1923 and included the construction of a temporary town, called atertown, to house the workers and provide them with a hospital, a cinema and even their own policeman. Another feature of this loop is the opportunity to see up close the distinctive dry stone walls of the Mourne Plain built with granite boulders rounded by the ice sheets of the last Ice Age. The large gaps between the stones can make the structures look precarious and cause some to wonder how these structures stay up. But these gaps are actually a point of strength, allowing the often strong sea breezes to pass through, and also a thing of beauty when the early morning or late evening sun glints through. Are they works of engineering or art? *Drivers are advised to assess each scenic loop for suitability in an appropriate vehicle prior to using a large vehicle. hopping Visitor Information Centre Coach ashing uitable for all sizes of vehicles May be suitable for larger vehicles 13

High Mournes cenic Loop tart N E Finish 0 1km 2km 3km 4km Approx Drive time: 1 hour (68km) cale 12mm : 1km 14 You are advised to start your journey at the Newcastle end of the loop. This loop delves into the very heart of the famous Mourne Mountains offering iconic views of lieve Commedagh, Bernagh, Meelmore, Meelbeg and beyond. Below the summits, the charming village of Bryansford and Tollymore Forest Park are well worth a stop for walks along the himna River and among the wonderfully ornate and quirky stone bridges, gates and follies of this planted demesne. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of a Red quirrel or two. here forest gives way to open heathland, Trassey Track leading to Hare s Gap is one of the main walking access routes to the high Mournes. At pelga Dam you are at the junction of the Eastern and estern Mournes where people brought cattle for summer grazing on the high pastures of the Deer s Meadow, living in turf built booley huts for those months. The River Bann sets off from here on its journey to Lough Neagh and beyond. The ilent Valley Mountain Park is home to two more reservoirs set against a stunning backdrop and offering amenities and a wealth of history to explore. Among the many feats of early engineering and human endeavour, look out for the cut granite Mourne all as it winds its way over the twelve highest peaks, seeming at times to defy gravity. here this loop meets the Mourne Plain, Carrick Little provides access to the beautiful Annalong Valley and is also a perfect vantage point to see the patchwork quilt effect of the small fields bounded by dry stone walls, built as the hardy locals cleared the rocky ground to make their farms. Look also to the horizon where, in clear conditions, you can see the twin mountain peaks of the Isle of Man and, on occasion, the hills of Cumbria beyond. *Drivers are advised to assess each scenic loop for suitability in an appropriate vehicle prior to using a large vehicle. hopping Visitor Information Centre Coach ashing uitable for all sizes of vehicles May be suitable for larger vehicles

lieve Croob cenic Loop N Finish E tart 0 1km 2km 3km 4km Approx Drive time: 40 minutes (27km) cale 12mm : 1km You are advised to start your journey at the Castlewellan end of the loop. The lieve Croob scenic loop explores a truly ancient landscape, much older than the high Mournes. The craggy peaks and rolling valleys were formed when an ancient ocean closed about 400 million years ago. The legacy of man s interaction with the landscape across millennia is very visible here. Legannany Dolmen is one of the most striking Bronze Age portal tombs in Ireland, with a huge granite capstone support by three upright rocks. Nearby Binder s Cove souterrain is an underground passage probably used for storage or shelter in times of strife. At indy Gap the remnants of lazy beds, raised ridges used for the growing of potatoes in the times before the Great Famine, can be seen. The lieve Croob area also provides some of the best panoramic views to the Mourne Mountains, while sites like indy Gap also offer views south to the Cooley Mountains in County Louth and the Ring of Gullion in County Armagh. And as if that is not enough, a walk from Dree Hill car park to the summit of lieve Croob, which can be navigated via a paved road, will be rewarded on a clear day with vistas over the Lecale Coast and Ards Peninsula to the Belfast Hills and the huge yellow cranes of Belfast Harbour. Did you know that the River Lagan, which flows to the sea at Titanic s birthplace begins its journey on these very slopes? *Drivers are advised to assess each scenic loop for suitability in an appropriate vehicle prior to using a large vehicle. hopping Visitor Information Centre Coach ashing uitable for all sizes of vehicles May be suitable for larger vehicles 15

For further information on general touring, accommodation, short breaks and activity breaks please contact one of the following Visitor Information Centres or visit our website. Newry Visitor Information Centre Bagenal s Castle Castle treet, Newry BT34 2BY T: 028 3031 3170 www.visitnewryandmourne.com Kilkeel Visitor Information Centre Nautilus Centre Rooney Road, Kilkeel BT34 4AG T: 028 4176 2525 www.visitkilkeel.com Newcastle Visitor Information Centre 10-14 Central Promenade Newcastle BT33 0AA T: 028 4372 2222 www.downdc.gov.uk Banbridge Visitor Information Centre The Old Town Hall 1 carva treet, Banbridge BT32 3DA T: 028 4062 0232 www.banbridge.com Email info@visitmournemountains.co.uk visitmournemountains visitmournemountains.co.uk @visitmourne 9770 The information in this guide is correct at the time of print and every care has been taken to ensure accuracy. However, Down District Council, Banbridge District Council and Newry & Mourne District Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes which may occur. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this guide, or in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of any company, individual or firm mentioned, or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded. 2013.