Activities
Explore Warrenpoint and South Down from The Whistledown Hotel
Perfectly positioned on the shores of Carlingford Lough, The Whistledown Hotel in Warrenpoint is an ideal base for exploring South Down and its wide range of outdoor activities, family attractions, scenic spots, and leisure options.
Whether you’re planning an active weekend, a family break, or a relaxing escape, Warrenpoint places you right at the centre of it all.
Warrenpoint Highlights
Start with a walk along Warrenpoint promenade, offering views across the lough to the Cooley Mountains. Just minutes from the hotel, Warrenpoint Municipal Park features well-kept gardens, a children’s play area, tennis courts, and seasonal music performances in the bandstand.
For golf enthusiasts, Warrenpoint Golf Club offers an 18-hole parkland course with coastal views, while Kelly’s Golf Driving Range, just on the edge of town, is ideal for practice and fun.
Families can enjoy a day at Fort Evergreen Kids Adventure Centre, where children can interact with farm animals, play in safe indoor and outdoor spaces, and enjoy hands-on experiences.
Warrenpoint is also home to local cafes, shops, and artisan producers—ideal for relaxed browsing or picking up something special.
Outdoor Adventures Nearby
Just 10 minutes from Warrenpoint, Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor offers walking trails, the family-friendly Narnia Trail, picnic areas, and forest routes for both leisurely walks and more challenging hikes. The park is also a hub for mountain biking, with a series of trails suitable for all levels.
For panoramic views, hike to the Cloughmore Stone, a glacial boulder perched 1,000 feet above sea level, overlooking Carlingford Lough. A bit further and you will reach Kodak Corner, a must for every photographer.
Heading further inland, the Mourne Mountains are easily accessible and offer some of the best walking routes in Northern Ireland. Highlights include Slieve Martin, Slieve Binnian, and the Brandy Pad route.
Two excellent scenic spots within the Mournes are Spelga Dam and the Silent Valley Reservoir, both offering peaceful surroundings, walking trails, and stunning views—ideal for a quieter day out or a photography trip.
Scenic Coastline & Day Trips
Drive south along the Mourne Coastal Route, one of the most picturesque drives in Northern Ireland. Stop at Cranfield Beach for a family-friendly shoreline with clean sand and coastal views.
From Greencastle, the Carlingford Lough Ferry provides a quick and scenic link to the medieval village of Carlingford in Co. Louth—known for its shops, seafood, and historic ruins.
Animal lovers will enjoy Cranfield Alpacas, which offers guided alpaca walks by the sea—a great option for families or couples looking for something a bit different.
Local Landmarks & Photography Spots
Just outside Warrenpoint, Narrow Water Castle and the nearby Narrow Water Keep are popular with artists and photographers for their unique architecture and scenic setting. These landmarks sit at the entrance to the lough and are especially striking at sunset or when framed by the surrounding woodlands.
The area is also home to the Kodak Corner in Rostrevor—a popular viewpoint and photography stop thanks to its natural framing of Carlingford Lough.
Construction is underway on the Narrow Water Bridge, a cross-border infrastructure project that will create a direct connection between Warrenpoint and Omeath. Once completed, it will offer easier access for visitors exploring both sides of the lough.
Taste of the Region
A short drive from the hotel brings you to Killowen Distillery, a small, craft producer of whiskey, gin and poitín. Tours are available by appointment and offer insight into traditional distilling methods and local ingredients, all set in a scenic mountain location.
Plan Your Stay
From sea views and forest trails to family days out and scenic drives, Warrenpoint is well-connected to all the highlights of the South Down region. And with The Whistledown Hotel as your base, you’re never far from the next memorable experience.
For couples, families, walkers, cyclists, golfers, and photographers—Warrenpoint offers something for everyone, all within easy reach.
Telephone: 0044 (0) 28 4175 4174 Email: info@thewhistledownhotel.com www.thewhistledownhotel.com
GPS co-ordinates: 54.098763, -6.249409
