Climbing Northern Ireland’s largest peak, Slieve Donard!

This June, Hostelling International Northern Ireland are climbing Northern Ireland’s largest peak, Slieve Donard, to raise money to support the physical and mental well-being of young people in Northern Ireland.

Following two extremely well attended charity walks, previously along the beautiful Causeway coast of Northern Ireland, and in concurrence with the 100th anniversary of the youth hostelling movement, Hostelling International Northern Ireland intend to set up a Trust Fund with the money raised from this trek.  This will be used to support Government initiatives encouraging young people to get up and be more active, and give young people of all ages the chance to explore the great outdoors and get back to nature and the countryside. 

The hike will begin in Donard Park, heading towards the mountain and following the Glen River uphill through stunning old woodland of Scots Pine, Oak and Birch. Walkers will then follow the track above the river for about 2kms, heading towards the ‘Saddle’ between the magnificent Donard and Commedagh. On a clear day, reaching the summit gives spectacular views of the Isle of Man, County Wicklow and County Donegal in Ireland, as well as Wales and Scotland.

Newcastle in County Down is home to a stunning array of natural beauty spots, set beautifully against the backdrop of the magnificent Mourne Mountains, one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Ireland.  This comprises twelve peaks in total, making it a hill walkers’ paradise.  While in the area, there is much to explore, including Dundrum Castle, Tollymore Forest Park and Newcastle and Murlough beach.

Sound good? Getting to Newcastle is easy! George Best Belfast City Airport is just 2 miles from Holywood, in North County Down.  Belfast International Airport is a short drive from Belfast City Centre, with flights from various locations across Europe.  There are scheduled airline services from easyJet, Jet2.com and Aer Lingus, providing flights from Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy to name but a few! With new routes available regularly the time to visit has never been better!  There are also regular bus routes available from Belfast to Newcastle, and you can check Translink’s website for more up-to-date departure information at www.translink.co.uk.  Alternatively, Airbus coaches leave regularly from the airports and take you directly into the city centre. 

To arrange your stay at any of our fantastic value youth hostels, including our hostel right at the base of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle, visit our website at www.hini.org.uk, and start planning your trip today!