Many many years ago when I lived in Northern Ireland a visit to County Down and the Mourne Mountains was always a treat, whether it was to go to the beautiful beaches, or to play golf at Royal County Down Golf Course or to wander down the Ards Peninsula and see Strangford Lough, no matter where the scenery was alway superb.

The gentle rolling hills, known as Drumlins are a characteristic of the soft and gentle countryside but with the promise in the distance of the Mourne Mountains rising above the busting seaside town of Newcastle.

If you have followed this blog you will have seen my watercolours that try to capture the amazing beauty of the wilder Antrim Coast but County Down is a greener, if that is possible, part of Northern Ireland

I have painted this area quite a lot over the years and so here are some of these watercolours that try to capture the Mourne Mountains.

From as far away as Belfast the mountains are visible even though they are over 30 miles away.

As you approach Dundrum the mountains become even clearer and view from near to Dundrum shows the broad extent of the landscape.

As you approach the mountains a visit to Murlough bay will give you fine views of the coast and the mountains

This famous nature reserve is a really great place to visit.

Here are a couple of watercolours painted from photos taken at that beach

I am indebted to Gerry Judge for allowing me to use two of his fine photos as the basis for the next two watercolours

Firstly the same general scene as above but now at sunset

And secondly an old derelict cottage in the heart of the Mountains

This next watercolour, painted many years ago, is the scene from near Hilltown and was used as a background by a well know Belfast Chef, Alex Greene, in the series on TV “The Great British Menu”. It was exciting to see my watercolour being used by him.

At the foot of the Mourne Mountains lies the town of Newcastle , a busting seaside resort and where the Simna river reaches the sea. Nearby is Tollymore Forest park a marvellous place to visit and to enjoy the woods and forest of the mountain. A walk there will take you to Foley’s Bridge , one of the many Game of Thrones ;coalitions in Northern Ireland.

Lastly here is another watercolour of the Mourne Mountains views painted quite a while ago.

I hope you have enjoyed this quick trip to the Mourners Mountains. If you have never been then do go there to enjoy the great hospitality and scenery of this ;lovely part of the UK.

Stay well and safe

Brian