Bloody Bridge Coast Trail

Rocky coast where the Mournes meet the sea

From the northern exit of the car park you pick up the sea-cliff path and head down the hill, crossing a small footbridge as you go. It runs roughly a mile in each direction along a mostly inaccessible stretch of coast, so you get close to scenery most people only see from the road. Watch for fulmars, black guillemots and herring gulls nesting on the cliffs, with wild gorse and bell heather on the slopes. Look out too for the ruins of St Mary's Church, said to be one of the earliest Christian churches in this part of Ireland. The views open up across Dundrum Bay and, on a clear day, all the way to the Isle of Man.

Free Car park & toilets Sea cliff views Seabirds ~2 miles out-and-back Steep and uneven in places

Good to know before you go:

The Mourne coast hosts seasonal ranger walks, guided heritage and wildlife outings and outdoor festivals through the year, many run by the National Trust and local groups. Check what's on before you travel.

What to bring

👟Good shoes or bootsShore paths can be rocky, uneven and a little muddy after rain.

🧥A coat or windproofThe coast is breezy — a fresh sea wind is half the fun of it.

💧Water and a snackThere is rarely a shop right on the path, so pack a little something.

🔭Binoculars or a cameraFor the seabirds, the seals and the big views across the water.

Everything before you go

Cost

Free to walk

Parking

National Trust car park at the start (around 38 spaces plus accessible bays); a parking charge may apply at busy times

Distance

Roughly 2 miles out-and-back along the coast (about a mile each way)

How long to allow

Around 1 to 1.5 hours with stops

Difficulty

Moderate; short steep climbs and descents, steps and stiles

Terrain

Off-road coastal path, uneven and slippery in places, with exposed roots and steps

Safety with kids

Sea-cliff path with drops to rocks and water; hold hands and keep children away from the edge

Dogs

Welcome on a lead (keep close near cliffs and any livestock)

Buggy-friendly

No; the uneven path, steps and stiles rule out buggies

Toilets / food nearby

Toilets at the car park (including accessible); no cafe on site, full choice in Newcastle 3 miles away

Address

Bloody Bridge car park, A2 Newcastle to Kilkeel Road, about 3 miles south of Newcastle, Co. Down

Questions

Before you go

Is it free?

Free to walk

How far is the walk?

Roughly 2 miles out-and-back along the coast (about a mile each way)

How long should I allow?

Around 1 to 1.5 hours with stops

Can I bring the dog?

Welcome on a lead (keep close near cliffs and any livestock)

Is it buggy-friendly?

No; the uneven path, steps and stiles rule out buggies

Getting there

Bloody Bridge Coast Trail is at Bloody Bridge car park, A2 Newcastle to Kilkeel Road, about 3 miles south of Newcastle, Co. Down. National Trust car park at the start (around 38 spaces plus accessible bays); a parking charge may apply at busy times. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google Maps See it on our map

Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around NewcastleSee what else is close by More coastal walks across NIBeaches, cliffs, harbours and headlands

The story

About this stretch of coast

The bridge gets its grim name from a massacre during the 1641 rebellion. A group of Protestant prisoners being marched for exchange were killed at the ford here, and their blood is said to have run into the river, giving Bloody Bridge its name.

In the 1700s and 1800s this was smuggling country. The route inland became known as the Brandy Pad, used to carry wine, tobacco, sugar and silk landed on the beaches up through the mountains on the backs of small ponies, away from the customs officers.

Today the cliffs are alive with nesting seabirds and the slopes carry rare heath plants like western gorse and bell heather, recognised as a habitat of European importance. The path sits on the edge of the Mournes, where the granite mountains run straight down into the Irish Sea.