Geology Rocks Adventure Tourism — Guided rock climbing, coasteering, SUP and geo-hikes in the Mournes with a real expert.
What's on: Rock climbing, wet bouldering, coasteering, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking & navigation, bushcraft, guided geo-hikes (optional caving/abseiling on some).
Best for: Teens, adults and groups; younger children only via tailored sessions.
Booking: Essential — bespoke, booked ahead by phone or online.
Min age: Published geo-hikes are for accompanied teens 14+; for younger children/family sessions, ask the venue.
Cost: Pay per session; geo-hikes have been listed around £35-£70pp with private group rates — check current prices.
Plan your visit
What you can actually do
The activities are real and varied: rock climbing, wet bouldering, coasteering, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking and navigation, and bushcraft and survival. There are also guided geo-hikes that double as a geology and history tour of the ground you cover, led by qualified earth scientists and mountain leaders. Sessions are instructor-led and built for all ability levels, so beginners are welcome. The published geo-hikes are listed for adults and accompanied teens aged 14 and over, graded from moderate to difficult; some include optional caving or abseiling. For younger children, family days and children's birthday parties, ask what can be tailored rather than assuming a fixed offer.
Rock climbing & boulderingCoasteering & paddle boardingGuided geo-hikesInstructor-led, bespokeBook aheadTeens 14+ on hikes
Good to know before you go:
Activity centres run holiday camps, birthday, stag and hen days, corporate team-building and seasonal sessions. Geology Rocks adds scheduled geo-hike events across NI alongside its bespoke bookings — check their own pages for current activities, dates and prices.
Before you set off
What to bring
👕Clothes you can move inComfy gear you don’t mind getting mucky for the active bits.
👟TrainersClosed-toe footwear is a must for most activities.
💧Water & a snackThirsty work — keep the energy topped up.
🧦Spare socks/layersGrippy socks for indoor centres; a change for outdoor, wetter sessions.
Good to know
Everything before you go
Type
Instructor-led guided mountain & water adventure (bespoke), not a self-led park
Activities
Rock climbing, wet bouldering, coasteering, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking & navigation, bushcraft, guided geo-hikes (optional caving/abseiling on some)
Minimum age / height
Published geo-hikes are for accompanied teens 14+; for younger children/family sessions, ask the venue
Best for ages
Teens, adults and groups; younger children only via tailored sessions
Booking
Essential — bespoke, booked ahead by phone or online
Cost
Pay per session; geo-hikes have been listed around £35-£70pp with private group rates — check current prices
Season / weather
Year-round, outdoors, weather-dependent; kit list provided at booking
Parking
Activities meet at mountain/forest car parks (e.g. Tollymore, Slieve Gullion); pickups from Newry or Newcastle available
How long to allow
Half to full day; geo-hikes run roughly 4-7 hours
Address
Mourne Mountains, Newry, Co Down, BT34 3FQ
Questions
Before you go
Do I need to book?
Essential — bespoke, booked ahead by phone or online
What is there to do?
Rock climbing, wet bouldering, coasteering, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking & navigation, bushcraft, guided geo-hikes (optional caving/abseiling on some)
What ages is it for?
Teens, adults and groups; younger children only via tailored sessions Published geo-hikes are for accompanied teens 14+; for younger children/family sessions, ask the venue
How much does it cost?
Pay per session; geo-hikes have been listed around £35-£70pp with private group rates — check current prices
Is there parking?
Activities meet at mountain/forest car parks (e.g. Tollymore, Slieve Gullion); pickups from Newry or Newcastle available
Getting there
Geology Rocks Adventure Tourism is at Mourne Mountains, Newry, Co Down, BT34 3FQ. Activities meet at mountain/forest car parks (e.g. Tollymore, Slieve Gullion); pickups from Newry or Newcastle available. Tap below for directions.
Geology Rocks Adventure Tourism is run by James Rafferty, an experienced mountaineer and earth scientist who set out to share his love of the outdoors with everyone he meets. Based on the slopes of the Mournes outside Newry, the business is built on his rare mix of qualified mountain leadership and a degree in Earth Science.
It is known for guided adventures and geo-tourism hikes that read the geology, history and myth of the land, all led by qualified earth scientists and mountain leaders. The business holds memberships with the Mountain Training Association and the British Mountaineering Council.