Hive of Activity for Stone Masons, Soldiers & even Smugglers
Men Of the Mournes
Through local adventurer, Peter, gain insights into the stories and legends of the “Men of the Mournes,” including the wall builders, the tunnel diggers, the soldiers and the smugglers. Learn about an era when Mourne granite was highly sought after and the mountains echoed with the sound of handpicks. Watch, as Peter shows you the tools, along with the “plug and feather” technique used to cut the stone and hear about the men who built the 22-mile long Mourne Wall that took 18 years to construct.
This experience brings the landscape to life with stories of the men who dug a 2.5mile (4km) long tunnel under one of the highest mountains in the Mournes, stone wall builders and smugglers of a bygone age.
Distance: approx. 5 miles (8km) / relaxed pace with breaks along the way and time for lunch.
Grade: Easy to moderate. Reasonable level of fitness necessary.