Bloody Bridge Car Park in Newcastle is the perfect spot to start exploring the local area and taking in all the sights. The Bloody Bridge provides a great base from which to explore the Mourne Mountains.  

Bloody Bridge Trail: exit car park by its southern exit , crossing the road to gain access to Bloody Bridge. Pass through the pedestrian gate, following the trail down the hill. This track forms part of the “Brandy Pad”, an old smugglers route.

On your left you will see the Bloody Bridge, originally a ford. The name refers to a massacre at the site at the time of the 1641 rebellion. The bodies of slain prisoners were thrown over the bridge into the river, turning it red and so the river became known as the Bloody Bridge River.

Continue the trail as it slowly climbs the lower slopes of the mountain. Higher up in the mountain you should look out for ravens, red grouse , peregrine falcons, and the Irish Hare that are seen in the area. Continue to follow the trail as it follows the Bloody Bridge River uphill. Stop where the path crosses the river and retrace your steps to get back to the car park.

When you get back to the car park, look for the sculpture by Ralf Sander, which reveals ‘The Smuggler’ when viewed at just the right angle.