Living & Learning
In this section we provide some of the basic facts and figures about life in the Mourne AONB and the qualities of the area. First, there is an 'at a glance' lowdown on the key facts. Next, there is our collection of Educational Fact Sheets, designed to assist primary school pupils and their teachers to learn about what makes the Mourne AONB a special place to live in or to visit. Finally, we provide some ideas and inspiration to encourage the use of the fine local Mourne produce.Key Facts about the Mourne AONB
If you want to know all there is to know about the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but in bite sized chunks, you have come to the right section of our website. Via the link below you can find the bare essentials of what makes up the AONB. All dimensions are covered from the overall land area covered by the designation to the height of the loftiest peak, from the length of coastline to the number of habitat designations and historic monuments. We also describe key features of our economy and society. For the key facts lowdown click here.
Educational Fact sheets
Our Educational Fact Sheets begin with how the landscape of the Mountains of Mourne and Slieve Croob was formed and continue through the imprints of past civilisations on the landscape to the modern day including the food we produce and the wildlife around us. There are also specific examinations of the beautiful and varied Mourne coast and the opportunities and issues associated with outdoor recreation and tourism.
To view each Fact Sheet please click on the links below.
Mountains of Mourne
Evidence of the past
Food from the Mournes
Living in the Mournes
Biodiversity
Mourne Coast
The Mournes: a place to visit
Further information on the special qualities of the AONB can be accessed via the buttons on our Home Page relating respectively to Landscape; Biodiversity; and Built and Cultural Heritage.
To view each Fact Sheet please click on the links below.
Mountains of Mourne
Evidence of the past
Food from the Mournes
Living in the Mournes
Biodiversity
Mourne Coast
The Mournes: a place to visit
Further information on the special qualities of the AONB can be accessed via the buttons on our Home Page relating respectively to Landscape; Biodiversity; and Built and Cultural Heritage.
Mourne Produce

The benefits of using local produce are many and include:
Support for the Local Economy - keeping your money in the local economy by buying local safeguards and creates jobs and adds to local economic growth.
Fewer Food Miles - fewer transport miles between the producer and your plate means that the environmental impact of transporting your food is reduced.
Freshness and Seasonality – buying directly from local producers will ensure that your produce will be fresh and in season.
Traceability - by buying locally produced food you can be confident of where and how your food has been grown, reared, processed, packaged and handled during its journey to your plate.
Distinctiveness - sampling produce that is related to the landscape, traditions and special qualities of the area.
Mourne Menus
In order to encourage the use of seasonal local produce, top chefs have helped us produce some contemporary and innovative recipes using traditional Mourne products. Please click on the links below
Dundrum Bay Mussels with a Thai Green Curry Broth
Dundrum Bay Mussels with Tomato, Chorizo, Basil
Irish Stout Wheaten Bread
Mourne Seafood Fricassee
Slow-cooked Mourne Lamb
Smoked Salmon Potato Bread with Crème Fraiche & a Watercress & Apple Salad
Mussels in White Wine Parsley & Garlic
For an even more extensive selection see our Mourne Seasonal Signature Recipe Cards. These contain 16 traditional & contemporary recipes promoting the use of local produce synonymous with the Mourne AONB. Seasonal recipes & suggestions are included for breakfasts, lunches (which can also be used as starters), main Courses & desserts. All recipes have been developed for Mourne Heritage Trust by Michelin Starred chef Barry Smyth formerly of thee Oriel Restaurant in Co Down.
Mourne Seasonal Signature Recipe Cards
Dundrum Bay Mussels with a Thai Green Curry Broth
Dundrum Bay Mussels with Tomato, Chorizo, Basil
Irish Stout Wheaten Bread
Mourne Seafood Fricassee
Slow-cooked Mourne Lamb
Smoked Salmon Potato Bread with Crème Fraiche & a Watercress & Apple Salad
Mussels in White Wine Parsley & Garlic
For an even more extensive selection see our Mourne Seasonal Signature Recipe Cards. These contain 16 traditional & contemporary recipes promoting the use of local produce synonymous with the Mourne AONB. Seasonal recipes & suggestions are included for breakfasts, lunches (which can also be used as starters), main Courses & desserts. All recipes have been developed for Mourne Heritage Trust by Michelin Starred chef Barry Smyth formerly of thee Oriel Restaurant in Co Down.
Mourne Seasonal Signature Recipe Cards