‘I have seen landscapes which, under a particular light, made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge.’ – C.S. Lewis
The magnificent mountains of Mourne have long inspired artists and writers. Here, author and photographer Gareth McCormack shares his passion, knowledge and stunning pictures of these sweeping peaks, including the great Slieve Donard, Slieve Bearnagh and Slieve Binnian, with its otherworldly granite tors.
He travels further into Mourne Country, to the towns of Newcastle by the sea, Dundrum and Kilkeel, and the estates of Tollymore, Rostrevor and Castlewellan, and finds monuments that bear witness to lives long ago, from pre-historic dolmens to smugglers’ routes, Norman castles to traditional stone walls.
To be where the dark Mournes sweep down to the sea! I've never been; I hope to some day, even more now that I've seen this book, but for now I will sate myself with the amazing photos and information contained in here.
The book is split into sections featuring the high peaks, the parks and valleys, the towns, the coast and the historical features. At least every other page, and often more, has a photo. These are amazing photos, clear and beautiful, showing the mountains in all their moods and colours. I could spend hours going through and poring over all the tiny details.
The writing is conversational and very interesting, touching on a lot of history and geography that I had no idea about and very much enjoyed learning. It's a wonderful showcase for one of the most dramatic parts of our wonderful country.
This is a great book that I am very much going to enjoy coming back to again and again, and I'm already planning my trip to see these places in person!
Mourne Country publishes today, the 19th of September 2022. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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