Stone Masons of Mourne

Overview

Local Man, Peter Rafferty is an expert mountain leader and tour guide with an infectious enthusiasm for the majestic Mourne Mountains.  Through guided mountain hikes with small groups, Peter loves to share the fascinating history and stories of its’ people and landscape.

Join Peter on an experience that will take you back 150 years as you retrace the steps of the Smiddies and Shoddies  (blacksmiths and stone masons) who built over thirty kilometres or 22 miles of broad granite stone walls in the remote Mourne Mountains. Hear stories of hardship and endurance as you hike the rocky mountain tracks once trodden by these strong and brave men, tracks once used by horse and cart to draw precious Mourne granite off the mountain to pave the streets of faraway cities. Gain an appreciation for the ancient craft as Peter demonstrates how the men cut the Mourne granite using only hand tools such as chisels and hammers in the Smiddies (blacksmiths) huts before trying your hand to perfect this age-old skill. Enjoy an exclusive visit to an original 19^th century stone mason’s cottage. Along the journey, Peter regales stories of the people and landscape against the stunning backdrop of the Mournes.

• Hike | The Mourne Mountains | the highest & most dramatic in Northern Ireland | slow pace
• Simply be | breathe fresh mountain air | enjoy the sounds of nature and silence
• Expert Guide | Peter Rafferty | years of experience climbing the Mournes | knowledgeable
• Exclusive Access | To original 19th century Irish stone mason’s cottage
• Stories | Irish story telling | tales of people who lived and worked in the Mournes | myths & legends
• Food Experiences | eat the simple foods that the men would have eaten | potatoes and buttermilk
• Biodiversity | learn what plants and animals inhabit the Mourne Mountains