Where should you park when visiting Slieve Donard?

The practical answer

For the **standard Slieve Donard route via the Glen River**, use **Donard Park in Newcastle**. This is the main official trailhead and the National Trust specifically directs Slieve Donard walkers there.

Official tourism information lists **333 regular parking spaces, 25 accessible spaces and two EV charging bays** at Donard Park.

The route leaves the car park through the forest and follows the Glen River toward the saddle and summit, so you do not need to drive farther into the mountains looking for another start point.

Arrive early on good-weather weekends

Visit Mourne warns that Donard Park fills early on weekends and bank holidays and recommends an early start in summer. If Donard Park is full, do not block local streets around the trailhead.

There is an alternative Slieve Donard approach from **Bloody Bridge**, but it is a different, more demanding route — do not choose it merely because the main car park is busy unless you actually intend to walk that route.