NEARYNÓGS CHOCOLATE FACTORY: A HIDDEN GEM ON THE MOURNE COAST

GREENCASTLE AND CRANFIELD BEACH: THE MOURNE COAST

Just a 5-minute drive from NearyNógs, Greencastle was the perfect next stop. Its small, sandy beach gave our dog's Bobby and Izzy plenty of room to play while we took in the coastal scenery.

Across Carlingford Lough, the Cooley Peninsula is visible on the opposite shore, with Warrenpoint, Omeath and Rostrevor in the distance. With the sunshine holding, it was a lovely spot to let the dogs enjoy the sand and make the most of the autumn weather.

On the way home, we stopped at Cranfield Beach to see Haulbowline Lighthouse and use the facilities. Its wide shoreline and open coastal views make it a great place for a short wander, a few photographs or simply a breath of fresh sea air.

If you're planning a similar outing, these stops work well together: enjoy a hot chocolate and browse the shop or tour at NearyNógs, let the dogs play on Greencastle's sandy beach, then finish at Cranfield Beach before heading home.

A COMMUNITY RECOMMENDATION

Some of the best local discoveries are closer to home than we think.

On Friday 16th October, we headed on a bright, crisp autumn morning to visit NearyNógs, just outside Kilkeel and a short drive from Cranfield Beach. A member of our Community had recommended it, giving us the perfect excuse to explore another independent local business and share the experience back with our wider community.

We wrapped up in our Peak gear and set off with the dogs. First up was a look around the chocolate factory and a well-earned hot drink, before continuing towards the coast.

We wanted to share our visit to help others discover NearyNógs and inspire a day-out. From local chocolate and a hot chocolate drink to beautiful beaches and coastal views, it's a reminder that you don't have to travel far to find something special.

INSIDE NEARYNÓGS CHOCOLATE FACTORY

NearyNógs has plenty of character, from the moment you arrive to the moment you step inside. The high roof, exposed beams and hanging lights create a distinctive space, with sacks of cacao beans displayed overhead and shelves filled with chocolate and treats.

There's a café, a shop to browse and windows looking into the production area, where you can see the chocolate-making equipment and get a glimpse of the process in action.

NearyNógs describes itself as Northern Ireland's first bean-to-bar craft chocolate maker. We learnt that this means that the process begins with cacao beans, which are hand-sorted, roasted, stone-ground, aged and tempered to create the finished chocolate.

Seeing the production gave us greater appreciation of the local craftsmanship behind each bar. NearyNógs also offers bookable chocolate-making experiences, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the process. An excellent day for the family.

Check out their official website for current sessions and availability.

The shop has plenty to browse, whether looking for a treat to enjoy at home or a locally made gift. We picked up three treats, along with an unexpected little local souvenir which we shout out below.

ORANGE ZEST HOT CHOCOLATE AND A VIEW WORTH SAVOURING

If you know Mourne Peak, you'll know coffee is usually our first choice. A visit to a chocolate maker called for something different. We tried the Orange Zest and House Blend hot chocolates and one quickly became the highlight of the visit.

The Orange Zest was simply the "best" orange hot chocolate we've had. No joke, it was amazing!

Orange hot chocolate can sometimes be overly sweet, with an artificial flavour that overwhelms the orange. This one was different. The orange was beautifully balanced, creating a rich and enjoyable drink. It's an easy recommendation for anyone visiting NearyNógs.

We took our drinks outside to enjoy the fresh air and spectacular views. The café is dog-friendly, with an outdoor seating area for four-legged visitors and their owners. Fluffy friends need to stay outside.

The sunshine made it a beautiful autumn morning, although there was still a chill in the air. Thankfully, we were well wrapped up in our Peak Explorer Jacket and Bloody Bridge Sweatshirt! 😉

Sitting at the picnic tables with a hot chocolate and the dogs beside us, we had time to appreciate the Mourne's rising behind us. Looking across the countryside, the views stretch towards Carlingford Lough and the Cooley Peninsula, where Slieve Foye rises above the opposite shoreline.

It's a landscape that feels distinctly home and provides the perfect pause before continuing onwards towards the coast.

CHOCOLATE TO TAKE HOME AND A LITTLE PIECE OF LOCAL CREATIVITY

NearyNógs offered free chocolate samples, giving us the chance to try different flavours before deciding what to take on the journey.

Our choices were Salt Water Days, a 60% dark chocolate made with Ecuadorian cacao from Hacienda Limón; the Ecuador 60% Dark bar and the Honeycomb Slates. Each offered something a little different, making it difficult to leave with just one!

Salt Water Days felt particularly fitting for a chocolate maker on the Mourne Coast!

We also came across a Once Upon a Dandelion postcard, designed and hand-printed in a studio in Newcastle, County Down. It carried the words: “The Mournes are calling and I must go.”

Find out more about Once Upon a Dandelion and explore their handcrafted goods here.

It's a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who loves exploring this part of the world. There's always another trail to discover, another landscape to see or a reason to head outdoors. With those words, our own adventure continued towards the coast.

PLAN YOUR VISIT & EXPLORE NEARBY

NearyNógs Chocolate Factory

• Address: 19 Ballymaderfy Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4SW.

• Opening hours: Check NearyNógs official contact page before travelling.

• Chocolate-making experiences: Find current sessions, prices and availability.

• Dairy-free options: NearyNógs offers dairy-free chocolate bars and most drinking chocolate, although exceptions apply. This was great for a family member who can't have milk and finds it hard to find tasty treats!

• Visiting with dogs: We enjoyed our drinks outside with Bobby and Izzy. Contact NearyNógs to confirm its current arrangements for dogs in the shop and café.

There's plenty more to discover in the surrounding Mourne area. Explore Kilkeel Harbour and Mourne Park. Follow the coast road towards Annalong and Newcastle. Head inland to Silent Valley Mountain Park for mountain scenery and outdoor adventures.

If you're looking to stretch your legs, the Mourne Mountains offer hiking routes for a range of abilities. Slieve Martin, overlooking Rostrevor and Carlingford Lough, is a great option for those wanting to experience the Mournes on foot, with rewarding views across the lough and surrounding countryside. For woodland trails and panoramic views, Kilbroney in Rostrevor is another excellent place to explore.

For more inspiration, discover local attractions, walking routes and places to visit through Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford.

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DISCOVER MORE ON YOUR DOORSTEP

A visit to NearyNógs began with a recommendation from a member of the Peak Community. We followed it, headed out to explore and discovered a local business well worth sharing!

From learning about bean-to-bar chocolate and finding a new favourite hot chocolate to watching Bobby and Izzy enjoy the beach at Greencastle, it became a memorable autumn outing and a reminder that some of the best discoveries are on our doorstep.

That's exactly what Peak Stories is about: celebrating local businesses, beautiful landscapes and experiences that connect us with home.

ABOUT MOURNE PEAK

Mourne Peak is an independent outdoor and lifestyle clothing brand based in Mayobridge, County Down, inspired by the Mourne Mountains, landscapes and the communities around us.

We celebrate independent local businesses, uncover hidden gems and share local places worth exploring. From craft makers and cafés to coastal walks and mountain trails, our aim is to encourage people to explore the local area and support the businesses that make our community special.

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