Newry and Mourne is blessed with a diversity of habitat, which will be of interest to birdwatchers. The slopes and summits of the Mournes and Slieve Gullion, the oak woods of Rostrevor, the shoreline and its clean beaches, the freshwater streams and lakes scattered across the landscape, all are host to a wide range of bird life, both resident and migrant.

The receding tides of Carlingford Lough expose vast mudflats inland from the town of Warrenpoint, this area which sustains a large and diverse population of waterfowl and waders is easily accessed from the Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway. The Dipper and the equally elusive kingfisher are to be seen on the many sparkling streams and rivers of Newry and Mourne. Buzzards glide in lazy circles across the hillsides, terns plunder the shoals of small fish and sand eels along the coast.

The Mourne Mountains, with their high cliffs and ledges are home to ravens, red grouse and the spectacular peregrine falcons. In the summer months peregrines can be seen around the coastal cliffs, mountain crags and inland quarries on which they breed. Peregrine populations were severely affected by the widespread use of pesticides during the 1950's and 60's, but today are thriving in the rich landscape of Newry and Mourne.