Donard ward covers the southernmost coastal stretch of County Down, centred on the resort town of Newcastle. The area is dominated by the presence of the Mourne Mountains, which rise directly from the town's edge. The ward includes the popular Newcastle Promenade along Dundrum Bay and the Royal County Down Golf Club. The landscape transitions sharply from sandy shoreline to forested foothills and the high granite peaks of the mountain range.
A key feature is the Mourne Wall, a dry-stone structure spanning over 20 miles across the summits. The area encompasses parts of the Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs, which supply water to the region. Tollymore Forest Park, with its historic arboretum and river trails, lies within the ward's boundaries. The economy is linked to tourism, outdoor recreation, and the management of the surrounding upland environment.
