Castlewellan Forest Park is located within the Mourne Mountains in Castewellan, County Down. A dramatic setting of mountains and sea, Castlewellan Forest Park is one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe.
What can we do in Castlewellan Forest Park?
Castlewellan Forest Park is home to one of Northern Ireland's most famous lakes, the stunning Victorian Castlewellan Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking trails, 27km of Mountain Bike Trails, Nature Play perfect for the kids, an onsite multi-activity centre, Castlewellan Peace Maze, Life Adventure Centre, equestrian centre and Castlewellan Caravan Park; Castlewellan Forest Park boasts all of this and more making it a must-visit for all ages.
Castlewellan Arboretum
Castlewellan Arboretum is an Arboretum of great historic importance. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world. However, Castlewellan has numerous features that draw wider attention. The garden is a mixture of informal and formal design with terraces, fountains, ornamental gates and flower borders. To walk around the forest park's mile-long lake, encountering some intriguing modern sculptures on the way, is to enjoy a great experience of eighteenth-century landscaping.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is undertaking restoration works in the Annesley Gardens in Castlewellan Forest Park as part of ‘Re-Rooting our past in the Future: Castlewellan Historic Demesne’, project part funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The works will revitalise and conserve the natural heritage of the gardens for present and future generations. Please note that the Walled Garden will be closed intermittently throughout the works based on health and safety requirements.
The planting of the walled Annesley garden, the focus of the arboretum, was begun in the 1850s and rare conifers and maples were later imported directly from Japan. Then came the addition of more rich varieties, including Chilean eucryphias, Australian athrotaxis and pittosporum and Chinese rhododendrons. The arboretum holds many trees with record heights in the British Isles.
Beside ‘Animal Wood’ you’ll find the Peace Maze, one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes representing the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland. Planted in 2000 with community involvement, visitors can attempt to solve their way to the centre of the maze. The maze is 3,147 metres long and the avetage completion time is 40 minutes.
What are the Opening Hours of Castlewellan Forest Park?
Castlewellan Forest Park opening hours are:
- March and October 9am - 6pm
- April and September 9am - 8pm
- May to August 9am - 9pm
- November to February 9am - 5pm.
The Park is closed on Christmas Day.
Walled Garden - from April to September the Walled Garden closes at 7pm, and at 4.30pm from October to March.
Is there a car parking charge at Castlewellan Forest Park?
Access to the park on foot or by bicycle is free. Charges apply for the parking of vehicles. Click here for more details.
Is there a Play Park in Castlewellan Forest Park?
Yes, the playpark, 'Animal Wood', is perfect for children aged four to eleven. It is located beside the Peace Maze. Featuring a short path, Animal Wood provides lots of opportunities for playing on wild woodland animals including a badger and its den, a red squirrel and a giant spider. In addition it boasts a wooden play structure with a tower in the image of The Moorish Tower where children can enjoy the climbing wall, fireman’s pole and rope-bridge over to a hollow tree stump slide and Red Kite nest that are sure to keep the kids entertained!
Are dogs allowed in Castlewellan Forest Park?
Dogs are welcome at Castlewellan Forest Park but must be kept under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the Play Park or the Peace Maze. Dogs must be on a lead in Castlewellan Caravan Park. Please pay attention to any localised safety signage when allowing your dog to swim or drink from Castlewellan Lake.
How do I get to the Park from Dublin and from Belfast?
From Belfast follow the A24 through Ballynahinch, Seaforde and Clough. In Clough follow the A25. Castlewellan Forest Park is located in the town of Castlewellan on the right. From Dublin follow the M1 to Newry. From A1 take the exit towards Newry/A28/Downpatrick/A25. Follow the A25 to Castlewellan. The Forest park is located on the left in Castlewellan town.
Are there Picnic Facilities in Castlewellan Forest Park?
Yes. The picnic tables are adjacent to the main car park.
Can I barbeque in Castlewellan Forest Park?
Yes at the designated picnic tables only.
What activities can you do in Castlewellan Forest Park?
The main activities include, walking, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing (with a permit), paddleboarding, horse-riding.
Please Note: swimming in Castlewellan lake is not permitted unless part of a Newry, Mourne and Down District Council approved event.
Is there a cafe in Castlewellan Forest Park?
A new cafe is due to launch in Spring/Summer 2025. In the interim a coffee cart operates from the main car park. An ice-cream van operates during the summer months.
Can you stay in Castlewellan Castle?
No. The castle is a privately run conference centre. However there is a Caravan Park onsite. Click here to find other accommodation in Castlewellan.
Click here to BOOK Castlewellan Caravan Park booking system. Please note that bookings are online only.
Located on Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, Castlewellan Forest Park has one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world.
