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 and equestrian centre, 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 National 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.

Annesley Garden (Walled Garden at Castlewellan Forest Park)

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.

Castlewellan Peace Maze

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 aveage completion time is 40 minutes.

Pedestrian access to Castlewellan Forest Park is free.  Car Parking charges apply (£5 per car).  

What are the Opening Hours of Castlewellan Forest Park?

Castlewellan Forest Park is open March and October 9am - 6pm. April and September 9am - 8pm.  May to August 9am - 9pm and November to February 9am - 5pm.  From April to September the Walled Garden closes at 7pm, and from October to March the Walled Garden closes at 4.30pm.

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.  Please pay attention to any localised safety signage when allowing your dog to swim or drink from the lake.

Access

Access available for people with limited mobility on scooter. Manual wheelchairs - the total distance including the Peace Maze and Gardens is around six miles.

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 appoved event.

Is there a cafe in Castlewellan Forest Park?

There is no permanent cafe but a coffee cart operates during the summer months.

Can you stay in Castlewellan Castle?

No.  The castle is a privately run conference centre.

Castlewellan Caravan and Camping Bookings

Click here to Book

(Please note that bookings are online only.)

Queries can be emailed to castlewellanpark@nmandd.org Please allow up to five working days for a response.

Useful information on bookings

Customer Information

All users will be required to create a ‘New Customer’ account as part of their first booking.

Pitch Information

A site map with an overview of the pitch locations is displayed below this information.  Please click here to download a copy of the site map.

Please note: currently there are no laundry facilities onsite.

Prices

£28.25 Serviced Pitches

£22.50 Non Services Pitches

Payment Details

Full payment is required at the time of booking. All prices quoted are inclusive of VAT charged at 20%.

Cancellations and Amendments

A minimum of seven days' written notice prior to the date of arrival (by letter or email – castlewellanpark@nmandd.org) is required to be given to Council to cancel bookings. If seven or more days’ notice is given, then a refund will be given less a £5 administration fee.

If more than 72 hours’ notice is given, the booking may be rearranged to another available date within the Season. Requests to rearrange a booking within 72 hours of the Customer’s arrival date or failure to arrive are not permitted. Customers are advised to have insurance cover in the event of cancellation.

As of Friday 1 April 2022 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council assumed responsibility for the management and development of Castlewellan Forest Park, including the caravan and camping site.

Please click here to download a copy of the site map.

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