Castlewellan Castle is an impressive Scottish Baronial style building located within the large Castlewellan Forest Park in County Down. Built between 1856 and 1858 for the 4th Earl Annesley by the architect William Burn, the castle looks out over Castlewellan Lake. Interestingly, it was built on the site of an old church. Once the grand home of the Annesley family, it's now used as a Christian conference centre, giving it a continued purpose beyond its original design.
The castle's story is closely linked to the amazing National Arboretum surrounding it, which was started back in 1740. This collection boasts over 1,800 types of trees from around the world, carefully grown by generations of the Annesley family. Highlights include Giant Sequoias planted in the 1850s (one remarkably has 19 separate trunks!) and the 'Castlewellan Gold' Leyland cypress, a variety developed right here. The arboretum's importance was officially recognised in 2018 by the International Dendrology Society for its outstanding collection.
While the castle itself isn't generally open for public tours, visitors can enjoy the beautiful grounds. Nearby is the Peace Maze, planted in 2000 with 6,000 yew trees as a symbol of Northern Ireland's path to reconciliation. Walking trails wind through restored gardens and woods, like the Moorish Tower Walk, revealing glimpses of the estate's past. The arboretum is spectacular year-round, but especially lovely during the spring bloom or when the leaves turn in autumn. In winter, the giant sequoias stand out majestically.
Castlewellan is unique for being both a historic landmark and a place of ongoing horticultural importance. A restoration project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund began in 2021, aiming to shed more light on its rich history. From its 18th-century tree plantings to its role today, the castle and park tell a story spanning centuries of nature and human history, inviting visitors to explore and connect with the land.
Getting There
Parking
Visitors to Castlewellan Castle can enjoy convenient on-site parking located within Castlewellan Forest Park. The main car park charges £5 per vehicle for entry, with additional options including an All-Park Car Permit (£60) for multi-visit use, a Single Park Season Car Permit (£25), and discounted rates for motorbikes (£3), minibuses (£15-£65), and coaches (£50). Payments are accepted via all major credit and debit cards.
The car park includes designated disability parking spaces to ensure accessibility. From the parking area, the castle entrance is a short, scenic walk of approximately 1-3 minutes along well-maintained paths. Picnic tables and a coffee cart operate adjacent to the car park, offering convenient refreshments during your visit.
No time restrictions are in place, and parking remains free for pedestrians and cyclists accessing the park directly. While no specific peak-time alternatives are outlined, arriving early during busy periods may help secure a space. The on-site parking is the primary option, with no nearby street or alternative lots mentioned.
Pricing
For visitors planning a trip to the castle, note that it is situated within Castlewellan Forest Park, where certain access and parking fees apply:
- Car Parking: €4.61 (approx. £5).
- All-Park Car Permit: €55.32 (approx. £60) for unrestricted access.
- Minibus (8-24 seats): €13.83 (approx. £15) parking fee.
- Coach (over 24 seats): €45.90 (approx. £50) parking fee.
- Motorbike: €2.77 (approx. £3) parking fee.
- Single Park Season Car Permit: €23.05 (approx. £25) for seasonal visitors.
While no free admission days or special exhibits are currently listed, refunds for cancellations at the adjacent campsite (not the castle) incur a €4.61 (£5) administration fee if processed with seven or more days' notice. Payment methods for castle-related bookings are not specified; however, standard practices for the region typically accept major credit cards and cash. Always confirm pricing and availability directly with the castle prior to your visit.
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