Nestled in the Mourne Mountains of County Down, Castlewellan Forest Park is a living testament to botanical grandeur and cultural symbolism. Renowned for its National Arboretum—one of Europe’s premier collections of trees and shrubs—the park showcases over 20,000 specimens from Asia, Australasia, and the Americas. The arboretum’s origins trace to the 1850s when the Annesley family imported rare conifers and Japanese maples, creating a living tapestry of global flora. This dedication earned it an International Dendrology Society award in 2018, recognizing its “exceptional dendrological merit.” Today, the park’s towering Giant Sequoias, planted from California seeds by botanist William Lobb, stand as icons, with one tree having branched into 19 distinct trunks since the mid-19th century.
The park’s cultural significance extends beyond botany. The Peace Maze, constructed in 2001 with 6,000 locally planted yew trees, symbolizes Northern Ireland’s journey toward reconciliation. Designed by landscape architect Beverly Lear, its labyrinthine paths—once the world’s largest permanent hedge maze—culminate at a central bell, a ritualistic conclusion for visitors. Surrounding the maze, 7.5 miles of scenic trails wind through drumlin landscapes, offering panoramic views of the Mournes and Castlewellan Lake. Mountain bikers tackle 27km of rugged trails, while families explore “Animal Wood,” an interactive play area nestled among the trees.
Seasonal visits reveal the park’s dynamic beauty: spring bursts with rhododendrons and azaleas, while autumn transforms the canopy into a fiery mosaic of maples and larches. The Victorian-era Castlewellan Castle, now a conference venue, anchors the park’s historic core, adjacent to the lake where canoeists glide past modern sculptures. Though the Annesley Walled Garden remains closed for restoration, the forest’s open-air spaces—picnic sites, a seasonal café, and trails suitable for mobility scooters—ensure accessibility. A visit here is more than a walk; it’s a journey through centuries of horticultural ambition and communal hope, framed by the enduring majesty of its trees.
Getting There
Nearest Airports:
The closest airports are George Best Belfast City (45 minutes), Belfast International (50 minutes), Dublin Airport (1.5 hours), and City of Derry Airport (2 hours). Newry Airport is a small private field and not suitable for commercial travel.
Train & Bus Connections:
The nearest train station is in Newcastle (10 miles north), from which you can catch the 17a or 518 bus to Castlewellan. No direct train services run to the park.
Driving Directions:
- From Belfast: Take the A24 south through Ballynahinch and Seaforde. At Clough, switch to the A25 toward Castlewellan. Follow signs into town, then turn onto Castle Avenue (from Main Street) to reach the park entrance opposite the library.
- From Dublin: Head north on the M1 to Newry. Follow signs for the A1/A28 toward Downpatrick, then take the A25 into Castlewellan. The park sits on the left in town.
Public Buses:
Local services include:
- 17a Bus: Runs between Downpatrick and Newcastle via Castlewellan’s Main Street.
- 17 Bus: Connects Downpatrick and Newcastle via Dundrum (does not stop in Castlewellan town).
- 518 Bus: Links Belfast and Newcastle, stopping in Castlewellan. Check schedules via Translink or call 028 90 66 66 30.
Local Transport:
Bikes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards are available for hire from Life Adventure and RockandRide Outdoors, ideal for exploring the park’s trails and lake. The main entrance is well-signposted opposite the library on Castle Avenue.
Ferry Notes:
While no ferries dock directly at Castlewellan, the Dublin Port to Strangford Lough ferry offers scenic access to the area—though you’ll need onward transport to the town.
For the most up-to-date travel details, consult Translink’s website or phone service.
Parking
Castlewellan Forest Park offers on-site parking at its main Lakeside Car Park, situated near the entrance to the trails and picnic areas. Parking fees apply to all vehicles, with prices varying by type: cars cost £5 per visit, motorbikes £3, minibuses (up to 24 seats) £15, and coaches (over 24 seats) £50. Seasonal permits are available for regular visitors, including an All-Park Car Permit (£60) or a Single Park Season Car Permit (£25). Payments can be made using all major credit or debit cards.
The main car park is a short walk from the forest entrance, with trails and facilities starting directly from this area. No time restrictions are in place for parking, though spaces can fill quickly during peak seasons. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.
Accessibility parking options are not detailed in the available information, so it is recommended to contact the park in advance for specific requirements. During busy periods, nearby caravan parks (such as Castlewellan Caravan Park) may offer alternative parking for those staying overnight, though this requires prior booking.
Pricing
Admission Fees (per vehicle):
- Car (up to 7 seats): €5.68 (free for pedestrians/cyclists).
- Coach (over 24 seats): €39.73.
- Minibus (up to 24 seats): €14.76.
- Motorbike: €2.84.
Season Passes and Multi-Use Permits:
- Single-Park Permit:
- Residents of Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council: Free (one permit per household, valid until 31 March 2025).
- Non-residents: €28.38 for a single park.
- All-Park Permit:
- Residents: €28.38 for access to four parks (including Castlewellan).
- Non-residents: €68.10.
- Minibus/Coach Permits: Seasonal permits are available for frequent visitors (e.g., €68.10 for an All-Park minibus permit).
Family/Group Discounts:
Group discounts are available via permits for minibuses or coaches, reducing per-trip costs. For example, a minibus with a seasonal permit allows multiple entries at a lower cost per visit.
Free Admission Days:
Pedestrians and cyclists may access the park for free at all times.
Additional Costs:
- Caravan and Camping Fees:
- Main site pitches (electric): €34.96 per night.
- Grassed tent pitches (no electric): €27.80 per night.
- Drumbuck Wood pitches: €20.43 per night.
- Cancellation fees: €5 if canceled with seven days’ notice.
- Bookings are online-only, with check-in at 2 p.m. and check-out by 1 p.m.
Payment Methods:
- Parking fees are typically paid on-site (cash/card).
- Seasonal permits and caravan bookings require advance payment (online for permits and caravan stays).
Note: Prices are subject to change, and permits must be obtained in advance. Residents of the district may qualify for free Single-Park permits, while non-residents should plan for seasonal permit costs. The Caravan Park operates seasonally (March 14 to September 1, 2024), with advance booking essential.
Nearby Attractions
Castlewellan Peace Maze
Nestled within the serene landscapes of Castlewellan Forest Park in County Down, the Castlewellan Peace Maze stands as both a marvel of horticultural design and a poignant symbol of Northern Ireland’s...
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Castlewellan Castle
Castlewellan Castle stands as a striking example of Scottish Baronial architecture, nestled within the expansive Castlewellan Forest Park in County Down. Built between 1856 and 1858 for the 4th Earl A...
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