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Castlewellan Forest Park

Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9BU
View of the Annesley Walk in Castlewellan Forest Park

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About

Castlewellan Forest Park is located in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, home to 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. 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.

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.

One of Northern Ireland's most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking trails, 27km of Mountain Bike Trails, Nature Play perfect for the kids, an onsite multi-activity centre, hedge maze and equestrian centre, Castlewellan Forest Park boasts all of this and more making it a must-visit for all ages.

Castlewellan Caravan and Camping Site

Please note that bookings are online only. Click here to make a booking for Castlewellan Caravan and Camping Site.

This is a brand-new booking system so Customer Information does not exist from previous Castlewellan (or Kilbroney Caravan Park) bookings. All users will be required to create a ‘New Customer’ account as part of their first booking.

Play Structure
Perfect for the kids, ‘Animal Wood’, play structure is designed for four to eleven year olds and is located beside Castlewellan 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! 

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 peace bell in the centre of the maze. Dogs must be on a lead in the Peace Maze

Walking Trails
Slievenaslat Walk:  2.7 miles 
Moorish Tower Walk:  3.2. miles 
Lakeside Walk: 2.4 miles 
Annesley Garden Walk: 2.2 miles 
Cypress Pond Walk: 3.1 miles 
Bunkers Hill Walk & Play Trail: 1.2 miles 

Click here to find out more about Castlewellan Forest Park.

Book Tickets

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Toilets for disabled visitors

Catering

  • Picnic Area
  • Tea-room/Cafe onsite

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Accommodation nearby
  • Family Fun
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking
  • On site parking

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Forest Location

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Car£5.00
Coach (Over 24 Seats)£35.00
Minibus£13.00
Motorbike£2.50
Season Ticket£25.00
Seasonal Minibus Permit (8 - 24 Seats)£65.00

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

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Tel+44 (0) 330 137 4046

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Castlewellan Forest Park and Peace Maze - April to September (1 Apr 2024 - 30 Sept 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday09:00 - 21:00
Bank HolidayOpen
Castlewellan Forest Park and Peace Maze - October (1 Oct 2024 - 31 Oct 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday09:00 - 18:00
Bank HolidayOpen
Castlewellan Forest Park and Peace Maze - November to February (1 Nov 2024 - 28 Feb 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday09:00 - 17:00
Bank HolidayOpen
Castlewellan Forest Park and Peace Maze - CLOSED Christmas Day (25 Dec 2024)
DayTimes

* Walled Garden
April to September – closes at 7pm
October to March – closes at 4.30pm

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Related

Castlewellan Peace MazeCastlewellan Peace Maze, CastlewellanCastlewellan Peace Maze, is 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 peace bell in the centre of the maze.

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Road Directions

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. 

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