Castlewellan Forest Park

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PUBLIC NOTICE: CASTLEWELLAN FOREST PARK HAS REOPENED, WITH RESTRICTIONS, FOLLOWING THE IMPACT OF STORM EOWYN.  The following facilities remain closed: remote walking trails, mountain bike trails, horse trails and Annesley Walled Garden & Arboretum. We ask visitors to adhere to the safety signage in place and please DO NOT access trails which are closed. (Latest update: Friday 14 February 2025 at 5pm)

Castlewellan Forest Park, located within the Mourne Mountains in Castlewellan, is an adventure-lover’s paradise, set against the backdrop of one of Northern Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes. With its dramatic lakeside castle, ancient woodlands, and the world-famous Peace Maze, this park is a haven for explorers of all ages.  

Whether you're wandering through the Aboretum, paddling on the tranquil lake, or tackling the thrilling mountain biking trails, every corner of Castlewellan Forest Park is packed with excitement. For those seeking a peaceful escape or an adrenaline rush, this stunning park offers the perfect mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty. 

Castlewellan Forest park has 7.5 miles (12km) of a walk trail network. There are several routes throughout the Forest Park.  The route used most often by families is the Lakeside Walk which is 2.4miles long (3.9Km). This is a relatively flat, circular loop that leads around the natural lake which was extended by the Annesley family in the early 19th century.  It provides great views of Slievenaslat and Castlewellan Castle, which is now a Christian Conference Centre.  This is an easy walk suitable for most people in good health.  Surfaces are even and consistent. Addtional walking trails include, Slievenaslat Walk:  2.7 miles, Moorish Tower Walk:  3.2. miles,  Annesley Garden Walk: 2.2 miles  Cypress Pond Walk: 3.1 miles and Bunkers Hill Walk & Play Trail: 1.2 miles 

Castlewellan Forest Park is perfect for the kids. ‘Animal Wood’ 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!

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

Picnic tables and designated barbeque tables are available, these are located adjacent to the main car park. A coffee cart operates during the summer months.

The main activities include, walking, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing (with a permit), paddleboarding, horse-riding. Bikes, Kayaks, and Standup Paddle Boards can be hired from Life Adventure.  Please Note: swimming in Castlewellan lake is not permitted unless part of a Newry, Mourne and Down District Council approved event.