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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.
Peace Maze - The 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. Dogs must be on a lead in the Peace Maze.
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!
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
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 Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| All-Park Car Permit | £60.00 per ticket |
| All-Park Minibus Permit (8 - 24 Seats) | £65.00 |
| Car | £5.00 |
| Coach (Over 24 Seats) | £50.00 |
| Minibus (Up to 24 Seats) | £15.00 |
| Motorbike | £3.00 |
| Single Park Season Car Permit | £25.00 |
Access to Castlewellan Forest Park on foot or by bicycle is free. Charges apply for the parking of vehicles.
Explore More
Castlewellan 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.
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