Mountains of Mourne
Parks
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Kilbroney Forest Park
There are few parklands in existence which could surpass the beauty of Kilbroney Park. Here mountain, stream, sea-lough and valley conjure up a scenic wonderland. The 97 acres that form Kilbroney Park lie close to the shore of Carlingford Lough in the shadow of the forest-clad Slieve Martin. As a backdrop to Kilbroney Park stands the impressive 4,000 acre Rostrevor Forest rising sharply from 30m to 500m above sea level. Planted in 1931 mostly with coniferous species, the forest has a breathtaking two mile forest drive providing panoramic views over Carlingford Lough, an old oak plantation dating from the 18th Century, the famous 40 tonnes "Cloughmore" or "Big Stone" and a host of animals ranging from grouse and Irish jays to pine martens, red and grey squirrels, foxes and badgers.
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The park offers a wide range of facilities and services, which include tennis courts, children's play area, playing fields, barbeque and picnic areas and cafe. A 4* caravan and camping site caters for 52 touring vans and 30 tents and has full electrical hook-up facilities, water, TV links and a recently refurbished toilet and amenity block. Laundry services are available at the park's reception area. Open spaces and pathways in Kilbroney Park allow relaxing strolls and links directly into the forest park where trails lead through oakwoods and planted slopes of Sitka spruce, Douglas, fir and pine. The Cloughmore car park, at the end of the forest drive, 230 metres above sea level provides views of the surrounding forest and is a good starting point for the three waymarked trails. The trails vary in length from 1.25 miles to 4.5 miles, and take the visitor to various areas within the forest to enjoy the many magnificent views and beauty of the woodlands.
Location: The village of Rostrevor is on the A2 and is mid-way between Newry and Kilkeel. Rostrevor is only a 20 minute drive from Newry and approximately one hour from Belfast.
Contact Details:
The Park Warden
Kilbroney Park
Rostrevor
Tel: 028 417 38134
Email: kilbroneypark@newryandmourne.gov.ukFacilities: Caravan and Camping, Parking, Disabled Parking, Toilets, Disabled Toilets, Refreshments, Tennis Courts, Childrens Play area, Public Telephone.
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Silent Valley
The Silent Valley is a Mountain Park situated in the high Mournes and features a dam ringed by dramatic Mountain panoramas and the famous Mourne wall located in the U-shaped valley of the Kilkeel river. The 200 acre site below the reservoir is a combination of mountain, moorland and woodlands making it an ideal setting for flora and fauna.
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The Silent Valley is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Park is surrounded with breathtaking countryside, to the east Craggy Binnian, to the west the Cliffs of Slievenag Lough, and to the north Doan and Ben Crom. The information centre and restaurant are housed in two old colonial style bungalows, the last remnants of the construction period. The information centre tells the story of the Silent Valley via the exhibition. The restaurant has impressive views over the mountain-park. 11.00am to 6.30pm each day each day in June, July and August and at weekends and bank holidays in April, May and September. The seminar complex is fully equipped with up-to-date facilities, thus providing a distinct location for conferences. The complex is for hire all year around and can be booked via the Water Service's administration department. There is a shuttle bus service at the mountain park which operates to/from Ben Crom to/from the car park. This service is available during the months of May, June and September at weekends, and July and August daily.
Location: From Hilltown take the B27 to Kilkeel then turn left into the Head Road.
Contact Details:
Silent Valley
Head Road
Attical
Kilkeel
BT34 4HU
Tel: 028 9074 1166 -
Website: www.niwater.com/thesilentvalley
Email: waterline@niwater.com Facilities: Parking, Disabled Parking, Toilets, Interpretive Centre, Shuttle Bus (Limited Service Only), Coffee Shop, Children's Play Area and Way Marked Walking Trails.
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Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Slieve Gullion Forest Park covers an area of 2500 acres. A 10km drive around the mountain offers the visitors spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. For the walker there is a route that leads on the top of Slieve Gullion Mountain, where a passage grave, cairn and volcanic lake can be found. For the less energetic a leisurely walk around the walled garden is a must, as is a 2km walk through the mostly broadleaf mature woodland. This area is steeping in rich mythology. Stories of Finn MacCool, Cu Chulainn and Queen Meave all have roots in this Mountain. It is said that Cu Chulainn had his resience on the slopes of Slieve Gullion and how he battled single handedly at the nearby Gap of the North to defend Ulster from Queen Meave. More recently it is cures and pilgrimages that have led people to this area. St Moninna's Well in nearby Killevy is believed to have curative powers.
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Opened in June 2012, this playpark has something for everyone and is guaranteed to keep kids (of all ages) entertained. It includes the following: A toddler's area, adventure and play equipment for the older kids, the "Slieve Gullion ZIP" and even a trim trail for the adults! Let the kids burn off some energy while the adults relax and enjoy a coffee at the Slieve Gullion Courtyard.
Location: From Newry take the B113 to Forkhill. From Forkhill follow Brown Signs for Slieve Gullion Forest Park.
- Website: www.forestserviceni.gov.uk
Contact Details:
Forestry Service NI
East District
The Grange
Castlewellan Forest Park
Castlewellan
Co. Down
Tel: 028 4377 2240
Email: customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.ukFacilities: Parking, Picnic Area, Toilets.
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Ballymoyer Forest Park
Ballymoyer is a mixed woodland with mossy, ferned banks, primroses, bluebells and foxgloves. Amongst the modern plantations are a number of giant Douglas Fir Tress, Beech, Oak, Lime, Sweet Chestnut and Yew. The walk is approximately 8 miles. The Forest Park was once the demesne of the Synott Family, wealthy linen merchants, who arrived in the late 17th century. In 1178 Sir Walter Synnot built the original Ballymoyer house. The castle no longer stands but the wood offers pleasant meandering walks through this pretty glen. This wood is a have for wildlife with Badgers and foxes commonly spotted. This wooden glen was one of the first properties to be donated to the National Trust.
Location: From Newry take the B113 to Whitecross for approximately 9 miles.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
www.forestserviceni.gov.ukContact Details:
Forestry Service NI
East District
The Grange
Castlewellan Forest Park
Castlewellan
Co. Down
Tel: 028 4377 2240
Email: customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk -
Warrenpoint Municipal Park
Situated in the centre of Warrenpoint Town is the beautiful Municipal park. It boasts a magnificent array of flowers and shrubs and a 1907 Victorian bandstand, which hosts band concerts during the summer months. There is also an excellent soft play area for children.
Location: The Promenade, Warrenpoint
Facilities: Toilets, Disabled Toilets, Tennis Courts, Play area.
