One of the most beautiful places I have been in Northern Ireland is the Tollymore Forest Park. As I was in a super fantastic Spa Hotel in Newcastle at the coast of County Down I had the possibility to walk in this recreation area.
Tollymore Forest Park is situated only two miles out of Newcastle at the foothills of the Mourne Mountains and super easy to find. It is already inviting at the entrance, a kind of Gothic, fantasy gate to pass through and drive in a huge space of woods and fields. I saw a camping space as well as sheep grazing on other fields.
At the visitor center you pay for the parking. And all the walks are beginning there.
We took a stroll through the woods. Many people hiking here, Nordic Walking and families, young people having fun in the wild waters of a river, older people enjoying smooth nature walks.
We did a good round walk not too far. The forest seems to be pretty natural, every now and then a bridge over wild or very calm water, up and down, sometimes very even and all possibilities to walk just in the shadows or in the open spaces with sun.
I saw places for BBQ, picnic, children’s playgrounds and much more for the whole family, every age and every imaginable recreation.
The Tollymore Forest Park was designed by Thomas Wright of Durham and for the Lord Clanbrassil, owner of the forest. Here one can find as well exotic trees like eucalyptus but mostly the giant redwoods ant Monterey pines.
The ground is open daily from 10 o’clock until sunset and requires an entrance fee of 5 £ if I remember well. For whom needs it, toilets are as well available.
I was wandering and really enjoyed the wonderful summer air and wonderful walk on the natural grounds. Would have liked to stay the whole day but we had to return to Dublin in Ireland. I would recommend a day here to everyone who has a little time to spent in the area and wants nature walks. But be careful: it’s easy to get lost here!
Newcastle, Co. Down/Northern Ireland:
For further information:
Attractions in Newcastle
About County Down
