Tollymore Forest Park
Covering an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne mountains this Forest Park offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at nearby Newcastle.
Tree disease
There is currently an outbreak of Japanese Larch disease (P. ramorum) in the Moneyscalp Wood area of Tollymore Forest. In addition, there is also an outbreak of Phytophthora lateralis (P. lateralis) in other areas of Tollymore Forest. Visitors are asked to observe any signage providing information on bio-security measures required to help prevent the spread of this disease. Further information on preventing the spread of tree disease can be found on the 'Preventing the spread of tree disease' page.
Activities
Tollymore Forest Park caters for many outdoor activities including walking, caravanning/camping, horse riding and orienteering. Such activities may also include sporting events or educational visits.
To arrange a special event or activity in this forest, you should apply in the first instance to the Recreation Manager, Forest Service NI based at Castlewellan Forest Park.
There may be restrictions on access to parts of our forests from time to time to facilitate forest operations. Please adhere to safety signage which will be posted for your safety.
Caravanning and camping
Tollymore Forest Park is open all year round and offers extensive facilities for the caravan or camping enthusiast. There are toilets and showers, some of which are wheelchair accessible; a fresh water supply; chemical toilet disposal point and electricity hook ups for caravans.
A separate campsite is available for youth organisations.
Caravanning and camping charges
For details of the current charges for caravanning and camping at Tollymore please see our recreation charges.
Preventing the spread of tree disease
A plant disease, Phytophthora lateralis, that affects Lawson cypress trees has been diagnosed for the first time in Northern Ireland on tress in Tollymore Forest Park, County Down. Users of the forest are asked to observe signage and remain on the way marked paths.
Bookings
Bookings can be made by contacting:
The Forest Ranger
Tollymore Forest Park
Bryansford Road
Newcastle
Tel: +44 28 4372 2428
About this forest
Tollymore is one of three forests across Northern Ireland piloting the "in-touch" information kiosk. The kiosk contains lots of information on the forest and its surrounding area including useful tourist information and is located at the bottom corner of the upper car park.
In 2005 Tollymore Forest Park celebrated its 50th anniversary. In 1955 it became the first state forest in Northern Ireland to be designated as a Forest Park.
Features of Tollymore Forest
The Shimna River
This river flows along its rocky bed through the centre of the Park, from the Mournes to the sea at Newcastle. The tree shaded river with its numerous deep pools is home to a variety of birds and mammals such as dippers, kingfishers and otters.
The Stone Bridges
These ornate bridges some of which were constructed over 200 years ago by various owners of the estate are fine examples of stonemasonary. Several of them were built in honour, or in remembrance of, relatives and friends.
The Cedar Avenue
Planted inside the Barbican Gate entrance these magnificent Himalayan cedars (cedrus deodara) with their wide spreading branches and blue/green foliage form an imposing and picturesque entrance to the Forest Park.
The Hermitage
This is a mass of stones carefully put together to form a room about 12 feet by 8 feet, with an opening to the river path at each end.
There are two larger openings which look down on the river below. At one time there was a stone seat placed at the back of the room, and a bust, and an inscription on the back wall. They were put there by James Hamilton, second Earl of Clanbrassil, as a memorial to his friend, the Marquis of Monthermer, who died in 1770. The bust and stone seat have since disappeared. The inscription, in Greek, reads: "Clanbrassil, to his very dear friend Monthermer 1770".
Clanbrassil Barn
Clanbrassil Barn was constructed about 1757 at the same time as the old parts of the mansion house. The building was used as stables and stores until the end of 1971.
The ground floor has been converted to provide an education room and toilet facilities. The steeple at the eastern end has a fine old clock and sundial. The bell which strikes the hour bears the inscription "C : & : I Rudhall Glocester Fect 1785". The bell was tolled in the past to mark the beginning and ending of the working day, and any event of family or national importance. The sundial on the southern face of the tower can be read easily in suitable weather.
Trails
Four waymarked trails of varying lengths take the visitor on a tour of the parks most beautiful areas. These trails follow a circular route and are sign posted from the information board in the main car park. Strong footwear is recommended. The Mourne Way / Ulster Way crosses through the forest.
Blue Trail - Arboretum Path (1 kilometre)
Tollymore arboretum is the one of the oldest known arboreta in Ireland. Planting began in 1752 as a Georgian landscape feature and this path meanders past various species of trees from around the world, including the remnants of a lightning struck Giant Redwood and a thickly barked cork tree.
Red Trail - Rivers Trail (5 kilometres)
Down the Azalea Walk towards the Shimna river to the Hermitage this trail passes through both coniferous and broadleaved woodland, before crossing the Shimna at Parnell’s bridge. Dramatic views of the Pot of Legawherry can be seen from the trail.
There is an optional spur to the White Fort Cashel before following the Spinkwee River downstream, past the cascades and back to the Meeting of the Waters. The trail proceeds through coniferous plantations, past the duck pond and re-crosses the Shimna River over the Old Bridge, returning to the car park via the Green Rig.
Black Trail - Mountain Trail (9 kilometres)
Passing through the Forest Plots this trail enters a beech woodland, which in the spring is covered in bluebells. The route runs parallel with the Shimna River before crossing it over Parnell's Bridge. The trail continues along one of the Shimna’s tributaries through mature conifer forest.
Good views of Luke’s Mountain can be had as the trail reaches the boundary wall before zigzagging back toward the Spinkwee River, crossing at the Hore’s bridge. The second half of the trail passes through coniferous plantations at various stages of maturity before reaching the second crossing point of the Shimna River at the Ivy Bridge.
The return route to the car park proceeds along the old river drive passing Foley’s bridge and the dramatic Shimna Gorge before returning up the Green Rig.
Black Trail 1 - The Drinns Trail (5 kilometres)
This additional Black trail adds a further 5 kilometres by circumnavigating the Drinns running along the boundary wall and past coniferous forest to the Curraghard viewpoint. Stunning views of Bryansford, Castlewellan and Slieve Croob are seen on the return route to the second half of the Mountain Trail.
How to get there
To reach this forest from Belfast, take the A24 south to Clough Village, then join the A2 Newcastle Road. Just past the Village of Dundrum the Forest Park is signposted to the right.
From Newcastle follow the signposted route from the Central Promenade towards Bryansford Village. After approximately 3 kilometres the Forest Park is signposted on the left.
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