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Tollymore Forest Park

Walk

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Cliffs

Walking, Photography, Wildlife Watching

Summer

Photo: Eric Jones via Geograph.org.uk

Tollymore Forest Park is a large wooded park at the foot of the Mourne Mountains near Newcastle, in County Down, the first forest park in Northern Ireland, opened in 1955. Trails follow the Shimna river through the trees, crossing it on a string of old stone bridges, the oldest from the 1720s, and p...

10

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

3

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

3 day, 7 overnight

Great Jones Craft & Kitchen – Newcastle, Quinns Bar – Newcastle, Brunel’s – Newcastle

Enniskeen Estate & Forest Spa, Tollymore Luxury Log Cabin, Gorse Hill Glamping

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Tollymore Forest Park?
Northern Ireland's dramatic landscape shelters this spectacular woodland park near Newcastle in County Down. Walkers can easily find the entrance well signposted along the roads leading up to the mountains.

What type of place is Tollymore Forest Park?
Tollymore Forest Park is a state forest park at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland.

When is the best time to visit Tollymore Forest Park?
Early March offers the best conditions because the heavy winter rains feed the dramatic cascades. Summer also brings lovely clear days for exploring the pathways when the leaves look vibrant.

What can you do at Tollymore Forest Park?
Walking along the Shimna River allows you to see sixteen handbuilt stone bridges and ancient gothic archways. People also love spotting wildlife among the old oak trees and exploring the hidden rocky grottos.

How long should I spend at Tollymore Forest Park?
Allocating half a day gives you plenty of time to experience the main trails and enjoy the mountain views. A full day allows for longer hikes deep into the ancient woodland valley.

Where do I park at Tollymore Forest Park?
Vehicles can use the ten available spaces on site, which include three day spaces and seven overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Tollymore Forest Park?
Great Jones Craft & Kitchen – Newcastle, Quinns Bar – Newcastle, and Brunel’s – Newcastle offer three excellent choices for a meal nearby. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Tollymore Forest Park?
Enniskeen Estate & Forest Spa, Tollymore Luxury Log Cabin, and Gorse Hill Glamping provide three wonderful places to book in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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