Tollymore Forest Park

Overview

Tollymore Forest Park sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, just a five‑minute drive from the seaside town of Newcastle in County Down. Covering almost 630 hectares, the park blends dramatic river scenery, towering Himalayan cedars and a network of stone bridges with a surprisingly rich tapestry of history. It was the first state forest park established in Northern Ireland on 2 June 1955 and remains a favourite picnic and walking destination, even earning a place in The Sunday Times top twenty British picnic sites in 2000.

The Shimna River winds through the forest, providing a spawning ground for salmon and trout and creating a series of cascades, grottos and natural caves. Sixteen bridges cross the river, the oldest dating back to 1726, while a collection of Gothic gate arches, follies and a former barn‑church give the landscape a romantic, almost cinematic feel – a fact not lost on the Game of Thrones production team, which used the park for several key scenes.

History

The name Tollymore (Irish: Tulaigh Mhór) means “large hill or mound”, referring to the two hills – Slieve Neir and Slieve Snaran – that rise within the park’s boundary. The land changed hands many times: from the Magennis clan in the 15th century, to the Hamilton family in the 17th century, and finally to the Jocelyn (Roden) family before being sold to the Ministry of Agriculture in 1941. The Forest Service took over the estate and opened it to the public in 1955.

The park’s built heritage reflects the tastes of its aristocratic owners. Gothic gate arches at the entrance and exit were erected in the 1780s by James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil. The Barbican Gate, the Grade B1‑listed gate lodge and the stone‑clad barn‑church (Clanbrassil Barn) date from the same period and were influenced by the designs of Thomas Wright of Durham. Other notable structures include the Hermitage – a small stone shelter with a Greek inscription dating to 1770 – and a series of stone bridges (Old Bridge 1726, Ivy Bridge 1780, Foley’s Bridge 1787, Parnell Bridge 1842). Restoration work in 2014 by the Mourne Heritage Trust refreshed fifteen of these historic features.

Flora and Arboretum

Tollymore is home to Ireland’s oldest surviving arboretum, planted around 1752 as a Georgian landscape feature. Visitors can admire a remarkable collection of exotic trees, including:

• Himalayan cedars (Cedrus deodara) – forming the iconic Cedar Avenue that greets you at the Barbican Gate.
• Giant redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum) – still standing despite being struck by lightning in recent years.
• Cork oak (Quercus suber) – notable for its massive, thick bark.
• The oldest living arboretum tree, Picea abies ‘Clanbrassiliana – a slow‑growing spruce planted circa 1750, recognised as the oldest tree in any Irish arboretum.
• Monkey puzzle, eucalyptus and Monterey pine – adding year‑round visual interest.

The arboretum path (Blue Trail) is wheelchair‑accessible and offers close‑up views of these specimens, making it a favourite for families and tree‑enthusiasts.

Wildlife and Ecology

The park supports a diverse wildlife community:

• Mammals – a herd of 120‑150 wild fallow deer, red squirrels, pine martens, otters, badgers and foxes.
• Birds – kingfishers, dippers, Mandarin ducks (the only regular breeding site in Ireland), great‑spotted woodpeckers and occasional long‑eared owls.
• Fish – the Shimna River is an important salmon and trout spawning river, designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

Early morning or late‑afternoon are the best times for spotting otters and pine martens. The Red Squirrel Group runs occasional feeding stations near the arboretum, helping the dwindling red‑squirrel population.

Historic Follies and Monuments

• Barbican Gate & Gothic arches – Grand 18th‑century entrances.
• Clanbrassil Barn – A former stable designed to look like a church, now housing toilets and an education room.
• Granite obelisk – Erected 1812‑1820 by the 2nd Earl of Roden.
• The Hermitage – Stone shelter with a Greek dedication to the Marquess of Monthermer.
• The King’s Grave – A megalithic cairn dating to 1000‑1500 BC.
• The White Fort – A large cashel with 3 m thick walls, visible from the River Trail.

Walking Trails

Four official, colour‑coded trails start and finish at the main car park:

• Blue – Arboretum Path (0.7 km / 25 min) – Gentle, wheelchair‑accessible walk through the historic arboretum.
• Red – River Trail (5.2 km / 1.5‑2 hrs) – Follows the Shimna River, crossing at Parnell’s Bridge, passing the Hermitage, the 10 m cascade and the ruins of the White Fort before looping back via the oldest bridge.
• Black – Mountain Trail (8.8 km / 3‑4 hrs) – Mixed‑terrain route through conifer and broad‑leaf woods, duck ponds and historic points of interest.
• Black 1 – The Drinns Trail (adds 4.8 km) – Optional loop that skirts the two hills known locally as The Drinns, offering elevated viewpoints over the Mournes.

The Ulster Way also traverses the park, linking it to a wider network of long‑distance paths.

Filming Location

Tollymore’s atmospheric woodlands and stone bridges have featured in the Game of Thrones series (the “Haunted Forest” and the Stark children’s wolf‑pup scene) and the film Dracula Untold, adding a pop‑culture draw for fans of fantasy television.

Special Events & Filming Tours

• Game of Thrones guided walks – Seasonal tours run by local operators take visitors to the exact filming spots, with commentary on the series and the park’s history.
• Weddings – The park can be booked for small forest ceremonies; permits must be arranged in advance through the park office.
• Nature talks & school visits – The education room in Clanbrassil Barn hosts regular talks on woodland ecology and conservation.

Seasonal Highlights & Visitor Tips

• Opening hours – Generally open daily from 10:00 am until sunset. In the summer months (April – September) the park stays open until 7:00 pm; in the winter months (October – March) it closes at 4:00 pm. Check the latest times on the official site before you travel.
• Swimming – While the crystal‑clear pools of the Shimna River are tempting, swimming is not officially permitted for safety reasons.
• Camping – Designated pitches with showers, toilets, chemical‑toilet disposal and fresh water. Prices vary slightly by provider: £23 per night without electricity, £35 with electricity (some operators list £22/£25). Book in advance via the campsite manager.
• Parking – Fees are £5 per car, £2.50 per motorcycle, £13 per minibus and £35 per coach. Pedestrians enter free of charge.
• Accessibility – The Arboretum Path is fully wheelchair‑ and stroller‑friendly. Other trails are unpaved and may be uneven.
• Dog friendly – Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be kept under control and on a lead near wildlife nesting areas.

Practical Information

Parking and transport

On‑site parking is available for a fee (see table). The car park can accommodate cars, motorcycles, minibuses and coaches, making it suitable for group visits. There is no dedicated bus service to the park, so visitors usually drive from Belfast, Newcastle or other nearby towns.

Trail navigation

All trails are sign‑posted with coloured arrows that match the map on the visitor‑centre notice board. Maps and leaflets are available at the entrance.

Wildlife watching

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best chance to spot otters, kingfishers and the shy pine marten. The Red Squirrel Group runs occasional feeding stations near the arboretum; sightings have increased since the 2010s after a series of conservation efforts.

Nearby attractions

A short drive brings you to the seaside town of Newcastle (beach, restaurants) and the Mourne Mountains (further hiking, Slieve Donard). Castlewellan Forest Park and Murlough National Nature Reserve are also within 15 km, providing additional options for a full day of outdoor exploration.