Introduction
This is an 18th-century walled demesne with mid-19th-century development. Features include mature parkland, woodland trees, forest planting, a lime tree avenue, a walled garden with an outstanding plant collection begun in the 1850s and many garden buildings, including a tea house and the Garden Cottage.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
028 9056 9615Access contact details
Forest Park and Gardens open all year daily 10 a.m. to sunset.
Directions
On the northern outskirts of Castlewellan, off the A25.
Owners
Department of Agriculture & Rural Development NI (Forest Service)
- History
Period
- Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
- Victorian (1837-1901)
- Features & Designations
Designations
Environment and Heritage Service of Northern Ireland Heritage Gardens Inventory
- Reference: D/011
Site of Special Scientific Interest
- Reference: Castlewellan Lake
Features
- Tree Avenue
- Description: Lime trees
- Herbaceous Border
- Lake
- Icehouse
- Tower
- Description: Moorish design
- Pond
- Description: Duck ponds
- Garden House
- Description: Private tenancy, not open for public viewing
- Gate Lodge
- Description: Private ownership, not open for public viewing
- Glasshouse
- Description: Not publicly accessible
- House (featured building)
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Recreational/sport
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Period
Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
Survival
Extant
Hectares
450
Open to the public
Yes
- References
References
- Bence-Jones, M {A Guide to Irish Country Houses} (London: Constable, 1988) A Guide to Irish Country Houses
- Register of Parks, Gardens and Demesnes of Special Historic Interest, Northern Ireland