Business case underway for tree-top walk in park

Business case underway for tree-top walk in park

22 January 2025

WORK is underway to advance proposals for Northern Ireland’s first ever tree-top walk at Castlewellan Forest Park.

News of the innovative tourism project was announced shortly before Christmas when it was confirmed that the potential for the innovative project to be based at the park – which is currently undergoing a multi-million pound revamp – was being investigated ahead of work starting on a business case.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is working in partnership with EAK Ireland, a leader in creating nature-based experiences and in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Forest Service which has agreed to explore the project’s feasibility.

An update on the tree top walk proposal was provided at Monday night’s meeting of the local authority’s Economy, Regeneration and Tourism Committee when it was confirmed that work to appoint an economist and technical team to develop the outline business case is underway.

The aim is to create a sustainable visitor experience that provides close-to-nature recreation and showcases the natural beauty of the park, while providing an adventurous and educational attraction for both residents and visitors. 

The proposed tree-top walk offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the forest canopy, enjoy breathtaking views, and engage with the park’s rich biodiversity from a whole new perspective.

The various partners are to start conducting the necessary assessments to ensure that the project aligns and delivers on sustainable tourism, supporting the local economy and benefitting the local community. 

As part of the project development, an assessment on the potential impact of the project on traffic and the existing road network will be required, with mitigation measures developed for the area. Early engagement with residents and businesses will also be a key focus during the development of the proposed attraction.

Local authority officials have described Castlewellan Forest Park as one of the district’s “most cherished assets” and believe the proposal has the potential to elevate it to an iconic landmark visitor attraction.

They say the proposed tree top walk aligns closely with its goal for enhancing sustainable tourism, with the project providing an opportunity to boost the local economy by attracting visitors from across the region and beyond, while also serving as a model for low-impact, environmentally sensitive development.

EAK Ireland Treetop Walks says the success of its tree-top walk in Avondale in Co Wicklow shows the potential for this type of tourism attraction and it believes the Castlewellan proposal would bring many benefits to the local area and surrounding region. 

Tourism NI’s Director of Strategic Development, David Roberts, said the organisation “welcomes this innovative proposal” which would add to the high-quality tourism and hospitality offering that we have in the area.

Mr Roberts added: “Northern Ireland is renowned for its natural landscapes and outdoor spaces. The proposed Treetop Walk in Castlewellan Forest Park, already a magnet for people with its activities and trails, would act as an anchor attraction for visitors who can then go on to explore the wider area.”