First tree top walk in province for Castlewellan Forest Park

First tree top walk in province for Castlewellan Forest Park

18 December 2024

NORTHERN Ireland’s first ever tree top walk could be located at Castlewellan Forest Park.

The potential for the innovative project to be based at the park — which is currently undergoing a multi-million pound revamp – is currently 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.

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 treetop walk would be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, offering 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.

Council chairman Pete Byrne said the forest park was one of the district’s “most cherished assets” and the exciting proposal had the potential to elevate it to an iconic landmark visitor attraction.

“By working together, we hope to create an innovative, nature-based attraction that will inspire visitors while preserving the park’s natural beauty for generations to come,” he said.

“The proposed treetop walk aligns closely with our goal for enhancing sustainable tourism. It is envisioned as a project that will 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.”

Tom McArdle from EAK Ireland Treetop Walks, said: “We have visited many possible new sites across the country and Castlewellan is our preferred venue.

“The success of our treetop walk in Avondale in Co Wicklow shows the potential for this type of tourism attraction and we believe it would bring many benefits to the local area and surrounding region.”

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

He 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.

“We look forward to working closely with Newry, Mourne and Down Council and partner organisations to further explore this ambitious project.”