Treetop walk ‘game changer’

Treetop walk ‘game changer’

12 November 2025

AN exciting proposal for Northern Ireland’s first treetop walk in Castlewellan Forest Park could take investment in the 1,100 acre facility to a staggering £15m.

Expected to attract 200,000 visitors annually and open as early as spring 2027, the flagship tourism project – entitled Treetop Mourne – could cost up to £10m.

News of the investment comes as work on a £5m upgrade designed to make the highly acclaimed forest park one of the best in Ireland is well underway.

A range of existing facilities are currently being overhauled, with the restoration work entering its final chapter, focusing on restoring the iconic glasshouses, the internationally acclaimed Annesley Walled Garden and Arboretum, Bothy Yard and Grange Buildings.

Last week, the public was given a glimpse of the proposed tree top walk during an information event held in the town, ahead of a formal planning application being lodged.

Described as a “tourism game changer”, the Castlewellan attraction would be one of only 14 across Europe.

Located behind the park’s peace maze, the entrance would be adjacent to the main car park where a welcome building featuring a cafe, rooftop terrance and toilets would be located.

The walk features a near 600-metre long walkway that leads to an observation tower which boasts  a viewing platform 40 metres above the forest floor with stunning views of the Mournes, Lough Island Reavy reservoir, Dundrum Bay and Belfast in the distance.

Final project designs have yet to be completed until the formal planning application is lodged and the feedback from the public consultation event is digested.

A second public information event is being planned for the New Year.

Eak Ireland/Treetop Adventures, which is developing the project as part of a public private partnership, is hoping to be in a position to lodge the planning application at the end of January or early February, with an ambitious timescale of opening the flagship tourism project in the spring of the following year.

The developers, who are world leading experts, have also revealed they will construct a smaller tower adjacent to the main structure, with the building work creating local construction jobs and utilising local building supplies merchants.

In addition, the tree top walk will also create a number of new jobs with the expected number of visitors providing an economic boost for businesses in Castlewellan and the surrounding area.

A key aspect of the planning application will be parking arrangements with confirmation that Newry, Mourne and Down Council has commenced work on a major traffic study in the town.

Adrian McGreevy, Eak’s regional manager for Treetop Walks for the UK and Ireland, said the Castlewellan investment offers a “full family experience”.

“You have mountains, the sea, a lake and a historic castle. It’s just amazing. You can see for miles,” he said.

“The forest park is a stunning location and we have been blown away by it. The local council is also really enthusiastic.”

Mr McGreevy continued: “Parking is an issue to be addressed and the council is currently carrying out a traffic study.

“We will have a traffic management survey as part of our planning application as well. That’s critical for us.”

He added: “It’s really positive and we have had a couple of meetings with stakeholder groups.

“People have their concerns around biodiversity and the environment and traffic. But these are issues we are interested in as well and believe we can manage.”