Nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest Park was one of the most enchanting stops on my Northern Ireland itinerary. I visited this magical place with my friends, and from the moment we stepped into the park, it felt like we had wandered into a fairytale.
Towering trees, ancient stone bridges, and the sound of a flowing river made every step feel like part of an adventure. It’s no wonder parts of Game of Thrones were filmed here—it truly feels otherworldly.
Tollymore Forest Park Useful Info
Location
Tollymore Forest Park is located just outside the charming town of Newcastle in County Down, Northern Ireland. It sits at the edge of the Mourne Mountains.
From Belfast, it’s about a 1-hour drive (roughly 35 miles), and if you’re coming from Dublin like we did, expect a 2.5-hour road trip.
For your convenience, I’ve included its Google Maps location.
Parking
The main car park is located near the entrance, providing easy access to the park’s trails and amenities.
Parking fees are as follows:
- Car: £5 per day
- Motorcycle: £2.50 per day
- Minibus: £13 per day
- Coach: £35 per day
These charges cover both parking and admission to the park. Visitors arriving on foot or by bicycle can enter free of charge.
Opening Hours
Tollymore Forest Park is open every day of the year from 10:00 AM until sunset.
Camping
For campers and those staying overnight, the park’s camping and touring facilities are available year-round. There are a variety of options available:
- Touring Pitches: The park boasts 71 hardstanding pitches, equipped with a 10a electricity hookup, suitable for caravans and motorhomes.
- Tent Camping: While there are no electric hookups for tents, campers have access to the same amenities as those in touring vehicles.
- Youth Groups
To book your camping experience online, visit this website.
Facilities
There are clean, modern toilets and showers available, including wheelchair-accessible options and baby-changing facilities. Picnic areas with benches are scattered throughout the park, perfect for relaxing after a hike.
Tollymore Forest Park Trails
Arboretum Path (Blue Trail)
- Length: 0.7 km (0.5 miles)
- Duration: Approximately 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: It features a diverse collection of exotic trees, including a Giant Redwood and a cork tree. The path is mostly flat and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
River Trail (Red Trail)
- Length: 5.2 km (3.2 miles)
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Following the scenic Shimna River, this trail passes notable features such as the Hermitage, Parnell’s Bridge, and the Pot of Legawherry.
Mountain and Drinns Trail (Black Trail)
- Length: 13.6 km (8.5 miles)
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlights: This is the longest and most demanding trail in the park. It encompasses both the Mountain Trail and the optional Drinns Trail loop, providing panoramic views.
Nearby attractions
- Newcastle Beach: 5 minutes from Tollymore
- Murlough National Nature Reserve: 10 minutes from Tollymore
- Castlewellan Forest Park: 15 minutes from Tollymore
- Dundrum Castle: 15 minutes away
- Silent Valley Reservoir: around 30–40 minutes away
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to get into Tollymore Forest Park?
Entry to Tollymore Forest Park is free for pedestrians and cyclists. However, if you’re arriving by vehicle, parking fees apply: Car: £5, Motorcycle: £2.50, Minibus: £13, and Coach: £35.
These charges cover both parking and admission to the park.
How long does it take to visit Tollymore Forest Park?
The duration of your visit can vary based on your interests: Short Walks include trails as brief as 25 minutes, and longer hikes include routes that can take up to 3–4 hours.
If you’re keen on exploring multiple trails, picnicking, or simply soaking in the scenery, consider allocating a half or full day.
Can you swim at Tollymore Forest Park?
While Tollymore Forest Park isn’t officially designated for swimming, some visitors do take a dip in natural pools along the Shimna River, especially near spots like the Hermitage and Foley’s Bridge. However, these areas aren’t monitored, so exercise caution and be aware of potential risks.
What time does the Tollymore Forest Park open?
The park is open every day of the year from 10:00 AM until sunset. Closing times vary with the seasons, so it’s advisable to check sunset times before your visit.
Conclusion
Tollymore Forest Park is a must-visit gem that blends natural beauty, adventure, and tranquillity—all wrapped in the charm of Northern Ireland.
I hope this information will be useful for your travel. If you plan to try this fantastic forest, I would be happy to hear about your experience.
