Treetop Adventures 

Following the success of our Treetop Walk in Avondale, we have been searching for the perfect site for the first Treetop Walk in Northern Ireland. Following an extensive search and engagement with local Council’s and other stakeholders, we are delighted to have selected Castlewellan Forest Park as the preferred location. Treetop Adventures Limited will now partner with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to deliver this project. Treetop Adventures is a UK company owned jointly by Erlebnis Akademie AG (eak AG) and Carlingford Adventure, similar to the ownership of Eak Ireland Tree Top Walks which delivered the Treetop Walk Avondale project.

Castlewellan Forest Park has everything we value. A dramatic setting of mountains and sea, with spectacular built and natural heritage. It has one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe with many champion trees. The Forest Park is home to one of Northern Ireland’s most famous lakes, the stunning Victorian Castlewellan Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking trails, 27km of Mountain Bike Trails, Nature Play perfect for the kids, an onsite multi-activity centre, the Peace Maze, Life Adventure Centre, horse trails and Castlewellan Caravan Park. The Forest Park attracts many visitors and is well used by local people on a daily basis.  We believe that our Treetop Walk will complement and add to this amazing location!

Begin with a leisurely stroll along the fully accessible 588m walkway. Weave your way up and down through the trees, and as the forest floor falls away, you will gently rise above the canopy. Awaken all your senses, as you find yourself surrounded by Yew, Larch, Fir, Oak, Spruce, to name just a few.

Children’s play areas, and interpretive points along the way, will engage children and adults, introducing a new perspective of the forest. Learn about the trees, plants, birds, and animals along with the history of Castlewellan Forest Park and the wider Mournes. The walk leads to a viewing platform with amazing views of the Lake and Castle.

The journey culminates at the landmark viewing tower, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. The tower ramps up gently and is suitable for all abilities. The viewing platform is 40 metres above the forest floor, with 360-degree views of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay and Belfast in the distance.

For the first time ever, we are including a smaller tower which is connected to the main tower at three levels with slides at each. 

The space around the towers will include an outdoor amphitheatre where parents can relax and kids can play. There will be a programme of events throughout the year. This area will also include a shop, coffee kiosks and WC’s.

The project will complement the current Re-Rooting our Past in the Future: Castlewellan Historic Demesne project underway in the Park. In addition the project will incorporate the following sustainability values.  

EAK Ireland are currently undertaking Pre-application Community Consultation (PACC) prior to the submission of their planning application for their development in Castlewellan Forest Park for the provision of new visitor attraction (Treetop Walk Mourne) to include arrival building, raised walkway, landmark tower structure with smaller connected tower to include slides and landing block. The proposal also includes amphitheatre / temporary event space, fencing, utilities, relocation and enhancement of the existing children’s play area and all associated development. The emerging proposals will give full consideration to all material planning considerations including traffic management and environmental impacts.

This is your opportunity to provide feedback on the draft plans and proposals. Consultation is currently underway and you can give feedback via one of our public events, via our website www.eak-treetopwalks.com/eakirl/. The website will be available for public viewing and comment from 5th November 2025 until 9th January 2026. Information can also be obtained from CARLIN Planning, Bamford House, 91-93 Saintfield Road, Belfast, BT8 7HN or by emailing             info@carlinplanning.com. The deadline for all comments is the 9th January 2026.