Enchanted Woodlands
Forest Parks
Enchanted woodlands that inspired Narnia and became Westeros—ancient trees, gothic stone arches, and the whisper of legends in every rustling leaf.
Parks
3 Forest Parks
Screen Fame
Game of Thrones
Trail
Narnia Trail
Feature
Peace Maze
Where Stories Come Alive
The Mourne region's forest parks are places where imagination runs wild. These ancient woodlands have inspired one of literature's most beloved fantasy worlds and served as the backdrop for television's biggest fantasy epic.
"I have seen landscapes, notably in the Mourne Mountains and southwards which under a particular light made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge."— C.S. Lewis
Discover
Our Three Forest Parks
Tollymore Forest Park
Northern Ireland's First State Forest Park
At the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Tollymore is a place of enchantment. Gothic stone arches span the rushing Shimna River, giant redwoods tower overhead, and ancient oak woodlands whisper secrets of centuries past.
Game of Thrones Filming Location
The Haunted Forest where the Starks discovered the direwolf pups (S1E1). Also where the White Walkers made their chilling first appearance.
Fun Fact: Oak timber from Tollymore was used in the construction of RMS Titanic, built just 30 miles away in Belfast.
Highlights
- •Gothic stone bridges over River Shimna
- •Giant California redwood grove
- •Hermitage grotto
- •16 waymarked trails
Bryansford Road, Newcastle, BT33 0LE
Admission: £5 car, £2.50 bike, £13 minibus, free on foot
Castlewellan Forest Park
Home of the Peace Maze
Set around a beautiful Victorian castle and shimmering lake, Castlewellan is a wonderland of horticultural beauty. The National Arboretum houses rare trees from around the globe, while the Peace Maze offers a unique challenge.
Peace Maze
The world's largest permanent hedge maze, planted in 2001 as a symbol of Northern Ireland's peace process. Over 6,000 yew trees form paths totalling 3.5km.
Highlights
- •World's largest permanent hedge maze
- •Victorian castle backdrop
- •27km mountain bike trails
- •Lake walks and National Arboretum
- •Equestrian centre
Kilbroney Forest Park
Where Narnia Was Born
Rostrevor
Nestled between the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough, Kilbroney is the landscape that inspired C.S. Lewis's vision of Narnia. The magical atmosphere is palpable as you walk beneath ancient oaks toward the famous Cloughmore Stone.
C.S. Lewis's Narnia
""That part of Rostrevor which overlooks Carlingford Lough is my idea of Narnia""
— C.S. Lewis
Highlights
- •The Narnia Trail
- •Cloughmore Stone (40-ton glacial boulder)
- •Stunning Carlingford Lough views
- •Mountain access trails
- •Fairy Glen
Things to Do
From gentle family walks to adrenaline-pumping mountain biking, our forest parks offer adventures for every age and ability.
Walking & Hiking
From gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain climbs, each park offers trails for every ability.
Mountain Biking
Castlewellan boasts 27km of purpose-built mountain bike trails from beginner to expert level.
Nature Watching
Red squirrels, kingfishers, and rare plant species thrive in these protected woodland environments.
Picnics & Play
Each park has picnic areas and play facilities, making them perfect for family days out.
Park Access
- •Parking fees apply at Tollymore and Castlewellan
- •Free parking at Kilbroney
- •All parks open dawn to dusk
- •Dogs welcome on leads
Best Time to Visit
- Spring: Bluebells carpet the forest floor
- Summer: Long days under full canopy
- Autumn: Spectacular golden colours
- Winter: Atmospheric mists and quiet trails
What to Bring
- •Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- •Waterproof jacket (it's Ireland!)
- •Picnic lunch and water
- •Camera for magical moments
Stories From the Forest
Plan Your Visit
Ready-made trip plans to make the most of your visit.
Ready to Explore the Forests?
Discover enchanted woodlands where legends come to life and every path leads to adventure.