A south Down forest park could be the first in Northern Ireland to develop a major tourist attraction high in the tree tops.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s economy, regeneration and tourism committee agreed to move to an outline business case for the Castlewellan proposal.
The item was discussed behind closed doors this week in chambers and later removed from the committee agenda.
However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the ‘Tree Top Walk’ has been identified for potential development at Castlewellan Forest Park with a “letter of intent” already signed.
In open session, committee chairperson, Alan Lewis (DUP) said: “Item, Tree Top Walk, on the proposal of Cllr Clarke (SF) and seconded by Cllr Hanna (DUP) it was agreed to note the signing of a letter of intent and to proceed to the procurement and appointment of a team to develop an outline business case for the project.”
An ERT committee report (Oct 2024) had previously agreed a “familiarisation visit with key stakeholders” to view a similar tourist attraction at Avondale in Co Wicklow, which at the time it opened in 2022 was lauded as the first of its kind in the Ireland and the UK.
It comprises a self guided 1.4km treetop walk with a viewing tower at the end, 38m above the forest floor with 360 degree panoramic views.
The Wicklow attraction also provides a giant slide to be taken to the base of the tower.
It is anticipated the south Down Tree Top Walk will form a future part of Castlwellan’s wider Touring in the Trees site which will operate from January 2025 under the same terms and conditions and opening hours as the existing caravan parks.
The Touring in the Trees site will be bookable on the existing Castlewellan CampManager system and charges will be reflective of similar facilities.
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