The park contains a 19th-century gate lodge known as the Barbican Gate, which resembles a small medieval castle.
The Shimna River within the park is a spawning ground for Atlantic salmon and brown trout.
It is home to the oldest arboretum in Northern Ireland, planted in the 18th century.
The 'Hermitage' is an 18th-century stone shelter built to provide a viewpoint over the river gorge.
Local Mourne granite was used extensively for the park's follies and bridges, reflecting the regional geology.
Tollymore Forest Park covers 630 hectares at the base of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. It was the first state forest park in Northern Ireland, established in 1955. The park is defined by the Shimna River, which flows through the site and is crossed by 16 distinct bridges of varying architectural styles. Several 18th-century follies and grottos commissioned by the Earls of Roden are integrated into the forest landscape. The park features four marked circular walking trails ranging from 1.5 to 8 miles. It contains a diverse arboretum featuring rare tree species including Himalayan Cedars and Eucalyptus. The site was used as a filming location for scenes in Game of Thrones, specifically representing the Haunted Forest. The park provides designated camping and caravanning facilities with electric hook-ups. The landscape includes Gothic-style gate lodges and ornate stone structures built from local granite.
The view from the stone bridge looking downstream toward the moss-covered riverbanks.
Download offline maps before arrival, as mobile signal is unreliable within the forest valley.
Use the lower car parks to access the river trails directly, or the upper car parks for mountain-view walks.
Bring waterproof footwear regardless of the forecast, as forest paths remain muddy year-round.
Do not attempt the longer mountain trails if you lack proper hiking boots or experience, as weather conditions change rapidly.
Open year-round, though specific trail sections may close temporarily for forestry management or storm damage maintenance.
Keep dogs on a lead in areas with livestock; adhere to 'Leave No Trace' principles for all litter.
