Newcastle, Northern Ireland Tourist Attractions
|
|
Newcastle (pop. 6,200) offers all the amenities of a seaside resort, including a very good golf course. It lies at the western end of Dundrum Bay at the foot of Slieve Donard (2,796ft/852m), the highest of the Mourne Mountains and the second highest in Ireland.On Tullybranigan Road is Tollymore Forest Park (daily 10am - dusk) which has numerous stone follies and bridges, plus an arboretum. Wildlife and forestry exhibits, lectures.There is pony trekking and fishing in the Mournes.
Slieve Donard
Slieve Donard (2796ft/852m) is the highest of the Mourne Mountains and the second highest in Ireland. The climb takes about two hours and in fine weather is rewarded with magnificent views from the top, extending as far as the Scottish coast.
Tollymore Forest Park
The Tollymore Forest Park has numerous stone bridges. A 100 foot sequoia can be found in the arboretum.Wildlife and forestry exhibits are housed in the barn.A lecture theater is also located on the property.
Mourne Countryside Centre
Visitors can have questions answered about Mourne Country at the Mourne Countryside Centre. During the summer there are lectures and guided walks.
Surroundings
Dundrum
Dundrum is a picturesque fishing village with good sandy beaches and an interesting tower surrounded by a moat, the remains of an old castle, built by John de Courcy in 1240 and razed to the ground by Cromwell in 1642.
Murlough National Nature Reserve
The Murlough National Nature Reserve contains a sand dune system, heathland, and woodland which are surrounded by an estuary and the sea. Excellent walks are available and the beach is accessible at all times.
Castlewellan
Castlewellan (pop. 2,100) is a small market town. It contains a Forest Park which features a three mile trail around the lake where visitors can view sculptures carved from the park's natural minerals. Queen Anne-style courtyards, tropical birds. This national arboretum was founded in 1740.
Annesley Gardens
The national arboretum dates from the 1870s with over 100ac and a 12ac walled garden.
Prudhoe
Prudhoe pop. 11,820) is located on the Tyne 11mi/18km west of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Tyne Riverside Country Park is located on the southern riverbank featuring artificial chalk hills with some interesting flora and fauna. Prudhoe Golf Club is an 18-hole course.
Prudhoe Castle
Prudhoe Castle is an English Heritage property. There are extensive remains of a 12th century castle with a gatehouse and a keep.
Clough
Clough is located south of Belfast on the A24.
Seaforde Gardens - Butterfly House
Butterfly lovers will enjoy Seaforde Gardens where the Butterfly House is home to hundreds of free flying exotic species. In addition there are displays of reptiles and insects.A viewing tower, maze, gothic arbor, herb garden and playground are all to be found within the gardens of Seaforde.
Castle
Clough Castle is an example of an Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey earthwork castle featuring a stone tower.
