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.
Newcastle Pictures View All