Mourne Park

Set in one of the most iconic landscapes on the island of Ireland, Mourne Park has one of the largest expanses of ancient woodland in Northern Ireland.

Visit to explore over 73ha (180 acres) of ancient woodland, teeming with wildlife, and take in the panoramic views from the summit of Knockchree Mountain.  

Features

• Public access
• Good views
• Spring flowers

Wildlife and habitats

Discover Mourne Park's stunning vistas, shady riverside walks and iconic wildlife in the precious ancient woodland and at the summit of Knockchree Hill.

Animals

Look out for the native wildlife that thrives here. From the flash of colour as the red squirrel leaps between branches to the splash of otters in the Whitewater River. If you're lucky you might see an inconspicuous chocolate brown pine marten that ventures out at dusk. 

Listen out for the distinctive call of the cuckoo or the screech of the jay. Keep an eye out for buzzard’s flying above and dippers bobbing up and down.

Trees, plants and fungi

In spring, Mourne Park is decorated with the blossoms of wild flowers, such as foxgloves and wood anemones. The dense carpet of bluebells and the presence of great wood-rush here signifies the ancient nature of this wood, contrasting beautifully with the green of the trees. 

Look out for yellow-flowered wood avens in damp areas,  heavily-scented honeysuckle weaving up tree trunks and delicate Lords and Ladies that fruit in the summer.  

Keep an eye out for the more exotic species of tree, such as beech, sweet chestnut, sycamore, lime and fir, which are common due to historic estate planting. 

Habitats

Mourne Park 103 hectares (255 acres) of mature broadleaf woodland and is one of the best woodland habitats remaining in Northern Ireland.

With 73 hectares (180 acres_ of native ancient woodland, Mourne Park contains one of our rarest habitats. Our restoration work will protect and enhance this special woodland habitat allowing this unique haven for wildlife to thrive.

History of Mourne Park

The demesne was founded in the 17th century as part of the family seat of Kilmorey and was admired by 19th century travellers and artists. Many famous people were hosted at the estate including Errol Flynn, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, General Patton and Percy French.

During the Second World War, in anticipation of the Normandy Landings, a tank regiment of the American Army was stationed here. Only the bases of their Nissan huts are still visible today, along with their names, carved into beech trees throughout the woodland.

Mourne Park was bought by the Woodland Trust in 2021. 

Major ancient woodland restoration work has been ongoing for over four years. Each year up to five hectares of invasive species, such as rhododendron and laurel, have been removed, allowing the native ancient woodland to regenerate naturally and native flora to flower. This work will continue to restore and protect the ancient woodland.

Things to do at Mourne Park

On your visit take in the burble of the Whitewater River and the tranquility of the ancient woodland. There are three new circular walking trails for you to explore:

• Bluebell walk (1.8km)
• Whitewater trail (4.4km)
• Woodland loop (2.7km).

For those of you that are feeling energetic, there is the opportunity to climb Knockchree Mountain to be rewarded with stunning panoramic views over Mourne Park, the southern Mournes, over Carlingford Lough and across the Irish Sea. There are also countless trails to explore.

If you have the time, we would welcome locals to volunteer with us, which is a great way to learn skills and meet new people.