Main Features of Castlewellan Forest Park

The largest stretch of water in the Forest Park is Castlewellan Lake, nearly one mile in length and covering about 40Ha. The original lake was much smaller but the construction of a dam to regulate the outflow of water and provide a reserve supply for the mill pond (also known as the Town Dam) raised the level and increased the area of the lake to its present size. It is fed by a number of small streams running off surrounding hills. Today the lake is well utilised by anglers and outdoor pursuit centres and is an Area of Special Scientific Interest

Overlooking the lake this was the final family home of the Annesley family in Castlewellan Forest. The castle was built in 1856 in the Scottish baronial style, constructed from Ballymagreehan granite. The former castle lay to the west of the present one and a hedge outlines its former boundary. The castle is now a privately run conference centre.

This magnificent collection of trees and shrubs, set in beautiful surroundings, also incorporates fountains, ponds and broad sweeping vistas.The Spring and Winter Gardens as well as the Autumn Wood consist of trees and shrub species whose colours, fruits and flowers are at their best in the seasons their names suggest. The Cypress Pond area includes a collection of many rarities including Chamacyparis, rhododendron, willow and birch. The walled Annesley Garden, dating from 1740, provides a central focal point for the National Arboretum.

The maze covers 1.1Ha and with 3510m of hedge composed of 6000 yew trees bordering 3515m of pathway and bridges. Planting began in January 2000 by many people from all over Northern Ireland and the official opening was in September 2001. The original concept and maze design is by Beverley Lear of Lear Associates with ideas and features from over 4000 school children. Until 2007 the Peace Maze held two Guinness World Records as the largest and longest hedge in the world. Ease of access is a feature of the Peace Maze