Location: Castlewellan
Top Things to do in Castlewellan
The 10 Best Things to Do in Castlewellan, United Kingdom (UK)
Castlewellan (from Irish Caisleán Uidhilín, meaning 'Hugelin's Castle') is a village in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is beside Castlewellan Lake and Slievenaslat mountain, 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Downpatrick. It lies between the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob. It had a population of 2,392 people in the 2001 Census.
Restaurants in Castlewellan
1. Life Adventure Centre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 104 reviews
Our Centre is located within the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park in the shadows of the spectacular Mourne Mountains. Offering a broad range of Adventure Activities to include Hill Walking, Canoeing, Archery, Wet Bouldering, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Coasteering, Mountain Biking, Sea Kayaking and Canyoning. From 1.5 Hour 'Blasts' to multi day 'Journeys', from fully instructed/guided options to equipment rentals (Bikes, Canoes, Kayaks, Camp Kit etc) Individuals, Families and Groups all welcome. Call us to discuss your exact needs and if we can't help we'll do our very best to point you in the right direction.
Reviewed By Garry H
We hired electric mountain bikes from 'Life' for a morning. The bikes were excellent, and were perfect for exploring the trails. They made riding up the hills easy, and riding downhill exhilarating. Castlewellan Park is absolutely stunning quiet, and riding was stress free. Map and...MoreThanks very much for your review. The Electric bikes have become really popular and are a brilliant way of exploring the park and surrounding areas.... and very accessible to everyone. Thanks for mentioning all the staff by name. Look forward to seeing you soon.
2. Castlewellan Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By lisagifford83 - County Antrim, United Kingdom
Stayed here 2 nights camping, August bank holiday weekend. The campsite is very clean and facilities were excellent. Lots of things for the kids to do, they were always off on their own wee adventures. We will definitely be back.
3. Mourne Archery Centre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Spjohnston
A group of us booked a morning with Katy at the Mourne Archery Centre. What a great experience. Top notch instruction from Katy and her dad Michael allowed us to quickly get the hang of it and start having some real fun. From friendly competition shooting for points to playing x's / o's and then the balloon games we learnt so much and didn't see the time go by. A fantastic mornings activities and such good value too. Definitely we back again soon.
4. Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails
Overall Ratings
5 based on 32 reviews
One of Northern Ireland's most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views and fast-flowing mountain bike trails; all just minutes from the lively village of Castlewellan. Castlewellan Forest Park boasts all of this and more. With green, blue and red grade trails (including black options) Castlewellan is a must-visit for mountain bikers of all ages and abilities.
Reviewed By Maria C - N.ireland
We had a great day,I would recommend this to anyone wanting to explore the park and who loves being out in the fresh air. We were met by Michael who was extremely helpful, he talked us through the layout of the park and pointed us in the direction of popular sights. My only disappointment was due to the fact we had hired electric bikes but unfortunately they don't have any female bicycles and as the men's bike was to large and hdavy we had to make do with the ordinary bike. We didn't however let this ruin our day, but it is worth bearing in mind if you are not ablt to use a normal push bike.
5. Mount Pleasant Pony Trekking and Horse Riding Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By MagN17 - Dublin, Ireland
Went here recently- We were with several children who were being lead around in front. Horses walked very slowly in single file, clearly just used to the routine, so boring. We weren't allowed or even asked if we wanted to be held back to trot etc given that I had filled in a form to say we had both done it before & I was an experienced rider/ horse owner I assumed this would have been an option. Found the girls leading us quite rude with bad attitudes. Horses were dirty/ covered in flies and obese/ lazy. £40 for less than an hour. Wouldn't recommend.
6. Legananny Dolmen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By BenrawJohn - Castlewellan
One of the best Neolithic Portal Tombs in Ireland, perched on the slopes of the Dromara Hills, looking across the the Majestic Mourne Mountains, and the Irish Sea.
Very easy to get to, with a small car park nearby.
The closeness of the farm buildings is a bit intrusive, but nothing really detracts from the power of this place.
There is a very nice wee tea room "Turnip House" about a mile from the monument
7. Funny Farm Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Car0lineM35 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Great spot to relax while your children played with the majestic Mournes as your view. Lots of fun activities offered bouncy castle,sandpit,gokarts,crazy golf etc and to top it off a maze where you search for clues and solve the mystery.y children loved every minute. The cafe was right in front of the huge play area so I actually relaxed as they had a blast. We had chips which were beautiful and a fresh scone with clotted dream was to die for and great affordablity as well. The staff where outstandingly friendly and the whole atmosphere was top notch. Toilets were on hand also. Well set out, you could tell the owners were parents themselves. So child and parent friendly.
8. Drumena Cashel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By James R - Vancouver, Canada
If you think this is just another ring fort because you have seen six ones previous, and is one is smaller...then you would be missing the coolest fort in Ireland. This one has underground tunnels, called souterrains, where the inhabitants hid in times of trouble! They are deep and go from one end to the other...very Indiana Jones!
Here are the coordinates for your GPS: N 54 degrees, 14' 17.91". and W 5 degrees, 59' 19.5"...should get you in the ballpark to see this. Your kids will love it ... And there are some friendly cows there as well!
Hope this review helps!
9. Blue Beans Cultural Gift & Craft Shop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Blue Beans craft shop is a family run business situated in Castlewellan at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. It offers its customers a modern and contemporary outlook and has over 100 different craftspeople. Exquisitely designed jewellery, distinctive pottery, sculpted pieces, delicately scented soaps and candles. Claire specialises in heirloom christening gowns and bonnets made from Irish linen.
Reviewed By pjain58 - Delhi, India
Admittedly it's been a while since I was in the UK, but no trip to N.Ireland was complete without a visit to Claire's shop Blue Beans. Gorgeous pottery, jewellery and a bunch of other things. I remember there used to be gifts for kids too. But this is a place to discover what the very talented potters and jewellers of Ireland - north and south are doing. Just wonderful.
Sorry Trip Advisor is not allowing me to go back a couple of years. My last visit was 2011.
10. Castlewellan Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Public Library.
Reviewed By JohnMurray89 - Newcastle, United Kingdom
Castlewellan Library is in a great spot in the town, and is great for studying or researching, the staff are always ready to help an you can tell they love their job
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