Carparking Enhancement at Kilbroney Park

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s much loved Kilbroney Park has undergone further transformation thanks to significant funding, from the EU INTERREG IVA Programme through the Special EU Programmes Body delivered through the East Border Region as part of the Tourism Development Programme.

A key element of the investment (around £430,000) was to enhance car parking facilities at the Cloughmore Centre, to cater for the large number of people who visit the park annually.

Speaking at the official opening of the car park, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Naomi Bailie said, “The improved facilities for parking at Kilbroney Park will enhance the visitor experience and improve the service offered to both the local community and visitors who enjoy the Grounds.”

Cllr Peter Savage, Chairman of East Border Region said, “East Border Region are delighted to have been able to support this facility through the Tourism Development Plan, a cross border programme of activity which has significantly enhanced tourism facilities across our region. The Cloughmore Centre was also funded through the same project and the positive impact of that facility is already being felt by increased visitor numbers to Kilbroney Park. I wish Newry, Mourne and Down District Council every success with the facilities.”

Kilbroney Park is an increasingly popular venue for events ranging from mountain biking adventure racing, walking, biodiversity, wildlife, to name a few. The Cloughmore Centre, since opening its door last autumn, has played host to a significant range of activities from historical events, wellbeing and health session, meetings, pre event registration for outdoor events, craft, themed children events and much more.

In addition to the Cloughmore Centre and new car parking facilities, Kilbroney Park now boasts 27km of Cross Country Trails, two purpose built downhill trails, a dedicated mountain bike car park and due for completion this month the new Narnia and Cloughmore Trails project – a total estimated investment of £1.2 million.