Re-Rooting our past in the Future: Castlewellan Historic Demesne

A successful grant awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, match funded by Newry Mourne and Down District Council means £5,513,452.00 is being invested into creating a heritage-led destination at Castlewellan Historic Demesne.  

An advisory committee along with the public, key stakeholders, local community groups and special interest groups have been consulted in the planning and proposal of the project.

Our vision is to restore the garden as the core of a dynamic living Arboretum, to repurpose the Grange Courtyard as a centre for community use and to connect people with their natural and built heritage.

Highlights of the Project Include:

• Restoration of Castlewellan Arboretum and Annesley Garden, such as opening views, tree work and re-planting the glasshouses to re-establish the historical nature of the garden as the most important site in Ireland for large growing conifers.
• Development of the Grange courtyard into a vibrant Visitor Hub including new interpretation and exhibition areas, café and refurbished toilet and shower facilities.
• Develop an Outreach and Education programme to connect people with their built and natural heritage. Guided and self-guided tours, school discovery visits and volunteer training opportunities.
• Celebrate and protect Castlewellan’s biodiversity through creating an environmental hub with surveys, appropriate habitat management and public awareness days.
• Improve access through creating a new internal road link and pedestrianising the Grange Courtyard. Paths will be upgraded for pedestrians and cyclists and new bins, seating and outdoor lighting will be installed.

For more Information:

If you would like to keep up to date with project progress, events and training please visit: https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/castlewellan-historic-demesne

Alternatively contact the Castlewellan Historic Demesne team by emailing: cfp@nmandd.org