Public asked for their views on tourism proposals for three Council Parks

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is inviting the public to have a say on their tourism proposal for Kilbroney Park, Slieve Gullion Forest Park and Delamont Country Park. Subject to approvals, up to £29.2 million from the Belfast Region City Deal would be used to support delivery of the project. Public engagement runs from today until 11.59pm 6 November 2026.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, said the three parks are already valued by local people.

“Kilbroney Park, Slieve Gullion Forest Park and Delamont Country Park are already much-loved places, and these proposals are about building on what makes them special while creating new reasons for people to visit, stay longer and explore more of the wider area,” he said.

Cllr Hanna continued: “The proposals are still being developed, which is why this engagement is so important. We want to hear from local communities, businesses, visitors and everyone who values these places about what they support, what matters most to them and what they would like to see as the project moves forward.

“I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of tourism in Newry, Mourne and Down to find out more and have their say before the engagement closes on 6 November.”

All three parks sit within the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, and each set of proposals is designed to build on the park’s individual character and strengths. Plans for Kilbroney Park include a new visitor hub, Narnia-inspired experiences, outdoor attractions, trails and accommodation. Slieve Gullion Forest Park could see an all-weather amphitheatre, immersive storytelling, digital experiences and enhanced trails, while Delamont Country Park is earmarked for new heritage and nature experiences, viewpoints, trails and accommodation.

The Council says the aim is to improve the visitor experience at the three parks while creating stronger connections in the wider area, encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore further and discover more of what Newry, Mourne and Down has to offer.

The Council is also exploring a Visitor Experience Development Fund, which could support local businesses and organisations to develop new visitor experiences that complement the parks and showcase more of Mourne Gullion Strangford.

The current engagement follows early engagement with businesses, organisations and young people during summer 2026, which included a Tourism Business Event in Warrenpoint and an online survey. Feedback highlighted a desire for more things to see and do, experiences for all ages, stronger year-round attractions and storytelling, more opportunities for local businesses and growth that respects what makes these places special.

Members of the public can meet the project team at two drop-in events. The first takes place on Sunday 25 October, from 11am to 4pm, at the Cloughmore Centre, Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor. The second is on Monday 26 October, from 2pm to 7pm, at Warrenpoint Town Hall. No booking is required and people can drop in at any time during the events.

The proposals can also be viewed, and the online survey completed, at www.newrymournedown.org

Council explain that feedback gathered during the engagement will be considered alongside technical work and other evidence as the project’s Outline Business Case is prepared.