The information in this guide is correct at the time of print and every care has been taken to ensure accuracy. However, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes which may occur. ©2026
Search @visitmournegullionstrangford #visitmournegullionstrangford
Leagan Gaeilge ar fáil
Email info@visitmournegullionstrangford.com Visit our website for further information on things to do, events and accommodation.
Visitmournegullionstrangford.com The Rhododendron Wood and Spring Garden are particularly colourful from April to June. Prominent rhododendrons include R. arboreum hybrids, the R. Smithii group, R. barbatum, R. campanulatum and R. griffithianum.
The Annesley Walled Garden Tree Trail Introduction
You can continue to explore trees in the Arboretum by turning right out of the garden and following the path, keeping the wall on the right. This will take you to the Winter Garden, Spring Garden, the Rhododendron Wood and then to the Harrison Vista.
The Annesley Walled Garden Tree Trail
Castlewellan Forest Park is a historic demesne bought by William Annesley in 1741. The family developed the landscape over generations, planting thousands of trees. It became a Forest Park in 1969 after being sold to the Ministry of Agriculture. In 2022, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council leased the site and restored the Grange and Annesley Walled Garden. Notable veteran trees include the lime tree avenue beside the Grange (late 1700s) and the parkland oaks, which date from the early 1800s. Mature trees also line the lake, all part of the 45-hectare Arboretum, with the Annesley Walled Garden at its heart.
Discover 26 of the most significant trees and shrubs within one of Ireland’s largest walled gardens. The collection began with the 4th Earl in the 1850s and was expanded by the 5th Earl, Hugh Annesley, and Head Gardener Thomas Ryan between 1874 and 1908. By the early 1900s, over 3,000 species were thriving here, some of which remain. Added to by the Forest Service, it is now recognised as an internationally important collection.
Look out for: Red brick walls of the upper garden (late 1740s) when it was a kitchen garden Granite steps, terrace, urns and glasshouses (mid-1800s) part of the Victorian Pleasure Garden Mermaid Fountain (1880s) and Heron Fountain (1860–80) Butterfly Gates (mid-1800s) N orthern Ireland’s longest double herbaceous border Champion trees – the largest and/or widest of their kind To help protect the garden, please stay on paths and avoid taking cuttings or seeds. Visitmournegullionstrangford.com