Public Engagement - Have Your Say
Engagement Period Closes Friday 06 November 2026, 23:59pm
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is inviting local communities, businesses, stakeholders and visitors to have their say on exciting proposals 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 the delivery of the proposals. Together, the improvements would support major tourism investment in Newry, Mourne and Down, with new experiences, improved facilities and year-round attractions all helping to attract more visitors to these much-loved destinations
The proposals are still being developed, and your feedback will help shape the next stage.
Your Views Matter
This is your opportunity to help shape what happens next at Kilbroney Park, Slieve Gullion Forest Park and Delamont Country Park, and how the investment can create wider benefits across Mourne Gullion Strangford.
Have Your Say!
The easiest way to share your views is by completing our online survey.
The engagement closes at 11.59pm on Friday 6 November 2026.
What Is Being Proposed?
At the heart of the project are three much-loved places within the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark.
The ambition is to build on what makes each place special, while creating stronger connections across the wider area and encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore further and discover more.
Kilbroney Park: A new visitor hub, Narnia-inspired experiences, outdoor attractions, trails and accommodation.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park: An all-weather amphitheatre, immersive storytelling, digital experiences and enhanced trails.
Delamont Country Park: New heritage and nature experiences, viewpoints, trails and accommodation.
The proposals are not final. Feedback gathered during this engagement, alongside technical work and evidence, will help inform how they develop.
Why Are We Engaging?
During summer 2026, we spoke to businesses, organisations and young people to better understand opportunities for tourism across Newry, Mourne and Down. This included a Tourism Business Event in Warrenpoint.
We heard that people want:
- More things to see and do
- Experiences for all ages
- Better year-round attractions
- Stronger storytelling and interpretation
- More opportunities for local businesses
- Growth that respects what makes these places special
We want to hear what matters most to you and how these special places can continue to evolve while protecting the landscapes, heritage and experiences that make them unique.
Your feedback will help shape the future of Kilbroney Park, Slieve Gullion Forest Park and Delamont Country Park. Key themes that emerged can be found HERE
Supporting New Visitor Experiences
We are also exploring a Visitor Experience Development Fund to support local businesses to develop new visitor experiences that complement the parks and showcase more of Mourne Gullion Strangford.
We would like to hear your views on this as part of the public engagement.
Come And Talk To Us
Come along to one of our pop-ups or public drop-in events to find out more about the proposals, speak to members of the project team and share your views.
Public Engagement Events: Meet the Project team and View the Proposals
Warrenpoint
- Monday 26 October, 2pm-7pm
- Warrenpoint Town Hall
Kilbroney Park
- Saturday 31 October, 11am-4pm
- Cloughmore Centre, Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor
Pop-ups: Come Along, say Hello and Learn More
Delamont Country Park
- Saturday 17 October, 11am-4pm- Event Completed
Slieve Gullion Forest Park
- Sunday 1 November, 11am - 4pm
Drop in anytime. No booking is required.
Have Your Say!
Complete our online survey HERE
The engagement closes at 11.59pm on Friday 6 November 2026.
You can also contact the project team on: Email: BRCDTourism@nmandd.org OR Write to: Tracie Clarke, Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Warrenpoint Town Hall, Church Street, BT34 3HN
Project Timeline
The project is currently at an early stage. Feedback from this engagement will be considered alongside technical work and other evidence as the proposals and Outline Business Case are developed.
| Stage | Indicative Timing |
| Early engagement workshops with local businesses and youth group | Summer 2026 |
| Developing the proposals | Summer 2026 |
| Public engagement - We are here | Autumn 2026 |
| Refine the proposals | Autumn/Winter 2026 |
| Complete the Outline Business Case | 2026/2027 |
Project Documents
Find out more about the proposals and the engagement:
Data Protection
AECOM will gather and analyse anonymous questionnaire responses on behalf of Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC). All responses are treated confidentially and will not be shared with any third party. By completing this survey, you consent to your anonymised responses being used to inform the development of this project.
If you choose to be kept informed about the project, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and AECOM will retain your email address for the purpose of providing you with project updates and information about future opportunities to get involved.
Your email address will only be used for this purpose and will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and the privacy notices of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and AECOM.
