Public Invited to Help Shape Major Tourism Investment Proposals For Newry, Mourne And Down

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is inviting local communities, businesses, visitors and stakeholders to have their say on exciting proposals for Kilbroney Park, Slieve Gullion Forest Park and Delamont Country Park.

Public engagement on the proposed tourism proposition will run from 12 October to 6 November 2026, giving people an opportunity to find out more about the emerging proposals and help shape their development.

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.

At the heart of the project are three destinations within the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, each with proposals designed to build on its individual character and strengths:

• 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 ambition is to enhance the visitor experience at the three parks while creating stronger connections across 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 public engagement follows early engagement undertaken during summer 2026 with businesses, organisations and young people. This 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.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Glyn Hanna said; “This represents an exciting opportunity for tourism across Newry, Mourne and Down. 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.

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.”

The proposals are still being developed, and feedback gathered during the engagement will be considered alongside technical work and other evidence as the project’s Outline Business Case is prepared.

Members of the public can meet the project team and find out more at two public drop-in events:

Sunday 25 October, 11am-4pm
Cloughmore Centre, Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor

Monday 26 October, 2pm-7pm
Warrenpoint Town Hall

No booking is required and people can drop in at any time during the events.

People can also view the proposals and complete the online survey at www.newrymournedown.org/brcd-tourism-project

The public engagement closes at 11.59pm on Friday 6 November 2026.