Seniors Enjoy Guided Tour of Annesley Walled Garden and Arboretum

More than 40 senior citizens enjoyed an informative and fascinating visit to the beautifully restored Annesley Walled Garden and Arboretum at Castlewellan Forest Park on Wednesday 29 July, organised by the Downpatrick, Mournes, Rowallane and Slieve Croob District Electoral Areas (DEAs).

The visit was part of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Seniors’ Summer Scheme, with the group welcomed by Head Gardener Alwyn Sinnamon and members of the gardening team, who shared the rich history of the gardens and provided insight into the extensive restoration work that has transformed this historic site.

Visitors learned about the significance of the Walled Garden, set at the heart of the internationally renowned arboretum at the Forest Park which officially reopened to the public on 7 March, following a major £1.3 million restoration project.

The project was funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, as part of a £5.5 million Castlewellan Historic Demesne heritage project.

The 12-acre walled garden, dating back to the 1850s, is one of the finest examples of a grand Victorian formal garden with collections of rare and exotic trees, shrubs and plants. The surrounding arboretum is also home to one of the most significant collection of trees and shrubs on the island of Ireland.

Among the highlights of the recent tour was viewing three restored Victorian glasshouses, the revival of iconic landmarks including the Heron and Mermaid fountains and the restoration of the distinctive wrought-iron Butterfly Gates. The Mermaid fountain is flowing again for the first time in eight years.

Slieve Croob DEA Chairperson, Councillor Alan Lewis said, “The visit provided a great opportunity for those attending the tour to explore the gardens, learn about their remarkable history and witness first-hand the impressive work that has brought this important local heritage asset back to life.”

Following the tour, participants praised the knowledge and enthusiasm of the gardening team and expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to experience one of the district's most treasured historic landscapes.