Tollymore Forest Park, Forest park at foot of Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
Tollymore Forest Park is a 630-hectare woodland area at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland with a network of walking trails through dense forests, mountain slopes, and along the Shimna River. Stone bridges cross throughout the terrain, connecting different sections and allowing access to remote areas.
The land was acquired from the Roden Estate by the Forest Service in 1941 and developed as Northern Ireland's first state forest park in 1955. This establishment marked the beginning of organized forest management and protection in the region.
The woodland supplied timber for ships built at Belfast shipyards over centuries, including famous vessels from the region's maritime past. This connection to shipbuilding shaped how local people viewed these forests as part of their industrial heritage.
The area offers four marked walking trails of varying difficulty, ranging from short walks to challenging full-day hikes. The paths are well-signed, but the terrain is hilly and can be slippery, so sturdy footwear and proper gear are essential.
The park houses one of Ireland's oldest documented trees, a rare spruce variant that has been growing in the woodland for around 270 years. This ancient specimen is difficult for visitors to spot, yet its survival shows how long this forest has been protected.
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