Slieve Gullion Forest Park has been revealed as the most popular tourist destination in the Newry, Mourne & Down District Council area, with approximately 400,000 visitors stopping by the south Armagh facility last year.
Council Chairperson Roisin Mulgrew says the park’s dramatic increase in popularity is largely due to substantial Council and external investment in the site, transforming facilities available for local residents, families and mountain trekkers.
Welcoming the news, Mrs Mulgrew says additional development of the site “could further unlock the potential” of the historic Ring of Gullion area.
“Slieve Gullion Forest Park is now a community hub that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, with something for everyone,” Councillor Mulgrew said.
“For the fourth year running the Forest Park has been received the Green Flag award, the only one in the council area. Not only does continued development bring tourists in from far and wide to enjoy the natural splendour and new facilities in the area, it has also resurrected the vibrant ancient history of the Ring of Gullion area and boosted tourism across South Armagh.”
The Sinn Fein councillor says her party has “pushed hard” for further development
and the Council has secured investment in recent years that has transformed the site as a tourist destination.
“New parking and exercise facilities have been a success, while the ‘Fairy Trail’ captures the local myths and legends of the mountain area, bringing to life for children their local heritage
“As the Killeavy Castle development continues to progress, there is even greater potential for touristic and economic development. Our local community can only benefit as a result,” she added.