Slieve Gullion Forest Park — Attraction in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

I’m going to give this 2 stars. Unless you are in the area anyway I wouldn’t bother a specific trip to come here. I know there was storm damage from February, so the fairy/giant trail walk is closed due to this, we think you could still do some walking routes but we’re unsure as couldn’t find the way without entering areas that were either cordoned off or were for cars. There’s no clear signage anywhere if there is a way to still do some of the trails. Attached photo of where we think you could still walk up to the trails from. But there’s no signage. No one is present in the information office, just some printed information sheets with maps no one could follow on same. There didn’t seem to be any staff who worked for the park, a few cafe staff and the girl in the carpark hut, couldn’t find anyone else that worked there. You’re now basically paying £5 to park and go to a playground. Although the playground is decent and the kids liked it. Now to get into why I’d only give it 2 stars. Although there is ample bins there is a lot of litter around, in the playground, also at every viewing point on the drive there was rubbish (coffee cups, McDonald’s wrappers, beer cans, cigarette boxes, some bins overflowing so obviously left there since the weekend or earlier(it’s now Tuesday). There really needs to be rangers driving around looking after the place. Not all bad, there were some great views and some walks you can do to viewing points from the stops on the drive. I just don’t think I’d return, seems a shame and this place had some great reviews, hopefully they bring it back...

Excellent place for families with young children and older. Playground for kids ages up to 13. Also, a nice walk up side of mountain with fairy houses along route. Best advice, park close to playground, walk to cafe for tea, coffee, food, etc and pricing is not too bad. Best to use Sterling or card to pay. If you prefer picnic, there are picnic tables in playground area. So, let kids have some time in playground while adults can sit and chill. Then, 30 mins later, walk up along side of mountain, do not rush, ignore the people hiking past you when if you are slow, they live there and are well used not the hill. It's good exercise. Advise not to bring a buggy or pram, let all kids walk. Follow the route around and it will bring you back to playground. Be careful coming down, do not let kids run as it is steep, but ok when walking. Have picnic, let kids play again. They will be knackered. Then, when leaving, drive left out of carpark up the mountain. It has the best views I have seen and they are breathtaking. Loads of places to to stop. Take your time driving as others ahead are not going to be in a rush....

10 out of 10, cracking spot to spend a day out with the family. It's about an hour and 15 minute drive from Dublin, just off the M1 before Newry. Very large car park that provides easy access to all amenities.

The playground is just in front of the car park, and has a swing and merry go round that are accessible for wheelchair users. There are swings slides and a zip line, all very well maintained.

The Giant's Lair trail starts and finishes right beside the playground. This is a real gem for small kids with lots of fairy houses to look at and explore. As you progress the story of Cu Chulainn is revealed, so educational for the older ones. The highlights include a witches head and a life sized fairy village complete with a rope bridge. Really an excellent spot for kids and a lovely enchanting forest for a stroll. The trail is circular and leads back to the playground.

The cafe is called Synge & Byrne Cafe and is just off the car park. Very tasty breakfasts, coffee and wraps. The park itself also has very clean and well maintained toilets....