Today we set off for Drumkeeragh Forest in Co. Down. It was a brisk, sunny afternoon and conditions were perfect for a leisurely walk.
If you haven’t been to Drumkeeragh before, it is situated in the foothills of Slieve Croob nestled between Dromara and Castlewellan. The roads to the forest are narrow and you are guaranteed to come across a tractor or two. When you get there, there is ample parking and two potential routes to take (initially).
You would be forgiven for thinking, where are the trees? Drumkeeragh is a commercial forest and has undergone extensive felling since I was last there, about 16 years ago. However, don’t let that put you off. Once you get further along the paths, the deforestation provides stunning views over the County Down countryside and towards the Mourne Mountains, in particular Slieve Donard.
(Slieve Donard, peeking through the hills in the distance)
If you are so engrossed in the path in front of you, you will be signposted to these gorgeous vista points by way of stone benches that are dotted around the forest. They are a welcome sight when you have been climbing some of the steep hills.
It looks like there has been recent work to improve the paths and signposts. The standard forest signposts have been erected, however it’s a bit like ‘build your own’ route, as these new signposts currently don’t have any directions (yet). My husband and I didn’t apply any particular logic to our decisions at each ‘fork in the road’ and ended up coming back on ourselves. However, doing this allowed us to get into the depths of the forest where the trees were densely packed and light was scarcer. This felt more like my experience from childhood.
The beauty of a walk to Drumkeeragh is the variety of forest, the tightly packed trees versus the newly planted trees which are part of a sustainable forest management plan, complimented with beautiful views throughout.
(A stunning vista point overlooking the rolling County Down hills)
For the most part, paths have been refurbished however we did encounter a ‘path less beaten’, which was a bit grassy in places. But it was along here that was the quietest and it felt like we were in the heart of the forest. Drumkeeragh is full of streams and if you take a moment to stop and listen, the sound of trickling water is so peaceful and relaxing.
(A break in the trees letting in the light)
The park is suitable for mountain bikes, families and those with dogs. We were walking for about an hour and it was very enjoyable. No doubt when the refurbishment work is complete and hopefully the signs are updated, the forest better will better suit the needs of new visitors. Despite being unfamiliar with the forest, we really enjoyed our walk today and highly recommend it for somewhere new to explore.
For more information on a walk to Drumkeeragh, check out this link.
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