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Things To Do When Staying At The Harbour House
We are located in an area that has an extensive range of activities to take part in and visit when staying with us. These range from Mountainous Walks and world-famous Golf Courses to Nature Reserves and Forest Parks.
Tollymore Forest Park
Tollymore & Castlewellan Forest Parks are two local areas of outstanding natural beauty with many waymarked trails to suit all ages and ability of walker.
There are many attractions including the longest permanent hedge maze in the world, an in touch information kiosk, stunning picnic sites, fabulous views and with 1100 hectares between the two forests you may find a little quiet place.
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Game of Thrones at Castle Ward
Did you know that HBO’s Game of Thrones® was filmed at Castle Ward? The hit HBO series has become a worldwide phenomenon over the course of its award winning seven seasons. Castle Ward’s historic farmyard is the location of Winterfell, the backdrop for the series pilot and much of season one.
It’s also where you will find the Whispering Wood and key filming locations including Robb Stark’s Camp, the Baelor Battle and when Brienne confronts the Stark men. HBO’s Game of Thrones® spent eight weeks at Castle Ward building the set of Winterfell ahead of the pilot episode where hundreds of actors and crew worked.
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Slieve Donard
Slieve Donard is Northern Ireland’s highest peak at 850m, the jewel in the crown of the Mourne Mountains, the town of Newcastle and the Irish Sea. Slieve Donard is a relatively short walk, just 4.6km one way from the car park to the summit, although it is fairly steep in places so be prepared for a good workout.
Slieve Donard is part of the Mourne Mountains with 12 breathtaking peaks rising above 600m, the iconic Mourne Wall and plenty of walks on offer will suit all ages and abilities.
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World Famous Golf Courses
Newcastle is home of the famous Royal County Down Golf Club that has hosted many of the world’s top golfers at the Irish Open in 2015 which included local golfing superstar, Rory McIlroy.
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Due to the stunning landscape, the area has many more golf courses to challenge your game including: Ardglass Golf Club, Mourne Golf Club, Kilkeel Golf Club as well as Crazy Golf for those younger golfers.
Castlewellan Forest Park
Castlewellan Forest Park boasts one of Northern Ireland’s most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking trails, 27km of mountain bike trails, an onsite multi-activity centre and equestrian centre.
A brand new play facility called ‘Animal Wood’ has recently been installed in the forest park, perfect for the kids.
‘Animal Wood’ is designed for four to eleven year olds. Beside ‘Animal Wood’, you’ll find the Peace Maze, the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes representing the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland. Planted in 2000 with community involvement, visitors can attempt to solve their way to the peace bell in the centre of the maze.
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Silent Valley Reservoir
The Silent Valley Reservoir was built to gather water from the Mourne Mountains and it is the main water supply source for most of Co. Down and a large part of Belfast. Surrounded by mountains, The Valley is located within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty housing beautiful parkland, lakes and a pond.
It attracts around 50,000 visitors per year most of whom come to enjoy the peace and solitude of this mountainous terrain with its unique landscapes and varied wildlife.
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Strangford Sea Safari
Managed by the Clearsky Adventure Centre, they offer tours with a difference along this stunning coastline where you can visit the seals, islands, shipwreck, SeaGen and pumping whirlpools of Strangford Lough and much much more.
Private charter trips are also available, drop offs for lunch or a drink can be included.
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Murlough National Nature Reserve
Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967.
It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.
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