Castlewellan Castle is a residential conference centre in Castlewellan Forest Park, at the edge of the Mourne Mountains in County Down. It hosts church weekends, youth and school residentials, day conferences and training events, with accommodation for up to 180 guests, full catering and four main meeting rooms. It is run by Centre Ministries and presents itself as a Christian conference centre, so groups should read its admissions policy before booking.
Seminars and company events
The centre markets itself to church, youth and school groups, and to conferences and training events. Meeting rooms are equipped with either a digital projector and screen or a large-screen television, and internet access is available in the conference areas. The staff offer help with planning an activity program, and group leaders agree costs and availability with the centre at an early stage. A company or a charity that wants a residential training weekend away from the office is the closest match, subject to the centre's admissions policy.
Weddings and receptions
The site does not offer weddings or private parties. It describes group stays and conferences, and no wedding or reception package is mentioned.
Rooms and capacities
The site lists four main meeting rooms. Three have stated capacities: the Ballroom for 120, which can extend into the Library, the Downstairs Lounge for 80 and the Courtyard Conference Room for 40. A Small Lounge for 20, laid out with sofas, is more relaxed and groups often use it as a crèche or prayer room. Other spaces include a games room with air hockey, table tennis and table football, a coffee lounge at the West Wing entrance, and a Cellars chill-out room with a large television.
Accommodation
The castle provides flexible, catered accommodation for up to 180 guests in family, dormitory and ensuite rooms spread over the ground, first, second and third floors and a courtyard block. The room numbering runs up to 27 on the upper floors plus ground-floor and courtyard rooms. Two bedrooms are on the main floor for guests with mobility difficulties, close to dining and conference areas. Guests bring their own bed linen, towels and toiletries, and sheets and pillowcases can be hired from the manager.
Catering
The centre is fully catered, with a menu prepared in its own kitchen. Group leaders pass on dietary needs, such as allergens, vegetarian, vegan or diabetic requirements, at least two weeks before the stay. The kitchen cannot guarantee that foods are completely allergen free, because everything is prepared with shared equipment.
History and setting
The centre's history page describes how the building, largely derelict in the 1970s, was renovated by volunteers and opened officially in June 1976, with the first group staying in August 1975. The present management team has been in place since 1994. The castle stands in the forest park with lake and woodland walks, a sports field for volleyball and football, a campfire area and cycle paths.
Getting there
The address is Castlewellan Castle, Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9BU. Group leaders check availability on the site's calendar, make a provisional booking with the centre manager, then return the booking form with a deposit.
