Concern over Tollymore centre future

Concern over Tollymore centre future

25 June 2025

A STRATEGIC review of the highly acclaimed Tollymore National Outdoor Centre in Bryansford must explore “every possibility” for its future, according to South Down MP Chris Hazzard.

The facility offers a range of one day and weekend courses with Mr Hazzard insisting no stone must be left unturned in the search for what he described as a “more appropriate operating model”.

Courses on offer include rock climbing, learning to lead and multi pitch climbing, Canadian canoeing, kayaking and sea kayaking, mountain biking, orienteering and coasteering.

Mr Hazzard is urging the Sports Council to ensure every possible opportunity is explored as part of the ongoing review of the centre.

He met recently with the organisation’s chief executive Richard Archibald to discuss the way forward.

”Tollymore Outdoor Centre has been a key institution for outdoor learning and training in the Mournes for many years,” said the MP.

“The centre has been temporarily closed since Storm Eowyn earlier this year, and there has been growing anxiety locally that this could lead to a permanent closure of the centre.”

Mr Hazzard warmed the centre’s permanent closure would be a “big blow|” for the community in Newcastle and wider Mourne area. 

“A strategic review of the centre is now underway and it is vital that the Sports Council leave no stone unturned in its search for a more appropriate operating model for the centre, - including new partnerships across Ireland,” said the MP.

“Tollymore is the only national outdoor centre anywhere in Ireland and there’s a real opportunity to work with Newry, Mourne and Down Council, and the Irish Government, through the Shared Island Unit, to exhaust all opportunities to keep this key institution in the heart of the Mournes.”

Mr Hazzard confirmed that he plans to raise the future of the centre with Irish Taoiseach Michael Martin and with the local council’s senior management team.