Delamont set to receive £5m development boost

Delamont set to receive £5m development boost

11 June 2025

THE stunning Delamont Country Park on the shores of Strangford Lough is in line for a multi-million pound investment to develop it as a landmark tourist attraction.

Already attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually, up to £5m is to be invested in three key projects at the 200-acre park to make one of the best even better.

Plans have been drawn up for a new visitor centre and what is being described as a “stand out” viewing area looking over the internationally acclaimed waterway, with work expected to start soon on business cases for both.

There are also plans for an enhanced trail network across the park outside Killyleagh and a new interpretation plan to develop the visitor experience.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is keen to make the most of Delamont’s untapped tourism potential and to complement existing attractions including the hugely popular miniature railway, with calls to enhance the park’s outdoor adventure potential.

Several years ago, consultants were appointed to help transform the park over a 10-year period which resulted in the publication of the Window to Strangford Lough masterplan.

Council officials say Delamont is “of significant tourism value” and its future development is something they want to get right.

Discussions about the future of the park have already been held with representatives from the Education Authority which runs a very successful outdoor education at Delamont which recently underwent a major upgrade.

At Monday night’s meeting of the council’s Economy, Regeneration and Tourism Committee, councillors were told the new visitor centre is viewed as a vital hub, offering guests the information and resources they need to plan a rewarding visit.

Featuring interpretive displays, maps, staff assistance, toilet facilities and visitor facilities, it’s envisaged its design will blend into Delamont’s stunning surroundings while also being sensitive to the environment.

Council officials say the new centre can serve as a base for guided tours, community events and education programmes and can be used as both a meeting place and gateway to the country park.

The proposed viewing point is  described as the “highlight” of the country park, offering a “dramatic and unique” perspective and leaving a lasting impression.

While the design of the panoramic viewing area has yet to be determined, several options are under consideration including a dedicated building, cantilevered platform or what has been described as an “artistic structure integrated with the landscape” which will also “harmonise with the environment while offering a moment of “awe and reflection”.

The masterplan says that ideally, this particular visitor attraction will become a destination in its own right and will be tied to Delamont’s narrative.

Councillors were told that with thoughtful placement and interpretation, the new viewing area can enhance appreciation of Delamont’s surrounding beauty, support education and become a driver for tourism and economic viability.

In relation to enhancing the existing trail network, design work has progressed and while a recent bid for EU funding was unsuccessful ,councillors remain keen on delivering the project.

Upgrading existing signage is another key priority with capital funding to be sought to deliver it and enhance the country park’s interpretative experience.

It was agreed at Monday night’s meeting to progress the required business cases subject to council capital funding being approved at this week’s meeting of the local authority’s Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee.

Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews described Delamont as “one of the jewels in the district’s tourism crown”.

He said local people had a key input into the compilation of the masterplan which has the potentially to significantly enhance the country park.

“Delamont is one of the many precious assets we are fortunate to have across our district and it is hugely popular with visitors. Enhancing what it is has to offer will only increase visitor numbers which can boost the economy and open up the district to an even wider audience,” he continued.

“The masterplan essentially builds on what is already available at what is a stunning country park which has a lot of untapped potential which is now going to be fully realised.”