Days Out NI
Adventure & activity Bryansford

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre

Northern Ireland's national outdoor centre - book a real adventure course in the Mournes.

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Book aheadBook and pay in advance via the centre (0…
TicketedPer person
BryansfordAdventure & activity
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From a few hours for a taster up to multi-day residential coursesHow long
TicketedCost
AdultsBest for
All levelsLevel
On siteParking

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre — Northern Ireland's national outdoor centre - book a real adventure course in the Mournes.

  • What you do: Instructed rock climbing, kayaking/canoeing, mountain biking, hillwalking, mountaineering, ropes courses.
  • Difficulty: Real adventure sports - physical, hands-on, taught from beginner level upward.
  • Age / height: Most courses have a lower age limit of 16 unless stated; check age and any taster/family sessions before booking.
  • Booking: Book and pay in advance via the centre (028 4372 2158 / [email protected]); not a walk-up.
  • Come ready: Warm layers, waterproofs, footwear you can get muddy or wet; technical kit is provided.
  • Weather: Weather-dependent mountain activities, taught by qualified coaches; sessions can be moved or cancelled in bad weather.
Plan your visit

Climb, paddle and ride in the Mournes

The centre's whole point is hands-on instruction. On site you have indoor and outdoor climbing walls, a kayak rolling pool, high and low ropes courses and a mountain bike skills track, plus direct access into Tollymore Forest Park and the Mournes beyond. A typical session pairs you with a qualified coach who fits your kit, teaches the basics and gets you doing the real thing safely, whether that is your first time on a rope, your first kayak roll or your first proper trail. Sessions run from short tasters through to multi-day skills and leadership courses. Because it is the national outdoor centre, the coaching standard is high and the kit is all there waiting for you.

Booking required Paid courses Mostly age 16+ Climbing, kayaking, biking Weather-dependent Car park
Good to know before you go:

Adventure centres like Tollymore run seasonal courses, taster sessions and holiday programmes, and the activity calendar changes through the year, so check current listings for family-friendly dates and what is open to book.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 👟Clothes you can trashOld kit and trainers you do not mind getting muddy or wet.
  • 🎒A full change & a towelEspecially for anything on the water — you will be glad of dry clothes after.
  • 💧Water and a snackYou will have earned it once the adventure is done.
  • 🎫Your bookingAlmost everything here needs booking ahead — have the confirmation ready.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Cost
Paid - course fees vary by activity and length; check current prices when booking
Booking
Book and pay in advance via the centre (028 4372 2158 / [email protected]); not a walk-up
Activity
Instructed rock climbing, kayaking/canoeing, mountain biking, hillwalking, mountaineering, ropes courses
Difficulty
Real adventure sports - physical, hands-on, taught from beginner level upward
Age / height limits
Most courses have a lower age limit of 16 unless stated; check age and any taster/family sessions before booking
Best for
Teenagers and adults wanting to learn a genuine outdoor skill in the Mournes
What to wear / bring
Warm layers, waterproofs, footwear you can get muddy or wet; technical kit is provided
Safety / weather
Weather-dependent mountain activities, taught by qualified coaches; sessions can be moved or cancelled in bad weather
Parking
On-site car park, plus changing facilities, lockers and a coffee lounge
How long to allow
From a few hours for a taster up to multi-day residential courses
Address
32 Hilltown Road, Bryansford, Newcastle, Co. Down BT33 0PZ
Questions

Before you go

Do I need to book?
Book and pay in advance via the centre (028 4372 2158 / [email protected]); not a walk-up
How much is it?
Paid - course fees vary by activity and length; check current prices when booking
Is there an age or height limit?
Most courses have a lower age limit of 16 unless stated; check age and any taster/family sessions before booking
What should we wear or bring?
Warm layers, waterproofs, footwear you can get muddy or wet; technical kit is provided
What if the weather is bad?
Weather-dependent mountain activities, taught by qualified coaches; sessions can be moved or cancelled in bad weather
Getting there

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is at 32 Hilltown Road, Bryansford, Newcastle, Co. Down BT33 0PZ. On-site car park, plus changing facilities, lockers and a coffee lounge. Tap below for directions.

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The story

About this place

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is Northern Ireland's national centre for outdoor adventure, operated by Sport NI. It sits on the northern edge of the Mourne Mountains on the fringe of Tollymore Forest Park, giving instructors direct access to forest trails, crags and open hill.

The site was redeveloped into a state-of-the-art facility in 2010, with indoor and outdoor climbing walls, a kayak rolling pool, high and low ropes courses, a mountain bike skills course and ensuite residential accommodation. It delivers skills and leadership courses across rock climbing, hillwalking, canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking, mountaineering and orienteering, for beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike.