Dundrum Castle’s 850th Anniversary Is Real Opportunity To Showcase Dundrum Village
Slieve Croob DUP Councillor Alan Lewis says the 850th anniversary of Dundrum Castle in 2027 should be used as a major opportunity to celebrate the historic site while showcasing Dundrum and the wider area to visitors.
Cllr Lewis has written to the Department for Communities seeking details of any plans being developed to mark the anniversary and asking whether discussions have taken place with Newry Mourne and Down District Council.
Cllr Lewis said: “Dundrum Castle is generally dated to around 1177, following John de Courcy’s arrival in Ulster, meaning that 2027 represents a hugely significant 850-year milestone for one of the most important historic sites in our district.
“This is an anniversary which deserves to be properly recognised, but it is also a real opportunity to showcase Dundrum itself.
“Dundrum was named the Sunday Times Best Place to Live in Northern Ireland in 2025, and anyone who knows the village will understand why.
“Set against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, overlooking Dundrum Bay and with Murlough on its doorstep, it is difficult to imagine a more picturesque setting.
“Add to that the castle, coastal walks, excellent local businesses, restaurants and most importantly a strong and active community, and Dundrum has an enormous amount to offer.
“The castle sitting above the village is central to that story. For almost 850 years it has looked out across Dundrum Bay towards the Mournes and remains one of the most recognisable landmarks in this part of County Down.
“I would like to see 2027 used not simply to mark a date in the calendar, but to create something which brings people into Dundrum.
“There is real potential for events at the castle, historical exhibitions, school involvement, community activities and opportunities to promote the village as a tourism destination.
“We already have visitors travelling into the Mournes and towards Newcastle every year. Dundrum has the history, scenery, food, coastline and community to become an even greater part of that tourism offering.
“I have asked the Department for Communities what plans are already being considered, whether discussions have taken place with Council and what opportunities there may be for local schools, community organisations, businesses and other stakeholders to become involved.
“An 850th anniversary only comes once. We should be ambitious about it and use the occasion both to celebrate Dundrum Castle’s remarkable history and to put Dundrum village firmly in the spotlight.
“This is a beautiful part of County Down with an incredibly strong community behind it, and 2027 gives us a genuine opportunity to tell that story to a much wider audience.”
