Not sure where to start with planning your trip? Here's some information to help you out and more will be coming soon! While we cannot be travel agents for each and every one of you, we want to be sure you have everything you need to make your planning straight forward.
The nearest major airports to the conference centre are Belfast City Airport (BHD), Belfast International Airport (BFS), and Dublin Airport (DUB). Castlewellan is about 50 minutes from Belfast City Airport, 60 minutes from Belfast International Airport, and 90 minutes from Dublin Airport. If you are flying within the British Isles or Europe, some discount airlines are available to these airports (ex: Easy Jet and Ryan Air.)
By bus/train:
Buses are available from the airports and elsewhere to Castlewellan via Newcastle and Newry. More information on these routes can be found through Translink. You can search for the routes and time tables by bus name there. Another website you might find helpful if comparing routes from other locations or to other locations is Rome2Rio.
From Dublin airport:
Take the X5, X1, or X5A bus from Dublin airport to Newry. Then, get on the 240 bus heading towards Newcastle. There is a stop at Castlewellan, Upper Square. You can walk to the conference centre from there, but be warned that it is a bit of a hike with your luggage.
From Belfast International Airport:
Take the 300a or 300 bus to the Belfast Europa Bus Centre (in city centre). Then, get the 237, 518 or 520 bus going to Newcastle (they run at different times through the day - look at the time tables on the Translink website to see what works best for you). The 237 and 520 routes don't stop in Castlewellan. If you take either of these busses you'll need to get a taxi from Newcastle to the conference venue. The 518 bus does stop in Castlewellan, but be warned it is a bit of a hike to the conference centre from there with your luggage.
From Belfast City Airport:
Take the train from Sydenham to Belfast Great Victoria Street. This train station is connected to the Belfast Europa Bus Centre in the city centre. Then, get the 237, 518 or 520 bus going to Newcastle (they run at different times through the day - look at the time tables on the Translink website to see what works best for you). The 237 and 520 routes don't stop in Castlewellan. If you take either of these busses you'll need to get a taxi from Newcastle to the conference venue. The 518 bus does stop in Castlewellan, but be warned it is a bit of a hike to the conference centre from there with your luggage.
By car:
The town of Castlewellan is located approximately 4 miles from Newcastle, Co. Down. The entrance to the Forest Park and Castle is at the highest part of the town of Castlewellan, opposite the town hall. Once in the park, follow the signs for the "Conference Centre."