Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has unveiled plans for the construction of Ireland's first park golf experience, situated at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle.

The nine-hole par-three course is being developed at Island Park, utilising the footprint of a former pitch and putt facility. The civil engineering and groundworks proposal has secured backing from several prominent golfing bodies, including the neighbouring Royal County Down (RCD) Golf Club.

Scheduled to open next summer, the all-ability facility will transform the existing parkland. The construction, installation, and ongoing maintenance of the tee boxes and putting greens will be directly carried out by RCD. Built to be an eco-friendly and highly accessible facility, the design specification features artificial tees and fairway-style greens. The course layout is optimized for participants using a single club and large, lightweight golf balls designed to restrict travel distance.

The recommendation to progress the construction phase of the project was formally approved at a meeting of the Council's Active and Healthy Communities Committee on 15 June. The plans will now advance to be considered by the full Council at its meeting next month.

Council officials have collaborated on the design framework with Mr Kevan Whitson, the former Royal County Down professional, alongside input from Golf Ireland. The infrastructure aims to support physical activity, social inclusion, and community engagement while modernising the structural asset and enhancing visitor facilities in the resort.

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, said: "The new nine-hole course will be a major attraction and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

"It is located in a beautiful location with the Mourne Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Special thanks to Royal County Down for its involvement with this scheme which will be extremely popular with a wide range of people."

The Council Chairperson noted that the engineering development will complement existing local attractions in Newcastle, driving footfall to the resort and supporting area businesses.

Cllr Hanna added: "This exciting development will open the world of golf to a new generation and could pave the way for Newcastle to have its very own Rory McIlroy in the future."

Active and Healthy Communities Chairperson, Councillor Tierna Howie said: "The new pitch and putt development is very exciting and will provide an affordable, accessible golf experience for all. Support for this new venture from the world's number one golf course, which we are fortunate to have in our area, is invaluable."

Mr Whitson described the location for the new park golf experience as the "most incredible setting you could imagine", welcoming Royal County Down Golf Club's support for advancing the construction scheme.

"This project is really gathering momentum and it's nice for us to be at the front of the chase. It will provide opportunities for everyone and golf clubs across the world are looking to find small, interesting facilities so they can start people at the grassroots of the game and that is what will happen in Newcastle," he said.

"Golf Ireland is keen to use us as a showcase and there is a real willingness to support us. I would like to think that this project will only get better. Everyone can get involved in park golf and with the location close to Newcastle Tennis Club, the area is already a sporting hub."

Mr Whitson concluded that the project presents an opportunity to build a highly accessible, modern facility that strengthens local connection to the sport, with long-term potential for future footprint expansion to maximise community use.