Tollymore Forest Park has been named Northern Ireland’s Top Picnic Spot in a search by local retail brand Centra, supported by Tourism NI. The popular park, located at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in County Down, was shortlisted in a group of five locations across Northern Ireland. Announcing the winner at Tollymore Forest Park is Centra’s Jennifer Morton along with local Centra Newcastle retailer, Hugh Smyth. PIC: WILLIAM CHERRY/PRESSEYE

TOLLYMORE Forest Park has today been named Northern Ireland’s Top Picnic Spot in a search by local independent retail brand Centra, supported by Tourism NI.

The popular park, at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down, beat off competition from other shortlisted locations including Crawfordsburn Country Park in Co. Down, Co. Antrim’s Giant’s Causeway and Carnfunnock Country Park and Derry~Londonderry’s St. Columb’s Park.

The online search gave people across Northern Ireland the chance to share their favourite picnic spots, from hidden gems to nostalgic childhood spots, current favourites and scenic locations.

Centra’s Brand Manager, Nikki McDowell said: “We are delighted to announce Tollymore Forest Park as Centra’s Top Picnic Spot in Northern Ireland. This proved a popular choice among our voters and really captures what is great about Northern Ireland. As a picnic spot it offers so much including great location, lots of activities with stunning scenic views and is a great family favourite.

“With the support of Tourism NI, as well as our 80 independent retailers across every region, we will continue the search for more Centra Top Spots and encourage everyone to get involved by sharing what they love about Northern Ireland,” she added.

Pauline Gormley, Tourism NI’s Destination PR Officer said: “Well done to Tollymore Forest Park for being named Centra’s Top Picnic Spot, this is a great location and such a popular choice for people of all ages across Northern Ireland.

“With so much to see and do across Northern Ireland, we look forward to finding out what people like most, as we continue to support Centra’s Top Spots,” she added.

Two lucky winners of the Centra Top Picnic Spot search were selected at random, winning a £200 Hastings Hotel voucher and a £50 Centra voucher each.

The search for Centra’s Top Spots will continue, to keep up to date and for your chance to win simply go to www.facebook.com/CentraNI and like the page or visit www.centra.co.uk/topspots.