This park was once the summer residence (1830) of Donard Lodge, which has since been demolished. A path leads from the bridge and through the wood to the Slieve Donard (850 m). The peak of the Mourne hills, originally called Slieve Slanga, was renamed in honour of a local leader, Donard, who is said to have been converted by Saint Patrick. After his death in 506, pilgrims would come to pray in a procession on the 25th July to the summit where his cairn is.