The air in Rostrevor hums with the twang of fiddles from summer festivals, where melodies drift over Carlingford Lough like the mist rising from its shores. This County Down gem clings to Northern Ireland's east coast, framed by the brooding peaks of the Mourne Mountains and the shimmering expanse of the lough. Here, ancient history bleeds into whimsy: a 50-ton glacial boulder named Cloughmore Stone looms on Slieve Martin's slopes - a legendary throw from giant Finn McCool - while Kilbroney Park's Fairy Glen whispers secrets to hikers following C.S. Lewis's Narnia Trail. Sunlight dances off the water at Rostrevor's sloping beach, where families picnic under the watchful gaze of rugged hills, and cyclists carve down trails hailed as some of Britain's best.
Step back in time among Neolithic dolmens and a 900-year-old church bell that still rings in St. Bronagh's name, or ascend Ross Monument for views stretching across two countries - the Republic of Ireland's Cooley Peninsula visible just across the lough. By day, explore hidden valleys where streams tumble through forests; by night, swap stories at village pubs with ceilings bowed under centuries of laughter. Rostrevor isn't merely a destination - it's a tapestry of myth, mountain, and melody waiting to fold you into its story.
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Things to See and Do
Cloughmore Stone (Cloc Mor)
A massive 50-tonne glacial erratic deposited during the Ice Age. Legend claims it was thrown by giant Finn McCool. Walking around it seven times is said to grant good luck. Offers panoramic views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.
Kilbroney Park
Scenic forest park featuring the iconic Fairy Glen and C.S. Lewis-inspired Narnia Trail with bronze sculptures of characters like Aslan. Includes play areas, tennis courts, and mountain biking trails.
Mourne Mountains Hiking Routes
Explore Northern Ireland's highest peaks like Slieve Donard (850m). The Mourne Wall Challenge offers iconic vistas, while Slieve Binnian and Slieve Meelbeg provide less crowded trails.
Fiddler's Green Festival
Annual week-long music festival featuring over 200 events, including outdoor ceilis and workshops. Celebrates traditional Irish fiddle music with a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Ross Monument
Granite obelisk erected in 1826 to honor Major General Robert Ross, commander during the War of 1812. Restored in 2008, it overlooks Rostrevor from its hilltop position.
Kilfeaghan Dolmen
Neolithic portal tomb (3,000 BCE) with a capstone weighing over 45 tons. One of the finest in Ireland, showcasing ancient burial practices.
East Coast Adventure Centre
Outdoor activities hub offering zip-lining, archery, climbing, and guided hikes. Includes mountain biking uplift service to trails like 'Mega Mission.
Silent Valley Mountain Park
Remote lake-and-peak landscape surrounded by Mourne peaks. Ideal for tranquil hikes with access to reservoir trails and birdwatching.
St Bronagh's Bronze Bell (Bronach)
Ancient bronze bell housed in St Macartan's Catholic Church. Cast between the 6th-10th centuries, it once summoned parishioners and is a symbol of local heritage.
C.S. Lewis Square Sculptures
Memorial square with bronze Narnia characters (e.g., Aslan) reflecting C.S. Lewis's inspiration from Mourne Mountains' landscapes.
Carlingford Lough Ferry & Cruises
Take a ferry to Ireland's Eye or enjoy guided cruises exploring seal colonies and lighthouse views. Cross into County Louth for Republic of Ireland vistas.
Killowen Distillery Tours
Small-batch whiskey and poitín distillery offering tours of traditional copper stills. Sample award-winning spirits in its tasting room.
Cooley Peninsula Coastal Drive
Scenic drive through rugged landscapes of County Louth featuring the Slieve Foye summit, prehistoric sites like Lough na Sitteene, and cliff-edge views.
Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails
Award-winning downhill trails accessed via East Coast Adventure's uplift. Includes advanced routes like 'On The Pulse' with views of Carlingford Lough.
Narnia Trail Family Walks
Themed trail in Kilbroney Park where children can spot sculptures of Narnia characters and follow magical pathways inspired by C.S. Lewis's stories.
Getting There
Car
To get to Rostrevor by car:
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From Belfast, follow the A1 to Newry, then take the A2 through Warrenpoint into Rostrevor (approximately 60 minutes)
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From Dublin, follow the M1 to Newry, take exit for B113 from A1, then follow A2 from Newry through Warrenpoint into Rostrevor (approximately 90 minutes)
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Rostrevor is located near the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough, approximately 46 miles south of Belfast and 9 miles southeast of Newry
Bus
You can take a bus to nearby towns like Newry or Belfast, and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to get to Rostrevor. For schedules and routes, check with Translink or other transportation providers.
Air
The nearest airports are likely Belfast International Airport (BFS) or George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), which offer flights to various destinations in the UK and Europe. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi or bus to get to Rostrevor.
Events & Festivals 2025
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History
Rostrevor's history dates back to the 12th century when Somerled, founder of Clan Donald and Lord of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne, was born in the area. The village was initially known as Caisleán Ruaidhrí, or Rory's Castle, after one of the Magennis lords of Iveagh who built a fortress on the shores of Carlingford Lough. In the 16th century, it was referred to as Castle Rory or Castle Roe.
The name Rostrevor emerged in the early 17th century when Sir Edward Trevor from Denbighshire in Wales settled in the area and married Rose Ussher, daughter of the Archbishop of Armagh. The village's name is derived from the Irish word "ros," meaning a wood or wooded headland, and Trevor, the surname of its new inhabitant.
The Ross family, who purchased much of the Rostrevor area in the 18th century, played a significant role in the village's history. Major General Robert Ross, a British commander during the War of 1812, was born in Rostrevor and is remembered by a monument erected in his honor in 1826. Ross's military career spanned both Europe and America, including a notable victory over American forces at Bladensburg.
Rostrevor is also home to several historical landmarks, including the 6th-century St Bronagh's Church and the Kilfeaghan Dolmen, a Neolithic portal tomb approximately 5,000 years old. The dolmen features a massive capstone weighing around 35 tons, one of the largest in Ireland. Nearby, the Cloughmore Stone, a 50-ton granite boulder, sits on the slopes of Slieve Martin and is said to have been thrown by the Irish mythological hero Finn McCool.
The village has been a source of inspiration for notable figures, including C.S. Lewis, who drew inspiration from the Mourne Mountains when writing his famous series Narnia. Other notable individuals born in Rostrevor include Sir Francis William Stronge, a senior British diplomat, and T.K. Whitaker, a pivotal figure in the development of the Republic of Ireland. Mary McAleese, the former President of Ireland, was also born in the area.
In the 19th century, Rostrevor's Catholic Church acquired the bell of St Bronagh, cast around 900 AD, which is now displayed on the altar. Local legend claims that the bell rings mysteriously at night, adding to the village's rich folklore. The Kilbroney Park, a former estate of the Ross family, is now a public forest park with riverside walks and an arboretum of specimen trees, offering stunning views of Carlingford Lough.