Overview
Slieve Martin rises above Rostrevor on the north side of Carlingford Lough, and at 485 m (1,591 ft) it sits right over the water, so the view down to the lough and across to the Cooley Mountains in County Louth is a big reward for a demanding climb. Most visitors start from Kilbroney Park. If you want the stone and the view without a mountain day, follow the council’s Cloughmore Trail instead. The summit is a separate, more demanding outing, and it is a grassy dome: the boulder is the more interesting thing on the hill.
History and folklore
The hill and its forest sit on the old Kilbroney estate, owned by the Ross family before it passed to the Bowes-Lyon family, ancestors of the Queen Mother. The lower woods now carry a Narnia trail, a nod to the link with C. S. Lewis, who is said to have found the view over the lough his “idea of Narnia”.
Midway up the southern slopes sits the Cloughmore Stone, a 50-tonne granite boulder perched high above Rostrevor. Geologists call it a glacial erratic, dropped by the ice; local tradition prefers the version where the giant Finn McCool flung it across Carlingford Lough during a row, pinning a frost giant beneath it. Walkers still follow the old habit of circling the boulder seven times for luck before turning to the viewpoint the locals call Kodak Corner.
Trail options and routes
- Cloughmore Trail – The waymarked loop through Kilbroney Park climbs through forest to the stone. Expect uneven ground and give the drop below the viewpoints plenty of space.
- Fiddlers Green and Oakwood trails – Quieter loops through old oakwood that join the main ascent. Check the notice boards in the park for the current trail map.
- The summit – A separate, more demanding mountain outing on stony ground and a steep grassy pull near the top. Carry a map, wear suitable boots and turn back if cloud or wind makes the route unsafe. See the Mourne walking route cards for route detail.
For experienced hillwalkers, Slieve Martin is the central peak of the Southern Mournes Trio (with Slievemeen and Crenville), a long circuit that needs real navigation once you reach the boggy ground and faint paths on Crenville.
What to see and do
- Cloughmore Stone and Kodak Corner – The clearing around the boulder is a natural balcony over the lough and Slieve Foye, Louth’s high point, and a fine spot for a picnic.
- The Narnia Trail – A short family loop through the lower woodland, past carved sculptures, a lamppost, the Beavers’ house and Aslan’s table. The root-crossed ground rules out pushchairs, but children take to it.
- Summit trig pillar and cairn – Beyond the last steep pull, a grassy mound holds the survey pillar and a modest cairn. On a clear day Slieve Donard and Binnian stand out sharply to the north.
- Wildlife and woodlands – The mixed oak and conifer holds red squirrels, jays, woodpeckers and the odd deer. Spring brings bluebells and wild garlic to the forest floor; autumn turns the heather and gorse gold.
- Nearby heritage – A short walk from the lower car park is the Ross Monument, a 19th-century obelisk to the estate’s owners, and the ruined early church holding the bell of St Brónach, which local tradition says has been heard ringing on stormy nights.
Mountain biking
Kilbroney Forest has mountain-bike trails on the Slieve Martin slopes, including red and black grade routes. Walkers should keep out of the designated downhill bike trails and keep to the walking paths, as bikers share some of the upper ground.
Practical information
- Parking – Use designated parking at Kilbroney Park and leave the forest drive clear. Check the park’s gate hours and current charges on the council’s Kilbroney Park page before setting out.
- Facilities – There is nothing at the summit. For cafe, toilet and play facilities at the park, check current opening on the council page above.
- Dogs – Keep them on the marked paths, particularly in spring to protect ground-nesting birds.
- Best time to visit – Clear days for the view; spring for bluebells; autumn for the light and fewer people. Winter is fine but stony or steep sections can ice up.
- Safety – The ground is stony and steep, so wear proper boots, and check the forecast: Mourne weather turns quickly.
Getting there
- By car – Follow the A2 coastal road from Belfast or Newry to Rostrevor and follow the signs for Kilbroney Park.
- Public transport – Check current bus options to Rostrevor before you go; from the village it is a short walk to the park entrance.
- Cycling – The Rostrevor to Carlingford Greenway gives a traffic-free run along the lough if you want to pair the ride with the hill.
Arrive early on a summer weekend: the forest drive is narrow and a full car park can mean a longer approach on foot.