Welcome to Kilbroney Forest Park, a breathtaking natural haven nestled in the heart of Rostrevor, County Down, Northern Ireland.
Located along the scenic A2 Shore Road, bordering the tranquil Carlingford Lough, this park spans 97 acres of lush parkland, framed by the majestic Slieve Martin and the Mourne Mountains.
Once a grand estate owned by the Ross family and later the Bowes-Lyon family (where a young Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret holidayed), Kilbroney Forest Park has transformed into a public treasure managed by the Newry, Mourne & Down District Council.
As of 10:40 PM IST on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, this blog offers an exhaustive exploration of its trails, history, facilities, and attractions, making it an essential read for nature lovers, families, and adventurers alike.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll, a challenging trek, or a family outing, this guide covers everything you need to know, including the Kilbroney forest park map, Kilbroney forest park opening times, Kilbroney forest park prices, and more.
History and Background: From Estate to Public Park
Kilbroney Forest Park’s history traces back to its days as a country estate, home to General Robert Ross, a notable figure in the Napoleonic Wars.
Famous visitors like William Makepeace Thackeray, Charles Dickens, and Seamus Heaney graced its grounds, while C.S. Lewis found inspiration here for his Narnia tales. The estate passed to the Bowes-Lyon family, adding a royal touch, before being sold to the district council.
Today, it preserves its ancient woodland, including the Rostrevor Oakwood and the arboretum with rare trees like the “Old Homer” holm oak, voted Tree of the Year in 2016. This rich heritage enhances its appeal as a cultural and natural landmark in Cloughmore Ireland.
Trails and Attractions: A Walk Through Nature’s Wonders
Kilbroney Forest Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of trails and activities. The Kilbroney forest park map highlights several waymarked routes, each with unique features:
- Narnia Trail Kilbroney Park: A magical half-mile walk inspired by C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, featuring interactive displays of characters like Aslan, Mr. Tumnus, and the White Witch. Enter through a wardrobe door for a whimsical experience, ideal for families.
- Cloughmore Stone Walk: A challenging ascent to The Big Stone, a 50-ton granite boulder perched 1,000 feet above Rostrevor. The Cloughmore stone map guides visitors to this iconic landmark, offering stunning views of Carlingford Lough.
- Fairy Glen Walk: A scenic trail along gentle riversides and woodlands, perfect for a peaceful stroll with wheelchair-accessible sections.
- Fallows Trail: A 16.2km loop through spruce forests, mountain slopes, and Red Bog Lake, showcasing wildlife like red squirrels and deer.
- Kilbroney Tree Trail: A self-guided nature walk highlighting ancient trees, each marked with a numbered plaque.
- Rostrevor Forest Walks: Part of the Rostrevor Forest trails map, these routes vary from 1.25 to 4.5 miles, offering diverse terrains and breathtaking vistas.
- Mourne Way Walking Route: A long-distance trail connecting to the wider Mourne Mountains, appealing to seasoned hikers.
The park also features mountain bike trails, including Ireland’s first official downhill routes, and Kodak Corner, a photogenic viewpoint with panoramic views. Nearby Castlewellan Forest Park and Tollymore Forest Park offer additional exploration options, enhancing the region’s appeal.
Facilities and Amenities: Catering to All Visitors
Kilbroney Forest Park is equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable visit. The Kilbroney forest park campsite map outlines 52 fully serviced pitches, including 16 soft-standing caravan sites and 10 grass tent spaces, open seasonally from March to November 2025 with specific dates (e.g., daily from April 17 to September 29). Facilities include:
- A visitor information building with maps, a café (Synge & Byrne), and accessible toilets.
- Two play parks for children, football pitches, and tennis courts (booking required, charges apply).
- Designated BBQ areas and picnic spots, with a bespoke BBQ hire option.
- An outdoor fitness zone and the Cloughmore Centre for events (up to 60 people).
The Kilbroney forest park opening times are 9 AM daily, with closing times varying: 5 PM (November-March), 7 PM (April and October), 9 PM (May), and 10 PM (June-September), subject to change. Parking is free at the lower car park, while the upper car park near the Cloughmore trail costs £5 per day.
Cloughmore Stone: Myth, History, and Hike
The Cloughmore Stone, known as The Big Stone, is a 50-ton granite boulder perched 1,000 feet above Rostrevor, a highlight of the Cloughmore stone walk. Its Cloughmore stone history dates back 10,000 years to the last Ice Age, when glaciers deposited it. The Cloughmore stone opening times align with park hours, and the Cloughmore stone hike takes 25-30 minutes from the lower car park or 10 minutes from the upper car park.
Cloughmore Stone Myth: Local folklore claims Finn McCool, an Irish giant, hurled the stone across Carlingford Lough during a battle with a Scottish giant. The Scottish giant retaliated, creating the Isle of Man and Lough Neagh with his missed throw. Walking around the stone seven times is said to bring good luck.
How Did Cloughmore Stone Get There?: Geologists attribute its presence to glacial movement, while the myth adds a layer of intrigue, making it a fascinating study in both science and legend.
Kodak Corner: A Scenic Delight
Kodak Corner, part of the Cloughmore Stone Trail, offers spectacular views of Carlingford Lough. The Kodak Corner walk is approximately 1-2 miles round-trip from the upper car park, taking 1-2 hours depending on pace. It’s a must-visit for photographers and hikers seeking natural beauty.
Activities and Things to Do
What is There to Do at Kilbroney Park? The park offers hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and family-friendly activities like the Narnia Trail Kilbroney Park and play parks. The Cloughmore stone hike and Rostrevor Forest walks cater to adventurers, while the café provides a relaxing break.
What is There to Do in Rostrevor? Beyond the park, Rostrevor boasts the Rostrevor Inn for food and cocktails, Fearon’s Bar for pints, and the Fiddler’s Green Festival (summer 2025) for music. The Shorefront offers scenic walks, and nearby Tollymore Forest Park adds more trails.
Pricing and Accessibility
Do You Have to Pay into Kilbroney Park? Admission is free, but parking at the upper car park costs £5 per day. Local residents can apply for a free annual permit or an all-park pass for £25. The Kilbroney forest park prices for campsite pitches vary by season and pitch type, with bookings open since January 13, 2025.
How Much Does It Cost to Get into Tollymore Forest Park? Tollymore Forest Park charges for parking and camping, with rates similar to Kilbroney (£5 per day for parking), though specific fees depend on seasonal policies.
FAQs: Answering Your Kilbroney Forest Park Questions
How Long Does It Take to Walk Kilbroney Park?
The time to walk Kilbroney Park depends on the trail. The Narnia Trail Kilbroney Park takes about 30-45 minutes, the Cloughmore stone walk 25-30 minutes from the lower car park, and the Fallows Trail up to 5 hours for its 16.2km length. Casual exploration can take 2-4 hours.
Do You Have to Pay into Kilbroney Park?
No, entry is free, but parking at the upper car park costs £5 per day. The Kilbroney forest park campsite map shows additional fees for camping, varying by pitch and season.
What is There to Do at Kilbroney Park?
Activities include hiking (Cloughmore stone hike, Rostrevor Forest walks), mountain biking, the Narnia Trail Kilbroney Park, picnicking, tennis, and children’s play areas. The café and event facilities add versatility.
How Much Does It Cost to Get into Tollymore Forest Park?
Entry is free, but parking costs around £5 per day, with camping fees applying based on pitch type and season, similar to Kilbroney forest park prices.
How Long is the Walk to Kodak Corner?
The walk to Kodak Corner from the upper car park is about 1-2 miles round-trip, taking 1-2 hours, depending on stops for photos and rest.
What is There to Do in Rostrevor?
Beyond Kilbroney, enjoy the Shorefront walk, pubs like Rostrevor Inn and Killowen Bar, the Fiddler’s Green Festival, and nearby hikes in Castlewellan Forest Park and Tollymore Forest Park.
What is the Cloughmore Stone Myth?
The myth states Finn McCool threw The Big Stone across Carlingford Lough during a battle, with the Scottish giant’s retaliation forming the Isle of Man and Lough Neagh.
How Did Cloughmore Stone Get There?
Geologists believe it was deposited by glaciers 10,000 years ago, though the Cloughmore stone history includes the giant-throwing legend.
How Long is the Kodak Corner Walk?
The Kodak Corner walk is approximately 1-2 miles round-trip, taking 1-2 hours from the upper car park.
Where is the Big Stone?
The Big Stone, or Cloughmore Stone, is located 1,000 feet above Rostrevor in Kilbroney Forest Park, accessible via the Cloughmore stone walk.
What is the Significance of the Hag Stone?
While not directly referenced at Kilbroney, hag stones (stones with natural holes) are traditionally believed to offer protection or insight in Irish folklore, possibly linked to local myths.
What is the Mystery of the Floating Stones?
No specific “floating stones mystery” is documented at Kilbroney, but the Cloughmore Stone’s improbable placement fuels speculation, blending science and legend.
Practical Tips and Nearby Attractions
Check the Kilbroney forest park opening times before visiting, and bring sturdy shoes for the Cloughmore stone hike. The Kilbroney forest park campsite map is useful for campers, with bookings via kilbroney.park@nmandd.org. Nearby Castlewellan Forest Park offers the Peace Maze, while Tollymore Forest Park provides additional trails. The Rostrevor Forest trails map enhances planning for extended adventures.
Conclusion: Embrace the Magic of Kilbroney
Kilbroney Forest Park is a testament to nature’s beauty and Ireland’s rich folklore, from the Narnia Trail Kilbroney Park to the Cloughmore Stone’s mythic allure. With free entry, diverse activities, and stunning vistas, it’s a must-visit in 2025. Explore the Kilbroney forest park map, plan your Cloughmore stone hike, and immerse yourself in this magical landscape. Whether you’re a local or traveler, Kilbroney promises memories to last a lifetime.
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