CLOUGHMORE (BIG STONE)
(CLOUGH MOR )
Cloughmore a 30-ton Granite boulder lies on the Slieve Martin Mountain Ridge approximately 1000 ft. above Rostrevor village, with spectacular panoramic views. Geologists describe Cloughmore as a spectacular remnant of the Ice Age, borne here from Scotland on board a retreating glacier in that last Ice Age, but local Irish folklore paints a much more colourful picture of the Stone. The well known Irish giant Finn MacCool of the "The Giants Causeway" fame, was supposed to have thrown the 30 ton boulder known as the Cloughmore stone across from the Cooley Mountains (Finns Home and Final Resting Place) on the other side of Carlingford Lough, at an enemy.
The Cloughmore car park at the end of the forest drive, 230 metres above sea level provides views of the surrounding forest and is a good starting point for the three way marked trails. The trails vary in length from 1.25 miles to 4.5 miles, and take the visitor to various areas within the forest to enjoy the many magnificent views and beauty of the woodlands.
Kilbroney/Rostrevor Forest Park
The Kilbroney / Rostrevor Forest Park is 4,000 acres rising sharply from 30m to 500m above sea level. There are few parklands in existence which could surpass the beauty of Kilbroney Park. Here mountain, stream, sea-lough and valley contribute to conjure up a scenic wonderland. First planted out in 1930, the forest has numerous attractions including a breathtaking two mile forest drive affording panoramic views over Carlingford Lough, an old oak plantation dating from the 18th century, and a host of wild life ranging from grouse and Irish jays to pine martens, red and grey squirrels, foxes and badgers. Rostrevor forest and Kilbroney Park offer an excellent backdrop for walkers, hiking or just a relaxing break. The park offers a wide range of facilities and services, which include tennis courts, children's play area, playing fields, an arboretum, barbeque and picnic areas and caf? Open spaces and pathways in Kilbroney Park allow relaxing strolls and links directly into the forest park where trails lead through oak woods and planted slopes of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)and various pines.
How to get to the Cloughmore Stone
The village of Rostrevor is on the A2 and is mid-way between Newry and Kilkeel. Rostrevor is only a 20 minute drive from Newry and approximately one hour from Belfast. The Kilbroney Park is located on the edge of the village, with entrances at the Fairy/Faerie Glen off Bridge Street and the main vehicular entrance being located off the Shore Road to Kilkeel. The Cloughmore car park is short drive up to the top of the hill from this entrance.
For further information and camping & caravan reservations contact:
The Park Warden
Kilbroney Park
Rostrevor
Tel: +44 (0)28 4173 8134
Avatar
