In focus: Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor

This week the Newry Times photographer was up in the beautiful Kilbroney Park, one of the most spectacular areas of outstanding natural beauty in Ireland.

After the hugely successful Mountain Bike Festival held in Kilbroney, the local community can brace themselves for further amazing events including the World Police Fire Games and much more.

There are few parklands in existence which could surpass the beauty of Kilbroney Park. Here mountain, stream, sea-lough and valley conjure up a scenic wonderland.

The 97 acres which form Kilbroney Park lie close to the shore of Carlingford Lough in the shadow of the forest-clad Slieve Martin. As a backdrop to Kilbroney Park stands the impressive 4,000 acre Rostrevor Forest rising sharply from 30m to 500m above sea level.

Planted in 1931 mostly with coniferous species, the forest has a breathtaking two mile forest drive providing panoramic views over Carlingford Lough, an old oak plantation dating from the 18th Century, the famous 40 tonnes “Cloughmore” or “Big Stone” and a host of animals ranging from grouse and Irish jays to pine martens, red and grey squirrels, foxes and badgers.

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 a cafe.

A well serviced caravan and camping site caters for 52 touring vans and 30 tents and has full electrical hook-up facilities, water, TV links and a recently refurbished toilet and amenity block. Laundry services are also available at the park’s reception area.

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, douglas, fir and pine.

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 waymarked 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.

How to get there:

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.

For further information and camping and caravan reservations contact: The Park Warden – Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor – Tel: 028 417 38134. Email: kieran.owens@newryandmourne.gov.uk

This article was proudly sponsored by Newry and Mourne District Council.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Jun 20 2013. Filed under Advertising Feature, Community, Featured Story, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry