Kilbroney Park on the northern shore of Carlingford Lough is a wonderful escape for all the family no matter their different ages and stages. The offering on just this one site makes it something of a unique family destination and its location close to both Belfast and Dublin means it’s really easy to get to.
PUBLIC NOTICE
There are currently Forest Service Harvesting Works happening in Kilbroney Park. Click here to find out more.
Map of Kilbroney Park
Click here to view the Kilbroney Park site map.
Younger kids will love the play parks and
Narnia Trail, a half-mile walk through wonder and witchcraft inspired by C.S. Lewis’s fantastical tale, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
They’ll no doubt stand in awe when they see ‘Old Homer’, the 200-year-old leaning tree bent out of shape by the bauld Fionn Mac Cumhaill who took a rest against it. The local legend was pretty active around these parts. Not too far away, on the slopes of Slieve Martin, stands the mighty Cloughmor, known around these parts as “the big stone”, believed to be a missile he fired in anger at a Scottish giant, who foolishly took his sword off him.
Kilbroney Park Visitor Information building
This building is located off the main car park and includes self-guided visitor information and maps, cafe, toilets with showers (including baby changing and accessible facilities).
The onsite café run by Synge & Byrne is a great place for teens, and indeed adults, to hang out and eat. These guys know good food and their offerings have won platters of awards in the last few years.
Kilbroney Park Play Park
Kilbroney Park has two exciting play parks catering for children of all ages. There are also two football pitches and tennis courts (charges apply, for access contact the Visitor Information building.)
The Narnia Trail starts and finishes behind the Visitor Information building and brings to life the Chronicles of Narnia with real life characters such as Mr Tumnus, Mr Beaver and the magnificant lion Aslan himself. Enter this magical world through the wardrobe door and enjoy a land where it is always winter. However, be warned, you enter at your peril as the White Witch and her wolves could be lurking behind any tree. The trail offers many opportunities to interact and take photo's/selfies. Click here for The Narnia Trail Map
For those with a spirit of adventure and good stout pair of walking boots hiking the trail and getting to its landing spot might take a giant effort but the views from here and nearby Carlingford Lough make it more than worth the effort. If it’s a challenge you’re after, The Cloughmore Trail is both beautiful and testing, and not be missed.
Maybe take them to the spectacular Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails run by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council with an uplift provided by Life Adventure Centre. These award-winning trails are considered some of the best in both Britain and Ireland and are considered quite challenging. Older kids can bring their rackets and hit some rallies on the on-site tennis courts.
Whether you’re scattered across the park doing your own thing or out together as a family, you can chat through your day as your assigned chef tackles the BBQ in the onsite Kilbroney Caravan Park - a great place to base yourself with all the mod cons you could possibly need for a few days away. Click here to book Kilbroney Caravan Park
Room hire for events and meetings in Kilbroney Park
The Cloughmore Centre (located close to the play park) offers fantastic facilites for small events and meetings (up to 60 persons). The Centre has a meeting room with separate catering facilities and toilets (including accessible toilet with shower). Wifi is available as well as a ceiling mounted projector and screen. Hire charges apply, for further details contact the Visitor Information building or email kilbroney.park@nmandd.org.
If your chef has the day off, the village of Rostrevor has numerous places to eat just a short stroll from the park. Be sure to call into Good Craic Gifts and Souvenirs to find something special to bring home.
Where is Kilbroney Park located?
Kilbroney Park is located on the Shore Road in Rostrevor, County Down BT34 3AA.
How do I get to Kilbroney Park?
Kilbroney Park is located in the village of Rostrevor just off the A2 between Newry and Kilkeel.
Directions from Belfast to Kilbroney Park (travel takes 60 minutes approximately) : follow the A1 to Newry. Follow A2 from Newry through Warrenpoint into Rostrevor. The entrance to Kilbroney Park is on the left.
Directions from Dublin to Kilbroney Park (travel takes 90 minutes approximately): follow the M1 to Newry. Take exit for B113 from A1. Follow A2 from Newry through Warrenpoint into Rostrevor. The entrance to Kilbroney Park is on the left Postcode: BT34 3AA.
What are the opening hours of Kilbroney Park?
Kilbroney Park opening hours are:
- March and October 9am - 6pm
- April and September 9am - 8pm
- May to August 9am - 9pm
- November to February 9am - 5pm.
The Park is closed on Christmas Day.
Is there a car parking charge at Kilbroney Park?
Access to the park on foot or by bicycle is free. Charges apply for the parking of vehicles. Click here for more details.
Are dogs allowed in Kilbroney Park?
Dogs are welcome in Kilbroney Park but must be under control at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the Play Park and must be kept on a lead in Kilbroney Caravan Park.
Is there a camp site in Kilbroney Park?
Yes. Kilbroney Caravan Park is situated in the park overlooking Carlingford Lough. Click here for other accommodation nearby.
Is there a cafe in Kilbroney Park?
Yes. The cafe is operated by Synge and Byrne and is located beside the car park.
Are there toilets in Kilbroney Park?
Yes. Toilets are located adjacent to the car park and baby changing facilities are available.
Is there a children's play park in Kilbroney Park?
Yes. The play park is adjacent to the car park.
Are there picnic facilities in Kilbroney Park?
Yes. Picnic facilities are adjacent to the car park.
Can I barbeque in Kilbroney Park?
Barbeques are permitted at the designated picnic benches. Also there is a bespoke BBQ area (with charcoal pits and covered seating) close the play park that is availabe to hire. For further information contact the Visitor Information building or email kilbroney.park@nmandd.org.
How long are the walks in Kilbroney Park?
There are a variety of different trails within Kilbroney Park. The Tree Trail in Kilbroney Park is two miles long. From the Cloughmore Car Park there are three waymarked trails varying in length from 1.25miles to 4.5 miles.
What activities can you do in Kilbroney Park?
Walking, hiking, tennis and mountain-biking are the main activities in Kilbroney Park.
Click here to download the Kilbroney Park leaflet.
Kilbroney Park features riverside walks and an arboretum. There is a two-mile forest drive which showcases panoramic views over Carlingford Lough. There is also a Play Park with children's play area and tennis courts, an Information area and a café all on site.
Feel the stresses and strains of daily life vanish in the presence of beautiful animals and majestic scenery of the Mourne Mountains.
