Warrenpoint is a place rich with myths, legends, and stunning landscapes that captivate both locals and visitors. Warrenpoint town is surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the Mourne Mountains, Carlingford Lough, and lush forests, creating a picturesque setting that has inspired numerous local legends.
Legend in and around Warrenpoint
The folklore in and around Warrenpoint also speaks of fairies and mythical creatures inhabiting the forests and hills, adding an air of mystery to the serene landscapes.
The nearby Kilbroney Park is steeped in legend, often associated with the ancient Irish king Bran, after whom the park is named. Cloughmor (referred to locally as 'the Big Stone'), a massive boulder perched on the slopes of Slieve Martin near Rostrevor, is said to have been thrown by a giant from Scotland called Benandonner during a mythical battle. Grab your walking gear and follow The Cloughmore Trail to find out more.
These stories are woven into the fabric of Warrenpoint's history, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The landscapes themselves, with their dramatic cliffs, tranquil waters, and verdant meadows, seem to echo the ancient myths, making Warrenpoint a place where history, nature, and legend seamlessly blend together.
Landscapes in and around Warrenpoint
Fallows Trail in nearby Rostrevor showcases some of the most remarkable views from Ballynagelty viewpoint of Carlingford Lough and the surrounding Mourne Mountains and provides an opportunity to enjoy Rostrevor Forest or to get up close to Cloughmore Stone, a perfect blend of landscape, adventure, and history. Fallows Trail is a 16.2km loop walk through spruce forests and over mountain slopes. It runs by the Yellow Water River, several streams and Red Bog Lake.
Did you know? Myths, legends and stories of Warrenpoint and the surrounding areas.
Smuggling
The narrow, remote passes in the Mourne Mountains generally are renowned for their historic smuggling routes; the Brandy Pad being the most famous. Illicit goods like coffee, tea, silk and spirits where brought through the Mourne Mountains to avoid coast guards and customs.
Geology
Following volcanic activity and many ice ages, the Mournes where formed in their granite majesty. Find out more about the Geology in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark here.
Mourne Granite
Used at the 5,000 year old Nelolithic site of Newgrange in County Meath.
Mourne Wall
Constructed between 1904 and 1922 to define and enclose the catchment area for the newly constructed Silent Valley Reservoir, the wall is 22 miles long, 1.5 metre high anmd 0.8 metres thick. Find out more here.
Cooley Mountains
The Cooley Mountains are located on the Cooley Peninsula in northeast County Louth. Slieve Foy at 588 metres is the highest peak on the eastern ridge.
Slieve Foy
Famous for the Celtic legend of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and Cloughmore Stone. From the top of Slieve Foy (Cooley Mountains) where there was a smouldering volcano, the legendary Fionn McCumhaill (the Giant of Summer) cast his eye across Carlingford Lough, spotting Ruscaire (the mighty Giant of Snow and Ice) on Slieve Meen in the Mourne Mountains. A battle of stone and rock firing broke out with Fionn firing the 50 ton-Cloughmore stone that killed Ruscaire. According to legend, the stone crushed Ruscaire’s body into the Mourne Mountains where it melted away like ice beneath the stone. The effort made by Fionn was so great that he lay down on Slieve Foy mountain top, with his feet rested in Calingford Lough. He never awakened and over the years his great body turned to rock. The outline of Fionn’s body can be seen on the Cooley Mountains to this day.
