Rostrevor Forest
Rostrevor Forest covers an area of 1,700 hectares, of which 1,000 hectares are planted with trees.
Activities
The Cloghmore car park is 230 metres above sea level with views of the surrounding forest.
A scenic drive is open daily for access to the top level car park. There are three waymarked trails which vary in length from two kilometres to seven kilometres and take the visitor to various areas within the forest to enjoy the magnificent views and beautiful woodland.
Occasionally there may be restricted access to parts of the forest during work or other forest operations so pay attention to safety signage.
About this forest
The first planting was in 1931, mostly with coniferous species sitka spruce, douglas fir and pine. These are species best suited to the less fertile steep hillsides in this area. Much of the tree crop has reached maturity and there is an ongoing programme of felling and replanting.
During the replanting phase, landscaping and wildlife conservation are given high priority. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife including jays, sparrow hawks, wood pigeons, red and grey squirrels, foxes and badgers.
The Cloghmore Stone
The Cloghmore Stone is a 40 tonne granite boulder which was deposited here at the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago. It is a well known local landmark. The views over Carlingford from this point are spectacular.
Fiddler's Green
Fiddler’s Green is a small clearing at the southern edge of the Oakwood. It was once a focal point for local entertainment. Rostrevor's annual festival of traditional music, the Fiddler’s Green Festival, takes its name from this site.
Rostrevor Oakwood
Rostrevor Oakwood is a Special Area of Conservation believed to be over 250 years old. It is a remnant of the old oak woodlands that clothed the lower slopes of the Mournes several centuries ago. Most of these oak woods were cleared during the 18th and 19th centuries for use in boat building.
In an effort to preserve and encourage the natural development of the woodland, the area was declared a National Nature Reserve and a Special Area of Conservation.
How to get there
From Rostrevor follow the Shore Road towards Kilkeel. About half a mile from the town centre, the forest is signposted on the left at Kilbroney Park.
Other places of interest