Overview
Perched on the southern slopes of Slieve Martin, the Cloughmore Stone – affectionately called “the Big Stone” – dominates the skyline above the village of Rostrevor. Weighing roughly 50 tonnes and sitting at about 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level, the granite boulder commands panoramic views of Carlingford Lough, the Mourne Mountains, the Cooley Peninsula and the surrounding woodlands of Kilbroney Park. The stone is a focal point for walkers, photographers and anyone fascinated by the blend of natural history and Irish folklore.
History & Legend
Geologically, Cloughmore is a classic glacial erratic. During the last Ice Age, retreating ice sheets carried the massive granite block from an island in Strathclyde Bay, Scotland, across what is now the Irish Sea and deposited it on the Silurian metasedimentary bedrock of County Down about 10,000 years ago. Its sheer size and isolated position have made it a subject of scientific interest for decades.
Local folklore offers a more dramatic origin. According to tradition, the giant Finn mac Cumhaill (Fionn mac Cumhaill) hurled the stone from the Cooley Mountains on the opposite side of Carlingford Lough during a legendary battle with a Scottish giant. The Scottish rival is said to have flung back a handful of earth that missed Finn, later forming the Isle of Man and the basin that became Lough Neagh. Whether you favour the glacial explanation or the mythic tale, the stone stands as a tangible link between geology and the storytelling heritage of Ireland.
What to See & Do
- The Big Stone itself – The boulder sits on a relatively flat outcrop, making it an ideal spot for photos. Its sheer mass and the contrast with the surrounding forest create a striking visual.
- Panoramic viewpoints – From the stone you can see Carlingford Lough stretching to the sea, the rugged peaks of the Mourne Mountains to the north, and the rolling Cooley Peninsula across the water.
- Kodak Corner – A short detour from the main path leads to this scenic overlook, perfect for a picnic or a quick snap of the lough and Warrenpoint.
- C S Lewis Bench – Near the trailhead, a bench dedicated to the author offers a quiet place to rest and enjoy the forest ambience.
- Wildlife spotting – The surrounding Kilbroney forest is home to red squirrels, pine martens, jays and a variety of rare plants such as wood avens and hard shield fern.
- Extended walks – The Cloughmore Trail (≈4 mi/6.5 km) links the stone to other way‑marked routes, including the Narnia Trail, Fairy Glen and the Kilbroney Tree Trail. For the more adventurous, the Mourne Way can be accessed from the forest edge, offering a longer hill‑walking option.
Practical Information
Access & Parking
The most convenient starting point is the Upper Car Park at Kilbroney Park (often referred to as the Kilbroney Forest car park). From the main road (A2) you follow signs into the forest, then continue up a tarmac road for about 2 miles to reach the upper lot. The car park provides on‑site parking; a modest charge may apply, but the walk to the stone itself is free.
Trail Details
- Distance: 0.4 mi (one‑way) from the upper car park to the stone; the round‑trip is roughly 0.8 mi.
- Terrain: Moderate with steep sections; the path is unpaved, gravel‑covered and can be slippery after rain.
- Duration: 30–45 minutes each way for most walkers.
- Accessibility: The route is not wheelchair‑accessible due to steep, off‑road sections and a gate at the start of the walk.
Facilities
Kilbroney Park offers a range of visitor amenities:
- Toilets: Accessible toilet facilities are available near the main car park.
- Café: The Synge & Byrne Café serves coffee, breakfast and lunch, open 09:00‑17:00.
- Picnic areas: Designated picnic spots are scattered throughout the forest, including near the stone.
- Dog policy: Dogs are welcome in the park but must be kept under control; they are not permitted in the children’s play area.
Opening Hours
| Season | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| November – March | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| April | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| May | 09:00 – 21:00 |
| June – September | 09:00 – 22:00 |
| October | 09:00 – 19:00 |
| Closed | Christmas Day |
The stone itself is accessible every day; the park’s seasonal hours apply to the car parks, café and toilet facilities.
Guided Experiences
For a deeper insight, the Cloughmore Experience offers a guided walk led by local adventurer Peter Rafferty. The tour includes geological commentary, wild‑plant identification and a lunch stop with views over the lough. Booking is required; contact details are listed below.
Contact & Booking
- Phone: +44 (0) 79 7476 8831
- Website: https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/rostrevor-cloughmore-stone-p695931
Visiting Tips
- Best time for photos: Late afternoon in summer provides warm light on the stone and a golden glow over Carlingford Lough.
- Family‑friendly: The walk is short enough for children, and the open space around the stone offers a safe place for a quick break.
- Weather: The trail can be slippery after rain; sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket are advisable.
- Leave no trace: Keep the area tidy and stay on the marked path to protect the delicate woodland habitat.
Nearby Attractions
- Mourne Mountains – A short drive away for more extensive hillwalking.
- Tollymore Forest Park – Offers additional trails, stone bridges and historic ruins.
- Silent Valley Reservoir – A tranquil spot for picnics and photography.
Heritage & Cultural Significance
Beyond its geological importance, Cloughmore functions as a cultural landmark. The stone is a gathering point for local Easter traditions, where villagers historically dropped painted eggs from the hilltop. The legend of Finn mac Cumhaill ties the site to the wider tapestry of Irish myth, making it a living reminder of the country’s storytelling tradition.
Artists, poets and writers have long been drawn to the stone’s dramatic setting. 19th‑century travel writers described it as a place of inspiration, while contemporary photographers use it as a backdrop for striking images of the Irish landscape.
Whether you are a geology enthusiast, a folklore lover, or simply a traveler seeking breathtaking scenery, Cloughmore offers a compact yet unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of County Down.
Plan your visit: Arrive via the upper car park, follow the way‑marked trail to the stone, linger at Kodak Corner for the best views, and consider a guided tour for added context. The combination of natural beauty, mythic history and easy access makes Cloughmore a must‑see destination on any Northern Ireland itinerary.