The pandemic of COVID19 has put a huge dampner on the arrival of spring time. Rostrevor looks simply beauitful in the spring with the clear blue skies and blossoming flowers and daffodils. With the importance of Social Distancing more CRITICAL THAN EVER, heading out with a group of Friends or Family for a walk/picnic is out of the question for the forseeable future. That being said however a stroll in the spring is still okay as long as you stand 2 metres away from other people so you can still go out and enjoy such lovely weather
I’m sorry if that first paragraph retiterates what’s already been stated everywhere and anywhere but as a content creator I should try and use my platforms to promote a good message. Anyway Rostrevor is looking lovely in the sunshine and spring weather so me and my cousin Tom took the dogs Molly and Ziggy out for their usual stroll. Molly (the Lassie Dog) is getting on a bit but still enjoys the lovely sunshine. This was the perfect opportunity to get some pictures but with two adorable dogs like these two, there is always a perfect opportunity as you can see in the photo below with Tom and Molly
Of course I had to get a photo myself with the Pups and the photo really showcases the stunning scenery of the Mourne Mountains and Kilbroney Park.
Staying 2 Metres from these 2 cuties is impossible
Social Isolation does not mean you cannot get to enjoy this weather as long as you stay safe and remember Social Distancing. Don’t sit indoors all day, get out for a lovely stroll to clear you head and broaden your mind with all the natural beauty. Stay tuned for further Rostrevor Springtime photos of the scenery and the dogs of Course.
Located beside the Chapel Hill is a Rostrevor Institution that every Rostrevor Local and visitors anew pops into for a Pint and that is Henry Kavanagh’s. Recently Henry celebrated 70 years behind the bar, that’s an incredible achievement for a Local Legend. To calculate how many pints exactly he’s pulled over 70 years would be an impossible calculation but what you can rely on is the praise and pleasure of many who have enjoyed a few pints in Henry’s.
As a little one I would remember going into Henry’s on Christmas Eve, NO not for a Drink but to get some beer for Santa and even then I remember how busy it was and people were enjoying the evening.
Now as an adult I can fully enjoy a night at Henry’s and many wonderful evenings have been spent there having the pints and craic with Family and Friends. Many traveler’s from far and wide have also indulged in an evening at Henry’s, from the farthest corners of Ireland or all the way from the US, Henry’s has played host to many visitors. Much hasn’t changed with the decor of Henry’s in the last few years of modern renovation but this is something you can appreciate. The old world style architecture creates a quaint and charming atmosphere and not a blaring TV or Music Band in sight. Indeed for anyone who wants to hit the town and have a chat with thier friends without shouting over loud music, Henry’s is the perfect place. Here you can stay inside to chat and not have to adjourn to the smoking area to talk at normal level which can be annoying in Winter when it is freezing.
Whether it’s for a Pint or a Spirit Henry’s has plenty of choices so as to keep the craic and the drink flowing.
As I said previously Kavanaghs has played host to many vsisitors from far and wide so you could go in for an evening pint and make new friends from anywhere over the world. Indeed Henry’s bansishes all form of modern Pub Culture in favour of creating an enviroment where people can chat away to thier friends, family without having to shout or wait until they have got off the phone.
So if you find yourself in Rostrevor for the vening then pop over Henry’s for the pints and the craic.
As well as Crawfords, there are several other hotspots in Rostrevor for a few pints or a night of entertainment so if you are looking for somewhere the here are several other recommendations
1: THE KILBRONEY
The ideal spot for either a quiet pint or some live entertainment then this is the spot. Plenty of choices for a quiet drink. Plus if you are a Smart One there is a Pub Quiz here every other Friday and the proceeds go to a worthy cause so get your brainy caps on if you are quiz lover but please remember to play fair and switch off the phones (Tell your friends too). Good place also if you are looking to watch the football
2: THE CLOUGHMOR
looking for a night of drink and be merry then this is the spot, Live entertainment here every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Popular bands have played here in the past and always return due to popular demand such as the ever popular Parcel of Rouges which is always a packed event as they are such a sell out event. Also if you are a fan of the Football the games are always screened on the Big TV so why not have a pint and watch the game.
3: THE OLD KILLOWEN INN
More of a quiet spot but quite often acts perform here such as Mitch McAteer so enjoy your drink with a spot of local color. Did I mention a TV Show was filmed here for RTE/TV3 recently so keep your eyes open for that on TV. Complete with a pool table and Beer Garden your in for a pleasant evening with a few drinks
4: THE CORNER HOUSE
Recently re-opened the Corner House is a good spot for a quiet pint or a Game of Pool and complete with a new Beer Garden. The perfect spot to wind down the evening with a quiet pint or whatever else you enjoy a spot of. You can also pop in during the day for a Coffee and the perfect way to spend a sunny day.
Situated on the Chapel Hill is the Old School House Restaurant, another one of Rostrevor’s hot spots for a good meal or even a Coffee and a Treat. Recently the Schoolhouse opened an upstairs area so there is more than enough room for a little one. There is an outdoor seating area so you encouraged to sit out and have a cup of tea in the sunshine especially as Summer makes it way to Ireland.
The menu is indeed spoiling you for choice with options such as Burger’s mouth watering lasagna, Sea bass and steak and fish options. And HOW COULD YOU NOT feel tempted to try some of the tasty treats on display in the dessert shelf, from Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake, and other sweet treats. Every so often the Schoolhouse will hold seasonal tasting evenings in accordance with what the season is such as Autumn or Spring so make sure to check those out. The charming ambiance as you enjoy a nice meal is a great experience for any diner
Situated down near the entrances to the Fairy Glen and the Meadow is the Rostrevor Inn or Crawford’s as it was once known. Rumor has it the ghost of Mrs Crawford still resides there so keep your eyes open. Anyway The Rostrevor Inn is a Restaurant, Pub, and Bed and Breakfast. The local color, the food and the charming ambiance has drawn tourists far and wide to experience this wonderful spot. Reviews from papers and critics have been glowing, positive and fully recommend the Rostrevor Inn as the place for live entertainer or a divine dinner. Even Charles Campion from Masterchef highly rates the place. Cant get better praise than that.
THE RESTAURANT
Having been recently expanded as more and more people come for the fine meals, the Rostrevor Inn Restaurant is a beautiful place to eat, did I mention they have thier own snapchat filter. charming atmosphere, great value cuisine, perfect friendly service are the key ingredients to make this the perfect spot for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
There are a variety of options for hungry customers, signature dishes such as hake. Thursday Night is also Steak Night so if you crave a steak then you know where you should go. They also cater to the vegetarian crowd with thier delicious Halloumi Burger. There are divine desserts too if your sweet tooth needs a treat. Anyway at the risk of giving away too many spoilers, I advise you check out The Rostrevor Inn Restaurant for your next family dinner, night out.
Opening Hours for the Restaurant are as follows
BREAKFAST: 8AM -11AM
LUNCH: 12:30PM -3PM
DINNER: 5:30 – 9AM (12 NOON TO 8PM SUNDAYS)
CRAWFORD’S BAR.
If it’s a night of local entertainment or just quiet fireside pint you crave then this is the right spot. To borrow a phrase Crawford’s Bar ensures the hills of Rostrevor are alive with the sound of music. There is never a night when you can hear music from Crawford’s Bar. Every Other Monday Night is Rostrevor Folk Club night from September to June. Wednesday Night from 8:30 is songs and stories by the fireside with Rostrevor Legend Matthew McGrath and friends. Fridays from 7:30 is the Molly’s folk group then Dermot McQuaid takes over from 10:30. on Saturday’s 10:30 feature live music including singers such as Patrice Matthews and other musical talents. On a Sunday from 4PM Danny McGreevy hosts a traditional session with friends and from 7PM there is a fantastic range of Irish and US country music with Tom Keenan. Need any more reasons to pop by?
Crawford’s Bar is a beautifully refurbished 18th century building and has been open since the 1800’s. The bar also features a Stable area which is now a seating area
There are also a variety of choices for a nice drink from beers, wines, craft gins, premium Irish whiskeys, craft ales, ciders on draught. You are therefore spoiled for choice on what to sample.
Overall I hope you enjoyed reading this post and that it will encourage you to stop by the Rostrevor Inn/Crawfords for you daily dose of nouvelle cuisine, entertainment or just a quiet drink in a charming atmosphere.
For the final phase of this Blog Portfolio I shall be writing about the finest places in Rostrevor to eat, drink and be merry. So if you want to know the best places in Rostrevor for a Sumptuous Dinner or a Cozy Pint then stay tuned
Situated not far from Cloughmore is an area of outstanding natural beauty known as Kodak Corner, another viewpoint but rest assured you will love it. You follow the path on the other side of Cloughmore. The Path then takes you upwards and be warned this path also (Rather Frustratingly) is also a cycle trail so keep your eyes open for cyclists. They should consider traffic lights for the path. you follow the path through a spot of woodland until you step out onto a magnificent view
Kodak Corner is truly a beautiful spot as you look down upon Carlingford Lough and far out to sea and all the surrounding greenery. They say a picture paints a thousand words but they apply that to views as well I think. This area is popular for both walkers and cyclists and especially on bright sunny days. I would recommend you bring a picnic and your camera and your dog of course.
Situated beside Cloughmore lies Slieve Martin and I can tell you the climb up this one is a little more challenging than Cloughmore. You will definitely need your walking boots for this one for as someone who often climbs mountains it is very frustrating seeing people climb mountains in trainers, slip on shoes and in one instance High Heels (I’m not joking). Interesting fact People walk in thier bare feet doing the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage however I don’t think that will catch on here in Rostrevor.
To return to the subject at hand, to access the path to Slieve you turn to the left pathway opposite to the road to Cloughmore. As I just said this path is more challenging than climbing to the stone but after all we all enjoy a challenge. To describe the path it consists of 3 Zig Zag like pathways that take you the Cairn pathway which technically counts as another hill. The first Path is quite easy and prepares you for the more tougher paths
Once you reach the second path then the challenge on your legs begin, the path gets steeper and leads you on upwards. The climb may be tough but the forest scenery around you adds an ambiance of tranquility and beauty. As the path leads on upwards you see nothing but the winding path and trees on either side but the aesthetic of nature and adventure drives you to further proceed.
As you can see in the above photo, this area presents a perfect opportunity for photographs, thing about it, the enclosing trees and winding pathway, if you have an eye for detail then this area gives you enough beauty and detail to capture to your hearts content. As you come towards the final Zig Zag path, you have but one more push to get you up this final hurdle. You will of course notice the trees become slightly more denser and are all painted green by the moss making it more mysterious and picturesque. Again another chance for some creative photography.
You should see what this part is like in foggy weather, it looks very mysterious and spooky like something out of a horror movie. However to continue as the final path ends you walk out into open ground atop the mountain with the other mountains and world below surrounding you like a picture perfect postcard. There is but one more hill to climb to reach the Cairn but it will be worth it as you drag your exhausted, tired legs up the hill
Finally you reach the Cairn and are rewarded for your efforts with a magnificent view of the world below. Again like Cloughmore one wishes they had wings and could fly down from atop the mountain. It would be wonderful to be able to do that. Again the view is so picturesque and the welcome reward after the tough climb. I do believe in January after the gluttony of Christmas (Pardon the religious terminology) walk up Slieve Martin Everyday, the tradition is called Cairnuary and perhaps something writer should consider next year.
Anyway Thanks for reading this Post and stay tuned for a post on Kodak Corner
To begin with Cloughmore is the Irish word for Stone or more correctly Big Stone. People however seem call it Cloughmore Stone which is quite ridiculous as they basically saying Stone Big Stone. So you just need to call it Cloughmore. The legend goes that a Giant known as Finn McCool threw the stone a great distance onto the Mountaintop during the last ice age. Quite a fascinating story and you can read a more detailed telling on sites about the Mournes.
At the point of digressing Let me be your guide on how to reach Cloughmore, from the Cafe/Playground you can proceed by either two routes. You can drive up to the Mountain Car Park or you could take the forest path. I would recommend the forest path as not only would it be lazy to drive but the journey up is much more pleasant and charming.
I would strongly recommend you wear walking boots as the path can be a little steep and in the wet weather a trifle slippy so be aware of that. The walk up is very please, the first few minutes the path is quite steep then becomes more relaxed. you have up on one side the road for those who drive up. below on the other side flows the river. The sound of the flowing/running water makes you feel serene and calm as you journey on up. As you continue to journey up you arrive to a flat path and it takes you to a small stairway besides which runs a small waterfall but it is beautiful to look at.
You can stop here to sit and admire the woodland or even better take a few photographs, it’s the perfect spot for it. It is such a picturesque area to be in and why would you would drive up rather than take the scenic route and save money on fuel. The path then proceeds on up to the Mountain Car Park but there is one more hill to climb however there is a forest pathway which will take you there quicker rather than than risking yourself on the roadside path. It is a lovely path to walk up and if you keep your eye open you may spot a Squirrel or two. As I said this path is quicker getting up to the Car Park and another scenic route.
At Last you arrive at the Car Park, the way to Cloughmore lies on the right as the left turn will take you up to Slieve Martin and there will be a another post on that lovely spot later. There are a variety of ways up to Cloughmore, there is a steeper path down from the main path however the main pathway is more lenient on your legs. Here you make your up towards the stone and the landscape as you climb is like a patchwork quilt of fields spreading on till the ends of the earth. It is a rewarding experience as you proceed on up with such a view on the other side. It is a rewarding experience as you proceed on up with such a view on the other side. It also makes you realize how rewarding exercise can be
Interesting note as you come towards the end of the path upon which there is a left turn to take you to the Stone. As you proceed towards the end of the path it looks like you have come to the edge of the mountain and are level with the sun. On a day if the sun is shinning on that spot it feel like you are walking into the sun
Finally you reach the stone and you can revel in the stunning beauty and magnificence of the Stone and the spectacular view of the picturesque landscape from atop Cloughmore. The stone also features carvings and writings carved on by people over the years. Let’s be honest Finn McCool picked the right spot to throw this stone on.
From standing atop this spot you can see how CS Lewis was inspired to create Narnia, it channels the inner artist or lover of beauty within us. To use an appropriate phrase “A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words” You could stay up here for ages taking photos from all the right angles and perspectives or just sit here and reveal in your surroundings. I have been up to this spot so many times and I never tire of how beautiful it is up here. You can even climb up onto the stone although I have never had much luck in doing that but I wish I could then I would really feel on top of the world. Looking down onto such a magnificent view you wish you could sprout wings and fly down.
before drawing to a conclusion on this post I would like to refer to you a more scenic route to go home by, that Being Fiddlers Green. if you go down the other side of Cloughmore you will find a path that takes you down through the Forest. Again make sure you are wearing walking boots as as chances of falling are very high. The Path will then take you down past an open clearing known as Fiddlers green with a bench to sit and admire the natural beauty. During Rostrevor’s Annual Summer Fiddlers Green Festival people gather in this spot as musicians perform here. This area makes the descent as much as a treat as the stone itself.
Cloughmore overall is such a nice place to visit and reveal in one of Rostrevor’s loveliest spots.
The Narnia Trail pays tribute to the magical stories created within Cs Lewis’s ingenious imagination. It is a lovely place to explore and of course photograph, everywhere you look you will see a tribute/motiff to the Magical Land and it’s wonderful unforgettable characters. Your own imagination is likely to go wild as you venture on your quest. Here You will uncover the many secrets and beautiful sights within the Narnia Trail
1: THE WARDROBE ENTRANCE
It was through a wardrobe that young Lucy first stepped into the magic of Narnia and indeed you will feel the same as you step through the wardrobe entrance to begin your Narnian adventure. Paying tribute to “The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe” The Entrance will indeed make you feel your stepping into another world
2: THE LAMP POST
Like in the book the first sight in Narnia Lucy beheld was a Lamp Post ready to light the way. As you approach you have a light to lead your way through trail and now this Lamp has recently been lit. There are two paths to choose from as you approach both left and right will show the wonder and beauty of the Narnia Trail. If you should get lost and when it gets dark and spooky then never fear the light will lead you to safety.
3: THE NARNIA THRONES.
4 Thrones and as prophesied in the story 2 Thrones for 2 Kings and 2 Thrones for 2 Queens. Each throne is differently crafted but all 4 look beautiful within the woodland adding an extra layer of natural beauty. These thrones are one of the nicest parts of the trail and the perfect opportunity for photographs and the chance to let the Wife feel like a queen for the day. Don’t forget to bring your Crown
4: THE ANIMAL TREE HOUSES.
Nestled among the trees are these quaint little dwellings where the animal Folk dwell. If you ask nicely maybe they’ll invite you in for a Cup of Tea, if you can fit through the door that is. These tree houses are very quaint looking and add to the quaint ambiance, you’d almost expect a Squirrel to pop out and hang up her washing. Perfect for photo opportunities especially on a nice spring days walk.
5: THE NARNIAN CASTLES
The fantasy like atmosphere is heightened by these two fortresses. One the Castle of Cair Paravel where the heroes reside, the other The Castle of the Evil White Witch. Choose your side carefully! This entrant is the perfect thing for the imaginations of children, after all who wouldn’t want to live in a castle.
5: MR TUMNUS THE FAWN
The first Citizen of Narnia Lucy met was the charming fawn Mr Tumnus whom invited her for Tea. This is the first of many wood carved figures which are as charming as the Characters of Narnia themselves. The bench also gives one a chance to rest during thier adventure and revel in the beauty of the area
6: MR AND MRS BEAVERS HOUSE
In a quaint clearing lies the Beavers residence, it is just as charming as it is the story. You can even go inside and have a look around. Another perfect spot for pictures and just a chance to soak in that natural narnian beauty. A fantastic carving of Mr Beaver also stands close by to welcome visitors to his home. Currently he does not offer B&B
7: THE WOLVES
Evil servants of the White Witch these hungry wolves keep an eye out for bad behaved children or even just lost travelers for thier elevenses. Nestled among the woodland these wolves add a touch of villainy amongst the charming figures. Make sure your Dog behaves himself too
8: THE TREE PEOPLE
If you think your not alone then you would be right as Tree People are also watching you and protecting the trail from Litterbugs. Standing tall they look as quaint and picturesque as the surrounding normal trees. Another perfect opportunity for Photos with the family although I think Tree Folk don’t like selfies, they must have GDPR in Narnia now.
9: THE STONE TABLE
It was upon a stone table that Aslan the Lion was killed by the White Witch then rose back to life upon which the Stone Table cracked as death itself was reversed for the Great Lion to vanquish the White Witch. Thankfully this one is in good condition but please don’t kill anyone on it . The detail in this is exquisite down to the masonry and detailed writing on the sides.
10: GIANT HEADS OF THE EARTHMEN
No your not dreaming yes there are big heads in the ground watching you. Who need Garden Gnomes when you could have these in your garden, maybe to scare away unwanted visitors. Nestled amongst the earth they are very picturesque and add to the atmosphere. If you are taking photographs then they request you get thier good side.
11: ASLAN THE KING OF NARNIA
Last but not least is Aslan the King of Narnia and possibly the Best looking of all the carvings, the amount of detail put into capturing his look is magnificent. You absolutely must plan to get photos here as this carving is 100% Picture Perfect. He looks especially amazing on a nice sunny day when the sun shines brightly reflecting the magic and majesty of his Character.
For Further exploration of the Magic of Narnia, Watch the video below
The Heart of Rostrevor 