The Stories Behind Our Cottage Names
Here at Rostrevor Holidays, our self catering cottages in the Mourne Mountains each have a story to tell. Most are named after the mountains and townlands that surround us, carrying the spirit of the landscape in their names. From Slieve Martin to Cnoc Sí, every cottage connects you to the land, its history, and the people who’ve lived here for generations.
Our Mountains, Rivers and Stories
Each of our cottages takes its name from the land around us, the mountains that rise above Rostrevor, the rivers that wind through the valley, and the old townlands that hold memories of the past. These names aren’t just labels, they’re connections to place.
The word Slieve means mountain in Irish, and it appears often here in the Mournes. From Slieve Martin that towers above the village, to the quiet slopes of Slieve Meel where the sun and moon rise, every name carries a piece of the landscape.
Slieve Martin
This cottage sits at the highest point of the property, overlooking the valley of Kilbroney. It’s named after Slieve Martin, the mountain that towers above the village. Every January, locals climb to its summit each day as part of a community challenge called Cairnuary. From here, you can see across the forest and out toward the sea. It’s the perfect spot to feel part of the Mournes and all that surrounds them.
Tievedockarragh
This cottage is named after Tievedockarragh, the mountain known locally as the place of the old Mass Rock. The alter sits on the adjoining mountain Alt an tSagairt. During the Penal Laws, local Catholics gathered there in secret to celebrate Mass among the trees and rocks. The mountain still holds that quiet, sacred atmosphere, and it reminds us of the strength and faith of the people who came before us.
Crotlieve
This cottage takes its name from Crotlieve, the mountain that rises directly behind the cottages. A small road winds along its side, leading into what feels like its own little world. Although Crotlieve is part of Rostrevor, it has its own quiet character, calm and green, and deeply connected to the Mournes.
Roosley
This cottage is named after Roosley Mountain, which sits to the west of Rostrevor Holidays. The Roosley Scenic Route runs across it, a beautiful drive or a challenging cycle with sweeping views over the Mournes and Carlingford Lough.
When I was growing up, my babysitter told me how she used to walk to school from Crotlieve, over Roosley Mountain, to her school on the Drumreagh Road. If I were to think about doing that today, I’d call it a serious hike. I can’t imagine walking it every morning and back again in the evening! Perhaps all that exercise is what made our elders so wise.
Cnoc Si
This cottage takes its name from Cnoc Sí, which means Fairy Hill in Irish. The word Sí refers to the ancient fairy mounds or dwellings of the Aos Sí, the otherworldly beings of Irish folklore who were said to live beneath the hills. The name carries a touch of mystery and reminds us of the old stories that still live quietly in the landscape around Rostrevor.
The Ceili House
The Ceili House is named after the old Irish tradition of neighbours gathering for music, dance and storytelling. It’s all about connection and craic, a place where people come together to share laughter, tunes and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a lively evening or a quiet chat by the fire, this house keeps that spirit of community alive.
Leckan Beg and Leckan Mor
These two cottages are named after the local townlands, Leckan Beg meaning Little Hillside and Leckan Mór meaning Big Hillside in Irish. The names come from the land to the right of valley as you descend into Rostrevor. surrounded by birdsong and open views of the hills.
Carnaclasha
This cottage takes its name from Carnaclasha, which is believed to refer to the stream that runs down from the mountain opposite. I can’t seem to find the origin of this name but I think it might mean the rocky hill of the stream. It’s a fitting name for a place where water, stone and mountain all meet, a quiet reminder of how closely the landscape shapes life here in the Mournes.
Owenabwee
This cottage is named after Owenabwee, from the Irish An Abhainn Bhuí, meaning the Yellow River. The name refers to the colour of the water as it flows down from the hills, tinted by peat and minerals. The Owenabwee River winds through the landscape nearby, linking mountain to sea and tying together the land that surrounds Rostrevor Holidays.
Slieve Meel
To the east of the cottages lies Slieve Meel, the long mountain where both the sun and moon rise over Rostrevor. A walking path follows its ridge and leads all the way across to Slieve Martin. It’s one of those quiet places that feels timeless, where the light changes the mountain’s colour through the day and the view always feels new.
Slieve Roe
This cottage takes its name from Slieve Roe, the mountain that sits beyond Roosley. In Irish, Rua means red, and the name was chosen to match the cottage’s red roof ridge tiles. It connects the house to both the colour and the character of the land around it, warm and earthy with a quiet strength that feels true to the Mournes.
Staying in the Heart of the Mournes
Each of our cottages carries a piece of the Mournes within its name, the mountains, rivers and stories that shape this landscape. Staying here means becoming part of that story for a while, waking to the same views and walking the same paths that inspired these names.
If you’d like to stay in one of our self catering cottages in the Mourne Mountains, you can check availability and plan your visit here at Rostrevor Holidays.
