A local's favourite things to do in Rostrevor
I’m a Rostrevor person, born and bred, and while the village has changed a lot over the years, some things never lose their charm. These are my favourite things to do, the little gems I return to again and again. I’ll also share some of the things my guests love most, so you get both a local’s perspective and a visitor’s view.
Nature & Outdoors
Sea Swimming
My favourite swim spot is at the Slope. Guests also love going in behind the docks to the “secret beach”. I swim all year round, and from autumn onwards I use wetsuit booties and gloves. I always swim with someone else. Remember you will need to check tide-times or else you will have no water!
Gentle Walks
For an easy walk, The Fairy Glen is hard to beat. Kilbroney Park is another good one for a gentle stroll.
Hiking
Slieve Martin is my go-to hill. In January the locals climb it every day from either sea-level or the upper car-park. Check out “Cainuary”. It’s a great hike for views without being too difficult. Of course, Rostrevor is a great gateway into the mountains, and you can walk to Newcastle if you wish!
Cycling & Running
Kilbroney Park has world class mountain bike trails, and on Saturday mornings the Parkrun is a great community event.
Culture & Music
You can’t talk about Rostrevor without talking about the music. There’s a strong live scene, usually in the pubs. Wednesday nights at the Rostrevor Inn are good for music, stories, and tales. There’s often music in other spots too, you just need to check what’s on. In July the Fiddler’s Green Festival brings musicians from near and far. At other times of year there might be a storytelling session, a history tour, or something else unexpected. There is always something happening.
Food & Relaxation
In Rostrevor, my favourite place to eat is The Old School House. It’s great for breakfast, and others love it for lunch or dinner too. A little further afield, I like to visit Mourne Grange at the weekend. It’s a Camphill community, open Friday to Sunday, with a craft shop and café run by people with special needs. It feels like a hidden gem.
Ghan Filling Station has a hot deli counter which is very popular with locals and guests alike. And if you’re looking for a pint, you can’t go past Fearons on The Square.
Secret Joys
Some of my favourite things aren’t official attractions at all. Watching the sunset from different viewpoints. The Duck Derby in July or the annual December tractor run in aid of Life and Time, a quirky Saturday night out. Walking through The Old Oak Forest beside Kilbroney Park, hoping to spot red squirrels. Exploring Red Bog. Browsing Good Craic, the little craft shop in the village that always has something interesting inside.
The People
What I love most about Rostrevor, beyond the places, is the people. If you’re visiting, don’t be surprised if someone says hello as you pass on the shore, on the mountain, or even just over coffee. It’s a friendly, welcoming community, and that’s what makes every favourite thing here even better.
