Kilbroney Park on the northern shore of Carlingford Lough is a wonderful escape for all the family no matter their different ages and stages. The offering on just this one site makes it something of a unique family destination and its location close to both Belfast and Dublin means it’s really easy to get to.

Younger kids will love the Narnia Trail, a half-mile walk through wonder and witchcraft inspired by C.S. Lewis’s fantastical tale, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

They’ll no doubt stand in awe when they see ‘Old Homer’, the 200-year-old leaning tree bent out of shape by the bauld Finn MacCool who took a rest against it. The local legend was pretty active around these parts. Not too far away, on the slopes of Slieve Martin, stands the mighty Cloughmor, known around these parts as “the big stone”, believed to be a missile he fired in anger at a Scottish giant, who foolishly took his sword off him.

For those with a spirit of adventure and good stout pair of walking boots hiking the trail and getting to its landing spot might take a giant effort but the views from here and nearby Carlingford Lough make it more than worth the effort. If it’s a challenge you’re after, The Cloughmore Trail is both beautiful and testing, and not be missed.

Maybe take them to the spectacular Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails run by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council with an uplift provided by Life Adventure Centre. These award-winning trails are considered some of the best in both Britain and Ireland and are considered quite challenging. Older kids can bring their rackets and hit some rallies on the on-site courts.

Whether you’re scattered across the park doing your own thing or out together as a family, you can chat through your day as your assigned chef tackles the BBQ in the onsite Kilbroney Caravan Park - a great place to base yourself with all the mod cons you could possibly need for a few days away.  

Click here to book Kilbroney Caravan Park 

If your chef has the day off, the village of Rostrevor has numerous places to eat just a short stroll from the park. Be sure to call into Good Craic Gifts and Souvenirs to find something special to bring home.

For those teens, and indeed adults, who prefer their challenges sitting down, the onsite café run by Synge & Byrne is a great place to hang out and eat. These guys know good food and their offerings have won platters of awards in the last few years.

Click here to book Kilbroney Caravan Park