Literary Heritage
The Narnia Trail
Walk through the enchanted woodlands that inspired C.S. Lewis to create one of literature's most beloved fantasy worlds.
Heritage
C.S. Lewis Inspiration
Trail Length
1.5km Loop
Suitable For
Family Friendly
Admission
Free Entry
“That part of Rostrevor which overlooks Carlingford Lough is my idea of Narnia.”
— C.S. Lewis
The Story Behind the Magic
How the Mourne Mountains Became Narnia
Clive Staples Lewis was born in Belfast in 1898, but it was his childhood holidays in the Mourne region that would shape his imagination forever. The young Lewis spent formative summers exploring Rostrevor and the surrounding hills with his family.
The ancient forests, the mist-shrouded mountains, the views across Carlingford Lough to the Cooley Mountains—all found their way into his beloved Chronicles of Narnia. This wasn't vague inspiration; Lewis explicitly named these landscapes as the source of his fantasy kingdom.
Kilbroney Forest Park, where the Narnia Trail now winds through enchanted woodland, offers the very vistas Lewis described. When you stand among these ancient trees, gazing towards the lough, you see exactly what Lewis saw—and what he transformed into one of literature's most enduring fantasy worlds.
“I have seen landscapes which under a particular light made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge.”
— C.S. Lewis
The Trail
What You'll Discover
A gentle 1.5km loop through Kilbroney Forest Park, featuring beautifully carved wooden sculptures and interactive storytelling stations.
Interactive Stations
Storytelling panels bring each scene to life with quotes from the books and fun facts about Lewis's life.
Enchanted Woodland
Ancient trees and dappled light create the magical atmosphere that inspired Lewis's descriptions of Narnia.
Carlingford Lough Views
The trail offers glimpses of the very vista Lewis named as his vision of Narnia.
Meet the Characters
Wooden Sculptures Along the Trail
Beautifully carved characters from The Chronicles of Narnia await discovery at each turn of the woodland path.
The Wardrobe
Step through the iconic wardrobe door that serves as the gateway between worlds. This carved wooden portal marks the beginning of your Narnian adventure.
Aslan the Great Lion
The noble king of Narnia himself, carved in majestic wood. Children love to pose beside the great lion who represents courage, sacrifice, and hope.
Mr Tumnus the Faun
Lucy's first friend in Narnia, carved in wood and standing guard beside a bench and the wardrobe gate. A favourite photo spot for families on the trail.
The White Witch
Keep your eyes peeled — Jadis herself has been known to wander the trail, stopping visitors in their tracks with her chilling presence.
Planning Your Visit
Trail Information
Duration
45 minutes - 1.5 hours
Distance
1.5km circular loop
Suitable For
All ages, pushchair-friendly
Cost
Free (parking charges apply)
Getting There
Kilbroney Forest Park is located in Rostrevor, County Down. The park entrance is well signposted from the village. There is ample parking at the main car park, from where the Narnia Trail begins.
- •From Belfast: 1 hour via A1 and A2
- •From Newcastle: 25 minutes via A2 coastal road
- •From Newry: 20 minutes via A2
Best Time to Visit
- Spring: Bluebells carpet the forest floor
- Summer: Full canopy, longest daylight
- Autumn: Golden light and falling leaves
- Winter: Most Narnia-like when frost or snow transforms the forest
Top Tips
- •Bring a copy of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to read aloud
- •Early morning offers the most magical light
- •Pack a picnic to enjoy in the forest
- •Combine with Cloughmore Stone for a full day out
The Rostrevor Inn
Continue your Narnian immersion at the Rostrevor Inn, where fantasy meets hospitality. The inn features striking Narnia murals on its exterior walls and offers two specially designed Narnian-themed guest rooms complete with Lewis memorabilia.
After exploring the trail, settle into a room themed around the Chronicles, surrounded by artwork depicting scenes from the books and the very landscapes that inspired them.
Beyond the Narnia Trail
Follow in Lewis's Footsteps
Extend your literary adventure beyond the sculpture trail. The wider Rostrevor area offers numerous viewpoints and walks that Lewis would have experienced during his childhood holidays here.
Cloughmore Stone
A giant granite boulder said to have been thrown here by the legendary Fionn Mac Cumhaill—exactly the kind of giant's legend that fuelled Lewis's imagination.
Carlingford Lough Viewpoint
The specific vista Lewis named as his Narnia. Best experienced at dawn or dusk when the light transforms the landscape.
Rostrevor Village
The charming Victorian village where Lewis spent those imaginative childhood summers.
“I yearn to see County Down in the snow; one almost expects to see a march of dwarfs dashing past.”
— C.S. Lewis
For the most Narnia-like experience, visit in winter when frost or snow transforms the forest into the realm of the White Witch— “always winter but never Christmas.”
Continue Your Adventure
Plan Your Visit
Ready-made trip plans to make the most of your visit.
Step Through the Wardrobe
Plan your journey to the landscapes that inspired one of literature's greatest fantasy worlds. The enchanted woods of Narnia await.
Plan Your Trip