First Ever Rostrevor Heritage Week Celebrating People, Places and Stories

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Heritage Officers have teamed up with community, cultural and historical groups in Rostrevor to launch the village’s first-ever Heritage Week — a celebration of its people, places and stories that make it unique.

The initiative builds on recent work exploring the significance of Rostrevor’s Conservation Area, where residents highlighted the need for more opportunities to connect with and enjoy their local heritage.

Running from 5 to 13 September, the programme offers something for everyone — from ancient graveyards and historic buildings to trees, maps, music and shared memories. Visitors can join guided walks, try urban sketching, uncover forgotten stories, learn about landmark buildings, or simply enjoy the sounds and tales that shape the village.

Activities begin at 10:30am on Saturday 5 September with an Architectural Walking Trail around the Conservation Area led by Tom Gilsenan. At 12pm, Rostrevor Community Book Corner joins the Maps and Memories project for a discussion of Maggie O’Farrell’s Land, followed by map-making, photography and oral-history workshops.

On Sunday 6 September, families can explore Kilbroney Park through a special History Detectives Trail, uncovering the hidden heritage of the landscape.

A busy week begins on Monday 7 September with an urban sketching session led by artist-architect Marcus Patton, while from Tuesday 8 to Thursday 10 September, Rostrevor Historical Society brings history to life with a lively series of evening talks on the village’s streets and shops, its famous personalities, and the hidden secrets of its built and natural heritage. On Wednesday 9 September, the Rostrevor Inn hosts an evening of music and fireside storytelling.

Guided walks include the spooky Cloch Mór Lore walk on Friday 11 September; St Bronagh’s Camino on Saturday 12 September and the Rostrevor Tree Trail on Sunday 13 September.

The week is rounded off with a celebration of current built and cultural heritage projects. On Saturday 12 September, architect Alina Holyst presents Heritage in Action: Revitalising Our Village, showcasing regeneration and restoration projects transforming Rostrevor.

This is followed by Past Lives, Present Voices: Rostrevor’s Stories, where Cultúrlann Caisleán Ruairí launches their PEACEPLUS-funded Oral History Project. On Sunday 13 September, a bilingual Irish-and-English talk explores the medieval place names of County Down.

All events are free, with something for all ages and interests. Come along, try something new, and see your locality through fresh eyes.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “This initiative celebrates the importance of local heritage. Groups in Rostrevor have joined together to organise a fascinating and extremely comprehensive programme of events exploring our local history.

“There is something for all ages and interests here from talks and walks to music, family fun and workshops. This is a great example of groups working together to celebrate the built, cultural and natural heritage of their area and communicate it to others. I am delighted that this event is happening in the lead up to and over European Heritage Open Days and commend groups in the village for their enthusiasm in promoting our local history.

Further details are available at www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com.

Full programme of events is available here.