Overview
The Gap of the North, traditionally known as Moyry Pass, is a narrow mountain corridor that slices through the Slieve Gullion ridge. For centuries it has served as the most direct land route between Ulster and Leinster, linking the towns of Newry and Dundalk. The pass is defined by sheer limestone walls that rise sharply on either side of the A1, framing sweeping views over rolling drumlin countryside and the distant peaks of the Mourne Mountains.
Perched on a solid rock outcrop overlooking the road sits Moyry Castle, a three-storey stone tower that once controlled this key route. Today, the site is managed as a State Care Historic Monument and offers free, unrestricted access to visitors. It sits within the Ring of Gullion UNESCO Global Geopark, where the underlying geology – a 500-million-year-old ring dyke – creates some of Ireland’s most striking limestone landscapes.
History & The Castle
Long before it became a scenic stop, the Gap was a strategic chokepoint. Control of the pass meant control of the main north-south route into the Pale around Dublin. This military significance came to a head in 1600 during the Nine Years’ War, when Irish forces under Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, used the narrow defiles and steep slopes to ambush English troops in the Battle of Moyry Pass.
Following the engagement, the English Crown ordered a permanent fortification. In June 1601, Lord Mountjoy (Charles Blount), Lord Deputy of Ireland, ordered the construction of Moyry Castle to secure the corridor. The almost square tower measures roughly 7 metres on each side and features distinctive rounded corners designed to deflect cannon fire. Musketry loopholes run along every wall except the north side, which was built with external fireplaces to keep the garrison warm.
The castle saw repeated changes of control. Confederate Irish forces captured it in 1641, and during the Williamite War, the Duke of Schomberg marched his troops through the pass in 1690 en route to the Battle of the Boyne. A skirmish later that month saw local Irish commanders ambush a Williamite detachment near the stone bridge at Jonesborough.
Local folklore adds a supernatural layer to the site’s military past. The most enduring tale tells of the “Cat of Moyry Castle,” a massive black feline said to have terrorised the garrison until a warder shot it. Some versions claim the cat was actually a wizard in disguise, a story that reflects the deep intertwining of historical conflict and Gaelic myth in the region.
What to See & Do
- The ruins – The roofless tower is freely accessible year-round. Walk through the surviving walls to see the original gun-loops, rounded corners, and fragments of the surrounding bawn (curtain wall). The open summit provides a vantage point to trace the original military sightlines across former bogland and towards Slieve Gullion.
- Photography & Landscape – The dramatic limestone cliffs and open skies make this a favoured spot for landscape photographers. Early morning and late afternoon light casts long shadows across the drumlins, while winter snow dusting the higher ground creates stark, moody compositions.
- Geology & Heritage – The pass sits on a unique geological formation. The exposed limestone and surrounding ring dyke can be traced across the wider Ring of Gullion area, which features ancient cairns, stone circles, and interpretive signage explaining the area’s natural history.
- Museum Context – For a deeper dive into the pass’s military and cultural history, the Newry & Mourne Museum at Bagenal’s Castle hosts a permanent exhibition on the Gap of the North. Displays cover the 16th and 17th-century conflicts, the geology of the Slieve Gullion ring dyke, and the corridor’s role in shaping local identity. Audio guides and a hearing-loop system are available on-site.
Walking & Cycling
The Gap of the North Heritage Trail forms a roughly 3 km loop that begins at the castle lay-by, follows the historic road through the pass, and returns via a quieter ridge path. The route is suitable for walkers and cyclists of moderate ability, with clear signage and gradual gradients.
The trail is a recognised section of the wider Ring of Gullion long-distance walking circuit. Cyclists can use the A1 shoulder for the main approach, though the dual carriageway carries steady traffic, so extra caution is advised. For a more relaxed ride, the trail connects to quieter side roads and woodland paths, including the nearby Ballymoyer Woodland circuit, which offers shaded routes and a historic church ruin.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 54.0703 °N, -6.3853 °W |
| Location | County Armagh, on the A1 between Newry (NI) and Dundalk (ROI) |
| Access | Free entry; open 24 hours, 365 days a year |
| Parking | Small lay-by directly at the castle site; additional pull-over area on the A1 |
| Facilities | None on-site. Nearest toilets, café and shops are in Jonesborough (≈2 km south) |
| Management | Department for Communities, Northern Ireland (Heritage Division) |
| Visitor Tips | Wear sturdy footwear for uneven, rocky ground. Bring a windproof layer as the exposed summit catches cross-border winds. Check museum opening times if planning a combined visit to Bagenal’s Castle. |
Nearby Attractions
- Ring of Gullion – A UNESCO Global Geopark surrounding Slieve Gullion, featuring ancient cairns, stone circles, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Ballymoyer Estate – Woodlands, a historic church and walking trails just a few kilometres north of the Gap.
- Newry & Mourne Museum – Located in Bagenal’s Castle, offering deeper insight into the area’s history and the Gap’s military past.
- Mourne Mountains – A dramatic range of granite peaks to the south, offering world-class hiking and scenic drives.
If you only have twenty minutes, climb to the open top of the tower. The musketry loopholes line up with the old road through the pass, and from there you can read the whole shape of the 1600 ambush off the landscape – more than most roadside ruins give you.