Ring of Gullion – A Volcanic Landscape of Legend and Adventure

Overview

The Ring of Gullion, a 150 km² geological marvel in south Armagh, was declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1991 and a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023. At its centre stands Slieve Gullion, the county’s highest peak (573 m), encircled by a concentric ring of hills – the world’s first mapped ring dyke. The landscape mixes volcanic rock, glacial valleys, ribbon lakes and patchwork farmland, affording sweeping vistas of the Mourne Mountains, the Cooley Peninsula and the Armagh Drumlins.

History & Geology

The story begins over 400 million years ago in the Silurian period when sedimentary layers settled on an ancient ocean floor. About 390 million years ago a massive volcano erupted, injecting granophyre and felsite that now form the ring dyke. A later Tertiary‑age eruption (≈ 66 million years ago) added further igneous layers, creating the composite porphyritic granophyre and felsite that dominate the hills today. Successive Ice Ages carved deep glacial valleys, drumlins and the distinctive ‘tail’ of Slieve Gullion seen at Dromintee.

Human occupation stretches back more than 6 000 years. The area is dotted with prehistoric monuments – the South Cairn on Slieve Gullion (the highest surviving passage tomb in Britain and Ireland), the King’s Ring at Clontygora, Ballymacdermot court tomb and the Iron Age Dorsey earthwork that guarded the route to ancient capital Eamhain Macha. Early Christian relics include the 5th‑century Kilnasaggart Stone and the twin Killevy churches where St Monnina is buried. Legends swirl around the landscape: Cú Chulainn defended Ulster at the Gap of the North, and a bath in Calliagh Bhearas Lough – linked to the sacred lake at Cailleach a Bhearas House – is said to turn a swimmer’s hair white.

What to See & Do

Slieve Gullion Forest Park

Managed by the Forest Service, the park offers an eight‑mile scenic drive, way‑marked forest trails, an adventure play‑park and the award‑winning Fionn’s Giant story trail. The Courtyard Centre provides a café, picnic area, wildlife pond and visitor information.

Mountain Walks

• Slieve Gullion Mountain Walk (9.5 mi) – Starts at the Courtyard car park, climbs to the summit, passes the South Cairn (currently closed for maintenance), Calliagh Bhearas Lough and the North Cairn, then descends past Killevy Old Churches and Castle.
• Slieve Gullion Loop Walk (13 km) – Follows the Gullion Way for a shorter circuit with similar highlights.

Ring of Gullion Way – 37.9 mi (61 km) Loop

A very strenuous, way‑marked loop that skirts the volcanic ring dyke. It combines tarmac, forest tracks and rugged mountain paths and is best tackled in 4‑6 days.

Trail Sections (highlights only)

• Section 1 – Newry to Flagstaff (8.1 km) – Leaves Newry, climbs Fathom Mountain and offers early views of the Mournes across Carlingford Lough.
• Section 2 – Flagstaff to Marble Bridge (10.4 km) – Passes the Neolithic Clontygora Court Grave, ascends Black Mountain (508 m) and descends into Ravensdale Forest.
• Section 3 – Marble Bridge to Forkhill (15.7 km) – Weaves through the villages of Jonesborough and Forkhill, crossing historic lanes and offering panoramic ridge walks.
• Section 4 – Forkhill back to Newry (3.7 km) – Completes the loop via the historic Moyry Pass, passing Moyry Castle (1601) before returning to Newry.

Lakes & Waterways

• Camlough Lake – The largest glacial ribbon lake in the Ring, famed for its 1960s tunnel and popular angling.
• Cashel Lakes & Carrigans Lough – Pristine upland waters supporting rare beetles and spiders.

Archaeological & Cultural Sites

• South Cairn (Neolithic passage tomb) – highest surviving cairn in Ireland.
• King’s Ring, Clontygora Court Grave, Ballymacdermot court tomb.
• Dorsey earthwork – mile‑long double rampart.
• Kilnasaggart Stone (c. AD 700) and twin Killevy churches.
• Moyry Castle – strategic fortification guarding the historic Moyry Pass.

Electric Bike Experience

Guided e‑bike tours are available from the Forest Park visitor centre, allowing cyclists to cover the ring dyke’s ridges with minimal effort while still enjoying the dramatic scenery.

Getting There & Parking

The Ring of Gullion is most easily accessed from Newry, which lies on the main A1/N1 corridor between Belfast and Dublin. Regular bus services link Newry with Armagh, Belfast and Dublin, and Newry railway station provides frequent connections to both cities. From Newry, follow the Newry‑Armagh road (A25) to the Quays Shopping Centre overflow car park – the official start‑point of the Ring of Gullion Way.

The Forest Park car park at the Courtyard Centre, the Marble Bridge lay‑by and the Newry start‑point all offer free, on‑street parking. Limited roadside parking is also available in the villages of Jonesborough and Forkhill; however, spaces can fill quickly in summer, so early arrival is advisable.

Wildlife & Nature

The varied habitats – from blanket bogs on the mountain slopes to mixed oak‑ash woodlands in the valleys – support a rich fauna. Birdwatchers can spot peregrine falcons, red‑kites and the occasional golden eagle. The upland lakes host rare aquatic insects, including the endangered Irish water beetle (Agabus uliginosus) and several specialist spider species.

Practical Information

• Access: The loop starts at the Quays Shopping Centre car park in Newry, reachable by rail (Newry station) and frequent bus services from Belfast and Dublin. The Forest Park car park and the Courtyard Centre are also well signposted from the Newry‑Armagh road.
• Navigation: Signage along the Ring of Gullion Way can be patchy; a detailed OS Sheet 29 map and a GPS device are strongly recommended.
• Season & Weather: Late spring to early autumn offers the driest footing. Summer can be warm on exposed ridges; winter brings snow and ice, making the very strenuous sections hazardous.
• Facilities: The Courtyard Centre provides refreshments, toilets and a wildlife pond. Parking is free at the Forest Park, the Marble Bridge car park and the Newry start‑point. Nearby villages (Jonesborough, Forkhill) offer B&Bs and pubs.
• Safety: The Ring of Gullion Way is classified as very strenuous – sustained climbs, steep descents and uneven terrain require a high level of fitness, sturdy boots and waterproof clothing. Check weather forecasts, carry a map, water, and let someone know your planned route.
• Permits: No special permits are required for walking or cycling, but anglers need a local fishing licence for Camlough Lake.
• OS Maps: Sheet 29 (plus The Gateway to Ulster) covers the entire area; the map is essential for navigating the less‑marked sections of the Ring of Gullion Way.

Whether seeking a gentle forest stroll, a challenging multi‑day ridge walk, or a glimpse into ancient myth and stone, the Ring of Gullion offers a volcanic landscape where adventure and legend intertwine.