Overview
The Ring of Gullion covers 150 km² of south County Armagh and forms the heart of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. Dominated by Slieve Gullion, the area’s 573-metre peak sits inside a perfectly circular ring of hills created by ancient volcanic activity. The landscape shifts quickly from open mountain plateaux and glacial ribbon lakes to mixed forest valleys and traditional patchwork farmland. It is a working landscape where archaeology, mythology, and outdoor recreation overlap.
Geology & Ancient History
The land here was shaped by two distinct volcanic events. Roughly 390 million years ago, magma pushed through sedimentary rock, cooling to form the distinctive ring dyke that gives the area its name. A second eruption around 66 million years ago added layers of igneous rock. Subsequent ice ages carved out the deep valleys and drumlins visible today, including the distinctive ridge tail that extends toward Dromintee.
Human history in the Ring of Gullion spans over 6,000 years. The highest surviving passage tomb in Ireland sits on the slopes of Slieve Gullion, offering a direct link to Neolithic burial practices. Iron Age fortifications, such as the Dorsey earthwork, once controlled access to Eamhain Mách, the ancient capital of Ulster. Early Christian history is preserved in the 5th-century Kilnasaggart Pillar Stone and the twin stone churches at Killevy. Local folklore remains woven into the terrain: the Gap of the North is remembered as a defensive stronghold for Cú Chulainn, while the waters of Calliagh Bhearas Lough are tied to tales of the Cailleach and sacred healing rituals, as explored at Cailleach a Bhearas House.
Walking & Cycling Routes
The area caters to every fitness level, from casual family strolls to multi-day ridge traverses.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park
The Forest Park serves as the main visitor hub. The eight-mile scenic drive allows visitors to take in the views without extensive walking, while waymarked trails branch off through mature woodland. Families can use the adventure play-park and follow the Fionn’s Giant story trail, which introduces children to local mythology through interactive stops. The Courtyard Centre at the park entrance offers a café, picnic tables, a wildlife pond, and free parking.
The Ring of Gullion Way
For experienced walkers, the 61 km (37.9 mi) Ring of Gullion Way follows the volcanic ring dyke in a continuous loop. Classified as very strenuous, the route combines tarmac, forestry tracks, and exposed mountain paths. Most walkers split it into four or five days, staying in local B&Bs or camping in designated areas.
- Start/Finish: Quays Shopping Centre overflow car park, Newry
- Terrain: Mixed tarmac, off-road tracks, forest paths, and steep mountain sections
- Highest Point: Slieve Gullion summit (573 m)
- Navigation: OS Map Sheet 29 is essential, as signage can be sparse on the outer sections
- Best Conditions: Late spring through early autumn, when the ground is firm and daylight hours are long
The route passes several notable landmarks, including the Neolithic Clontygora Court Grave and the 17th-century Moyry Castle, which historically guarded the strategic pass to the north.
Electric Bike Tours
Guided e-bike experiences depart from the Forest Park visitor centre. The electric assist makes the steep ring dyke ridges accessible to intermediate cyclists, allowing riders to cover more ground while still tackling the challenging elevation changes. Tours typically run seasonally, so booking in advance is recommended during peak summer months.
Key Sites & Landmarks
- Slieve Gullion Summit: The 9.5-mile mountain walk begins at the Courtyard car park, climbing to the trig point before descending past Killevy Old Churches. The South Cairn passage tomb is located on the eastern slopes but may be temporarily closed for conservation work.
- Camlough Lake: A large glacial ribbon lake popular with anglers. The water is fed by underground streams and features a historic engineering tunnel from the 1960s.
- Killevy Churches: Two well-preserved early medieval stone churches and a round tower base stand in a quiet valley setting.
- Dorsey Earthwork: A massive Iron Age defensive rampart stretching over a mile, visible from the surrounding fields.
- Moyry Castle: A fortified tower house overlooking the historic Gap of the North, accessible via a short walk from the main road.
Wildlife & Nature
The mosaic of habitats supports a diverse range of species. Blanket bog and heathland on the upper slopes transition into oak and ash woodlands in the lower valleys. Birdwatchers frequently spot red-kites, peregrine falcons, and occasional golden eagles circling the thermals above the ring dyke. The upland lakes and streams host specialist aquatic insects, including the Irish water beetle and several rare spider species adapted to the cool, clear waters.
Practical Information
- Getting There: Newry is the main transport hub, located on the A1/N1 corridor between Belfast and Dublin. Regular bus and rail services connect the area to major cities. From Newry, follow the A25 toward Armagh; the Forest Park and Ring of Gullion Way start point are clearly signposted.
- Parking: Free parking is available at the Courtyard Centre (Forest Park), the Marble Bridge lay-by, and the Newry start-point car park. Village parking in Jonesborough and Forkhill is limited and fills quickly on weekends.
- Navigation & Safety: The Ring of Gullion Way is a demanding route with sustained climbs and uneven terrain. Sturdy waterproof footwear, a physical map (OS Sheet 29), and a fully charged phone or GPS are essential. Weather changes rapidly on exposed ridges; check forecasts before heading out and carry extra layers and high-energy food.
- Facilities: The Courtyard Centre provides toilets, refreshments, and visitor information. Additional amenities are available in nearby villages, including pubs, cafés, and self-catering accommodation.
- Permits: Walking and cycling are free and require no permits. Anglers fishing in Camlough Lake or its feeder streams must obtain a valid local fishing licence.
Plan your visit around the late spring or early summer months for the most reliable weather and longer daylight hours. Arrive at trailheads early to secure parking, and allow plenty of time to stop at the archaeological sites scattered along the route. The Ring of Gullion rewards careful preparation with open ridges, ancient stone, and a landscape that has shaped Irish history for millennia.