Overview
Sliabh Beagh (Irish: Sliabh Beatha or Sliabh Beagh) is a low‑lying mountain plateau of blanket bog, peat‑clad hills and sparkling upland lakes that sits on the historic border between County Monaghan (ROI) and Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone (NI). The highest summit, about 384 m, lies just inside County Fermanagh; a subsidiary point on the Fermanagh‑Tyrone border marks the highest ground in Monaghan. The three‑county meeting point is locally known as the Three County Hollow.
Designated both a Special Area of Conservation and a Ramsar wetland (188 ha, designated 1999), the area supports sphagnum mosses, ericoid dwarf‑shrubs and rare birds such as hen harrier, golden plover and red grouse. Its network of lakes and streams feeds the Finn River.
History & Mythology
- Name – Sliabh Beatha likely means “mountain of birch”, but folklore links the hill to the mythic figure Bith, son of Noah, said to be buried in a cairn at the summit.
- Cairn of Doocarn – marks the true summit and is traditionally associated with Bith’s burial.
- Leacht a ’tSagairt – a mass‑rock topped by a large Celtic cross, commemorating the 1754 shooting of a priest (traditionally Fr McKenna) by a priest‑hunter.
- Bragan Penal Cross – a stone cross erected to remember the same martyrdom and the subsequent revenge raid by the 17th‑century outlaw Shane Barnagh (also recorded as Shane Bernagh).
- St Patrick’s Chair & Well – a boulder‑hewn seat and holy well on a ridge above Altadaven Wood. The site predates Christianity and may have been a Druidic ritual spot before later being linked to a 7th‑century Patrician tradition.
- People’s Millennium Forests – early‑2000s planting of native saplings in the Favour Royal Forest revived a fragment of the once‑vast native woodlands, now a mixed stand of deciduous trees, mature pine and a thriving red‑squirrel population.
What to See & Do
Walking & Hiking
- Sliabh Beagh Way – a 46 km (≈ 28 mi) linear long‑distance trail that starts at St Patrick’s Chair & Well in County Tyrone, crosses Lough More, climbs Bragan Mountain and finishes in Donagh, County Fermanagh. It is very strenuous, with sustained climbs, peat‑bog sections and uneven forest tracks.
- Looped Walks – 36 way‑marked loops ranging from 4 km (easy) to 15 km (hard). Highlights include:
- 4 km Easy – St Patrick’s Well and a gentle forest stroll.
- 6.5 km Rock Walk – small cairns and panoramic ridge views.
- 10 km Tra Walk – mixed forest and bog with lake vistas.
- 15 km Hard – extended ridge walking, passing Mullaghfad Forest and several upland loughs.
Key Sites Along the Trails
| Feature | Why it matters | Access |
|---|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Chair & Well | Ancient boulder seat and holy well steeped in legend. | Car park at the southern end of Altadaven Wood; short marked path. |
| Bragan Penal Cross | Memorial to the 1754 priest‑hunter shooting and the rebel Shane Barnagh. | Signposted from the R186; short detour from the main route. |
| Muckle Rocks & Shane Barnagh’s Lough | Outcrop linked to the outlaw; local tales of hidden treasure. | Reachable via the moorland track after Bragan; footbridge over the Coolbrooke River. |
| Mullaghfad Forest & Lakes (Lough Cushkeery, Jenkin Lough, etc.) | Native woodland habitat for red squirrels; tranquil lakes for bird‑watching. | Trailheads at the forest car park; well‑marked forest tracks. |
| Tully Forest | Stronghold for the native red squirrel; occasional sightings of the elusive rodent. | Accessible from the Sliabh Beagh Way near the midpoint. |
| Mullaghfad Church | Remote 19th‑century stone church surrounded by ancient yew trees. | Small parking area off the long‑distance route; short walk to the graveyard. |
Wildlife & Photography
The bog and lake mosaic attracts birdwatchers: look for hen harrier soaring over the heath, golden plover nesting in the open, and red grouse flashing through the heather. Early morning mist over the loughs creates dramatic photographic opportunities.
Practical Information
- Getting there – The R186 (Monaghan) and the A34 (NI) provide the main road access. Designated car parks exist at Altadaven Wood (southern entrance), Mullaghfad Forest and near the Bragan Penal Cross.
- Navigation – All routes are way‑marked with the orange‑green Sliabh Beagh logo. A detailed OS map (Series 44) is recommended; GPS tracks for the long‑distance way are available from the trips.ie website.
- Facilities – Picnic tables and basic toilets at Altadaven Wood and Mullaghfad Forest. No commercial cafés on the trail; carry water and snacks.
- Seasonality – The bog can become water‑logged in winter; the best walking conditions are late spring to early autumn. The area is open year‑round, but the long‑distance trail is advised only for experienced walkers in good weather.
- Safety – Mobile coverage is patchy on the moor; a map, compass and sturdy waterproof boots are essential. Weather can change rapidly; check forecasts before setting out.
- Conservation – As a protected SAC and Ramsar site, walkers should stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife and take litter home.
Explore Sliabh Beagh’s blend of myth, history and wild beauty – a border‑spanning highland trail that offers Ireland’s most evocative peat‑land walking experience.