Slieve Gullion

Overview

Rising 573 m (1,880 ft) above the surrounding countryside, Slieve Gullion is the highest point in County Armagh and the iconic centre of the Ring of Gullion, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The mountain is the eroded core of a Paleocene volcanic complex, surrounded by a classic ‘crag‑and‑tail’ glacial formation. Its slopes are cloaked in heather, gorse and bracken, while the eastern side hosts the award‑winning Slieve Gullion Forest Park, a hub of family attractions, walking routes and a café.

History & Mythology

Ancient cairns

At the summit lie two burial cairns flanking a small lake. The southern cairn is a Neolithic passage tomb dated to c.3500‑2900 BCE – the highest surviving passage grave in Ireland. Excavations in the 1960s revealed a 5 m‑wide, 2 m‑high cairn with a corbelled chamber, stone basins and human bone fragments. The northern cairn, likely Bronze Age (c.2000 BCE), contains two cist burials. Both monuments are protected historic monuments and have been stabilised by volunteer teams under archaeological supervision.

Legends

Slieve Gullion is steeped in Irish myth. The Cailleach Bhéara, a divine hag, is said to dwell in the mountain’s lake (Calliagh Bherra’s Lough). The tale of The Hunt of Slieve Gullion tells how Finn Mac Cumhaill was tricked into swimming in the enchanted lake, emerging as an old man with white hair – the origin of his name. The mountain also gives its name to the hero Cú Chulainn, who, according to legend, earned his moniker after slaying Culann’s ferocious hound on the slopes.

What to See & Do

Slieve Gullion Forest Park

The forest park occupies the eastern slope and offers a range of attractions:

• Adventure Playpark – slides, climbing frames, a zip‑line, a trim trail and a toddler area. The park has won the Green Apple Environment Award and the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards for Best Tourism Partner Initiative.
• Fionn’s Giant Adventure – a mile‑long children’s story trail that weaves fairy houses, dragons and giants into the woodland, free to explore.
• The Giant’s Lair – an ambitious outdoor arts project that turns the forest into a living storybook, perfect for families and the young‑at‑heart.
• Courtyard Café – a popular café (Synge & Byrne) serving coffee, teas and hearty meals, with a picnic area and wildlife pond.
• Red Squirrel Safari – the park is a stronghold for the rare red squirrel, often spotted near the play area.

Walking the Mountain

The classic 13.5 km (9.5 mi) loop, described on the Discover Northern Ireland site, starts and finishes at the Slieve Gullion Courtyard car park. It takes about 4½ hours and climbs 511 m. Highlights along the route include:

• Ring of Gullion Way markers – interpretive panels explaining the volcanic geology.
• South Cairn Passage Grave – currently closed for essential maintenance (as of July 2025), but the exterior remains an impressive sight.
• Calliagh Bherra’s Lough – the mythic lake where bathing is said to turn hair white.
• North Cairn (Bronze Age) – a smaller burial monument offering panoramic views.
• Panoramic summit – on a clear day you can see the Mourne Mountains, Carlingford Lough, the Cooley Peninsula and even Dublin Bay.

Scenic Drive

A 10 km one‑way drive winds up the mountain, providing spectacular vistas of the Ring of Gullion, the Mournes and the Armagh Drumlins. The drive is suitable for cars and bicycles and includes several pull‑outs with interpretive signage.

Electric‑Bike Experience

For a low‑effort alternative, the Bosch‑powered Cube electric bikes let you ascend the mountain with ease. Packages range from 3 hours (£29) to a full day (£69) and include stops at Killeavy Castle Estate, the Giant’s Lair, Camlough Lake and local cafés. The experience runs daily (see Practical Information).

Practical Information

Opening Hours

The forest park is open seven days a week year‑round, closing only on Christmas Day. Seasonal opening times are:

Admission & Parking

• Foot or bicycle access: free.
• Parking: on‑site car park (≈120 spaces, 8 disabled bays) charges a modest fee; exact rates are listed on the park’s parking page.
• Electric‑bike hire: separate fees (see above).

Getting There

The main entrance is at 89 Drumintee Road, Killeavy, BT35 8SW. The park is a 15‑minute drive from Newry and about an hour from Belfast. Public transport options include local bus services to Newry, with onward taxis or rideshares to the park.

Facilities

• Toilets (including accessible facilities) at the Courtyard centre.
• Baby‑changing facilities.
• Gift shop, Wi‑Fi and free Wi‑Fi in the visitor centre.
• Café and picnic area.
• Guided tours and self‑guided audio walks are available on request.

Safety Notes

The mountain attracts roughly 20,000 walkers a year. Cars parked in the lower car park have been targeted by thieves; police advise not leaving valuables in vehicles. Trail conditions can become boggy after rain, and some sections are steep and rocky – appropriate footwear and a basic map or compass are recommended.

Nearby Attractions

• Killeavy Castle Estate – a restored ruin now operating as a hotel and wellness centre.
• Old Churches of Killeavy – 5th‑century ecclesiastical sites.
• Cam Lough – a scenic lake popular with anglers.
• Ring of Gullion – the surrounding volcanic ring dyke, recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Whether you come for a family day out, a myth‑laden hike, or a geological adventure, Slieve Gullion offers a blend of natural beauty, ancient history and modern recreation that makes it one of Northern Ireland’s most compelling destinations.