Overview
Perched on the Slievenaboley Road in the Dromara Hills, Windy Gap is a celebrated viewpoint that commands sweeping panoramas of County Down’s rolling farmland and distant Mourne peaks. The site is part of the Mourne and Slieve Croob Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a compact landscape of hills, moorland and farms that feels worlds away from the nearby towns of Dromara and Leitrim. The name “Slievenaboley” – the hill of the booley – recalls the ancient practice of moving cattle to high‑country summer pastures, a tradition still evident in the open‑field character of the area.
History & Background
While the gap itself is a natural saddle, the surrounding area is rich in archaeological intrigue. A short walk north of the car park leads to Finnis Souterrain, a scheduled historic monument dating from the 9th century AD. The underground passage consists of a main tunnel with two side chambers, illuminated by solar lighting, and requires visitors to bend low to enter. Historically, souterrains were used for food storage and refuge during raids. Further along the route, the Legananny Dolmen – a portal tomb erected around 4000 BC – stands as a striking reminder of Ireland’s Neolithic past. Its upright stones frame a burial chamber that looks directly toward the Mourne Mountains, linking the prehistoric landscape with the modern vista from Windy Gap.
What to See & Do
- Windy Gap Pad – The core of the experience is the Windy Gap Pad, a rough farm track just under a mile long that joins the Slievenaboley and Legananny roads. The path is uneven, with grass, exposed rock and occasional agricultural traffic, so walkers should be prepared to give way to farm vehicles and livestock.
- Toopagh Rock – As you approach the midway gate, the path skirts Toopagh Rock, a prominent outcrop that offers a natural bench for photo‑ops.
- Finnis Souterrain – A short detour from the car park leads down a steep lane to the souterrain’s lay‑by. The confined space is prone to flooding after heavy rain, but it is normally open year‑round.
- Legananny Dolmen – Continuing past the Pad, the right‑hand lane takes you to the dolmen’s field. The stone monument is free to explore and provides a tangible link to Ireland’s earliest farmers.
- Extended Loop – For those craving a longer trek, the route can be lengthened by following the Legananny Road to Dolmen Road, then looping via Legananny Hall Road, the steep ascent back to Slievenaboley, or by joining the “Adders Loanin’ and The Moat Pad” for a total of roughly 9.25 miles.
Practical Information
The Windy Gap Car Park sits on the summit of Slievenaboley Road, about 5.4 miles southwest of Dromara and 2.6 miles north of Leitrim village. Signage from the B7 (Rathfriland‑Dromara) points to the car park on the right; visitors arriving from Leitrim should follow signs for Finnis Souterrain. The car park is free and provides a short, steep driveway to the viewpoint.
Facilities – Adjacent to the car park is the Turnip House, a tea‑shop and craft outlet (64 Dromara Road, Ballyward, Co. Down, BT31 9UF). It offers refreshments and a place to warm up after the climb. Contact: 028 4065 0848, info@turniphouse.com.
Dog policy – Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead at all times, reflecting the mixed‑use nature of the farm track.
Access – The Pad is a public right‑of‑way and is open year‑round. The souterrain can be subject to standing water after heavy rain, so check local conditions if you plan a visit during wet periods.
Distance & Difficulty – The core Pad is approximately 3.8 miles (6 km) round‑trip and is classified as strenuous. Expect steep climbs, uneven surfaces, exposed roots and occasional slippery sections when wet. The extended loop brings the total distance to around 9.25 miles (15 km) and adds further elevation gain.
Navigation – The route is marked with footpath signs and a few timber kissing gates. A basic OS map (sheet 20) shows the grid reference J274431 for the car park. For GPS‑enabled walkers, the ActiveME app provides a downloadable track for the Kerry‑Way Windy Gap, but the Dromara Hills version is best followed using the local signage and map.
Nearby amenities – The village of Leitrim offers a selection of pubs and shops for post‑walk refreshments. Public transport to Dromara is regular, and a short taxi ride from the town centre will drop you at the Slievenaboley turn‑off.
Safety – The track is occasionally used for agricultural purposes; be prepared to yield to tractors or livestock. The steep sections can be demanding, so walkers with limited experience should consider the shorter Pad rather than the full loop.
Seasonal notes – The viewpoint is most striking after a light rain when the surrounding fields are lush and the sky is clear. The souterrain’s solar lighting works best on sunny days, but the passage remains accessible even in low light.
Further reading – Detailed route descriptions, downloadable GPX files and user reviews are available on the WalkNI website: Windy Gap Pad.
Getting There & Parking
- By car – From the B7 (Rathfriland‑Dromara) turn right onto the Slievenaboley signpost; the car park is clearly marked. The drive is on narrow rural roads, so allow extra time for on‑coming traffic.
- Public transport – Regular Ulsterbus services run between Belfast and Dromara. From Dromara bus stop, a local taxi (approximately 5 minutes) will drop you at the Slievenaboley turn‑off. There is no dedicated bus stop at the car park.
- Parking – The free car park holds around 15 vehicles. During peak weekends it can fill quickly, so early arrival is advisable.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballyalton Court Cairn – A short 5‑km drive north‑west brings you to the Ballyalton court cairn, another prehistoric monument that offers insight into the Neolithic landscape of County Down. See the guide to Ballyalton.
- Legananny Dolmen – Already mentioned, this portal tomb is within walking distance of the Pad.
- Leitrim Village – Offers pubs, a post office and a small shop for refreshments after your walk.
Best Time to Visit
The view is clear year‑round, but the most dramatic colours appear in late spring and early autumn when the farmland is lush and the Mourne peaks are often dusted with low cloud. Early mornings in summer provide cooler temperatures and softer light for photography, while winter walks can be brisk and the souterrain may be wetter.
Accessibility
The Pad is a rugged farm track and is not suitable for wheelchairs or push‑chairs. Sturdy walking shoes are essential, and walkers should be prepared for steep, uneven sections.