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A Mountain Walk Exploring Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion AONB
Explore Slieve Gullion Mountain (573m) and the surrounding Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on a stunning circular walk combining mountain paths, forest trails, and quiet country roads. Slieve Gullion is the centrepiece of this volcanic landscape and a key feature of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, recognised for its internationally important geology.
Near the summit lies the legendary Calliagh Beara’s Lough and the Slieve Gullion South Cairn.
Throughout the walk, enjoy vibrant mosaics of purple heather, yellow dwarf gorse, orange bracken, and the lush green agricultural patchwork that surrounds the mountain.
The Landscape: The Ring of Gullion AONB
The Ring of Gullion AONB is a nationally important landscape created by a circular ring dyke volcano that erupted over 50 million years ago. It is the most famous ring dyke in the world and has played a pivotal role in geological study for over 160 years.
Lower slopes feature lowland loughs, fenland, bog, and wetland habitats, rich with bulrush, cotton grass, bilberry, and patches of deciduous woodland.
History, Heritage & Mythology
Humans have lived in the Ring of Gullion for more than 6,000 years, leaving behind an exceptional concentration of Megalithic tombs, early Christian monuments, and Iron Age remains.
Nearby stands the Dorsey, a massive earthwork guarding an ancient route to Eamhain Macha, the ancient capital of Ulster.
The area is also steeped in mythology. One famous tale tells how Fionn Mac Cumhaill was bewitched by Miluchra at Calliagh Bhearra’s Lough—legend warns that bathing in the lough will turn your hair white.
Start & Finish
- Grid Reference: J042196
- Location: Slieve Gullion Courtyard Centre, Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Route Description
1. Slieve Gullion Forest Trails
Begin at the Slieve Gullion Courtyard Centre car park. Follow the uphill path beside the children’s play area and continue through deciduous woodland for about 1 km to a log bench and Ring of Gullion Way marker.
Turn right onto the forest drive, passing mature beech trees for 800 m. Take the next right onto a short forest track leading to the upper forest drive. Turn left and follow the drive along the southern slopes of Slieve Gullion for 2 km, enjoying views of Croslieve, Slievebrack, and Mullaghbane Mountain. Interpretation panels here explain the area’s geology.
2. Ascent to the Summit
Around 50 m beyond the upper parking area, turn right onto a steep mountain path. Cross a stile and continue to a stone shelter, where views widen to include Slievenacapple and northern Ring of Gullion peaks.
From the shelter, the trail steepens over rocky and peaty terrain for 500 m until the summit of Slieve Gullion and the Neolithic South Cairn Passage Grave (currently closed).
Enjoy panoramic views across the Mourne Mountains, Carlingford Lough, the Cooley Peninsula, and the Armagh drumlins.
3. Calliagh Beara’s Lough & North Cairn
Continue northwest along the summit plateau for 800 m to reach Calliagh Bhearra’s Lough. Pass the lough and climb to the North Cairn, a Bronze Age burial chamber. Veer right and follow the path descending the north side of the mountain for about 2 km to Ballard Road.
4. Country Roads & Historic Sites
Turn right along this peaceful country lane. After 2 km at a fork, keep right and continue to Killevy Old Churches, a 5th-century convent where St Moninna is buried. St Bline’s Holy Well lies on the hillside above.
Continue past Clonlum South Cairn Portal Tomb and Killevy Castle for a further 2 km. At the crossroads, turn right and follow the drive back to the courtyard centre and car park.
Important Notes for Walkers
This walk is in an upland environment, where visibility can change rapidly and it may not be suitable to install permanent waymarkers.
Walkers should carry an OSNI map, compass, and be prepared for mountain conditions.
As this is a working forest, routes may occasionally be diverted or closed. Check the Forest Service website for the latest updates.
Key Information
Distance
- 9.5 miles
Terrain
- Minor roads, forest tracks, steep mountain paths
- Mixed terrain: flat, undulating, and steep sections
Points of Interest
- Slieve Gullion Cairns
- Chambered Grave
- Clonlum South Cairn
- Killevy Old Churches
- Killevy Castle
Facilities
- Car parking at Slieve Gullion Courtyard
- Shops in Meigh, Drumintee, Forkhill
- Food & refreshments at:
- Murphy’s (Meigh)
- The Forge Bar, Larkins, Welcome Inn (Forkhill)
- Slieve Gullion Forest Park
- The Three Steps (Drumintee)
- Toilets at Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Publications
- Ring of Gullion Waymarked Way Guide
Nearest Towns
- Forkhill
- Meigh
- Drumintee
OS Map
- Sheet 29 – Gateway to Ulster
Accessibility
- Accessible toilet facilities: Yes
- Terrain varies from flat to steep, with some challenging mountain paths
Book Tickets
Facilities
Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
