ring of gullion

Slieve Gullion mountain is a favourite haunt of mine...a mountain road affords those unable to climb/walk any distance to experience its natural beauty with views all around the local area and far beyond . I am amazed by how much the Mountain has been updated ...there is now a fully stepped pathway leading to the peak and an ancient Cairn & lake.. with handrail from the highest point reachable via car/bus & this is a huge + as direction in the past was problematic esp in misty /poor weather. On route we ate blue berries which are easily picked , drank fresh mountain water from many streams , viewed goats , squirrels & deer and a huge variety of birds , insects , frogs etc. Again the pathway makes for a much easier descent than in past times...After all this we descended the road, parked up in the lovely Courtyard and enjoyed a Sunday tea in Grounded Coffee shop...after which we wandered in the very rich & pretty garden and had a try on some off the adult exercise equipment....this is part of a family park which caters for all ages and abilities and adjoins Slieve Gullions gardens...there is lots of parking space ,open playing space and seating which is great for picnicing.All in all a fantastic place and all but food is free of charge...well worth trying.

First time in Slieve Gullion today. We were not aware that it was quite a distance to the '2nd' car park, we wish there had been clearer map/instructions at the first car park to explain this. Therefore we walked to second car park then onto Slieve Gullion summit which was a nice walk, we would have went further but the weather was too foggy. Lovely forest walks, huge play park for kids and appeared very family orientated and also suited lots of other people hiking/running and cycling. The restaurant/court yard looked lovely and clean although we did not eat there. The only downside were the toilets, both men and womens were dirty and bins over flowing. We will definitely visit again on a brighter day and start our hike from the 2nd car park!

We took the Ring of Gullion Historic Coach tour, run by the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership and leant so much about an area we were unaware of before. The mountains and countryside are beautiful, so very green and therefore different from the nearby Mournes. There are hidden lakes and pieces of history we would not have easily found without a guide, like the Neolithic Annaghmare cairn and the Ballykeel dolmen. Then there is beautiful thatched Derrymore House (National Trust) and the model village of Bessbrook which predates places like Bournville and was built to house the Flaxmill workers. In Creggan graveyard we paid homage to the famous Irish language poets and at Moyry castle we saw where c18th history was made. There was much much more. We plan to go back with visitors, probably breaking it down into about 3 tours to see everything in more detail, and are really grateful to the partnership for introducing us to South Armagh and the beautiful volcanic ring dyke around Slieve Gullion.

We visited here on a bright day because we'd heard about the amazing scenery. The variety of ancient historical sites such as dolmens, cairns, chambered graves, ancient churches, etc in the area was incredible. However some of these sites need better signposting if the Newry and Mourne Council are serious about making the area more visitor friendly.We stopped in the forest park courtyard area for a coffee in the Grounded coffee shop. Very good coffee and scones. The 8 mile drive round the forest road is well worth doing. The road is quite narrow and steep in places but the views over the surrounding countryside are well worth the effort if the weather is good.

We visited here as we were staying in the area. We can’t really comment on the restaurant as we had packed a picnic but it was busy and had a nice atmosphere about it. We didn’t stop at the park but again it was busy and looked new. We did the drive round Slieve Gullion and it was beautiful. It provided some stunning views and a perfect stop for a picnic. If the weather had been a bit better we would have hiked to the summit but it was windy and very changeable so we decided against it. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area and it was free always a bonus ;)

A hidden gem and not so well known all around here. Well worth a drive and walk around. Forest park great.

Everything in South Armagh was great. We especially enjoyed villages like Crossmaglen and Camlough and the archaeological sights strewn through the area.

On the forest drive there is a parking area at the summit. Leave your car and find the path opposite that winds its way to the top of the mountain. There's you'll find a Neolithic passage tomb, restored with a concrete roof to make it safe to enter. At the opposite end of the summit, past a magical lake, there is a smaller burial cairn. Read more and take a virtual tour here: http://www.voicesfromthedawn.com/slieve-gullion/

Slieve Gullion Forest Park is a must visit for all families visiting South Armagh. There is a wonderful playground for children of all ages and there is even a section for adults! The up keep of the playground was being seen to by a very attentive staff. There is also a very scenic forest drive around the hill with lots of wonderful views. Will visit again when the children are older to further investigate!

The entrance to the Slieve Gullion park gives little away on this fantastic facility. There is ample car parking and a great focus on facilities for disabled users.A new huge adventure playground is suitable for kids if all ages with slides,swings,zip wire,climbing frames,willow dome and maze. While the kids played we had a go on the adult fitness equipment for a laugh. At lunchtime we retired to the courtyard for lunch. We were a large group of 6 adults and 4 kids but there was plenty of room for all. Dining is inside or outside in the pretty courtyard. The menu is imaginative and modern Mediterranean. Kids meals could do with a little more content. Service is fast. I hope they can cope with the summer crowds! Lots of room for picnics.The courtyard had a gift shop. Unfortunately it was closed when we were there but it has a range of Cath Kitson like products. Hopefully some craft shops will emerge in the next phase. Afterwards we drove up the mountain and parked up to go on a little hike. Beautiful views of area and incredibly peaceful. Don't miss out. This park is not advertised and was recommend by a local family.

Wonderful part of the country, beautiful views, excellent walking opportunities, and full of history...I could spend days here!

HIThis is work a visit as you start from a courtyard where kids can be entertained in the ark or you relax with cup of coffee or tea and a snack in grounded coffee bar. The drive up is gorgeous and plenty of places to stop and take photos and very safe. The views will have you snapping away and the air is fresh . bring a small picnic and sit and absorb the mystical atmosphere ,you wont regret it even when it is overcast .

This area is of outstanding beauty. Breathtaking views over the counties Louth, Down and Armagh. To get the most out of your visit, visit this mountain on a clear day.

My hubby and I parked car and walked to the top of Slieve Gulllion, outstanding views, would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good walk.

This is a fantastic walk, drive and viewpoint. The walk is round the grounds of a courtyard and 1.5Km walk thru a forest. You drive up the mountain and you can stop at a couple of viewpoints.