The best running trails around Camly (Macullagh)

The Ballykeel Dolmen, also known as the "Witch's Chair", stands alone on the edge of a green river terrace and invites you to take a look back into the past. With its three supporting stones and the imposing capstone, over three metres long, the dolmen looks like a stone sculpture left behind by a long-forgotten culture. The simple but distinctive tripod shape is a testament to the archaic construction that attracted people to this place over 4000 years ago. Excavations around the dolmen have uncovered the remains of a stone mound and Neolithic pottery that tell of the rites and customs of this early community. When you stand among the stones, you feel the mystique of the place - a place that inspires the imagination then and now. Nearby you will find other megalithic structures such as the Portal Tomb of Aughadanove, which together reflect the rich archaeological heritage of the region.

Camlough Lake is a peaceful place where time seems to pass more slowly. As you stroll along the path, the sparkling water stretches out before you, framed by rolling hills and the shade of the surrounding forests. A few curious goats watch you from a meadow, their gaze almost as interested as yours as you enjoy the view. There is not only nature to experience here, but also small amenities - a car park and a picnic area invite you to take a break. The view of the lake, which once served as a reservoir, is a wonderful way to relax. The lake is also a popular destination for anglers who wait patiently for their catch here. A walk around Camlough Lake is a welcome break that simply does you good.

Gordon's Lane, just a stone's throw south of Camlough, invites you to a quiet journey of discovery. The narrow lane winds gently through the hills and takes you right into the green of the fields. Old stone walls and thorny hedges line the path on either side, while behind every bend you catch a new view of the valley. From up here, Camlough seems almost like a silent model, spreading out in the distance while nature maintains its own rhythm. The path leads you past pastures and you notice how the noise of everyday life quietly fades away. Especially after a rain shower, the asphalt sparkles and the fresh scent of grass is in the air - a little adventure off the beaten track.

As soon as you cross the gentle ridge of Slieve Gullion, the North Cairn stretches out before you - a slightly smaller hill than its southern neighbour, but no less impressive. The stones that gather here seem like silent sentinels, witnesses of the distant Bronze Age. Two ancient stone boxes were once found here during excavations, which lay hidden in the depths of history. The North Cairn, with its diameter of around 18 metres, invites you to pause for a moment and enjoy the peace. But it is not just the Cairn that is fascinating. Right next to it lies "Calliagh Beara's Lough", a quiet mountain lake that, according to legend, is the home of the witch Beara. On a clear day, the sky is reflected in the calm waters and you can almost feel the ancient magic of this place coming to life. The road here may be rocky, but the landscape rewards with sweeping views and a touch of mysticism that makes Slieve Gullion something special.

A tough climb but great views from the top!

To be able to see the Ballykeel dolmen, you'll need to take a small detour from Mill Road onto Ballykeel Road. Here, you can view the Ballykeel dolmen and cairn, which is dated between 4000 and 2500 BC

This section of Lough Road crosses the Cloverhill Golf Course, which you can catch glimpses of at certain points above the side bushes, with Slieve Gullion in the background.

Running along this road next to Camlough Lake is a sensory delight. Additionally, at the southernmost section of the stretch, there's a picnic area with views of the lake where you can rest or even stop for a snack.