The 4 Most Amazing Peaks around Slieve Gullion
Best mountain peaks around Slieve Gullion are found within the Ring of Gullion, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. Slieve Gullion, at 573 meters, is the highest point in the county and an eroded remnant of a Paleocene volcanic complex. The area is notable for its unique geological formations, including a ring dyke, and features significant archaeological sites such as ancient burial cairns and passage graves. These peaks offer panoramic views across the surrounding landscape and are rich in Irish mythology.
Best mountain peaks around Slieve Gullion
- The most popular mountain peaks is Slieve Gullion Summit, a volcano that hosts the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles at 573 meters. The view from this extinct volcano is extensive.
- Another must-see spot is North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, a summit featuring a Bronze Age burial site and a mountain lake. Visitors can expect sweeping views and a sense of the area's ancient mysticism.
- Visitors also love Clermont Carn Summit and Transmission Site, a summit with a Neolithic burial cairn. It offers views of the surrounding landscape and the Irish Sea.
- Slieve Gullion is known for its volcanic peaks, historical summits, and scenic viewpoints. The area offers a variety of mountain peaks to see and explore, from the prominent Slieve Gullion to other hills within the unique Ring of Gullion.
- The mountain peaks around Slieve Gullion are appreciated by the komoot community, with 2 highlights featuring 24 photos and receiving 47 upvotes.
Last updated: October 5, 2026
Slieve Gullion Summit
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North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough
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Clermont Carn Summit and Transmission Site
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Black Mountain North Side
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This climb is very steep for the first 0.7km and then levels off, with a kick at the end. Ascend to approximately 560m and enjoy the views.
Be prepared for a change in weather. Be careful on the descent, which can be tricky in places.
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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.
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At the highest point of the Black Mountain you are greeted by spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the Irish Sea.
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At the heart of the Ring of Gullion AONB, you'll find this beautiful mountain, which represents the highest point in the county with an elevation of 573 meters (1,880 ft). Right next to it there is a burial cairn.
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Slieve Gullion, whose name sounds as poetic in English as "Sliabh gCuillinn" in Irish, rises majestically in the "Ó Fiaich Country" in the south of County Armagh in Northern Ireland. At 573 meters high, it not only hides a geological wonder in the form of an extinct volcano, but also the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles. This passage tomb is particularly mysterious because its entrance is aligned exactly towards the point where the sun sets on the winter solstice. The best place to start your hike is from the Slieve Gullion viewing platform, where there is not only plenty of parking, but also space to stay overnight in a motorhome. From there a clearly marked path, demarcated by a staircase of large rocks, leads to the South Cairn. The transition between the South Cairn and the North Cairn is soft and wet, making the path a true nature experience. However, it should be noted that the descent from the North Cairn back to the viewing platform is rather steep and not always clear. From the summit, hikers are treated to a breathtaking panorama. The view sweeps over the landscape all around and you quickly understand why this area has been classified as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". The "Slieve Gullion Forest Park" landscape protection area extends over large heath areas on the sunlit mountain slopes. For those who want to experience the full spectrum of this stunning area, there is the 57km long waymarked Ring of Gullion Way. A 13 km long section of this circular hiking trail, the “Slieve Gullion Walk”, leads from the car park at Meigh directly to the summit and back again.
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Wikipedia (Clermont Carn (Irish: Carnán Mhaighréid Náir), 2022-11-03): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clermont_Carn Wikipedia (Clermont Carn transmission site, 2022-11-03): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clermont_Carn_transmission_site Wikipedia (Cooley Mountains, 2022-11-03): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooley_Mountains MountainViews.ie (Clermont Carn, 2022-11-03): https://mountainviews.ie/summit/434/ - Viewpoint (Carlingford Lough, Dundalk, …) - Transmission site (2RN (RTÉ Networks), Saorview, …) - Neolithic burial cairn
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The climb up the north side of Black Mountain challenges you right from the start - the first half kilometre feels like a wall before it levels out a bit. But don't be fooled, there's a final kick just before the summit that will make your legs feel what they've done. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with impressive views of the surrounding countryside that will make you feel like you're standing on top of the world. The route itself runs right along the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which creates a special atmosphere. Keep warm in changing weather and be prepared for sudden showers - the wind can pick up quickly up here. The descent requires some caution, as some parts are steep and the tarmac isn't always perfect. But that's what makes it so appealing - an adventure worth it and an experience to remember.
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The highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles is located on the summit of Slieve Gullion at 573 meters. The passage grave can be entered through a niche that is oriented towards the point where the sun sets on the winter solstice. The view from the extinct volcano is fantastic all around.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most notable mountain peaks and features around Slieve Gullion?
The region is dominated by Slieve Gullion Summit, which is the highest point in County Armagh and features the highest surviving passage grave in Ireland. Other significant points include the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, known for its Bronze Age history and mythical lake. Further afield, you can explore Clermont Carn Summit and Transmission Site with its panoramic views, and the challenging Black Mountain North Side.
What kind of historical and archaeological sites can be found on these peaks?
Slieve Gullion is rich in history. At its summit, you'll find two ancient burial cairns, including a passage tomb that aligns with the winter solstice sunset. The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion also contained Bronze Age stone boxes. Clermont Carn Summit also hosts a Neolithic burial cairn, adding to the region's prehistoric significance.
Are there family-friendly activities or trails near Slieve Gullion's peaks?
Yes, the Slieve Gullion Forest Park, located on the eastern slope of Slieve Gullion, is very family-friendly. It features the "Giant's Lair Story Trail" (Fionn's Giant Adventure), which brings local folklore to life with enchanting sculptures and woodland paths. The park also has an Adventure Playpark with a "Slieve Gullion Zip" and various walking trails suitable for different ages.
What are the best viewpoints around the Slieve Gullion area?
From the Slieve Gullion Summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across South Armagh, Carlingford Lough, and the Cooley Peninsula, extending to County Antrim, Dublin Bay, and the Mourne Mountains on clear days. The 10km Scenic Forest Drive also offers remarkable vistas. Clermont Carn Summit provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the Irish Sea.
What outdoor activities can I do near these mountain peaks?
Beyond hiking the peaks themselves, the Slieve Gullion area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including options for touring bicycles like the "Giant's Lair – View of Slieve Gullion loop from Meigh" or more challenging MTB trails such as the "Newry, Carnavaddy and Annaloughan Mountain loop." There are also dedicated running trails, including the "Slieve Gullion running loop" and "The Giant's Lair & Killeavy Castle — Ring of Gullion." For more details on these routes, explore our guides on Cycling around Slieve Gullion, MTB Trails around Slieve Gullion, and Running Trails around Slieve Gullion.
What is the difficulty level for hiking the peaks in this region?
Hiking difficulty varies across the peaks. The ascent to Slieve Gullion Summit is generally considered intermediate to challenging, with a well-defined stairway for part of the route. The Black Mountain North Side is known for its tough and steep climb, especially at the start, making it a challenging route. Other areas, like the Slieve Gullion Forest Park, offer easier woodland loops suitable for beginners.
What are the geological highlights of the Slieve Gullion region?
Slieve Gullion is the eroded remnant of a Paleocene volcanic complex, and the surrounding Ring of Gullion is considered the finest example of a ring dyke in the British Isles. This unique geological formation has attracted geologists globally. The mountain also exhibits a "crag and tail" glacial feature, showcasing its ancient geological history.
Is there parking available for mountain walks near Slieve Gullion?
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Slieve Gullion Viewing Platform, which serves as a common starting point for hikes to the Slieve Gullion Summit. The Slieve Gullion Forest Park also provides visitor parking.
What is the best time of year to visit Slieve Gullion and its surrounding peaks?
The best time to visit is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and the days are longer. This allows for better visibility for panoramic views and more comfortable hiking conditions. The slopes are particularly striking in late summer and early autumn when covered with purple heather and yellow gorse.
What mythical stories are associated with Slieve Gullion?
Slieve Gullion is deeply embedded in Irish mythology. Legends tell of Fionn mac Cumhaill being bewitched by the witch Cailleach Bhéara after bathing in the mountain's enchanted lake, known as Calliagh Birra's Lough, causing him to age overnight. Features like "Calliagh Birra's House" (the passage grave) and "Calliagh Birra's Lough" near the North Cairn are named after her, adding to the mountain's mystical allure.
What kind of wildlife and natural beauty can I expect to see?
Much of Slieve Gullion is covered with forest and heather, with 612 hectares of dry heath designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The slopes are adorned with vibrant purple heather and yellow gorse, creating stunning displays of color. While specific wildlife sightings can vary, the diverse habitats support various bird species and small mammals typical of Irish uplands and forests.
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