Top 18 Natural Monuments around Clontygora
Best natural monuments around Clontygora include ancient sites and prominent natural features. The region is characterized by its historical significance, such as the Clontygora Court Tomb, and its diverse natural landscape. Visitors can explore ancient woodlands and various summits that offer expansive views. These locations provide opportunities to connect with both the natural environment and the area's rich past.
Best natural monuments around Clontygora
- The most popular natural monuments is Cloughmore Stone, an erratic stone that was moved by…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Slieve Gullion Summit
Highlight • Volcano
Translated by Google •
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Cloughmore Stone
Highlight • Natural
Legend …
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Slieve Foye Summit
Highlight • Summit
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North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough
Highlight • Summit
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Long Woman's Grave Memorial
Highlight • Monument
Fantastic views on the way to the top.
Can be approached from either North or South.
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The Long Woman's Grave car park is right at the top of a gentle climb, giving you the perfect opportunity to take in the rolling landscape. Whether you're coming from the north or the south, the roads take you through varied terrain that reveals new panoramas with every bend. It's worth taking a moment to read the story of the "Long Woman" at the memorial - somehow this mystical atmosphere fits perfectly into the surroundings. On the way up, you hardly encounter any traffic, which allows you to fully concentrate on nature and your own line in the bends. The fresh breeze and the smell of damp grass add a little extra to the climb. But the roads are not always in the best condition - some sections do require attention, especially after a rain shower. Once you reach the summit, there is a small rest area, ideal for taking a quick breather and regaining strength for the next stage. A perfect spot to take a short break before continuing with renewed vigor.
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The hike to the Cloghmór Stone feels like a journey through time. Over 10,000 years ago, the ice brought this massive granite block from Scotland here, and now, weighing an estimated 50 tons, it towers majestically over the landscape. But it's not just the geology that's fascinating - according to legend, it was the giant Finn McCool who threw this enormous stone over Carlingford Lough. To be honest, the legend is a much more exciting explanation, isn't it? Once you've reached the top, you'll not only be greeted by the imposing boulder, but also by a fantastic view of Carlingford Lough and the surrounding hills. It's the perfect place to pause for a moment, take in the vastness and enjoy the peace that this place exudes.
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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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Here it is worth climbing the mountain
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Wikipedia (Slieve Foy (Irish: Sliabh Feá), 2023-12-02): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slieve_Foy Wikipedia (Lists of mountains in Ireland, 2023-12-02): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_mountains_in_Ireland MountainViews.ie (Slieve Foye, 2023-12-02): https://mountainviews.ie/summit/298/ TheIrishRoadtrip (“A Guide To The Slieve Foye Loop: Trail, Parking + Handy Info”, 2023-12-02): https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/slieve-foye-loop/
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A beautiful round stone, there is a legend about it but unfortunately we could not find out
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If you’re in the area, a hike up to the big stone is a must.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural monuments around Clontygora?
Among the most popular natural monuments in the area is the Cloughmore Stone, a massive erratic boulder offering stunning views over Carlingford Lough. Visitors also highly appreciate Slieve Foye Summit, the highest point of the Cooley Mountains, and Slieve Gullion Summit, an extinct volcano featuring a passage tomb.
What historical natural monuments can I explore in the Clontygora area?
The region is rich in historical natural monuments. The ancient Slieve Gullion Summit hosts a significant passage tomb, considered the highest in the British Isles. Additionally, the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion also contains Bronze Age stone boxes. The Clontygora Court Tomb, locally known as "The King's Ring," is an impressive Neolithic burial structure dating back to 3500 BC, built from massive natural stones. You can find more details about the Clontygora Court Tomb on communities-ni.gov.uk.
Are there natural monuments with significant views around Clontygora?
Yes, several natural monuments offer expansive views. The Cloughmore Stone provides great views over Carlingford Lough. From Slieve Foye Summit, you can overlook Carlingford Lough and the village of Carlingford. The Slieve Gullion Summit offers fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Clontygora Court Tomb also boasts stunning views over the plains of Meigh towards Slieve Gullion and the Mourne Mountains.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in Clontygora's natural monuments?
You'll encounter a variety of natural features, from ancient woodlands to geological formations and elevated summits. Slieve Gullion is an extinct volcano, and its summit features the serene Calliagh Beara's Lough. The Cloughmore Stone is a massive granite erratic, moved by ice over 10,000 years ago. Clontygora Wood, part of Fathom Forest, is an ancient woodland with diverse flora and fauna.
Are there opportunities for hiking near Clontygora's natural monuments?
Absolutely. The Clontygora area is excellent for hiking. You can find various trails, including moderate routes like the Ravensdale Forest loop or the Clermont & Clontygora loop from Flagstaff. For an easier option, consider the Fathom Wood loop. You can explore more hiking routes in the area on the Hiking around Clontygora guide.
What about mountain biking or gravel biking in the Clontygora area?
The region offers several options for mountain and gravel biking. For gravel biking, routes like 'The Old Oak Tree – Fairy Glen loop from Rostrevor' provide a challenging experience. Mountain bikers can tackle routes such as 'Newry, Carnavaddy and Annaloughan Mountain loop.' Discover more routes on the Gravel biking around Clontygora and MTB Trails around Clontygora guides.
Is Clontygora Wood worth visiting, and what can I do there?
Yes, Clontygora Wood, part of the larger Fathom Forest, is an ancient woodland well worth a visit. It features a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees and is home to diverse wildlife like woodpeckers, red squirrels, and badgers. You can enjoy walking and cycling on its various trails, have a picnic, or engage in bird watching due to the variety of species present.
What makes the Cloughmore Stone a notable natural monument?
The Cloughmore Stone is a remarkable 50-ton granite erratic boulder. It originated in Scotland and was moved to its current location by ice over 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. Legend also attributes its placement to the giant Finn McCool, adding to its mystique. It offers excellent views over Carlingford Lough.
Can I visit ancient burial sites among the natural monuments?
Yes, the area is home to significant ancient burial sites. The Slieve Gullion Summit features a passage tomb, which is the highest in the British Isles and can be entered. The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion also contained Bronze Age stone boxes. Additionally, the Clontygora Court Tomb is a well-preserved Neolithic burial chamber, offering a tangible connection to Ireland's ancient past.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Clontygora?
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning views, particularly from spots like the Cloughmore Stone and the summits of Slieve Gullion and Slieve Foye. The historical and archaeological importance of sites like the Clontygora Court Tomb and the passage tomb on Slieve Gullion also captivates many. The peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature in places like Clontygora Wood are also highly valued.
Are there any natural monuments suitable for a challenging climb?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Slieve Foye Summit offers a steep but rewarding climb directly from Carlingford. The ascent to Slieve Gullion Summit is also considered challenging, especially the descent from the north cairn, which can be steep and less defined in places.
Where can I find more information about the Clontygora Court Tomb?
The Clontygora Court Tomb, also known as "The King's Ring" or Clontygora Cairn, is a significant ancient megalithic structure. You can find detailed information about its history, design, and archaeological importance on visitmournegullionstrangford.com and communities-ni.gov.uk.
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