Attractions and Places To See around Ballyagholy - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ballyagholy are concentrated around the scenic Cooley Peninsula, offering a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites. This region, bordering Carlingford Lough, provides diverse terrain for outdoor activities, from mountain summits to forest parks. Visitors can explore ancient monuments, enjoy panoramic views, and engage with the area's rich heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Ballyagholy
- The most popular attractions is Cloughmore Stone, an other natural monument that is a huge…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Cloughmore Stone
Highlight • Natural
Legend …
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Slieve Foye Summit
Highlight • Summit
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Kilbroney Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
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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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Clermont Carn Summit and Transmission Site
Highlight • Summit
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Tips from the Community
The well-signposted mountain bike trails take you through dense forests and offer breathtaking views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. The descent from the Cloughmore Stone, a huge boulder that was transported here during the last ice age, is a particular highlight. However, some sections are technical and require a certain level of riding technique. The trails can become slippery in wet weather, so caution is advised. Another plus point is the proximity to the charming village of Rostrevor, where you can relax in one of the cafes after the tour.
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There’s heaps to do when you visit Kilbroney park so bring a picnic, kids, dogs, bikes, walking boots and enjoy the day. Start at the Visitor Centre and learn about the forest and extraordinary Cloughmore Stone. There are tennis courts, play area, sports fields, an arboretum, walking and bike trails in the forest. Fiddler’s Green was once used for local entertainment and festivals.
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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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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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There's riverside walks, including the Fairy Glen and Narnia Trail, and an arboretum. The two mile forest path showcases panoramic views over the beautiful Carlingford Lough. There is also a Play Park with children's play area and tennis courts, an Information area and a cafe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Ballyagholy?
The region around Ballyagholy, particularly the Cooley Peninsula, is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the impressive Cloughmore Stone, a massive erratic boulder offering great views over Carlingford Lough. For panoramic vistas, ascend Slieve Foye Summit, the highest point of the Cooley Mountains. Kilbroney Park also provides extensive forest trails and views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.
Are there historical sites to visit near Ballyagholy?
Yes, the area offers several historical points of interest. The Cloughmore Stone itself has a legend associated with Finn McCool. You can also visit the Long Woman's Grave Memorial, a historical grave with a captivating story. Additionally, the Clermont Carn Summit and Transmission Site includes a Neolithic burial cairn alongside its modern structures.
What kind of views can I expect from attractions around Ballyagholy?
Many attractions offer spectacular views. From the Cloughmore Stone and Slieve Foye Summit, you'll get expansive views over Carlingford Lough. Kilbroney Park also boasts panoramic views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. The Long Woman's Grave Memorial provides fantastic views of the rolling landscape, and Clermont Carn Summit offers vistas of the surrounding landscape and the Irish Sea.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Ballyagholy?
Absolutely! Kilbroney Park is a highly recommended family-friendly forest park. It features well-signposted mountain bike trails, riverside walks including the Fairy Glen and Narnia Trail, an arboretum, a children's play area, and tennis courts. There's also a cafe on-site.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Ballyagholy is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking on routes like 'The Old Oak Tree – Fairy Glen loop' or 'The Fairy Glen – Kilbroney Park loop'. For hiking, there are easy trails such as the 'Cloughmore Trail' or the 'Cloughmore Stone loop'. Running enthusiasts can explore routes like 'Kilbroney Park – Fairy Glen loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the gravel biking guide, easy hikes guide, and running trails guide.
Are there easy walking routes near Ballyagholy attractions?
Yes, there are several easy walking routes available. For example, the 'Cloughmore Trail' is an easy 3.5 km hike. Other easy options include the 'Cloughmore Stone – View of Carlingford Lough loop' and the 'Cloughmore Stone loop from Rostrevor'. These routes allow you to enjoy the scenery without strenuous effort. More details can be found in the easy hikes guide.
Where can I find parking for attractions around Ballyagholy?
Parking is available at several key attractions. For instance, the Long Woman's Grave Memorial has a car park right at the top of a gentle climb. Kilbroney Park, being a family-friendly facility, also offers parking for visitors accessing its trails and amenities.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ballyagholy?
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning views, especially over Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains, from spots like the Cloughmore Stone and Slieve Foye Summit. The well-maintained trails and family-friendly facilities at Kilbroney Park are also very popular, particularly the mountain bike trails and riverside walks. The rich literary history associated with Kilbroney Park, thought to inspire C.S. Lewis's Narnia, is also a point of interest.
Are there challenging hikes or climbs available?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the ascent to Slieve Foye Summit is a notable climb. Starting directly from Carlingford, it's the shortest but steepest route to the top of the Cooley Mountains. While offering rewarding views, some sections can be rough, requiring a good level of fitness.
How long should I plan to spend at these attractions?
The time you spend can vary. For a quick visit to the Cloughmore Stone or Long Woman's Grave Memorial, an hour or two might suffice to enjoy the views and read the historical context. For Kilbroney Park, with its extensive trails, play areas, and cafe, you could easily spend half a day or even a full day, especially with family. A hike to Slieve Foye Summit could take 3-5 hours depending on your pace and chosen route.
What is the significance of the Cloughmore Stone?
The Cloughmore Stone is a huge erratic stone, estimated to weigh 50 tons, that was transported from Scotland by ice over 10,000 years ago during the ice age. Legend has it that the giant Finn McCool threw it across Carlingford Lough. It's a natural monument offering great views over Carlingford.
Can I find cafes or places to eat near the attractions?
Yes, there are options for refreshments. Kilbroney Park has a cafe on-site, perfect for a break after exploring the park. Additionally, the charming village of Rostrevor, located near Kilbroney Park, offers various cafes where you can relax after your activities.
Most popular attractions around Ballyagholy
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