View over the Ring of Gullion in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, showing green fields, stone walls, and a rainbow over rolling hills — a peaceful walking landscape.

County Armagh – Drumlin Hills, Orchards, and Lough Shores

Rolling drumlins, low uplands, and sheltered inland waters in central Northern Ireland.

County Armagh is an inland county of drumlin hills, farmland, and low wooded uplands in central Northern Ireland. Walking routes cross the Ring of Gullion national landscape and follow sections of the Ulster Way, linking places such as Armagh, Markethill, Crossmaglen, Forkhill, and the southern shores of Lough Neagh across hill tracks, minor roads, and woodland paths between rounded hills and broad lowland ground.

Much of the terrain is firm and gently rolling uderfoot. Field-edge paths, forest tracks, minor lanes, and lakeside routes allow steady progress, with short climbs over drumlin ridges and low hills rather than sustained ascent. Surfaces are generally grass, gravel, or compact soil.

The landscape shifts between areas. Central Armagh consists of closely spaced drumlin farmland and orchards, while the south rises into more rugged hills around the Ring of Gullion with rocky slopes and woodland. Toward the north and west, ground becomes flatter along the shores of Lough Neagh and river corridors.

Towns and villages are frequent and evenly spaced, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes, with few remote sections compared with upland counties.

Trails and Routes Through County Armagh

Ulster Way (Armagh sections)

Regional long-distance route using minor roads, forest tracks, and hillside paths through the Ring of Gullion and surrounding countryside.

Ring of Gullion Paths

Waymarked hill and woodland routes around Slieve Gullion and adjacent upland ground with moderate gradients.

Lough Neagh Shore Routes

Low-level lakeside walking on flat ground along the southern edge of the lough.

Orchard and Farmland Lanes

Network of quiet rural lanes and tracks linking villages and rolling agricultural terrain.

Walking Character

Drumlin hills and rolling farmland
Wooded upland slopes
Forest tracks and minor roads
Lakeside and river routes
Short, frequent climbs
Regular settlements
Predominantly inland terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is County Armagh located?

County Armagh lies in central and southern Northern Ireland between Lough Neagh and the border with County Louth.

What defines walking here?

Rolling hills, farmland lanes, and wooded uplands dominate, with quieter inland and lakeside routes rather than coastal terrain.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. Sections of the Ulster Way cross the county, particularly through the Ring of Gullion area.

Is the terrain steep?

Most routes are gently rolling. The Ring of Gullion includes moderate hill climbs but no sustained mountain terrain.

When is the best time to visit?

Routes are accessible year-round. Spring and autumn offer firmer ground and clearer visibility across open farmland.