Ring of Gullion National Landscape – Volcanic Hills, Forest Trails and Walking Around Slieve Gullion

Volcanic Ring Hills, Woodland Slopes, and Rural Valleys Along the Armagh–Louth Border

The Ring of Gullion National Landscape — Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — lies in south County Armagh near the border with County Louth. Shaped by self-guided travel, walking, routes, landscapes, and places, the area centres on Slieve Gullion and a ring of surrounding hills, linking Newry, Forkhill, Meigh, Mullaghbawn, and Jonesborough across farmland, woodland, lakes, and open upland ground formed by ancient volcanic geology.

Walking here is shaped by compact hills and enclosed valleys rather than long coastal or exposed moorland terrain. Underfoot conditions vary between forest tracks, grassy hill paths, minor lanes, and farm trails, with occasional rough or uneven sections on higher slopes. Gradients are moderate, with steady climbs onto rounded summits followed by easier walking along ridgelines and through wooded ground.

Established routes provide structure to movement across the landscape. Waymarked trails around Slieve Gullion Forest Park form circular walks of varying lengths, while the Ring of Gullion Way creates a longer-distance loop linking villages and hills around the outer edge of the landscape. Smaller rights of way connect farms, lanes, and rural crossroads, allowing flexible combinations of valley and hill routes.

Walking in the Ring of Gullion is defined by enclosure and viewpoint. Forested slopes and hedged farmland create sheltered sections close to villages, while higher ground opens wide views across south Armagh, Carlingford Lough, and the Cooley Mountains. The contrast between wooded hillsides and open summits gives the area a varied but contained character.

Hill-based walking forms the core of the experience. Around Slieve Gullion, paths climb steadily through forest before reaching open ground and summit viewpoints. Inland, routes link Camlough Lake and Cashel Lough with gentle shoreline walking. Further out, minor roads and field paths connect Mullaghbawn, Forkhill, and Jonesborough through quiet pastoral countryside.

Seasonal change strongly influences the atmosphere. Spring brings fresh woodland growth and clear views, summer offers longer daylight on hill routes, autumn colours the forested slopes, and winter can introduce mist and softer light across the valleys.

Beyond walking, the landscape supports other quiet outdoor activity. Cycling follows minor rural roads, paddling and fishing take place on local lakes, and wildlife is common across woodland and pasture. The compact scale encourages shorter day walks and linked circular routes rather than extended crossings.

Accommodation and services are available in Newry and surrounding villages, with bus and rail connections providing access from Belfast and Dublin. This makes the area practical for both short visits and staged, car-free walking days.

For walkers seeking varied hill terrain, forest paths, and a connected network of routes around a distinctive geological landscape, the Ring of Gullion National Landscape offers a calm and accessible setting shaped by hills, woodland, and settlement.

Where to Walk and Explore

Ring of Gullion Way

‍‍A long-distance circular route linking villages and hills around the outer edge of the landscape.

Slieve Gullion Summit Trails

‍‍Forest and hillside paths climbing to viewpoints with wide views across Armagh and Carlingford Lough.

Camlough Lake Shore

‍‍Gentle waterside walking along tracks and quiet roads around the edge of the lake.

Cashel Lough & Mullaghbawn

‍‍Field paths and rural lanes through enclosed countryside beneath the surrounding hills.

Forkhill & Jonesborough Valleys

‍‍Low-level routes through farmland and woodland linking small settlements and minor roads.

Landscape Highlights

• Circular walking on the Ring of Gullion Way
• Hill climbs and summit viewpoints on Slieve Gullion
• Forest park tracks and woodland trails
• Lakeside walking at Camlough and Cashel Lough
• Rolling farmland and quiet rural lanes
• Sheltered valleys and enclosed countryside
• Rail and bus access via Newry