The best walks and hikes around Tamnaghbane

In the middle of the forest, you suddenly find yourself standing in front of a bizarre stone creature - the "witch". She looks as if she has just risen from the mossy ground, with a mischievous smile and deep, expressive wrinkles on her face. This artfully designed stone is one of those unexpected encounters that transform the forest into a small adventure land. When you explore this magical place surrounded by old trees and whispering leaves, it almost seems as if the witch is greeting you with a wink. Here you can linger for a moment, enjoy the silence and let your imagination run wild - who knows what stories this forest still has to tell?

Camlough Lake is a peaceful place where time seems to pass more slowly. As you stroll along the path, the sparkling water stretches out before you, framed by rolling hills and the shade of the surrounding forests. A few curious goats watch you from a meadow, their gaze almost as interested as yours as you enjoy the view. There is not only nature to experience here, but also small amenities - a car park and a picnic area invite you to take a break. The view of the lake, which once served as a reservoir, is a wonderful way to relax. The lake is also a popular destination for anglers who wait patiently for their catch here. A walk around Camlough Lake is a welcome break that simply does you good.

Gordon's Lane, just a stone's throw south of Camlough, invites you to a quiet journey of discovery. The narrow lane winds gently through the hills and takes you right into the green of the fields. Old stone walls and thorny hedges line the path on either side, while behind every bend you catch a new view of the valley. From up here, Camlough seems almost like a silent model, spreading out in the distance while nature maintains its own rhythm. The path leads you past pastures and you notice how the noise of everyday life quietly fades away. Especially after a rain shower, the asphalt sparkles and the fresh scent of grass is in the air - a little adventure off the beaten track.

On the way through the Giant's Lair you will be immersed in Irish legends. As soon as you pass under the artistically carved archway, a magical world opens up in which the story of Finn McCool comes to life. The path leads you and the whole family through four chapters that bring the world of legend to life with lovingly designed stations. For the little ones it is an exciting treasure hunt - at every bend there are new clues waiting for them, which they eagerly discover. While they run ahead to find the next adventure, there is enough time for you to enjoy the lush nature. The dense trees, the mosses and the ancient carvings make you forget everyday life. You are in the middle of a story that unfolds further with every step.

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.

Cycle with caution, one way system in place for this small section

A tough climb but great views from the top!

This small forest at the foot of Slieve Gullion seems to be straight out of a fairy tale. Running through it will leave you enchanted, and you'll come across curious sculptures like this giant witch's face.