Attractions and Places To See around Drumaltnamuck - Top 15

The Drumaltnamuck area is rich in natural beauty, centered around the extinct volcano of Slieve Gullion Summit. You can discover unique geological formations, including the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles located on the summit. Other natural highlights include North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, a summit with a nearby lake, and the tranquil Calliagh Beara Lough, which is the highest lough in Northern Ireland.

Yes, Drumaltnamuck is home to significant historical sites. The Slieve Gullion Summit features an ancient Passage Tomb. You can also explore the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion, a Bronze Age burial cairn. Another notable historical attraction is the Killevy Churches Ruins, which includes the remains of two churches, with the western one dating back to the 10th or 11th century and the eastern from the later Middle Ages.

The area around Drumaltnamuck offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes like "The Poets' Trail - Creggan Route" and the "Slieve Gullion Summit loop from Ring of Gullion AONB". For road cycling, consider routes such as the "Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours – Newry Ship Canal Fountain loop". Running enthusiasts can enjoy trails like "The Poets Trails: Ballykeel running loop". You can find more details on these activities and routes in the dedicated guides for Hiking around Drumaltnamuck, Road Cycling Routes around Drumaltnamuck, and Running Trails around Drumaltnamuck.

Yes, the Drumaltnamuck area offers attractions suitable for families. The Witch Sculpture, located within a forest, is a unique and enchanting artistic feature that can be a fun discovery for children and adults alike, transforming the forest into a small adventure land.

For breathtaking views, head to the Slieve Gullion Summit. As an extinct volcano, it offers fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion also provides sweeping vistas from its ridge, especially with the adjacent Calliagh Beara's Lough.

The terrain around Drumaltnamuck varies, offering a mix of challenges. For instance, the ascent to Slieve Gullion Summit from the Viewing Platform is well-defined by a stairway of large rocks. However, paths between the north and south cairns can be softer and wetter underfoot. Some descents, particularly from the north cairn, can be quite steep and less defined, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Visitors to Drumaltnamuck particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The extensive views from Slieve Gullion Summit and the ancient burial cairns are highly rated. The unique artistic installations like The Witch Sculpture also provide unexpected and enchanting experiences within the forest.

Beyond the main attractions, the area holds some unique discoveries. The Witch Sculpture in the forest at the foot of Slieve Gullion is considered an enchanting and artistic surprise. The ancient Killevy Churches Ruins, with their deep history dating back to an early Christian community founded by St. Moninna, offer a profound sense of the past.

The Slieve Gullion area is central to Drumaltnamuck's attractions, encompassing an extinct volcano and a landscape rich in history and natural beauty. It features the Slieve Gullion Summit, which is home to the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles. The area is also part of the "Ó Fiaich Country" and includes the protected landscape of "Slieve Gullion Forest Park," known for its extensive heathland and the 57 km long "Ring of Gullion Way" circular hiking trail.

Yes, the region has connections to local folklore. For example, Calliagh Beara's Lough, located near the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion, is said to be the home of the witch Beara. This adds a touch of mysticism to the natural landscape, inviting visitors to imagine the ancient magic of the place.

On Slieve Gullion Summit, you'll find the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles, a significant prehistoric burial site. Additionally, the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion is another Bronze Age burial cairn, measuring about 18 meters in diameter, where two stone boxes were discovered during excavations.