The 6 Most Amazing Peaks around Greenan
Best mountain peaks around Greenan are found in Inishowen, County Donegal, Ireland, centered around Greenan Mountain. This mountain stands at approximately 244 to 250 meters above sea level. Its summit features the ancient ring fort, Grianán of Aileach, a site of historical significance dating back to around 1700 BC. The area offers panoramic views encompassing Lough Foyle, Lough Swilly, and the surrounding Inishowen Peninsula.
Best mountain peaks around Greenan
- The most popular mountain peaks is Slieve Gullion Summit, a…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Slieve Gullion Summit
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North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough
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Clermont Carn Summit and Transmission Site
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Slievemartin Summit & View of Carlingford Lough
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From here you can see Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and across to Carlingford and O'Meath in the …
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Slievemeen Summit
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A great walk for kids as it's relatively close …
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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.
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At the highest point of the Black Mountain you are greeted by spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the Irish Sea.
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At the heart of the Ring of Gullion AONB, you'll find this beautiful mountain, which represents the highest point in the county with an elevation of 573 meters (1,880 ft). Right next to it there is a burial cairn.
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Slieve Gullion, whose name sounds as poetic in English as "Sliabh gCuillinn" in Irish, rises majestically in the "Ó Fiaich Country" in the south of County Armagh in Northern Ireland. At 573 meters high, it not only hides a geological wonder in the form of an extinct volcano, but also the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles. This passage tomb is particularly mysterious because its entrance is aligned exactly towards the point where the sun sets on the winter solstice. The best place to start your hike is from the Slieve Gullion viewing platform, where there is not only plenty of parking, but also space to stay overnight in a motorhome. From there a clearly marked path, demarcated by a staircase of large rocks, leads to the South Cairn. The transition between the South Cairn and the North Cairn is soft and wet, making the path a true nature experience. However, it should be noted that the descent from the North Cairn back to the viewing platform is rather steep and not always clear. From the summit, hikers are treated to a breathtaking panorama. The view sweeps over the landscape all around and you quickly understand why this area has been classified as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". The "Slieve Gullion Forest Park" landscape protection area extends over large heath areas on the sunlit mountain slopes. For those who want to experience the full spectrum of this stunning area, there is the 57km long waymarked Ring of Gullion Way. A 13 km long section of this circular hiking trail, the “Slieve Gullion Walk”, leads from the car park at Meigh directly to the summit and back again.
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Not the biggest in the mournes at only 472m but well worth the climb as the views from Slievemeen are incredible! A great walk for kids as it's relatively close to the car park and has a nice summit to take a picnic on.
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One of the best viewpoints over Rostrevor village and Carlingford Lough
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Slievemartin stands at 485m and is situated in the Kilbroney Forest Park, in the southern Mournes mountain range of Northern Ireland. It's a truly magical place and a popular spot for hikers, so magical that it was the inspirarion for C.S. Lewis’s wonderful world of Narnia! From the top of the peak, you can enjoy vast views over the stunning Rostrevor Forest and glacial fjord of Carlingford Lough.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore on Greenan Mountain?
Greenan Mountain is home to the ancient ring fort, Grianán of Aileach. This historically significant site dates back to around 1700 BC and is steeped in Irish folklore, believed to be a royal seat for centuries. From its summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views encompassing Lough Foyle, Lough Swilly, and the surrounding Inishowen Peninsula. The fort features impressive dry-stone walls and internal passages. It is a National Monument with free public access. For more details on its history and significance, you can visit Heritage Ireland's page on Grianán of Aileach.
Are there family-friendly mountain peaks to hike around Greenan?
Yes, Slievemeen Summit is considered a suitable climb for families. While not the highest at 472 meters, it offers incredible views and is relatively close to parking, making it a great spot for a picnic with children.
What kind of views can I expect from the mountain peaks in the Greenan area?
The mountain peaks around Greenan offer diverse and expansive views. From Grianán of Aileach on Greenan Mountain, you can see Lough Foyle, Lough Swilly, and the Inishowen Peninsula. Slieve Gullion Summit, an extinct volcano, provides fantastic all-around views. From Clermont Carn Summit, you can enjoy spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape, Carlingford Lough, Dundalk, and the Irish Sea. Even from Slievemeen Summit, the views are described as incredible.
What are some challenging mountain climbs near Greenan?
For a challenging experience, consider the Black Mountain North Side. This climb features a very steep initial section before leveling off, with a final push to the summit. It offers excellent viewpoints and runs along the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Slieve Gullion Summit is also categorized as challenging, offering a rewarding ascent to its 573-meter peak.
Are there any unique natural features or landmarks on the peaks around Greenan?
Yes, several peaks offer unique natural and historical landmarks. Slieve Gullion Summit features the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles. Nearby, the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion is an ancient burial mound next to the mystical 'Calliagh Beara's Lough'. Clermont Carn Summit is home to a Neolithic burial cairn alongside its transmission site.
What is the best time to visit Grianán of Aileach on Greenan Mountain?
Grianán of Aileach is accessible year-round. However, to fully appreciate the panoramic views of Lough Foyle, Lough Swilly, and the Inishowen Peninsula, a clear day is recommended. Visiting during spring or autumn can offer pleasant weather for exploration and fewer crowds.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks around Greenan?
The Greenan area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, and mountain biking. For hiking, explore trails like the 'Clermont & Clontygora loop from Flagstaff' or the 'Fathom Wood loop'. Running enthusiasts can try the 'Carlingford Lough Greenway and Ring of Gullion Loop'. Mountain bikers have options such as the 'Rostrevor trails park loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Greenan, Running Trails around Greenan, and MTB Trails around Greenan guides.
Is Grianán of Aileach accessible for visitors with mobility considerations?
Yes, Grianán of Aileach is a National Monument with free public access, and there is ample parking available. The walk from the parking area to the fort is often described as wheelchair-friendly, making it accessible for many visitors to experience its history and views.
Are dogs allowed at Grianán of Aileach?
While the region research mentions free public access to Grianán of Aileach, specific rules regarding dogs within the fort itself are not detailed. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash and be mindful of other visitors and the historical nature of the site. For definitive information, it's best to check with local signage or the official Heritage Ireland website before your visit.
What is the historical significance of Slieve Gullion?
Slieve Gullion is an extinct volcano with significant historical importance. Its summit hosts the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles, a Bronze Age burial site. The passage grave is oriented towards the winter solstice sunset, highlighting its ancient ceremonial use. The mountain is also part of the 'Ó Fiaich Country' and is surrounded by the protected landscape area 'Slieve Gullion Forest Park'.
Where can I find parking for hikes near Greenan peaks?
For hikes around Slieve Gullion Summit, there is ample parking available at the Slieve Gullion Viewing Platform. Slievemeen Summit is also noted for its proximity to a car park, making it convenient for visitors. For Grianán of Aileach, ample parking is provided near the site.
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