Top 6 Natural Monuments around Carricknagavna
Best natural monuments around Carricknagavna are situated within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a region known for its geological significance and diverse natural habitats. The landscape features the eroded remnant of a Paleocene volcanic complex, including the prominent Slieve Gullion. This area offers a variety of natural features, from mountain summits and ancient burial cairns to lakes and unique rock formations. It provides opportunities to explore geological wonders and historical sites.
Best natural monuments around…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Slieve Gullion Summit
Highlight • Volcano
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North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough
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The Witch Sculpture
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Calliagh Beara Lough
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Ballykeel Dolmen
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The Ballykeel Dolmen, also known as the "Witch's Chair", stands alone on the edge of a green river terrace and invites you to take a look back into the past. With its three supporting stones and the imposing capstone, over three metres long, the dolmen looks like a stone sculpture left behind by a long-forgotten culture. The simple but distinctive tripod shape is a testament to the archaic construction that attracted people to this place over 4000 years ago. Excavations around the dolmen have uncovered the remains of a stone mound and Neolithic pottery that tell of the rites and customs of this early community. When you stand among the stones, you feel the mystique of the place - a place that inspires the imagination then and now. Nearby you will find other megalithic structures such as the Portal Tomb of Aughadanove, which together reflect the rich archaeological heritage of the region.
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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?
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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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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.
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To be able to see the Ballykeel dolmen, you'll need to take a small detour from Mill Road onto Ballykeel Road. Here, you can view the Ballykeel dolmen and cairn, which is dated between 4000 and 2500 BC
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This lough, located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, is the highest in Northern Ireland.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main natural features to explore around Carricknagavna?
The region is dominated by the Slieve Gullion Summit, an extinct volcano that forms the heart of the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll find unique geological formations like a ring dyke, ancient burial cairns, and mountain lakes such as Calliagh Beara Lough, which is the highest lough in Northern Ireland.
What historical or archaeological sites can I visit among the natural monuments?
The area is rich in history. On Slieve Gullion Summit, you can explore the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles, dating back over 5,000 years. The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion also features Bronze Age burial boxes. Additionally, the Ballykeel Dolmen, a tripod-shaped monument from 4000-2500 BC, offers a glimpse into Neolithic times.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or activities in the area?
Yes, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, located on the eastern slope of Slieve Gullion, is very family-friendly. It features an Adventure Playpark and the popular Giant's Lair children's story trail. Within the forest, you might also discover unique attractions like The Witch Sculpture, which adds a magical element to a walk.
What kind of hiking trails can I find around Carricknagavna's natural monuments?
The region offers a variety of hiking trails, from family-friendly walks to more challenging ascents. You can find trails leading to the Slieve Gullion Summit, offering panoramic views. For a comprehensive overview of hiking options, including routes like the 'Slieve Gullion loop' and 'Giant's Lair Trail', you can explore the Hiking around Carricknagavna guide.
Where can I get panoramic views of the region?
The best panoramic views are undoubtedly from the Slieve Gullion Summit. On a clear day, you can see across County Antrim, Dublin Bay, and even the Wicklow Mountains. The summit is part of an extinct volcano and offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Ring of Gullion AONB.
Is there parking available at the natural monuments?
Yes, there is ample parking available, particularly at the Slieve Gullion Viewing Platform, which serves as a common starting point for hikes to the summit. Slieve Gullion Forest Park also provides parking facilities for visitors accessing its trails and amenities.
What is the geological significance of Slieve Gullion?
Slieve Gullion is an eroded remnant of a Paleocene volcanic complex, unique for being encompassed by a distinctive geological formation known as a ring dyke. This was the first of its kind in the world to be geologically mapped, contributing to the area's designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark and attracting international scientific interest.
Are there any unique natural habitats or wildlife to look out for?
The Ring of Gullion boasts rich semi-wild habitats including extensive heathlands, bogs, and woodlands. These diverse environments provide sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including threatened species such as the red squirrel and pine marten. The heathlands of Slieve Gullion are among the largest in Northern Ireland.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, are available near these natural monuments?
Beyond hiking, the Ring of Gullion is an excellent area for various outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours', detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Carricknagavna guide. There are also running trails, including the 'Camlough Lake running loop', which you can explore in the Running Trails around Carricknagavna guide.
Are there any mythical or legendary associations with the natural monuments?
Absolutely. The Ring of Gullion is deeply embedded in Irish legends and myths. Slieve Gullion, in particular, is associated with the warrior giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Celtic witch goddess Cailleach Berra. The small lake on the summit, Calliagh Beara Lough, is said to be the home of the witch, adding a mystical layer to the landscape.
How long does it typically take to hike to the summit of Slieve Gullion?
The duration can vary depending on your starting point and fitness level. A popular route, the 'Slieve Gullion Walk' from the parking lot near Meigh, is approximately 13 km long. Komoot's 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop from Meigh' is around 8 km and is rated as moderate, suggesting a few hours for the round trip.
Are there any amenities like cafes near the natural monuments?
Yes, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, located on the eastern slopes of Slieve Gullion, features a Courtyard with a coffee shop. This provides a convenient spot for refreshments after exploring the trails and attractions within the park.
What makes the Ring of Gullion an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
The Ring of Gullion is designated an AONB due to its exceptional geological significance, stunning scenery, and rich biodiversity. It features a unique ring dyke structure, diverse habitats of heath, bog, and woodland, and a landscape profoundly shaped by glaciation. Its blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and mythology makes it a truly outstanding area.
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