The best walks and hikes around Drumalane

De An Bealach Glas (The Greenway) is a stunning, traffic-free greenway that connects Newry to the monumental Victoria Lock. This 6-kilometre-long 'green route' takes you along the tidal river Clanrye and the sea canal, with the impressive peaks of the Mourne Mountains to your left and Cooley Mountains to your right.

Once you leave the city of Newry behind, you cycle towards tranquility on An Bealach Glas, also known as the Carlingford Lough Greenway. This flat, smoothly asphalted path follows the banks of the canal and offers spectacular views of the river's mudflats along the way, where you can spot numerous wading birds and sometimes even a stray seal. The route is a true sensory experience: the salty sea air blows towards you while the mountains seem to get closer and closer. The absolute endpoint of this section is the historic Victoria Lock, an impressive lock complex from 1850 that marks the transition from the canal to the open waters of Carlingford Lough. It is the perfect place to get some fresh air and enjoy the maritime dynamics before continuing your journey to the coast.

De An Bealach Glas (The Greenway) is a beautiful, traffic-free cycle path connecting Newry to the monumental Victoria Lock. This 6-kilometer-long 'green route' takes you along the tidal river Clanrye and the sea canal, with the impressive peaks of the Mourne Mountains to your left and Cooley Mountains to your right.

The Carlingford Lough Greenway has a special atmosphere as you walk along this section of Newry. With the Newry Ship Canal to your left and the Newry River to your right, you're in the middle of two worlds. The calm waters of the canal reflect the sky, making the surroundings seem almost like a backdrop, while the riverbank on the other side is lush with greenery and wild flowers. The narrow path takes you past flowering gorse and you can smell the scent of the vegetation in the air. It's a route that has its charms in every season, whether it's clear skies or when grey clouds hang low and make the water seem almost mystical. The Greenway is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a leisurely bike ride, enjoying being close to nature - an ideal place to clear your head.

The Ballymacdermot Court Tomb is a window into the past, waiting for you at the top of Ballymacdermot Mountain. As you look at the ancient stones, you can almost feel the thousands of years that have passed since they were built. These stone sentinels, erected between 4000 and 2500 BC, have seen countless sunrises over the valley and speak of a time when this place may have been sacred. The views from up here stretch far over the rolling hills of County Armagh and it's easy to imagine why Stone Age people chose this spot. Just three kilometres from Newry, the court tomb not only offers a glimpse into ancient history, but also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Other Neolithic sites nearby include the Ballykeel Dolmen and the Clontigora Cairn, which together paint a picture of the early cultures of this region. A visit here is more than just a hike – it is a journey back to the roots of human history.

Ballymacdermot Court Tomb is a megalithic tomb on Ballymacdermot Mountain, two miles outside Newry. The site is a scheduled monument in State care. The site dates from between 4000 and 2500 BC and is located close to other neolithic monuments such as Ballykeel Dolmen and Clontigora Cairn. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballymacdermott_Court_Tomb - https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/ballymacdermot-court-tomb-p697471

This is an impressive section of the Carlingford Lough Greenway as you arrive in Newry. The feeling is incredible as you walk along a path where on one side you have the Newry Ship Canal, and on the other, the Newry River.

Unique landscape experiences await on the 423 m high Camlough Mountain, a mysterious hill near Newry that straddles the border between Counties Armagh and Down. As your feet trace the path of the mountain, stories and myths from times past envelop you and seem to float in the air of Northern Ireland. With every meter of altitude you leave behind, a panorama that is second to none unfolds before your eyes. The summit of Camlough Mountain is not only the highest point on this hike, but also a magical place to pause. Here, where the wind carries stories from distant places, you will have a view that will expand your heart. The majestic Cooley Mountains stretch like sleeping giants on the horizon. Sparkling Carlingford Lough reflects the sky and tells of ancient legends. And in the distance Slieve Martin greets, proud and unwavering.