Gary & Danielle's Northern Exposure

Jackie and I had heard of the Mourne Mountains as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but we were thrilled to discover the hidden gem that is the Ring of Gullion in the heart of south Armagh.

We were captivated by the area's stunning scenery and the richness of the history and mythology surrounding it. We loved the 8 mile drive around the mountain and stopped to quench our thirst in Bernard O'Hanlon's traditional Irish pub in Mullaghbane.

BACKGROUND

Slieve Gullion stands at 573 metres, the highest point in County Armagh. It is an extinct volcano and is the most spectacular example of a ring dyke anywhere in the British Isles. It's believed that much of the stone dates back 390 million years! The volcano is linked to a time when the continents of Europe began to move apart, creating the Atlantic Ocean and islands of eastern Scotland. People have lived in this area for over 6,000 years.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

There are numerous forest walks or you can take the eight mile drive around the southern and western slopes of the mountain, stopping off at various look-out spots to take in the views. When you reach the summit (you have to take the pedestrian track) you'll see two cairns, including the highest surviving passage tomb in Ireland. You'll also reach a crater lake known as 'Lake of Sorrows'. Legend has it, Fionna MacCumhaill once dived to rescue a maiden's ring. It's suggested that Cuchullain lived on Slieve Gullion as a child.

O'HANLON'S PUB

O'Hanlon's pub in Mullaghbane holds traditional music sessions at weekends. The family run business doubles up as an undertakers which operates from a whitewashed shed beside the pub which has been in the family for thirteen generations. Bernard O'Hanlon is a cousin of the comedian Ardal O'Hanlon. Part of the pub goes back 400 years! A good example of a traditional Irish pub which are now few and far between.

Our information is correct as of July 2008. It's best to check locations are open before you travel!!

COST

Slieve Gullion is open all year round 8am to dusk and is free to enter. Refreshments and toilet facilities are available at Slieve Gullion Courtyard where Chambres restaurant is open 10am-7pm Mon to Fri and 12 noon to 7pm Sat and Sun.

BOOKING: No booking required for the park.

Slieve Gullion

Mourne Mountains

Co Down

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT

• The Mourne Mountains - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  
  

  USEFUL WEBSITES

  • www.discovernorthernireland.com
    
  • www.forestserviceni.gov.uk
    

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