Slieve Gullion
Mountain Volcanic mountain in County Armagh with ancient cairn
County Armagh’s highest point with a forest park, waymarked walking trails and ancient monuments; visitors hike to summit viewpoints and explore archaeological sites.
Slieve Gullion is a mountain and the highest point in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, rising to about 573 metres. It is the central feature of the Ring of Gullion, a notable geological ring dyke and designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The summit area contains a Neolithic passage tomb and cairn, and the site offers extensive walking routes and wildlife habitats, attracting hillwalkers and archaeological interest. Managed woodland and trail infrastructure provide access from several car parks and forested slopes.
The mountain was shaped by ancient volcanic and geological processes that produced the ring dyke formation; the passage tomb attests to prehistoric ritual and burial use of the summit.
Slieve Gullion sits in south-eastern County Armagh within the Ring of Gullion landscape, reachable by local roads from nearby towns and forming a distinct upland feature within the surrounding countryside.
- Elevation and geology: The peak is the highest point in County Armagh at 573 metres and is the focal point of the Ring of Gullion geological structure.
- Archaeology: A prehistoric passage tomb crowns the summit and is a primary archaeological feature of interest to visitors and researchers.
What to See #
- Summit passage tomb: The summit contains a Neolithic passage tomb and associated cairn that dates to the prehistoric period and is a visible archaeological feature at the top of the hill.
- Forest Park and trails: Slieve Gullion Forest Park provides managed woodland, car parks and waymarked walking trails that lead to ridge viewpoints and the summit area within the Ring of Gullion landscape.
- Ring of Gullion viewpoint: The mountain is the central feature of the Ring of Gullion, a geological ring dyke structure that defines the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers panoramic views across Northern Ireland on clear days.
How to Get to Slieve Gullion #
Slieve Gullion Forest Park is signed off the A28 near Newry; parking and waymarked trails make the summit cairn accessible by a moderate walk.
Tips for Visiting Slieve Gullion #
- The forest park trails are well marked - follow the Slieve Gullion Forest Park routes to the megalithic cairn for the easiest access.
- At the summit there is a Neolithic cairn and an Iron Age ringfort; give time to walk the ancient perimeter.
- Photographers value the summit ring on clear days when views extend across the Mournes to the Irish Sea.
Best Time to Visit Slieve Gullion #
Hiking is pleasant outside the wettest winter months; early morning often provides the clearest views.
Weather & Climate near Slieve Gullion #
Slieve Gullion's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1906 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (212 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (197 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (198 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (204 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.