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Slieve Gullion

Mountain

County Armagh's highest point with a forest park, waymarked walking trails and ancient monuments; visitors hike to summit viewpoints and explore archaeological sites.

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In this guide

Slieve Gullion essentials

Address: Slieve Gullion, County Armagh, Northern Ireland (Slieve Gullion Forest Park)
Website: nidirect.gov.uk
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About Slieve Gullion

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Slieve Gullion

Hiking is pleasant outside the wettest winter months; early morning often provides the clearest views.

Spring
Apr-Jun · 8-16°C
Wildflowers and good walking conditions.
Autumn
Sep-Nov · 6-14°C
Crisp air and clearer views across the region.

Weather & Climate near Slieve Gullion

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 30 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 1° - 6° -2° 212 mm overcast 92% 8.0 m/s 0.0 low 7.7h
February Poor 1° - 6° -2° 158 mm overcast 91% 7.6 m/s 0.1 low 9.5h
March Poor 1° - 8° 0° 169 mm overcast 89% 7.3 m/s 0.3 low 11.7h
April Poor 2° - 10° 2° 116 mm overcast 87% 6.3 m/s 0.7 moderate 13.9h
May Acceptable 5° - 13° 6° 113 mm overcast 85% 5.8 m/s 1.0 moderate 15.8h
June Acceptable 8° - 16° 12° 118 mm overcast 85% 5.5 m/s 1.2 high 16.9h
July Acceptable 10° - 18° 14° 118 mm overcast 86% 5.2 m/s 1.1 high 16.4h
August Acceptable 9° - 17° 13° 148 mm overcast 87% 5.3 m/s 0.9 moderate 14.7h
September Poor 8° - 14° 11° 155 mm overcast 88% 5.9 m/s 0.5 moderate 12.5h
October Poor 5° - 11° 4° 197 mm overcast 90% 6.9 m/s 0.2 low 10.3h
November Poor 2° - 8° 0° 198 mm overcast 92% 7.2 m/s 0.1 low 8.3h
December Poor 1° - 6° -1° 204 mm overcast 92% 7.4 m/s 0.0 low 7.1h
Getting There & Around

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.