Ring of Guillion Way

This circular route follows off-road trails, quiet country lanes and forest tracks from Newry around the volcanic landscape of the Ring of Gullion AONB. Along its route, ancient monuments and quiet villages can be discovered. The final section leads through the grounds of Derrymore House (owned and managed by the National Trust) near Bessbrook before reaching Newry.

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S

   Newry to Flagstaff - Ring of Gullion Way

   8.29 km 220 m 24 m

   This is the 1rst section of the Ring of Gullion Way. It takes you from Newry to Flagstaff. The Slieve Gullion ring dyke has long been celebrated by geologists, and this two-day walking route allows you to explore the area’s unique natural history by foot. The route begins by heading out of Newry and traversing the slopes of Fathom Mountain, the first hill encountered on the ring dyke. It follows a mixture of footpaths and country lanes as it makes its way around the ring, passing numerous historical sites along the way.

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2. 2

   Flagstaff to Marble Bridge - Ring of Gullion Way

   10.82 km 331 m 429 m

   This is the 2nd section of the Ring of Gullion Way. It takes you from Flagstaff to Marble Bridge. You now climb the slopes of Black Mountain, the second highest peak of the ring dyke. The Slieve Gullion ring dyke has long been celebrated by geologists, and this two-day walking route allows you to explore the area’s unique natural history by foot. The route follows a mixture of footpaths and country lanes as it makes its way around the ring, passing numerous historical sites along the way.

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3. 3

   Marble Bridge to Forkill - Ring of Gullion Way

   15.72 km 268 m 297 m

   This is the 3rd section of the Ring of Gullion Way. It takes you from Marble Bridge to Forkill. A mixture of country roads and footpaths carry you to the village of Forkhill. The Slieve Gullion ring dyke has long been celebrated by geologists, and this two-day walking route allows you to explore the area’s unique natural history by foot. The route follows a mixture of footpaths and country lanes as it makes its way around the ring, passing numerous historical sites along the way.

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4. 4

   Forkill to Slieve Gullion Courtyard Centre - Ring of Gullion Way

   9.27 km 294 m 207 m

   This is the 4th section of the Ring of Gullion Way. It takes you from Forkill to Slieve Gullion Courtyard Centre. A steep climb now takes you up the side of the highest mountain in County Armagh. The Slieve Gullion ring dyke has long been celebrated by geologists, and this two-day walking route allows you to explore the area’s unique natural history by foot. The route follows a mixture of footpaths and country lanes as it makes its way around the ring, passing numerous historical sites along the way.

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5. E

   Slieve Gullion Courtyard Centre to Newry - Ring of Gullion Way

   17.43 km 333 m 424 m

   This is the 5th and final section of the Ring of Gullion Way. It takes you from Slieve Gullion Courtyard Centre to Newry. Country lanes carry you on towards Camlough Mountain. The Slieve Gullion ring dyke has long been celebrated by geologists, and this two-day walking route allows you to explore the area’s unique natural history by foot. The route follows a mixture of footpaths and country lanes as it makes its way around the ring, passing numerous historical sites along the way.

   View the route