First time in Slieve Gullion today. We were not aware that it was quite a distance to the '2nd' car park, we wish there had been clearer map/instructions at the first car park to explain this. Therefore we walked to second car park then onto Slieve Gullion summit which was a nice walk, we would have went further but the weather was too foggy. Lovely forest walks, huge play park for kids and appeared very family orientated and also suited lots of other people hiking/running and cycling. The restaurant/court yard looked lovely and clean although we did not eat there. The only downside were the toilets, both men and womens were dirty and bins over flowing. We will definitely visit again on a brighter day and start our hike from the 2nd car park!
We visited here as we were staying in the area. We can’t really comment on the restaurant as we had packed a picnic but it was busy and had a nice atmosphere about it. We didn’t stop at the park but again it was busy and looked new. We did the drive round Slieve Gullion and it was beautiful. It provided some stunning views and a perfect stop for a picnic. If the weather had been a bit better we would have hiked to the summit but it was windy and very changeable so we decided against it. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area and it was free always a bonus ;)
HIThis is work a visit as you start from a courtyard where kids can be entertained in the ark or you relax with cup of coffee or tea and a snack in grounded coffee bar. The drive up is gorgeous and plenty of places to stop and take photos and very safe. The views will have you snapping away and the air is fresh . bring a small picnic and sit and absorb the mystical atmosphere ,you wont regret it even when it is overcast .
A hidden gem and not so well known all around here. Well worth a drive and walk around. Forest park great.
We visited here on a bright day because we'd heard about the amazing scenery. The variety of ancient historical sites such as dolmens, cairns, chambered graves, ancient churches, etc in the area was incredible. However some of these sites need better signposting if the Newry and Mourne Council are serious about making the area more visitor friendly.We stopped in the forest park courtyard area for a coffee in the Grounded coffee shop. Very good coffee and scones. The 8 mile drive round the forest road is well worth doing. The road is quite narrow and steep in places but the views over the surrounding countryside are well worth the effort if the weather is good.
On the forest drive there is a parking area at the summit. Leave your car and find the path opposite that winds its way to the top of the mountain. There's you'll find a Neolithic passage tomb, restored with a concrete roof to make it safe to enter. At the opposite end of the summit, past a magical lake, there is a smaller burial cairn. Read more and take a virtual tour here: http://www.voicesfromthedawn.com/slieve-gullion/
Everything in South Armagh was great. We especially enjoyed villages like Crossmaglen and Camlough and the archaeological sights strewn through the area.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park is a must visit for all families visiting South Armagh. There is a wonderful playground for children of all ages and there is even a section for adults! The up keep of the playground was being seen to by a very attentive staff. There is also a very scenic forest drive around the hill with lots of wonderful views. Will visit again when the children are older to further investigate!
Wonderful part of the country, beautiful views, excellent walking opportunities, and full of history...I could spend days here!
This area is of outstanding beauty. Breathtaking views over the counties Louth, Down and Armagh. To get the most out of your visit, visit this mountain on a clear day.