Apologies if Sold out – Please contact us to enquire about a private booking.
Overview
Nobody knows Slieve Gullion like Brian does! He grew up and still lives and farms on the lower slopes. This is the mountain of his childhood, the mountain of stories, legends and charm. This is where Brian’s love for the outdoors began, the reason he went on to qualify as an expert mountain leader, qualified to guide all over Ireland and the UK, so you’re in safe hands.
Option #1
Approximately 5 km / 250 m ascent – 2 hours +
The ‘easy’ way to climb County Armagh’s highest Mountain, (573 m). Brian will take much of the ‘bite’ out of the climb for you.
Begin by meeting at the bottom and then following in your own car as Brian leads on the beautiful scenic drive until reaching the highest mountain car park. At this point as you get ready for the hike, Brian will give you an introduction to this unique volcanic vista below, a ‘Ring Dyke of Hills’, probably the best example in all of Europe.
It’s only about a half hour hike to the top but you’ll do it all at a relaxed pace as Brian continues along the way telling the story of South Armagh, the story of Ireland.
You’re in for a treat because on the summit stands the highest surviving passage tomb in all of Ireland, a structure older than the pyramids of Egypt. If the cairn is open, mind your head as you step inside and walk back in time to re-connect with your ancient ancestors.
A short 20-minute trek across a good upland path takes us to the magical lake where millennia ago the old witch of the mountain, the ‘Cailleach Bearra’ cast her spell on the mighty warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill.
Option #2
Approximately 12/14 km / 550 m ascent – 5 hours +
We take a full circular route climbing County Armagh’s highest Mountain, (573 m).
Begin by meeting at the ‘Killeavy Old Churches’ where Brian will give you a short guided tour of one of the most imporatant early Christain sites in all of Ireland. A short hike on asphalt leads to the Northern slopes of the mountain. With panoarmic vistas in every direction, you begin to climb her majestic slopes. Brian will give you an introduction to this unique volcanic vista below, a ‘Ring Dyke of Hills’, probably the best example in all of Europe.
It’s about 2 hours hiking at a relaxed pace as Brian continues along the way telling the story of South Armagh, the story of Ireland. Then you will step back in time as you reach the bronze age cairn on top.
Next, the magical lake where millennia ago the old witch of the mountain, the ‘Cailleach Bearra’ cast her spell on the mighty warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill.
A short 20-minute trek across a good upland path takes us to the highest surviving passage tomb in all of Ireland, a neolithic structure older than the pyramids of Egypt. If the cairn is open, mind your head as you step inside and walk back in time to re-connect with your ancient ancestors.
After taking in all of that , you begin to descend. Mind your step because you will simply be in awe of the landscape below wide sweeping mountain valleys with the Irish Sea beyond.
The final part of the walk is on a gentle and quiet asphalt mountain drive, through conifer and deciduous forest, passing a castle en-route, before reaching Killeavy Old Churches once again. ( Note Car pooling can shorten the day)
