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, where his 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.
This is 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. 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.
