Attractions and Places To See around Ballykeel - Top 20

Ballykeel is home to the Ballykeel Dolmen and Cairn, also known as 'The Hag's Chair'. This Neolithic burial site dates back between 4000 and 2500 BC and is open to the public with free entry. Additionally, within the wider region, you can explore the Mourne Wall, an impressive 35-kilometer stone structure built in the early 20th century, and historical sites within Tollymore Forest Park.

Yes, Tollymore Forest Park is a great option for families, offering numerous hiking trails, a river, and facilities. Hare's Gap, while a mountain pass, is also considered family-friendly for those looking for a scenic walk with dramatic views.

The area around Ballykeel, particularly the Mourne Mountains, offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including challenging ascents to peaks like Slieve Donard and Slieve Bearnagh. For more structured routes, explore the hiking trails around Ballykeel, MTB trails, or running routes in the region.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Summit of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak, where on clear days you can see the Isle of Man, Anglesey, and the West Coast of Scotland. Slieve Bearnagh and Hare's Gap also offer dramatic mountain vistas.

The Mourne Wall is an iconic 35-kilometer stone wall that traverses 15 summits in the Mourne Mountains. It was built to enclose the Silent Valley Reservoir catchment area. You can encounter sections of this impressive structure on many of the hiking trails throughout the Mournes, offering both a historical landmark and a guide for ridge walks.

Yes, Tollymore Forest Park is a notable forest park close to Ballykeel. It features numerous hiking trails, a river, and historical sites, making it ideal for a day out in nature.

'The Hag's Chair' is another name for the Ballykeel Dolmen and Cairn, a significant Neolithic burial site in Ballykeel itself. It features a large capstone supported by upright stones, forming an octagonal burial chamber.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes of the Mourne Mountains, especially the panoramic views from summits like Slieve Donard. The historical significance of sites like the Ballykeel Dolmen and the impressive Mourne Wall are also highly appreciated. The variety of hiking trails, from casual walks in Tollymore Forest Park to challenging mountain treks, is a major draw.

Absolutely. The Mourne Mountains, accessible from Ballykeel, offer several challenging trails. Ascents to peaks like Slieve Donard and Slieve Bearnagh are considered challenging, often involving steep climbs and rocky terrain. The Hare's Gap area also presents challenging sections for experienced hikers. You can find more details on hiking routes around Ballykeel.

Yes, the Ballykeel Dolmen and Cairn is open to the public, and entry is free of charge.

Hare's Gap is a dramatic mountain pass in the Mourne Mountains, renowned for its rugged stile and stunning views. Historically, it was a significant smuggling route, with contraband often carried through from the coast. Today, it serves as a popular gateway into the high Mournes for hikers.