Attractions and places to see around Carrivekeeny include a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes within County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The area is situated within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by rugged terrain and ancient monuments. Visitors can explore extinct volcanoes, historical cairns, and picturesque lakes. This region offers opportunities to engage with both natural beauty and historical narratives.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Highlight • Volcano
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Carrivekeeny.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Camlough Lake is picturesquely nestled between the rolling hills of Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion. Cycling along the narrow roads on the shore, you immediately feel the tranquility that emanates from the long stretch of water. The lake stretches for more than two kilometers and seems like a narrow, silent crack in the landscape - a peaceful place to take a short break or let your gaze wander over the water. I decided to take a little detour and cycled a little closer to the shore on a path. The water was almost still and reflected the range of hills that rise in the background. It may be a paradise for fishermen, but cyclists also enjoy the special atmosphere. The roads around the lake are not very busy and you can cycle in a relaxed manner without having to constantly pay attention to the traffic. One small criticism: some of the access roads are not well signposted, but if you look around a bit, you'll surely find a good place to get to the shore and enjoy the scenery.
2
0
In the middle of the forest, you suddenly find yourself standing in front of a bizarre stone creature - the "witch". She looks as if she has just risen from the mossy ground, with a mischievous smile and deep, expressive wrinkles on her face. This artfully designed stone is one of those unexpected encounters that transform the forest into a small adventure land. When you explore this magical place surrounded by old trees and whispering leaves, it almost seems as if the witch is greeting you with a wink. Here you can linger for a moment, enjoy the silence and let your imagination run wild - who knows what stories this forest still has to tell?
1
0
On the way through the Giant's Lair you will be immersed in Irish legends. As soon as you pass under the artistically carved archway, a magical world opens up in which the story of Finn McCool comes to life. The path leads you and the whole family through four chapters that bring the world of legend to life with lovingly designed stations. For the little ones it is an exciting treasure hunt - at every bend there are new clues waiting for them, which they eagerly discover. While they run ahead to find the next adventure, there is enough time for you to enjoy the lush nature. The dense trees, the mosses and the ancient carvings make you forget everyday life. You are in the middle of a story that unfolds further with every step.
1
0
As soon as you cross the gentle ridge of Slieve Gullion, the North Cairn stretches out before you - a slightly smaller hill than its southern neighbour, but no less impressive. The stones that gather here seem like silent sentinels, witnesses of the distant Bronze Age. Two ancient stone boxes were once found here during excavations, which lay hidden in the depths of history. The North Cairn, with its diameter of around 18 metres, invites you to pause for a moment and enjoy the peace. But it is not just the Cairn that is fascinating. Right next to it lies "Calliagh Beara's Lough", a quiet mountain lake that, according to legend, is the home of the witch Beara. On a clear day, the sky is reflected in the calm waters and you can almost feel the ancient magic of this place coming to life. The road here may be rocky, but the landscape rewards with sweeping views and a touch of mysticism that makes Slieve Gullion something special.
1
0
This small forest at the foot of Slieve Gullion seems to be straight out of a fairy tale. Running through it will leave you enchanted, and you'll come across curious sculptures like this giant witch's face.
0
0
At the heart of the Ring of Gullion AONB, you'll find this beautiful mountain, which represents the highest point in the county with an elevation of 573 meters (1,880 ft). Right next to it there is a burial cairn.
1
0
One of the many surprises you'll encounter in this enchanting and artistic forest.
1
0
Carrivekeeny is nestled within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a unique geological landform featuring rugged landscapes, rolling hills, and verdant valleys. You can explore Slieve Gullion Summit, an extinct volcano and the highest peak in County Armagh, offering panoramic views. Another beautiful spot is Camlough Lake, a tranquil lake perfect for walks, and the southern shore of Lough Neagh, ideal for birdwatching and peaceful strolls.
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit the ancient ceremonial site of Navan Centre & Fort (Emain Macha), once the seat of Ulster's kings. On Slieve Gullion Summit, you'll find the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles. Additionally, the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion features an 18-meter diameter cairn with Bronze Age history. Other notable sites include the historic Killeavy Churches and the ancient Proleek Dolmen.
Families will enjoy the Slieve Gullion Forest Park, which offers walking trails and attractions like Fionn's Giant Adventure. Within the park, you can explore the Giant's Lair, an interactive trail that brings Irish legends to life, and discover unique sculptures like The Witch Sculpture. Camlough Lake also provides a pleasant setting for family walks.
There are several hiking opportunities around Carrivekeeny, particularly within the Ring of Gullion. You can explore routes like the moderate Camlough Mountain & Lake loop or the easier Summit of Ring of Gullion – Camlough Mountain Summit loop. For more options and detailed route information, you can check out the Hiking around Carrivekeeny guide.
Yes, the region offers various cycling routes. For mountain biking, you can find challenging trails like the Newry, Carnavaddy and Annaloughan Mountain loop. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the Gosford Park loop from Newry or the Newry Canal Path. Discover more routes in the MTB Trails around Carrivekeeny guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Carrivekeeny guide.
The Ring of Gullion AONB is a unique geological formation, recognized as the first ring dyke in the world to be geologically mapped. It's a landscape of rugged hills, ancient monuments, and verdant valleys, with Slieve Gullion at its heart. This area is steeped in Irish mythology and offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
County Armagh, known as the 'Orchard County,' celebrates its apple heritage annually at the Armagh Food and Cider Festival. You can also explore the Armagh County Museum, the oldest county museum in Ireland, or visit the historic Armagh Robinson Library, home to rare books. For astronomy enthusiasts, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium offers interactive exhibits and Ireland's largest meteorite.
The region offers beauty year-round. Autumn is particularly vibrant, especially if you're interested in the local apple heritage, as it's when the Armagh Food and Cider Festival takes place. Spring and summer provide pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, while the natural landscapes offer a different kind of charm in winter.
The area boasts several impressive architectural landmarks. Killeavy Castle Estate is a beautifully restored 19th-century castle. Armagh City features two magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedrals, both dominating the skyline with their historical and architectural significance. Further afield, Gosford Castle is a grand 19th-century country home, and the Craigmore Viaduct is an impeccably preserved Victorian engineering marvel.
The Killeavy Castle Estate offers luxury accommodation, a spa, and a 'Farm to Fork' culinary experience. While Carrivekeeny itself is a small townland, the surrounding County Armagh and nearby towns provide various options for accommodation, cafes, and pubs. It's advisable to check local listings for specific amenities in the immediate vicinity of your chosen attractions.
Visitors particularly appreciate the panoramic views from Slieve Gullion Summit and the historical significance of its passage tomb. The tranquil beauty of Camlough Lake is also highly rated for its peaceful atmosphere. Families love the interactive and imaginative experience of the Giant's Lair, which makes hiking engaging for children.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: