Easy hikes and walks around Ballyholland Upper

There is something enchanted about this old, dilapidated stone hut - as if it were whispering stories of times gone by, when the canal was still full of life and the lock keepers worked here day and night. The walls, overgrown with greenery and moss, show how nature is slowly reclaiming its place. The building itself is only a ruin, but that is precisely what makes it somehow interesting. The mixture of broken brickwork and wild growth has something melancholic about it that fits perfectly into the tranquility of the surroundings. Right next to it there is a small rest area with a bench - ideal for stopping for a moment and taking in the atmosphere.

From the Flagstaff Viewpoint you can enjoy a stunning view of the expansive landscape where the Newry River gently curves its way to Carlingford Lough. The view stretches down to the fjord where the land meets the water and the hills in the distance form a picturesque backdrop. The valley opens up between the lush green conifers and you can watch the landscape unfold below you. From up here, the roads and fields look like little veins and patches that tie the whole picture together. It is a place to linger and enjoy the silence - a haven of calm that makes you feel above it all.

This beautiful forest extends along the slopes of Flagstaff Mountain, right above the estuary of Newry. It's very pleasant to walk along its paths, although in some sections, it's important to be mindful of the steep terrain.

From this viewpoint, we will have privileged views of the surrounding landscape, with the Newry River standing out as it discharges into the Carlingford Lough fjord.

Unique landscape experiences await on the 423 m high Camlough Mountain, a mysterious hill near Newry that straddles the border between Counties Armagh and Down. As your feet trace the path of the mountain, stories and myths from times past envelop you and seem to float in the air of Northern Ireland. With every meter of altitude you leave behind, a panorama that is second to none unfolds before your eyes. The summit of Camlough Mountain is not only the highest point on this hike, but also a magical place to pause. Here, where the wind carries stories from distant places, you will have a view that will expand your heart. The majestic Cooley Mountains stretch like sleeping giants on the horizon. Sparkling Carlingford Lough reflects the sky and tells of ancient legends. And in the distance Slieve Martin greets, proud and unwavering.

Now in ruins, the lock keeper's cottage is a good reminder of the important industrial history of the canal and the vital roles played by those who worked on it.

Camlough Mountain is a 423m hill situated near Newry, on the County Armagh/Down border in Northern Ireland. From the summit of the mountain, you can enjoy beautiful uninterrupted views across the Cooley Mountains, Carlingford Lough and Slieve Martin.