The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Drumintee

The setting is done with great attention to detail, and it almost feels like a quick picnic in the mountains when you sit down at the rustic tables and look into the distance. The patterned cups and saucers give the place a cozy touch and make the whole thing that little bit more special. The view of the surrounding hills and the relaxed atmosphere invite you to take a short break - perfect for resting your legs and just taking a breather. The coffee house is not only friendly to cyclists, but even offers bike rental for the Ring of Gullion. Handy if you need an extra boost for the next stage! The surroundings are green and spacious, a nice mix of Irish idyll and relaxed hospitality. The owners seem to take the attention to detail seriously, which is reflected in the little things like the decorative elements and the cozy atmosphere.

Cycling through the Ring of Gullion, you'll always come across places where you just have to stop. The views up here are special - not spectacular in the usual sense, but rather calming and expansive. I took a short break and let my gaze wander over the wide valley. From the heights you can see the green landscape of Northern Ireland stretching gently into the distance. The quiet hills and scattered farms seem peaceful and remind you that sometimes it's the simple things that make a place special. With the trailer for the kids, it was nice to take a quick breather and enjoy the little break. The routes here offer enough variety so that you can really pedal and then roll comfortably again. Sometimes the wind is a bit stronger, but that's part of it if you want to experience nature to the fullest. A little tip: the viewpoints aren't always immediately visible, but if you have a good feeling for beautiful places, you'll find them all by yourself. A short stop and the moment is yours – and of course the vast landscape that lies at your feet

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?

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.

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.

Enjoy the many view points to stop and take in the landscape

A tough climb but great views from the top!

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.