Attractions and places to see around Cloghanramer are primarily found within the broader Ring of Gullion area, blending natural beauty with historical and cultural significance. This region features ancient landscapes, tranquil waterways, and sites steeped in local heritage. Visitors can explore an extinct volcano, serene lakes, and historical pathways.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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Quiet canal section south of Poyntzpass, where the towpath runs tightly along the narrow water. The bank is lightly overgrown with low trees and hedges, giving the stretch an intimate, green impression. The water is mostly still, forming a straight line through the open agricultural landscape. An even, traffic-free segment ideal for quiet miles on the towpath.
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The Newry Canal Towpath is a 32-kilometer-long, almost entirely traffic-free green corridor connecting the towns of Portadown and Newry. It follows the towpath of the oldest canal in the British Isles, opened in 1742 to transport coal from County Tyrone to the sea. The Newry Canal Towpath offers an unparalleled cycling experience through the tranquil heart of County Armagh and County Down. This historic route, part of the National Cycle Network Route 9, takes you along a flat and largely asphalted path past fourteen monumental locks and characteristic lock-keeper's cottages. As you follow the waterway, you'll traverse a varied landscape of dense forests and open meadows, passing through welcoming villages like Scarva and Poyntzpass along the way. The path is a haven for wildlife; keep an eye out for kingfishers, swans, and otters that inhabit the reed beds. Whether you cycle the full 32 kilometers or explore just a section, the combination of industrial history and natural beauty makes this one of the absolute gems of Irish cycling routes.
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On the cycle path between Newry and Portadown, the gentle idyll of Northern Ireland unfolds in all its splendor. The route winds its way past lush green meadows where cows graze peacefully, through a wonderfully quiet landscape. The gentle rise and fall of the fields, the vastness of the sky and the gentle rustling of the wind create a unique atmosphere of relaxation. Here you can let your gaze wander into the distance while the path runs picturesquely between fields and hedges. A perfect place to let your bike roll and unwind.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Slieve Gullion, whose name sounds as poetic in English as "Sliabh gCuillinn" in Irish, rises majestically in the "Ó Fiaich Country" in the south of County Armagh in Northern Ireland. At 573 meters high, it not only hides a geological wonder in the form of an extinct volcano, but also the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles. This passage tomb is particularly mysterious because its entrance is aligned exactly towards the point where the sun sets on the winter solstice. The best place to start your hike is from the Slieve Gullion viewing platform, where there is not only plenty of parking, but also space to stay overnight in a motorhome. From there a clearly marked path, demarcated by a staircase of large rocks, leads to the South Cairn. The transition between the South Cairn and the North Cairn is soft and wet, making the path a true nature experience. However, it should be noted that the descent from the North Cairn back to the viewing platform is rather steep and not always clear. From the summit, hikers are treated to a breathtaking panorama. The view sweeps over the landscape all around and you quickly understand why this area has been classified as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". The "Slieve Gullion Forest Park" landscape protection area extends over large heath areas on the sunlit mountain slopes. For those who want to experience the full spectrum of this stunning area, there is the 57km long waymarked Ring of Gullion Way. A 13 km long section of this circular hiking trail, the “Slieve Gullion Walk”, leads from the car park at Meigh directly to the summit and back again.
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The region boasts several stunning natural features. You can visit the Slieve Gullion Summit, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views and home to the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles. Another significant spot is the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion, which features an ancient Bronze Age site and the mystical Calliagh Beara's Lough. For tranquil waters, Camlough Lake is nestled picturesquely between rolling hills, ideal for enjoying serene views.
Yes, the area is rich in history. The Slieve Gullion Summit hosts the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles, oriented towards the winter solstice sunset. The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion is an ancient Bronze Age site where stone boxes were discovered. Additionally, the Newry Canal Towpath offers a glimpse into industrial heritage with its old lock gates and gatekeepers' cottages.
The Ring of Gullion offers extensive hiking opportunities. The 57km long Ring of Gullion Way provides various sections, including a 13km route leading directly to the Slieve Gullion Summit. For more hiking options, you can explore routes like the 'War Memorial Cannon loop from Mullaghglass' or 'Newry River loop from Newry'. Find more details on these and other trails in the Hiking around Cloghanramer guide.
Hiking Slieve Gullion Summit is generally considered intermediate to challenging. The 13km 'Slieve Gullion Walk' leads from a parking lot near Meigh to the summit and back. While the path to the south cairn is well-defined, the descent from the north cairn can be steep and less defined in places, making it a more demanding hike.
Yes, several options are great for families. The Newry Canal Towpath is a flat and scenic route, perfect for a leisurely walk. The Giant's Lair offers an interactive and engaging trail through a forest, bringing Irish legends to life for children. The shores around Camlough Lake also provide peaceful walking opportunities.
The Newry Canal Towpath is an excellent, flat, and scenic cycleway stretching from Newry to Portadown, offering an approximately 18-mile round trip. You can also cycle along the tranquil shores of Camlough Lake. For more challenging mountain biking, explore routes like 'Newry, Carnavaddy and Annaloughan Mountain loop' in the MTB Trails around Cloghanramer guide.
Families will enjoy the Giant's Lair, an interactive trail that tells the story of Finn McCool through four chapters, making hiking an exciting treasure hunt. The flat and traffic-free Newry Canal Towpath is also suitable for family bike rides or walks, and the serene Camlough Lake offers a peaceful setting for all ages.
Beyond the ancient sites, you can explore the Newry Canal Towpath to see old canal lock gates and gatekeepers' cottages, reflecting the region's industrial past. The Newry Museum, located in Bagenal's Castle, offers diverse collections covering local history from prehistory to the building of the first summit level canal in Ireland or Britain. For more cultural insights, you can visit visitmournegullionstrangford.com.
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking and running trails are abundant, with options around Slieve Gullion and along the Newry River. Cycling is popular on the Newry Canal Towpath and around Camlough Lake. You can find detailed routes for different sports in the Hiking around Cloghanramer, MTB Trails around Cloghanramer, and Running Trails around Cloghanramer guides.
Yes, for Slieve Gullion Summit, there is ample parking space at the Slieve Gullion Viewing Platform. For the Newry Canal Towpath, parking is available at various access points along the route. While specific parking details for Camlough Lake might vary, access roads around the lake generally offer places to stop and enjoy the scenery.
The Ring of Gullion, including Cloghanramer, is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer milder weather, ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural beauty. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the landscape. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit, especially for outdoor activities on Slieve Gullion.
Many of the outdoor trails in the region are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control. The Newry Canal Towpath is a flat and open route often enjoyed by dog walkers. The paths around Camlough Lake also offer pleasant walks with your canine companion. Always ensure to follow local guidelines regarding pets in natural areas.


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