4.3
(68)
622
hikers
50
hikes
Hiking around Derry Beg offers a variety of trails, primarily characterized by gentle river and pond-side paths. The region features low elevation gains, making many routes accessible for easy walks. These trails often follow waterways and provide opportunities for relaxed outdoor activity.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
3
hikers
4.32km
01:10
60m
60m
This easy 2.7-mile loop around Bessbrook Pond offers a pleasant hike past the Bessbrook War Memorial and through a historic village.
17
hikers
8.27km
02:08
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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8
hikers
3.32km
00:51
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
3.78km
00:58
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
3.39km
00:51
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Here, too, passersby encounter a "war memorial" in the center of town. Everywhere in the villages and towns, victims were mourned during the terrible wars (especially, but not only, in the first half of the last century) – often young people who had to endure suffering and pain and ultimately paid with their own lives for their service to their fatherland far from home. Their names are always inscribed on the respective memorial to at least keep the memory alive.
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Here, too, hikers and walkers will encounter a "war memorial" in the center of town, as throughout the villages and towns, victims of the terrible wars (especially in the first half of the last century) were mourned – often young people who had to endure suffering and pain and ultimately paid with their own lives for their service to their country far from home. Their names are always inscribed on the respective memorial to at least keep the memory alive.
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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.
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The war memorial in Bessbrook stands silently yet full of meaning in the heart of the village. The white obelisk bears the names of almost ninety people who gave their lives in the Second World War - a sign of remembrance and remembrance of those who once lived here and defended their homeland. As you walk past, you can read the inscriptions that tell the stories of those who fell. The square around the memorial is simple, but that is precisely what draws the focus to the message of remembrance and the silent commemoration of the past. The surrounding houses seem to carry the history of the place and you can almost feel how yesterday and today are connected here. A place that makes you pause and reminds you of how important it is to preserve history.
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This War Memorial in Bessbrook is dedicated to the 86 individuals from the village who gave their lives in the Second World War. It is a 17-foot (5.75 meters) tall obelisk.
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This obelisk-shaped War Memorial was erected in memory of nearly ninety individuals from the village who gave their lives in the Second World War.
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This peaceful pond located in the heart of the village of Bessbrook is an ideal place for a waterside stroll along its paths.
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Hiking around Derry Beg is primarily characterized by gentle river and pond-side paths, offering low elevation gains. The routes often follow waterways, providing opportunities for relaxed outdoor activity. While the broader region of County Donegal features rugged mountains and a wild Atlantic coastline, the specific trails highlighted in Derry Beg focus on more accessible, low-lying terrain.
Yes, Derry Beg offers a good selection of easy trails. Out of 50 total routes, 28 are classified as easy, making it an excellent destination for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk. These trails typically feature low elevation changes and well-defined paths.
The hiking routes in Derry Beg are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 65 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil river paths and pond loops, noting their accessibility and suitability for easy walks.
Yes, many of the trails in Derry Beg are designed as circular loops. For example, the Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond is an easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) circular route. Another option is the War Memorial Cannon loop from Mullaghglass, a moderate 5.1-mile (8.3 km) path.
Absolutely. The hiking network in Derry Beg is defined by its river paths and pond loops. A popular choice is the Newry River loop from Mullaghglass, which offers scenic riverside views. You can also explore the area around Bessbrook Pond, a notable lake in the vicinity.
While hiking in Derry Beg, you can explore several interesting features. The Bessbrook Pond is a prominent natural feature that many trails loop around. Further afield, you might consider visiting the Slieve Gullion Summit or the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough for more dramatic landscapes.
Yes, for those seeking a slightly longer challenge, there are moderate options. The War Memorial Cannon loop from Mullaghglass is a moderate 5.1-mile (8.3 km) path that takes approximately 2 hours 8 minutes to complete, offering a bit more distance than the easier loops.
Hikes in Derry Beg vary in duration depending on the route and your pace. Many of the easy pond and river loops, like the Newry River loop from Mullaghglass, can be completed in under an hour. Moderate trails, such as the War Memorial Cannon loop from Mullaghglass, typically take around two hours.
Some trails incorporate historical elements. For instance, the Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond passes by the War Memorial, offering a point of reflection during your walk. The broader region of County Donegal also has a rich Gaeltacht heritage.
There are over 50 hiking routes available around Derry Beg, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. This includes a mix of easy and moderate trails, primarily focusing on river and pond-side walks.
Yes, many trails in Derry Beg are perfect for a quick stroll. The Newry River loop from Mullaghglass, at 2.1 miles (3.3 km), can be completed in about 51 minutes, making it ideal for a shorter, refreshing walk.
Yes, you can find trails that lead to interesting historical sites. The Lock Keeper's Cottage Ruins loop from Mullaghglass is an easy 3.3 km route that takes you past the ruins of a lock keeper's cottage, offering a glimpse into the area's past.


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