Best attractions and places to see around Drumbally include a variety of natural and historical sites. The region is characterized by its volcanic landscape, featuring an extinct volcano and ancient burial cairns. Visitors can explore significant historical sites and enjoy expansive views across the area. Drumbally offers opportunities to discover natural monuments and unique local features.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Highlight • Volcano
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Highlight • Summit
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Highlight • Forest
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Popular around Drumbally
We had an amazing day thanks to Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours. Our bikes were well maintained and service was exceptional. We were advised by proprietor James to take the Cooley Tour through this app as the weather was spectacular and it was such good advice. Also recommended a stop off at Lumpers Bar and added a drink voucher for good measure. I can’t recommend these guys enough. The service and standard of care was truly amazing. Do yourself a favour and drop in here and do some cycling - or buy your own bike!!
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If you're in the area, Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours is definitely worth a visit. The rental shop here has everything you need for a trip - whether you're just looking to rent a bike for a few hours or plan a longer tour through the scenic Ring of Gullion landscape. It's especially handy that they also offer repairs and spare parts if your own bike needs a little rest. I noticed that the equipment was well looked after and the staff were friendly. They took the time to give me some tips on the best routes in the area. The proximity to the main road and hiking trails is a definite plus, especially if you're travelling with children - as I was. The trailer offer for the little ones is a great option for taking the whole family along. The facility itself isn't exactly a highlight, but it does the job. Perhaps a small covered area for the bikes would be a good addition to be better prepared in inclement weather. Nevertheless, for a spontaneous bike tour or a small repair in between, this rental is just the right thing.
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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?
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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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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.
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This lough, located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, is the highest in Northern Ireland.
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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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Drumbally is known for its volcanic landscape and expansive views. Key natural attractions include Slieve Gullion Summit, an extinct volcano offering fantastic panoramic views, and North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, which provides sweeping vistas alongside a quiet mountain lake. You can also visit Calliagh Beara Lough, the highest lough in Northern Ireland, nestled between the summit's cairns.
Yes, Drumbally is rich in history. The Slieve Gullion Summit hosts the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles, which can be entered and is oriented towards the winter solstice sunset. Additionally, the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion contains Bronze Age stone boxes, offering a glimpse into ancient times.
The Drumbally area offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. You can explore routes like the 'Slieve Gullion loop from Forkhill Road' or the 'Poet's Trail: Forkhill Route', both considered moderate. For an easier experience, consider the 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop from Ring of Gullion AONB'. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Drumbally and Easy hikes around Drumbally guide pages.
Yes, families can enjoy the enchanting forest at the foot of Slieve Gullion, where you might discover unique sculptures like The Witch Sculpture. For active families, Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours offers bike rentals, including trailers for children, making it easy to explore the scenic Ring of Gullion landscape together.
When hiking up to Slieve Gullion Summit, ample parking space is available at the Slieve Gullion Viewing Platform, which serves as a convenient starting point for many trails.
Walking trails in Drumbally vary in difficulty. For instance, the path to the south cairn of Slieve Gullion is well-defined by a stairway of large rocks, making it manageable. However, the way between the north and south cairns can be softer and wetter underfoot, and some descents, particularly from the north cairn back towards the Viewing Platform, can be quite steep and less defined. There are also easy, moderate, and difficult routes available, as detailed in the Hiking around Drumbally guide.
Absolutely! Drumbally offers several road cycling routes. You can find options like the 'Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours – Newry Ship Canal Fountain loop' or the 'Cashel Lough Lower loop'. For bike rentals and repairs, Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours is a great resource. Discover more routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Drumbally guide page.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The extensive views from Slieve Gullion Summit and the mystical atmosphere around the ancient cairns and loughs are frequently highlighted. The area's unique features, like the highest Passage Tomb and the highest lough in Northern Ireland, also contribute to a memorable experience, as evidenced by over 45 upvotes and 20 photos shared by the komoot community.
While not exactly hidden, The Witch Sculpture in the forest at the foot of Slieve Gullion is an unexpected and enchanting find. This artfully designed stone sculpture adds a touch of fairy tale magic to a walk, making it a delightful surprise for visitors.
Given the varied terrain, including potentially soft and wet sections, especially between the cairns on Slieve Gullion, it's advisable to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Layered clothing is also recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions, particularly when ascending to higher elevations like Slieve Gullion Summit.
While specific designated wild swimming spots are not detailed, Calliagh Beara Lough, located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, is the highest lough in Northern Ireland. Its remote mountain setting might appeal to those seeking a wild swimming experience, though caution and local knowledge are always advised for such activities.


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