Best mountain peaks around Tievecrom are found within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. This region is characterized by a unique geological ring dike system, formed by ancient volcanic activity, and features several prominent peaks. The landscape offers a blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and archaeological sites, including ancient burial cairns and passage tombs. Visitors can experience diverse terrain and commanding views across the surrounding area.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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Carnavaddy isn't quite an official mountain at 475 m (1,558 ft), but it's a prominent mountain and commands great views down the peninsula and out to sea. It can be walked from either side and is often combined with Clermont Carn to the north to make an excellent mountain day.
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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 highest point of the Black Mountain you are greeted by spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the Irish Sea.
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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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Wikipedia (Clermont Carn (Irish: Carnán Mhaighréid Náir), 2022-11-03): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clermont_Carn Wikipedia (Clermont Carn transmission site, 2022-11-03): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clermont_Carn_transmission_site Wikipedia (Cooley Mountains, 2022-11-03): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooley_Mountains MountainViews.ie (Clermont Carn, 2022-11-03): https://mountainviews.ie/summit/434/ - Viewpoint (Carlingford Lough, Dundalk, …) - Transmission site (2RN (RTÉ Networks), Saorview, …) - Neolithic burial cairn
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The climb up the north side of Black Mountain challenges you right from the start - the first half kilometre feels like a wall before it levels out a bit. But don't be fooled, there's a final kick just before the summit that will make your legs feel what they've done. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with impressive views of the surrounding countryside that will make you feel like you're standing on top of the world. The route itself runs right along the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which creates a special atmosphere. Keep warm in changing weather and be prepared for sudden showers - the wind can pick up quickly up here. The descent requires some caution, as some parts are steep and the tarmac isn't always perfect. But that's what makes it so appealing - an adventure worth it and an experience to remember.
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The most prominent peaks in the Tievecrom area include Slieve Gullion Summit, the highest point in County Armagh, known for its unique geological ring dike and ancient passage tomb. Other notable peaks are Carnavaddy Summit, offering great views down the peninsula, and Clermont Carn Summit, which also features a Neolithic burial cairn.
The peaks around Tievecrom are rich in history. Slieve Gullion Summit hosts the highest passage tomb in the British Isles, a Bronze Age site aligned with the winter solstice sunset. Nearby, the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion also contains Bronze Age stone boxes. Clermont Carn Summit is home to a Neolithic burial cairn, adding to the area's ancient heritage.
While specific 'family-friendly' categories aren't listed for all peaks, the area around Slieve Gullion is known for the Slieve Gullion Forest Park, which often provides more accessible trails and amenities suitable for families. Additionally, the 'Giant's Lair' route, mentioned in the nearby running trails, suggests a whimsical and potentially family-friendly outdoor experience.
Hiking difficulties vary. Slieve Gullion Summit and Black Mountain North Side are generally considered challenging, with steep sections. Carnavaddy Summit and Clermont Carn Summit are typically intermediate, offering rewarding climbs without extreme difficulty.
For Slieve Gullion Summit, ample parking is available at the Slieve Gullion Viewing Platform, which serves as a convenient starting point for many hikes.
The peaks offer diverse natural beauty. Slieve Gullion is an extinct volcano, providing fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Irish Sea. From Carnavaddy Summit, you'll get great views down the peninsula and out to sea. The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion is next to 'Calliagh Beara's Lough', a quiet mountain lake adding to the mystical atmosphere.
While hiking is enjoyable year-round, the winter solstice holds special significance for Slieve Gullion's passage tomb, as it aligns with the sunset. Generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Be prepared for changing weather conditions at any time of year.
Yes, there are several circular routes. For Slieve Gullion, a 13 km 'Slieve Gullion Walk' leads from a parking lot near Meigh to the summit and back. You can also find routes like the 'Slieve Gullion loop from Forkhill Road' and 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop' in the Hiking around Tievecrom guide.
Beyond peak bagging, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including loops around Slieve Gullion. For runners, there are running trails like the 'Slieve Gullion running loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore MTB trails, such as those near Ravensdale Forest.
Given the potential for changing weather, especially on higher ground, it's advisable to dress in layers. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are recommended. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential, particularly for challenging sections and potentially wet or uneven terrain. Always carry extra warm clothing, even in milder seasons.
Yes, combining peaks is a popular option for a longer mountain day. Carnavaddy Summit is often combined with Clermont Carn to the north, offering a diverse and rewarding experience with varied views.
While the main peaks are well-known, exploring the trails around the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and 'Calliagh Beara's Lough' offers a quieter experience with a touch of mysticism. The 'Ring of Gullion Way', a 57 km marked trail, also provides opportunities to discover less-trafficked sections and hidden viewpoints around the mountain.


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