Top 17 Natural Monuments around Donaghaguy
Best natural monuments around Donaghaguy include the Donaghaguy Reservoir, also known as The Waterworks, a spring-fed inland lake offering a tranquil retreat. This area features a fully tarmacked, flat path circling the water, providing accessible walking opportunities. It serves as a wildlife reserve, supporting various species including swans, mallards, and coots. The reservoir is also stocked with trout, making it a spot for anglers.
Best natural monuments around Donaghaguy
- The most popular natural monuments is Cloughmore Stone, an other…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Cloughmore Stone
Highlight • Natural
Legend …
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Slieve Foye Summit
Highlight • Summit
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Long Woman's Grave Memorial
Highlight • Monument
Fantastic views on the way to the top.
Can be approached from either North or South.
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Druids' Circle, Ravensdale Forest
Highlight • Historical Site
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Fiddlers Green
Highlight • Forest
Great place for a picnic or hydration stop on your hike or gravel/MTB run.
Made famous by the annual Fiddlers Green folk festival held in Rostrevor.
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Druid’s Circle, Clermont Estate: this small oval stone circle above the Flurry River, marked as both “Standing Stone” and “Druids Circle” on old maps, was likely uncovered in 1840 by Lord Clermont. Though some believe it’s prehistoric, others argue it may be 19th-century landscaping. Its irregular layout and re-set stones cast doubt on its authenticity. Still, it’s a scenic and mysterious woodland stop.
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The Long Woman's Grave car park is right at the top of a gentle climb, giving you the perfect opportunity to take in the rolling landscape. Whether you're coming from the north or the south, the roads take you through varied terrain that reveals new panoramas with every bend. It's worth taking a moment to read the story of the "Long Woman" at the memorial - somehow this mystical atmosphere fits perfectly into the surroundings. On the way up, you hardly encounter any traffic, which allows you to fully concentrate on nature and your own line in the bends. The fresh breeze and the smell of damp grass add a little extra to the climb. But the roads are not always in the best condition - some sections do require attention, especially after a rain shower. Once you reach the summit, there is a small rest area, ideal for taking a quick breather and regaining strength for the next stage. A perfect spot to take a short break before continuing with renewed vigor.
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The hike to the Cloghmór Stone feels like a journey through time. Over 10,000 years ago, the ice brought this massive granite block from Scotland here, and now, weighing an estimated 50 tons, it towers majestically over the landscape. But it's not just the geology that's fascinating - according to legend, it was the giant Finn McCool who threw this enormous stone over Carlingford Lough. To be honest, the legend is a much more exciting explanation, isn't it? Once you've reached the top, you'll not only be greeted by the imposing boulder, but also by a fantastic view of Carlingford Lough and the surrounding hills. It's the perfect place to pause for a moment, take in the vastness and enjoy the peace that this place exudes.
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Hidden in Ravensdale Forest, off the main paths, you come across a mystical stone circle that raises questions: Was it the Druids who held their mysterious rituals here, or was it the eccentric 19th century landowner who wanted to immortalize himself with this project? Nobody knows for sure, and that makes this place all the more fascinating. The eight stones, arranged in an oval, seem like silent witnesses to a time long gone. On the maps, the circle is referred to as both the 'Standing Stone' and the 'Druids Circle', and you immediately sense that this place exudes a special aura. The stone circle is just a short climb from the Flurry River, in the middle of the old Lord Clermont Estate. Up here, in the shade of the trees, it feels like you have entered another world. The stones, covered in moss, invite you to pause and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
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Here it is worth climbing the mountain
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Wikipedia (Slieve Foy (Irish: Sliabh Feá), 2023-12-02): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slieve_Foy Wikipedia (Lists of mountains in Ireland, 2023-12-02): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_mountains_in_Ireland MountainViews.ie (Slieve Foye, 2023-12-02): https://mountainviews.ie/summit/298/ TheIrishRoadtrip (“A Guide To The Slieve Foye Loop: Trail, Parking + Handy Info”, 2023-12-02): https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/slieve-foye-loop/
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A beautiful round stone, there is a legend about it but unfortunately we could not find out
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This stone circle, marked on the OSI map as ‘Standing Stone' & on the Historic map as 'Druids Circle', is located 100m east, uphill from the Flurry River (Glais Ghallaigh), in woods on the old Lord Clermont Estate. The circle consists of eight regularly spaced stones enclosing an oval area. https://www.megalithicmonumentsofireland.com/COUNTIES/LOUTH/RavensdalePark_StoneCircle.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural monuments around Donaghaguy?
The most popular natural monuments include the Cloughmore Stone, a huge erratic stone with great views over Carlingford. Another highly regarded spot is Slieve Foye Summit, the highest point of the Cooley Mountains, offering panoramic views. Visitors also appreciate the Long Woman's Grave Memorial, which provides fantastic views and historical context.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in Donaghaguy?
Yes, the Donaghaguy Reservoir, also known as The Waterworks, is particularly family-friendly. It features a fully tarmacked, flat path circling the water, making it easily accessible for all abilities, including those with prams. It's a tranquil environment for gentle strolls and wildlife spotting. Additionally, Fiddlers Green in Kilbroney Park is a beautiful, secluded clearing that is also family-friendly.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see?
You can expect to see diverse natural features. The Donaghaguy Reservoir is a tranquil, spring-fed inland lake. The area also features significant geological formations like the Cloughmore Stone, a massive erratic boulder. Mountain summits such as Slieve Foye Summit offer dramatic landscapes and expansive views. You'll also find forests, like those surrounding the Druids' Circle in Ravensdale Forest, and the secluded Fiddlers Green.
Are there any historical or cultural sites among the natural monuments?
Yes, several sites combine natural beauty with historical significance. The Long Woman's Grave Memorial is a man-made monument with a rich local legend. The Druids' Circle in Ravensdale Forest is an intriguing stone circle with an unclear history, possibly an ancient meeting place or a 19th-century creation, adding a mystical element to the natural setting.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Donaghaguy offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Fallows Trail or the Rostrevor Forest Slievemartin Trail. Road cycling is popular with routes such as The Rostrevor Route loop. For running, there are options like the Carlingford Lough Greenway. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, road cycling guide, and running trails guide for Donaghaguy.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, there are hiking trails for various skill levels. For an easy walk, the path around Donaghaguy Reservoir is flat and tarmacked. The Cloughmore Stone can be reached via an easy trail. For moderate challenges, consider the Fallows Trail or the Rostrevor Forest Slievemartin Trail. More challenging routes include the climb to Slieve Foye Summit. You can explore more options in the hiking guide around Donaghaguy.
Is the Donaghaguy Reservoir accessible for everyone?
Yes, the Donaghaguy Reservoir, also known as The Waterworks, is designed for high accessibility. It features a fully tarmacked, flat path that circles the water, making it suitable for individuals using wheelchairs, prams, or those seeking a gentle, easy stroll.
Can I bring my dog to the natural monuments, especially Donaghaguy Waterworks?
While many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, it's always best to check specific regulations. Donaghaguy Waterworks is generally welcoming to dogs, but they should be kept on a lead to protect wildlife and ensure a peaceful environment for all visitors. Always remember to clean up after your pet.
What facilities and amenities are available near Donaghaguy's natural monuments?
Near the Donaghaguy Reservoir, you'll find accessible parking, benches for resting, and picnic areas, making it comfortable for visitors. For other natural monuments, parking is often available, such as at the Long Woman's Grave Memorial. The broader Warrenpoint area offers cafes, pubs, and accommodation options.
What is the best time of year to visit Donaghaguy's natural monuments?
The Donaghaguy area's natural monuments can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather, ideal for longer walks and picnics. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter provides a tranquil, crisp atmosphere, especially around the Donaghaguy Reservoir. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
Where can I find parking for these natural monuments?
Parking is available at several key locations. For the Donaghaguy Reservoir, there is accessible parking on-site. The Long Woman's Grave Memorial also has a car park at the top of the climb. For other natural monuments and trailheads, parking information is typically provided in specific route guides or on local signage.
What wildlife can be spotted around Donaghaguy Reservoir?
The Donaghaguy Reservoir is a valuable wildlife reserve. Visitors can observe various local wildlife, including swans gracefully gliding across the water, mallards, and coots. The reeds and lush vegetation surrounding the lake provide a habitat for these and other species, making it a great spot for nature observation.
What makes the Cloughmore Stone unique?
The Cloughmore Stone is a truly unique natural monument. It's a huge erratic stone, estimated to weigh 50 tons, that originated from Scotland. It was moved to its current location by ice over 10,000 years ago during the ice age. Beyond its geological significance, local legend attributes its placement to the giant Finn McCool, who supposedly chucked it over Carlingford Lough.
Most popular attractions around Donaghaguy
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