Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Adventure Playpark and Fionn's Giant Adventure

Slieve Gullion is Ireland's Mountain of Mystery. The Forest Park offers walking trails, a scenic drive, an Adventure Playpark, Fionn's Giant Adventure children's story trail and a Courtyard with coffee shop. Rising some 576m above the surrounding countryside, the broad slopes of Slieve Gullion dominate the landscape of south Armagh. The mountain itself lies at the centre of a pronounced ring of hills – the Ring of Gullion. Whether you choose to experience it at a hi-octane pace, embark on a peaceful nature retreat, summit Slieve Gullion – Armaghs’s highest peak – or follow tailor made itineraries as a guide, the Ring of Gullion region offers a host of activities and attractions for families, couples, groups of friends and visitors of any age, who want to get away from it all, explore unspoilt landscapes and enjoy a real sense of well-being. The area has some of the best biodiversity in the region and has a multitude of protected areas and visitors have the chance to see wildlife on the Red Squirrel Safari. A 10km drive around the slopes of Slieve Gullion offers visitors spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. And a leisurely walk around the walled garden is a must, as is a 2km walk through the mostly broadleaf mature woodland of Hawthorn Hill. There is a mountain top trail to two cairns (North, bronze age; and South Neolithic) and the Lake of Sorrows, with stunning views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne and Cooley mountain ranges and Armagh Drumlins, with over 2,000 years of legend and history awaiting. Cuchulainn, the Red Branch, Fionn Mac Cumhail (Finn McCool) and other heroes have trodden the slopes of this Mountain of Mystery. The Slieve Gullion Courtyard, set in the midst of the park, is home to a Visitor Information Office, and the extremely popular café where you can enjoy delicious treats, as well as the wildlife pond – an essential stop off after a busy morning walking or exploring the Adventure Playpark or Fionn's Giant Adenture. The Courtyard has toilet facilities. Slieve Gullion Adventure Playpark The perfect start to any family trip to the Forest Park begins with a stop off at our action-packed Adventure Playpark, which is guaranteed to keep kids of all ages delighted and thoroughly entertained. It includes a specially designed toddler’s area, adventure and play equipment for the older kids, the “Slieve Gullion ZIP” and even a trim trail for the adults. Burn off some energy on the slides, climbing frames and outdoor gym equipment, make a wish on the wishing chair and find your way out of the maze. The Playpark has previously attained the ‘Green Apple Environment Award’ and Best Tourism Partner Initiative at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards. Fionn's Giant Adventure – Children’s Story Trail The most ambitious children’s arts project commissioned in Northern Ireland, at Slieve Gullion is open to boys, girls, elves and fairies alike. A must-see landmark cultural attraction, Fionn's Giant Adventure is an innovative magical living storybook. The Trail takes visitors on an unforgettable journey of intertwined fairy house and arts features creating a fantastical childhood land of mystery, dragons, giants, witches and fairies. The art on Fionn's Giant Adventure is all inspired by the rich tapestry of local legend and mythical folklore on over a mile of woodlands within the Forest Park. Follow in the footsteps of Flynn the mischievous fairy, who has one important job – not to allow anyone to wake Slieve Gullion; It might look like a mountain but it’s really a sleeping giant! Drop in for a cup of dandelion tea, grab a seat at the Giant’s Table, stroll along to the Ladybird House and sneak a peek at local witchy trickster, The Cailleach Beara. Fionn's Giant Adventure is, without a doubt, the premiere outdoor attraction for children from far and wide, capturing a genuine sense of enchantment and mystery in the beautiful setting of Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Fionn's Giant Adventure is situated beside the Slieve Gullion Adventure Playpark. It is free to walk round and explore. The trail takes you into plenty of nooks and crannies so a backpack carrier or baby sling is recommended for tots. The on-site car park can accommodate 120 cars (8 disabled parking bays), and has space for four 50 seater buses. What are you waiting for, come enjoy and experience an ancient landscape.

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Opening times

March & October 9am - 6pm
April & September 9am - 8pm
May to August 9am - 9pm
November to February* 9am - 5pm
*closed Christmas Day

Getting to the start by car

Directions from Town: On B113, 5 miles southwest of Newry.

Price from £

Slieve Gullion Forest Park is free to enter.