The Ring of Gullion Way, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, follows a waymarked 36 mile (57.5km) route, traversing heather moorland, hill pasture, fen and forest terrain. It can be enjoyed in sections and offers walkers a chance to explore an exceptional countryside rich in geology, archaeology, wildlife, history and folklore. This Waymarked Way, managed by Newry and Mourne District Council and Regeneration of South Armagh (ROSA), begins at the Quays overflow car park in Newry, continues to Clontygora Court Tomb, then follows along Clontygora Hill and through Ravensdale Forest to Marble Bridge. The trail then goes to Jonesborough and on to the forest section at Glendooey. A series of tracks and quiet lanes lead to Forkhill, then on to Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Slieve Gullion is often described as Ireland’s most mystic mountain, associated with legendary warriors like Cúchulainn and Finn McCool. Following the footpath up the mountain to Slieve Gullion Courtyard Centre, continue along Ballintemple Road to early Christian sites, such as Killevy Old Church, built on the site of a 5th century convent, St Moninna’s Well and Kilnasaggart Pillar Stone. The route continues along a series of country roads to end at the beautiful National Trust property of Derrymore House near Bessbrook. This is a unique, prehistoric landscape that needs to be seen firsthand to be appreciated, including the dramatic ring of small mountains and hills that encircle Slieve Gullion. These are technically known as a ‘ring dyke’ and the Ring of Gullion is the best example of this natural formation anywhere in the British Isles. The sights are stunning throughout the Ring of Gullion Way, with expansive hilltop views over the Newry Ship Canal, Newry City, Carlingford Lough and Slieve Gullion.