Slieve Gullion Forest Park Circular
County Armagh
Slieve Gullion rises 573 metres above south Armagh as the heart of an ancient volcanic ring dyke, and the forest park offers both an easy lowland loop and a proper summit route for bigger adventures. It is dog friendly, with an off lead feel on the quieter upper tracks, but the trail passes active farmland so a lead must be in the pack at all times.
Most visitors start the 14 kilometre circuit from the Slieve Gullion Courtyard car park, climbing forest road, bog path and rocky summit scramble before descending through mixed woodland. Sheep graze the upper slopes so tighten the lead above the tree line, and bogs can be wet in winter. A cafe, toilets, small shop and the Giant's Lair children's trail are clustered at the courtyard, and parking is free.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 14.0 km (8.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 4 hr 40 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Forest, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Cafe, toilets and shop at the Slieve Gullion Courtyard, Giant's Lair trail for families.
- Parking
- Free parking at the Slieve Gullion Courtyard car park, several hundred spaces across main and overflow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Slieve Gullion Forest Park Circular dog friendly?
Yes, Slieve Gullion Forest Park is a solid choice for a day out with your dog, earning a 7.5 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The 14 kilometre circuit takes in forest roads, bog paths and a rocky summit, and the quieter upper tracks have a pleasantly open, off-lead feel for much of the route.
Can dogs be off lead at Slieve Gullion Forest Park Circular?
The quieter upper tracks do lend themselves to off-lead walking, but you should always have a lead to hand on this route. The trail passes active farmland and sheep graze the upper slopes above the tree line, so your dog will need to be on the lead in those areas.
What should I know before visiting Slieve Gullion Forest Park Circular with my dog?
The full circuit is 14 kilometres with a summit climb to 573 metres, so it's worth making sure your dog is up for a longer, more demanding outing. Bogs on the upper path can be wet in winter, and sheep are present above the tree line, so keep your dog close in those sections. On the plus side, parking at the Slieve Gullion Courtyard is free, and there's a cafe, toilets and a shop on site when you're done.
What’s Nearby?
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