Best attractions and places to see around Mullaghbane include a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural points of interest. The village is situated near Slieve Gullion, the highest mountain in County Armagh, within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This region offers diverse habitats, ancient landmarks like Ballykeel Dolmen, and cultural centers. Visitors can explore extinct volcanoes, historical cairns, and unique stone circles.
Last updated: July 29, 2026
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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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In the middle of the forest, you suddenly find yourself standing in front of a bizarre stone creature - the "witch". She looks as if she has just risen from the mossy ground, with a mischievous smile and deep, expressive wrinkles on her face. This artfully designed stone is one of those unexpected encounters that transform the forest into a small adventure land. When you explore this magical place surrounded by old trees and whispering leaves, it almost seems as if the witch is greeting you with a wink. Here you can linger for a moment, enjoy the silence and let your imagination run wild - who knows what stories this forest still has to tell?
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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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On the way through the Giant's Lair you will be immersed in Irish legends. As soon as you pass under the artistically carved archway, a magical world opens up in which the story of Finn McCool comes to life. The path leads you and the whole family through four chapters that bring the world of legend to life with lovingly designed stations. For the little ones it is an exciting treasure hunt - at every bend there are new clues waiting for them, which they eagerly discover. While they run ahead to find the next adventure, there is enough time for you to enjoy the lush nature. The dense trees, the mosses and the ancient carvings make you forget everyday life. You are in the middle of a story that unfolds further with every step.
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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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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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This small forest at the foot of Slieve Gullion seems to be straight out of a fairy tale. Running through it will leave you enchanted, and you'll come across curious sculptures like this giant witch's face.
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Mullaghbane is nestled within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering diverse natural landscapes. You can explore Slieve Gullion Summit, an extinct volcano and the highest point in County Armagh, providing extensive views. Another notable feature is North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, a summit with a Bronze Age cairn next to a tranquil mountain lake. The area also features Cashel Lake and the varied habitats of the Ring of Gullion.
Yes, Mullaghbane is rich in history. Besides the ancient cairns on Slieve Gullion, you can visit the Druids' Circle in Ravensdale Forest, an intriguing stone circle with debated origins. Nearby, you'll find Ballykeel Dolmen, an outstanding example of a portal tomb, and the ruins of Shanroe Barracks (1689) and Belmont Barracks (1795). In Killeavy, there's a ruined church with the grave of Saint Moninne.
The area around Mullaghbane offers several hiking opportunities. The 57 km long 'Ring of Gullion Way' circles the mountain, with a 13 km section known as the 'Slieve Gullion Walk' leading to the summit. For more specific routes, you can explore trails like the 'Slieve Gullion running loop' or 'The Poets Trails: Ballykeel running loop' which are popular for running but also suitable for hiking. Find more details on these and other routes on the Running Trails around Mullaghbane guide.
Absolutely! Families will enjoy the Giant's Lair, an interactive story trail that brings the legend of Finn McCool to life through four chapters. This makes hiking engaging for children, who can search for clues along the way. Within the same forest, you might also discover unique sculptures like The Witch Sculpture, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Mullaghbane and the Ring of Gullion are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather, ideal for hiking and exploring the natural features. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the landscape, while winter can offer crisp, clear views, though some trails might be wetter. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit, especially if planning outdoor activities.
Yes, for Slieve Gullion, there is ample parking available at the Slieve Gullion Viewing Platform, which serves as a common starting point for hikes to the summit. Slieve Gullion Forest Park also offers parking facilities for visitors accessing its walking trails, scenic drive, and Adventure Playpark.
Yes, the area around Mullaghbane is well-suited for cycling. You can find various routes for different types of cycling, including touring and road cycling. Popular routes include the 'Giant's Lair – View of Slieve Gullion loop' and the 'Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours – Moyry Castle loop'. For more detailed cycling routes, refer to the Cycling around Mullaghbane guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Mullaghbane guide.
Mullaghbane offers a glimpse into local culture and history. The Mullaghbawn Folk Museum is a restored traditional thatched farmhouse showcasing artifacts from the Ring of Gullion's past. Additionally, Tí Chulainn, located at the bottom of Slieve Gullion, serves as a cultural heritage center.
Visitors to Mullaghbane frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from Slieve Gullion Summit, especially from the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles. The interactive and imaginative experience of the Giant's Lair is a big hit with families. The sense of history and mysticism at sites like the Druids' Circle and the ancient cairns also leaves a lasting impression.
While Slieve Gullion offers more challenging hikes, Slieve Gullion Forest Park itself provides walking trails suitable for various abilities, including a scenic drive and children's story trail. For easier, family-friendly walks, the Giant's Lair trail is designed to be accessible and engaging for all ages.
Beyond Mullaghbane, you can consider a short trip to Gosford Forest Park and Gosford Castle near Markethill, which features diverse landscapes and a magnificent 19th-century country house. Another option is the Armagh Planetarium, a leading center for astronomical research and a popular attraction for all ages in Armagh.


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