Top 7 Natural Monuments around Aughanduff
Best natural monuments around Aughanduff include the Upper and Lower Aughanduff mountains and Cashel Lough Lower, all situated within the geologically significant Ring of Gullion. This area is part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its ancient geological history, including a greywacke core formed over 500 million years ago. The landscape offers panoramic views and diverse habitats, making it a notable location for natural exploration.
Best natural monuments around Aughanduff
- The most popular natural monuments is…
Last updated: July 28, 2026
Slieve Gullion Summit
Highlight • Volcano
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North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough
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The Witch Sculpture
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Calliagh Beara Lough
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Castle Roche
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Unfortunately, the castle was under scaffolding at the time of our visit.
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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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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 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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This lough, located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, is the highest in Northern Ireland.
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At the heart of the Ring of Gullion AONB, you'll find this beautiful mountain, which represents the highest point in the county with an elevation of 573 meters (1,880 ft). Right next to it there is a burial cairn.
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Due to its privileged location, this incredible Anglo-Norman castle can be seen from miles around. It is believed to have been built in the first half of the 13th century by Lady Rohesia de Verdun after her husband's death. According to legend, she promised to marry the architect who built her a castle in Roche. When this happened and the architect claimed her hand, she threw him from one of the windows, which is known as the 'murder window.'
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit around Aughanduff?
Visitors frequently enjoy the dramatic landscapes of the Ring of Gullion. Highlights include the Slieve Gullion Summit, an extinct volcano featuring the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles, and North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, which combines ancient history with natural beauty. Another popular spot is Calliagh Beara Lough, the highest lough in Northern Ireland.
What kind of geological features can I expect to see in the Aughanduff area?
The Aughanduff area is rich in geological history, being part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. You'll encounter the ancient greywacke core of the Upper and Lower Aughanduff mountains, formed over 500 million years ago from compacted sediments of the Iapetus Ocean. The broader Ring of Gullion is an extinct volcanic complex, offering a unique insight into geological processes.
Are there any historical sites among the natural monuments?
Yes, several natural monuments also hold historical significance. The Slieve Gullion Summit hosts the highest Passage Tomb in the British Isles. Additionally, the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion contains Bronze Age stone boxes, adding an archaeological dimension to the natural landscape.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments in Aughanduff?
The area around Aughanduff offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the challenging Slieve Gullion loop, or easier options like the Giant's Lair Trail. There are also running trails and road cycling routes available. For more details, you can explore the hiking guide, running guide, and road cycling guide for Aughanduff.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or trails in Aughanduff?
Yes, the area offers options suitable for families. The Witch Sculpture in the forest is a family-friendly highlight, offering an enchanting experience with curious art installations. The Giant's Lair Trail, mentioned in the hiking guide, is also an easy and popular choice for families.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Aughanduff?
The natural monuments in Aughanduff, particularly those within the Ring of Gullion, are beautiful year-round. However, for hiking and enjoying panoramic views, late spring to early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions. During these months, trails are typically drier, and the views are clearer.
Are there any natural monuments suitable for fishing?
Yes, Cashel Lough Lower is a significant natural attraction and a popular spot for trout fishing. The lough is stocked twice annually, and the site is well-maintained with facilities for anglers.
Where can I find panoramic views in the Aughanduff area?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Upper and Lower Aughanduff mountains. From these prominences, you can see multi-peaked Slievenacappel, Slieve Gullion, Mullaghbawn, and Dromintee, with views extending into counties Louth and Monaghan. The Slieve Gullion Summit also offers fantastic all-around vistas.
What makes Cashel Lough Lower an important natural monument?
Cashel Lough Lower is designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) due to its importance as a wetland habitat. It features an extensive fringe of reed swamp and scrub woodland, supporting a rich invertebrate community, including 30 species of water beetle and 15 species of spider. It also hosts unique plant species with restricted distribution in the British Isles.
Are there challenging hikes around Aughanduff's natural monuments?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Slieve Gullion loop is a difficult running route and a moderate to difficult hike, depending on the specific path taken. The ascent to the Slieve Gullion Summit can be steep in places, especially off the main stairway path, offering a rewarding experience for experienced hikers.
Are there facilities like parking or picnic areas near the natural monuments?
Yes, particularly at Cashel Lough Lower, you'll find facilities such as picnic areas, a slipway, and car parking. For Slieve Gullion, there is ample parking space at the Slieve Gullion Viewing Platform, which serves as a starting point for many hikes.
What wildlife might I encounter around Aughanduff's natural monuments?
The diverse habitats around Aughanduff, especially the wetlands of Cashel Lough Lower, support a rich variety of wildlife. You might spot numerous species of water beetles and spiders, as well as various bird species attracted to the lough's reed swamps. The broader Ring of Gullion is known for its biodiversity, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
What is the significance of the Aughanduff mountains within the Ring of Gullion?
The Upper and Lower Aughanduff mountains are core parts of the western outer ring of the Ring of Gullion. Geologically, they are distinct, with a greywacke core that predates the volcanic activity that shaped much of the Ring of Gullion, making them an outcrop of the ancient landscape formed over 500 million years ago.
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