Step into the Ring of Gullion’s Story

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, through the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership, is providing summer coach tours starting on the Summer Solstice, Saturday 22 June at 10.30am from Bagenal's Castle.

These tours provide local people and visitors alike with an opportunity to learn more about a fascinating area with a mysterious reputation, alive with legends, outstanding natural beauty and world renowned archaeological heritage.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “The Ring of Gullion Heritage Coach Tour is a great introduction to this area, a hidden gem of Northern Ireland. The Ring of Gullion and South Armagh have a fascinating history and this undiscovered region is well worth exploring.”

The Ring of Gullion, which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, contains 20 large stone tombs, some of which date more than 5,000 years. Many of them, such as Ballymacdermot, are situated in prominent positions with magnificent views over the surrounding countryside.

Also visited by the coach tour is Moyry Castle, a 17^th century campaign fort which overlooks the Moyry Pass, a valley known as the ‘Gap of the North’. It has always been the main direct north-south route in eastern Ireland. In the days of the Fianna legends, the men of Ulster came through this valley to harass and fight the tribes of Leinster.

The coach tour will explore these and many other hidden gems and is accompanied by an experienced local tour guide who is steeped in the history of the area. Tickets start at £15 for adults and there are concession tickets available. To guarantee a seat, booking is essential on the Ring of Gullion website www.ringofgullion.org/events. 

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