The Giant’s Lair
Area: Co Armagh
Distance: One mile circular
Nearest town to start: Forkhill
Facilities: Café, toilets and visitor centre
Developed By: This walk has been developed and is maintained by the Ring Of Gullion AONB
Terrain: This walk takes place on forest track with some inclines throughout
Walk Description
This bank holiday weekend step into the Giant’s Lair, a magical living story book through the enchanting woodland of Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Follow the trail as it takes you on an unforgettable journey through fairy houses and arts features, creating a fantastical childhood land of mystery, dragons, giants, witches and fairies.
Inspired by the rich tapestry of local legend and mythical folklore this walk starts and finishes in the car park adjacent to the courtyard centre. Picking up the path beside the park, keep to the left through woodland for 750m. Reaching a log bench on the right stop to enjoy the magnificent views across the Ring of Gullion Hills.
Keeping to the right of the trail, follow in the footsteps of Flynn the mischievous fairy, whose job is to not allow anyone to wake the sleeping giant Slieve Gullion. Continue along the path as it leads back into the woodland before descending to the car park. On the way art installations and structures will spark your imagination as you drop in for a cup of dandelion tea, grab a seat at the Giant’s Table, stroll along to the Ladybird House and sneak a peek at local witchy trickster, The Cailleach Beara.
The perfect end to any family trip to the forest park is a stop off at the action-packed adventure play park, which is guaranteed to keep kids of all ages thoroughly entertained. Watch the kids as they burn off some energy on the slides, climbing frames and outdoor gym equipment before navigating their way out of the maze.
Map: Sheet 29 of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discoverer Series available from Land & Property Serviceswww.osni.gov.uk or www.nidirect.gov.uk/map-shop-information
Responsible Walking: Please remember to practice the principles of `Leave No Trace’ when enjoying the outdoors in order to minimise your impact on the environment. For more information, visitwww.leavenotraceireland.org
Disclaimer: This information has been provided by WalkNI.com in association with The Irish News. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information. However, neither WalkNI.com nor The Irish News can accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Where such are brought to our attention, the information for future publications will be amended accordingly. Visit WalkNI.com for route descriptions, maps, and transport and facility information for over 240 quality walks across Northern Ireland.
