South Armagh

Day 2,454, 04:48 • Published in Ireland Ireland • by Ian Arb




South Armagh

South Armagh is the gateway to the North located to the west of Newry and just north of the border, situated half way between Dublin & Belfast.

It has a long republican tradition as many served in the Fourth Northern Division of the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence (1919-21) and fought on the republican side in the Irish Civil War (1922-23). They also took part in IRA campaigns during the 1940s and 50s.

It is also known for the South Armagh Brigade of the Provisional IRA who operated during the Troubles in south County Armagh. It was organised into two battalions, one around Jonesborough and another around Crossmaglen. It was commanded by Thomas “Slab” Murphy who is also a member of the IRA army’s Council. However the South Armagh Brigade was different from other brigades as they were seen as an independent republic within the republican movement. They retained a battalion organisational structure and refused to adopt the cell structure of the IRA. This was due to the repeated intelligence failures within the provisional IRA.

South Armagh was considered be the most dangerous place for any British solider due to a sniping campaign against British Security Forces from 1990 to 1997. In this present day the local citizens of Armagh are desperate to put this behind them by establishing a tourism vibe which has scenic landscape to exploit!

So let’s cut to the chase, what can you do in South Armagh?

Ring of Gullion



Explore the jewel in the crown of the Ring of Gullion to the sumbit of Slive Gullion. Walkers and cyclists can find a number of suitable routes ranging in length and difficulty.

The Ring of Gullion is a geological landform and was the first ring dyke in the world to be geologically mapped. The ring of low, rugged hills forms a ‘rampart’ around the heather-clad Slieve Gullion mountain. Rich semi-wild habitats of heath, bog and woodland contrast with the neatly patterned fields and ladder farms. Slieve Gullion’s mysterious reputation arises from its associations with legends and the wider area’s rich archaeological heritage.

Annaghmare Court Tomb



Annaghmare Court Tomb is located west to the Slieve Gullion Mountains. Commonly called Black Castle or Horned Cairn or Fort of the Dead, this court was excavated in the year 1963-64. Upon digging, it was found that this place was used for burying and cremating dead bodies.

Newry City



Newry is a thriving City in the valley of the Clanrye between the granite mass of the Mournes and the Carlingford Slieve Gullion massif. Newry has historical origins and is one of the oldest towns in Ireland with continuous settlement in the area since Early Christian times. Places to see in the city are The Cathedral of St Patrick and St Colman, Newry Town Hall, Newry & Mourne Muesum, Newry Market, St Patrick’s Church of Ireland to name just a few.


Upon entering South Armagh beware of the sniper 😉



Cheers for readiing,
Ian