Ring of Gullion AONB

Date of designation: 1991Area: 15353 ha

The landscape and the people mark out the Ring of Gullion as a special place and there are few small areas in Ireland which retain their local identity as clearly. People have lived in the Ring of Gullion for over 6,000 years and their feelings about the landscape have been expressed through the ages in local literature, poetry, music, folk history and art. This thriving cultural heritage has survived to the present day. The shared traditions of the people, in their virtually enclosed landscape with its historic frontier, has forged a unique culture which is warm, friendly and welcoming.

A special people living in a special place. The Ring of Gullion itself is a unique geological landform, (a ring dyke), not found anywhere else in the British Isles. The heather clad bulk of Slieve Gullion mountain lies at the centre of the AONB, which takes its name from the encircling ring of lower rugged hills. Rich wildlife habitats of heath, bog and woodland contrast with the neatly patterned fields and ladder farms. Slieve Gullion's reputation as Ireland's mountain of mystery arises from its rich associations with Irish legends and myths.

Further information on the AONB can be obtained from ROSA on www.rosa.ie .

A Management Strategy

Northern Ireland Environment Agency is keen to ensure that there is a robust management strategy in place so that the area makes progress in a sustainable way, whilst keeping its special landscapes and those features that make it of national interest.

AONB landscapes are intended to be vibrant places with thriving communities, so it is important that the people of the Ring of Gullion are involved in manageing its future.

A management strategy is being developed.

Ring of Gullion Office
O'Fiaich House
25-26 O'Fiaich Square
Crossmaglen
Co. Armagh
Tel: (028) 3086 8183
ROI: 048 3086 8183
e-mail: ron@rosa.ie