Twinning group enjoys Ring of Gullion tour

Twinning group enjoys Ring of Gullion tour

10 November 2021

MEMBERS of the Rowallane and Slieve Croob Community Twinning Group recently organised a guided coach tour which took in the most impressive sights and monuments of the Ring of Gullion.

Guide Una Walsh, who is passionate about the townlands and knows them all the length and breadth of South Armagh, accompanied members on their journey through the breathtaking landscape, whilst enlightening them about the rich natural, built, archaeological and cultural heritage, oral tradition, and the many myths and legends from Cuchulainn to Finn McCool.

Visit highlights included stops at Creggan Parish Church and graveyard, the Crooked Lake in Camlough, Killeavy old churches, Bessbrook model village and Quaker settlement.

Twinning group members also stopped off at Derrymore House, an elegant, thatched manor house dating back to 1776, situated in a partly-walled demesne with scenic walks and beautiful woodland, managed by the National Trust. A delicious picnic lunch was prepared on the morning of the tour by Diane at On a Roll in Castlewellan and enjoyed by the group in the Mullaghbawn Community Centre.

The local cross-community group, which comprises mainly retired people from every background, enjoyed their recent outing thanks to the enthusiasm and expertise of their expert guide, with the group also extending its thanks to James from Ballyred Coaches.

The twinning group would like to thank Una Walsh for a “wonderful day” with the group also thankful to its esteemed local historian, Horace Reid, who provided research into Derrymore House for the visit and to Newry Mourne and Down Council’s Good Relations Programme for its generous funding which made this cross-community coach trip possible.