Get around the Ring of Gullion without even leaving your Armchair!

Thanks to modern technology and Google it's now possible to experience the wonderful views from many of our local attractions without even leaving your home! Google known for street view and maps have ventured off the road covering walks like Sleve Gullion and under the 18 Arches in Bessbrook.

In collaboration with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership, the Trekker Loan Program captured some of the wild and picturesque locations in the Ring of Gullion earlier this year. The images were captured using Google’s Trekker camera and have opened remote and often hard-to-reach places, to armchair-explorers, travellers and history enthusiasts alike.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “I thought I had visited all of South Armagh, but after seeing this I need to put my walking boots on and see the rest. I’m confident that people sitting at home, after seeing these impressive images, will do just the same. This is another fantastic project for the district and will go a long way to adding to the visitor experience.”

Landscape Partnership Board Chairperson, Des Murphy said, “The Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership, over the last few years, has used technology to get up close and personal with the area’s wildlife. Using the latest drone technology to see the hills from the air, and now you can ‘walk’ and plan a trip up Slieve Gullion from home. Sometimes it is hard to explain how beautiful the Ring of Gullion is and now we can show visitors.”

A Google spokesperson added, “Since the launch of ‘Street View’ in 2007, Google has travelled far and wide, around the world, capturing images of the world’s streets that are viewed and used by millions every day. Lately, the company has ventured into places that are inaccessible to vehicles. Once the images are added to Google’s Street View Maps they may be viewed by anyone who is planning a visit, or by those who are simply interested in learning more about the area; from the terrain and geological landscape to the vegetation and outstanding views.”

The routes are available to view at www.ringofgullion.org and click on Interactive Maps to enjoy some of the area’s wonderful paths and find some inspiration in the spectacular views.