This high point gives good views of the rolling Armagh countryside to the north, and Slieve Gullion and the Mourne Mountains to the south-east. Celtic mythology gives Carrigatuke as the residence of King Lir, and many of the Red Branch tales are set in this area.
Directions:
FROM NEWRY - Drive east on A25 to Newtownhamilton. From there, take A29 SP:"Keady" 2.5 miles to waypoint N54º12.838,W6º36.898 and follow the viewpoint road and signs to the summit.
FROM ARMAGH - Take A29 south, turning on to B31 south 6 miles to waypoint N54º15.828,W6º37.408 turn right. Continue 1.5 miles to waypoint N54º14.553,W6º37.684 turn left on to the viewpoint road. Note: this junction is not signposted for some reason.
Please take care on the narrow, single-track viewpoint road. There is a car park at the summit, and a rather weatherbeaten picnic area. Click HERE for a map of the area (Multimap.com).
The Setting: The 'Lower Fews' area of South Armagh combines stark scenery with dark history - both ancient and modern. The region is rich in Iron Age and other pre-christian sites, with many raths and standing stones at prominent locations. Coniferous plantations ring the higher ground, but this is 1940's-style afforestation, inimical to much wildlife. Merlin and Buzzard can still be seen working over the open moorland, but of the legends' White Cairn, nothing remains.
The Cache: A small 12x8x6cm tab-lock box is hidden near ground level about 100ft/32m from the nearest point of the car park, containing geocaching goodies and the usual swap items.
This cache is not recommended for travel bugs - it is somewhat remote and may not receive many visitors in the course of a season.
