Bessbrook and Camlough are ideally placed to explore the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Ring of Gullion area. There are plenty of outdoor activities and spaces to explore and you are only a short distance from the city of Newry if you fancy a spot of shopping or some nightlife entertainment. These County Armagh villages are only a short distance from the border with Republic of Ireland and are perfect if you are planning some day trips to the South of the country.
The villages and the communities of Camlough and Bessbrook are linked by a shared heritage but also by the Camlough River which flows from Camlough Lake through Bessbrook Pond and under the Craigmore Viaduct, before joining the Newry Canal and reaching Carlingford Lough and the Irish Sea. The water was used to power the many mills along this river and fuelled the linen industry in Bessbrook.
Camlough Lake
Camlough Lake is a beautiful destination that offers a range of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Crooked lake is known for its serene waters and stunning surroundings. The lake is ideal for fishing and very popular for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and open-water swimming.
The Model Village
Stroll along the historic streets of Bessbrook, known as the model village. It started as a planned Mill town and you can easily imagine yourself back in the 1800’s with original cobble street squares and mill worker houses. Bessbrook dates from 1845 when the mill in Bessbrook was purchased by the Quaker Richardson family. They built the present village in order to provide accommodation for the mill workers. The village was a social experiment based on Quaker ideals of temperance, earning it the title of ‘The Model Village’. It was also often called the village of the ‘three Ps’: no public house, no pawn shop, and consequently, no need for police. The streets, terrace houses and squares of Bessbrook are all made from the local hard-wearing Bessbrook granite.
Derrymore House
Derrymore House is a National Trust property nearby and is a great place to explore with the family. The estate has 43 acres of parkland, scenic walking trails and a dedicated dog exercise area.
Archaeology near Bessbrook and Camlough
Ring of Gullion is particularly known for its wealth of archaeological sites and cultural heritage. This region of Northern Ireland is rich with ancient history, featuring numerous sites that date back thousands of years, including Neolithic tombs, ring forts, standing stones, and early Christian sites. Nearby locations include Bally MacDermot Court tomb, Kilnasaggart Pillar Stone, Killeavy Old Churches, Slieve Gullion Passage Tomb.
