Slieve Gullion ASSI

Slieve Gullion is one of the largest heathlands in Northern Ireland. The variety of heathland types reflects the different environmental conditions on the site, with the most extensive community dominated by heather. On the lower slopes there is a natural transition from upland communities, to lowland heaths and acid grasslands down into a series of small wetlands. These 'basin fens' are very diverse and of high conservation value. Some of the lowland heath communities are especially important for Northern Ireland.

A number of notable species have been recorded. These include cowberry on the higher slopes, western gorse and the moss Sphagnum compactum in the lowland heath and Dioecious sedge and pale butterwort in the richer flushed areas.

The Ring of Gullion is one of the best ring-dyke systems in the British Isles. Slieve Gullion itself is the finest example of a tertiary igneous centre in Ireland. The rock exposures on the mountain and surrounding areas are of international geological importance.