Slieve Gullion Giant’s Lair

Suits: Buggies, toddlers and multi-access.

Hike: It’s just 25 minutes from Dundalk, but the storied, volcanic landscape of Slieve Gullion remains off-radar to most Irish people. It shouldn’t be. As well as classic mountain walks and a 10km scenic driving loop, you’ll find the Giant’s Lair — a children’s story trail threaded through the woodland. Pitched as ‘a living storybook’, prepare to pass through a wicker tunnel, sit at a giant’s table and spot dozens and dozens of fairy doors… all on a short, but richly immersive circuit. The surface is good for buggies, and there’s an adventure playground and café to hand, too. If you like this, there’s also a Gruffalo Trail at Belfast’s Colin Glen Forest Park. – PÓC

Start and Finish at: Slieve Gullion Forest Park car park.

Level: Easy.

Length / Time: 1.6km; 1 hour.

Pack: Paper, pens and crayons may be handy for fairy notes and drawings, or rubbings of leaves and trees. Scan the legends on its website to prep your own stories, too.