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Mountain Walking in Ireland

Ireland is not famous for high mountains, and in fact the tallest mountain in Ireland stands just over 1000m high. Compared to other countries, this might seem a paltry figure, but Ireland has a lot to offer mountain walkers who visit Ireland. Below I look at the highest mountains in each of the four provinces in Ireland.

Munster

Carrauntoohil (Corran Tuathail in Irish), Co Kerry which forms part of MacGillycuddys Reeks stands at 1039 meters high and is not just the tallest mountain in Munster, but also the tallest mountain in Ireland. The views from top of this mountain are spectacular, looking out over Hags Glen and Co. Kerry. This is not the safest mountain in Ireland to climb. Most people climb the mountain via the Devils Ladder which can only be described as dangerous. The Devil's Ladder is made up of loose rocks and rises at a steep angle. Once you reach the top of the Devils Ladder, there is a further stretch to climb to the peak of the mountain which is marked by a cross.

Connaught

Mweelrea (Cnoc Maol Ridh, bald grey hill in Irish) is the tallest mountain in Connaught, standing just over 800 meters. It is situated beside the coastline of Mayo which is famous for its beauty. From the top of the mountain you look over Clew Bay and the numerous Islands that litter the seascape. Often described as one of the great walks in Ireland, Mweelrea is a difficult mountain that asks many questions of those who climb it.

Ulster

Slieve Donard meaning Sliabh Domengard in Irish or Donard Mountain, is the tallest mountain in Ulster, peaking at 850 meters. Standing next to the picturesque seaside town of Newcastle, Slieve Donard is an interesting climb, not only because of the spectacular views it offers up to those who make the effort, but because of the climb itself. The trek up the mountain is marked out with a rocky path, including steps up the mountain itself. When you reach the saddle, turn left and follow the Mourne Wall to the top of the mountain. This wall can provide great shelter from wind and rain on a cold day.

Leinster

Lugnaquilla is the highest mountain in Leinster, and many say is the most difficult of all the mountains in Ireland. From the base and Murphys Glen of the Imall Pub, you will gain over 700 meters to the top. The Mountain is covered in grass and a vague path worn into the mountain side marks the path to the top. It is not unusual to see wild deer here, so keep an eye out. The mountain offers up spectacular views over County Kildare after you get passed the first and toughest incline. If you are lucky enough to climb Lugnaquilla on a cloudless days, be prepared for one of the most spectacular vistas in Ireland.

Ronan Menton is the webmaster for a number of travel related websites and has been for some time in Ireland, associated with search engine optimisation in the Irish travel industry. He spends two months a year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and now sees it as his second home.Among the many sites he is currently working on are the following: hotels in Cork and hotels in Galway

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