Mourne Mountains

Slieve Donard And The Hare’s Gap – day hike (Hard)

The highest mountain in Northern Ireland, and if that’s not enough, the second highest too!

About the Mourne Mountains guided hike

An opportunity to climb the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, Slieve Donard (849 metres). We begin our hike at the Meelmore Lodge car park, (toilet facilities), and soon find ourselves following the Trassey river into the mountains. A steady climb brings us to the Hare’s Gap where we follow the Mourne Wall over Slievenagogh and Slieve Commedagh, the second highest mountain in this range. From here the views over the reservoirs of the Silent valley to the south and to Tollymore forest and Newcastle to the north are magnificent.

We descend again before a final re-ascent to the summit of Slieve Donard, from the large Bronze Age cairn at the summit there are lovely views over Newcastle and the Irish Sea. Making our way down the southern flank on the mountain we make our return by the Brandy Pad, a well-made path famous for being an old smugglers route inland. We would aim to be back in Dublin by around 8.00pm.

Transport is available from Dublin at €15 per person, please specify at the checkout that you require transport and we will send you a link to make payment.

MEETING POINT

Meelmore Lodge car park, Trassey Road, 10.30 am

RETURN TIME

To Dublin approx. 8.00pm

EQUIPMENT

Good waterproof boots and waterproof clothing are essential – walking trousers are advised or comfortable athletic clothing, (no jeans please); spare warm layer; hat and gloves; lunch and/or snacks; water or juice drink, (1.5 litres); small rucksack to carry it all in.

TRANSPORT

Transport is available from Molly Malone statue in Suffolk Street, at 08.30, – additional €20 per person, please state at the checkout that you require transport from Dublin and we confirm with receipt.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Professional mountain leader with first aid certification and full insurance.

Insights into the history, flora and fauna of the Mourne mountains.

Specialist hiking clothing.

Food and drink.

TO BOOKING FORM FULL CALENDAR OF ALL EVENTS

OSNI Activity Map: The Mournes