Slieve Donard and the Mourne Mountains

Slieve Donard and the Mourne Mountains Hike

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

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.

• Please ensure you wear good mountain footwear as this route is rocky and slippery in places.
• Please note this hike is graded as ‘Strenuous’ and requires a good level of fitness, it is not suitable for beginners.

Equipment

• Good hiking boots and waterproof clothing are essential (without these you may be excluded from the hike).
• 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.