At Hillwalk Tours, we normally focus… well on hills, but Ireland is also famous for its dramatic and ever-changing mountain landscape. The mountains of Ireland rise above all and provide spectacular viewpoints for the countryside below.
Nine out of the ten highest mountains in Ireland are actually in the Macgillycuddy Reeks mountain range in Kerry. Therefore, for the purpose of variety, we’ll list some mountains that are not in the Macgillycuddy Reeks but are still quite a climb.
1. Carrauntoohil – 1,038m (3,406 ft)
Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in Ireland, and it located in the Macgillycuddy Reeks mountain range in county Kerry. This highest peak doesn’t require any specialist equipment, except extreme care is advised.
Increased popularity in the hike means that some parts of the route are quickly being eroded, especially the Devil’s Ladder section. The mountain is still climbable with a variety of routes available, and it’s definitely worth the reward!
For those who prefer staying to lower heights, the Kerry Way offers spectacular views of the Macgillycuddy Reeks and Carrauntoohil on it’s route from Killarney to Glencar.
2. Mount Errigal – 751m (2,464 ft)
Mount Errigal may not be one of the top highest mountains in Ireland, but it’s certainly located in one of the most beautiful places: Donegal.
The mountain seems to have a different shape, depending what side you look at it from. It also glows with a pinkish hue during sunset, owing to its makeup of quartzite.
The Sli an Earagail walking trail also provides a 77km loop walk around Mount Errigal.
3. Ben Baun – 729m (2,392 ft)
Ben Baun is the highest mountain in Galway, and the highest of the Twelve Bens mountain range. It is located in Connemara National Park and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
It’s not the hardest climb, although you may cross some marshy and boggy land. Overall, Ben Baun is a mountain worth climbing and definitely one to tick off your Irish mountain bucket list.
The Western Way offers a lower lying walking option through Connemara from Oughterard to Leenane and on to Westport.
4. Slieve Donard – 850m (2,789 ft)
Slieve Donard is the highest mountain in the Mourne mountain range, and is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland.
On a clear day, the views from the top are second to none. Scotland, Wales, England, and the south-east of Ireland can all be seen. It is considered a tough climb, however people of all ages are certainly capable of completing this worthwhile hike.
5. Galtymore – 919m (3,015 ft)
Galtymore is the 14th highest peak in Ireland, and the highest in the Galty mountain range. An interesting note about Galtymore is that it is the highest mountain situated inland in Ireland.
It is not considered to be a tough or difficult climb, and is quite accessible to those wishing to tackle it.
6. Mount Brandon – 952m (3,123 ft)
Mount Brandon, located along the Dingle Way, is one of the tallest mountains in Ireland. It is eclipsed by many of the Macgillycuddy Reeks which also lie in county Kerry.
Having said this, it is the highest mountain in Ireland outside of the Reeks. On an absolutely clear day, you can see Mount Brandon by looking south from the Cliffs of Moher, which are many miles to the north in county Clare.
Walkers finishing their Dingle Way walk in Cuas have the option to climb Mount Brandon. In addition, the 18km Cosan na Naomh pilgrim path also finishes at the foot of Mount Brandon.
7. Lugnaquilla – 925m (3,035 ft)
Lugnaquilla falls just outside of the top 10 highest mountains in Ireland, yet is the tallest mountain amongst the Wicklow Mountains.
It is a frequently climbed mountain due to its closeness to Dublin, and there are a few established routes to summit. Looking east on a clear day, one can easily make out Snowdonia in Wales. Looking west, the mountains on the west side of Ireland come into view.
We hope that you enjoyed this guide to 7 of the highest mountains in Ireland. If you’re interesting in hiking the best hiking trails in Ireland, check out our range of Ireland hiking tours.
