A lot of people are taking up challenges at the moment. I can see the attraction of it. Whether it be to train for a marathon or climb every county top in Ireland – the planning, preparation, slow progress towards a larger goal and the dedication required make achieving that goal a really fulfilling experience. A lot of these people are looking at climbing mountains as a good challenge to set. Maybe to climb the 40 highest mountains in Ireland?
People usually throw in a timeline to achieve their goal by. Maybe completing the challenge before a milestone birthday? Climbing the 40 highest mountains in Ireland before you turn 40 has a certain ring to it.
Luckily, I’m a bit away from 40.
38 is definitely in the late mid-thirties category still…right?
In any event, here’s a breakdown of the 40 highest mountains in Ireland. I’ve completed 7 by the way. I hope to complete a lot more in the near future. The below list starts from the highest (Carrauntoohil) and works down to the 40th (Blackstairs Mountain).
Map of the 40 Highest Mountains in Ireland
I’ve created a shared map which details all of the locations of the 40 highest mountains in Ireland. Check it out here.
1. Carrauntoohil (1,039m), Co. Kerry
The highest mountain in Ireland. A really majestic peak. For anyone interested in mountain climbing in Ireland, this is one of the real gems that should be on their bucket list. I really loved summiting this one via the Devil’s Ladder. Check out my article detailing this wonderful climb.
2. Knocknapeasta (985m), Co. Kerry
Like Carrauntoohil, Knocknapeasta forms part of the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range in County Kerry. In 1943, a US Airforce plane crashed here. Parts of the wreckage can still be seen in Lough Cummeenpeasta. This is a tough climb which requires exposed scrambling. Worth it though for beautiful views as far out as Kenmare Harbour to the south.
3. Mount Brandon (952m), Co. Kerry
Another Kerry mountain, this one located in the Dingle Peninsula. Mount Brandon derives its name from Saint Brendan. The holy mountain can be best tackled via the Faha Route or Pilgrim’s Path.
4. Lugnaquilla (925m), Co. Wicklow
The highest mountain in Leinster can be climbed via a multitude of routes. I’ve detailed a lovely walk starting from the Glenmalure Valley in this article. Hopefully it won’t be as cloudy when you try this great hike!
5. Galtymore (918m), Co. Tipperary/Co. Limerick
Returning to Munster, this time on the Tipp/Limerick border. Known as Ireland’s highest inland mountain, Galtymore and it‘s deep corrie lakes prove very popular with walkers in this part of the country. Check out the Wild Irish Walks guide to the Galtymore Loop Hike.
6. Baurtregaum (850m), Co. Kerry
Usually walked with Caherconree (see number 11 below), this allows for an excellent opportunity to climb two of Ireland’s highest mountains in one day. Baurtregaum marks the highest point in the Slieve Mish range on the eastern end of the Dingle Peninsula.
7. Slieve Donard (849m), Co. Down
Slieve Donard stands tall as the highest mountain in Ulster. The Mourne Mountains offer an abundance of beautiful hikes for walkers with Donard a highlight for those aiming to summit the highest points in all 4 provinces in Ireland.
8. Mullaghcleevaun (847m), Co. Wicklow
The second highest mountain in Wicklow and Leinster after Lugnaquilla. I completed this summit as part of a mammoth day trek which saw me hit 8 mountain peaks in one day. Not for the faint hearted but a beautiful trail nonetheless.
9. Brandon Peak (840m), Co. Kerry
Back to Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Brandon Peak is a sister mountain to Mount Brandon (number 3 above) and these two high points can be completed together.
10. Mangerton (838m), Co. Kerry
Mangerton lies to the southeast of the lakes of Killarney. Tackling this mountaintop brings amazing views of the steep corries beneath you as you summit. With beautiful views of Lough Erhogh and the Devil’s Punchbowl, this is a really spectacular hike.
11. Caherconree (835m), Co. Kerry
As noted above, you can hike Caherconree at the same time as Bauertregaum. Caherconree derives its name from an Iron Age stone fort two-thirds of the way up the mountain. Steeped in Irish mythology, this is a beautiful part of the world.
12. Purple Mountain (832m), Co. Kerry
Another mountain in the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Purple Mountain is very popular among hill walkers and hikers. The peak gets its name from the purple hue of its sandstone rock. This mountain is picture postcard perfect and a beautiful climb.
13. Beenoskee (826m), Co. Kerry
Are you getting sick of Kerry yet? Didn’t think so. With Dingle Bay to the south and Tralee Bay to the north, Beenoskee offers up some amazing views for hikers.
14. Lyracappul (825m), Co. Limerick
While Galtymore borders Limerick, Lyracappul stands solely within the Treaty County. Best tackled from King’s Yard – where camping, shower and toilet facilities are provided – climbing Lyracappul offers beautiful scenic views in all directions.
15. Tonelagee (816m), Co. Wicklow
I’ve made one failed attempt at climbing Tonelagee. I needed to turn back due to horrendous weather conditions. Thankfully, I did get as far to get amazing views of the famous heart shaped lake that forms part of the route. Check out details of my adventure here.
I’ve also made a successful summit of Tonelagee using a different route. While the option to climb Tonelagee from Turlough Hill Carpark is easier, all I got to see at the top were clouds. Sometimes this hiking business can be very frustrating!
16. Mweelrea (814m), Co. Mayo
Connacht’s highest mountain. Rising above the spectacular Killary Harbour, Mweelrea stands out as an amazing climb in the west of Ireland.
We have a full guide on completing the Mweelrea Loop. This hike is very tough but hugely rewarding.
17. Nephin (806m), Co. Mayo
To the north of Mweelrea lies Nephin. Nephin is famous as Ireland’s highest standalone mountain – like Ireland’s version of Kilimanjaro. Also like Kilimanjaro, Nephin is steeped in mythology with its name being derived from Neamh-Finn. Roughly translated this means Finn’s Paradise, from Finn Mac Cumhaill describing the summit as heaven once he reached the top.
18. Ben Lugmore (803m), Co. Mayo
Three in a row for Mayo – it’s not often you say that. Ben Lugmore can be completed at the same time as its higher neighbour Mweelrea – e.g. by hiking the Mweelrea Loop . Enjoy beautiful ridge walking on offer between the two peaks.
19. Greenane (801m), Co. Tipperary
Definitely one of the lesser explored peaks on this list. You may well find you have the whole mountain to yourself. With fantastic views of Lough Muskry on offer, this is definitely an underrated hike.
20. Mount Leinster (794m), Co. Carlow/Co. Wexford
One of the few summits in the 40 highest mountains in Ireland list that has an access road leading directly to the top. While most people follow the road, I’ve written about a better way to reach the county top of both Carlow and Wexford. Check it out here!
21. Knockmealdown (792m), Co Tipperary/Co. Waterford
Knockmealdown from the Vee is a treasure. A beautiful easy enough hike that will still set the pulse racing. Find more info in my detailed article here.
22. Fauscoum/Kilclooney Mountain (792m), Co. Waterford
The second highest point in the Comeragh Range. Another less walked trail which nonetheless offers glorious views over Coumshingaun Lough. In my opinion, one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Ireland. My recommendation is to complete the Coumshingaun to Mahon Falls Hike.
23. Stumpa Dúloigh (784m), Co. Kerry
Stumpa can be combined with nearby Broaghnaninnia (no. 37 below). Summiting both mountains will take about 6 hours. I’d recommend this trail for experienced hikers.
24. Temple Hill (783m), Co. Limerick
The most westerly of the Galtee Mountains. The name comes from this being a place of worship during the Bronze Age. Temple Hill offers decent grassy walking tracks to the top which makes it relatively straightforward to summit.
25. Mullaghanattin (773m), Co. Kerry
The triangular sandstone peak of Mullaghnattin makes the mountain really stand out – even with Ireland’s highest mountains lying just to the north east of Mullaghanattin. Beann (no. 34 below) is located alongside Mullaghanattin.
26. Barrclashcame (772m), Co. Mayo
Starting from Doo Lough, the route to the top of Barrclashcame offers fantastic views back over the water. We made a couple of small errors on this hike. Read about Climbing Barrclashcame here and learn from our mistakes. I’d recommend extending the hike by taking in some amazing ridge walks to nearby Tievnabinnia.
27. Coomacarrea (772m), Co. Kerry
Coomacarrea offers spectacular views out over Coomasaharn Lake. The mountain can be tricky enough to navigate and is best tackled during the summer months when visibility is better.
28. Slieve Commedagh (767m), Co. Down
Slieve Commedagh overlooks the town of Newcastle. Unusually for any of the 40 highest mountains on this list, the trailhead for this hike is from the town. You have the option to take in nearby Slieve Donard (no. 7 above) when completing this hike.
29. Croagh Patrick (764m), Co. Mayo
Croagh Patrick vies with Carrauntoohil as Ireland’s most famous mountain. The holy mountain has been a place of pilgrimage as far back as the 5th century. Climbing Croagh Patrick proves extremely popular year round but especially in the summer months.
30. Masatiompan (762m), Co. Kerry
Returning to the Dingle Peninsula – this time to Masatiompan. The trail can be tricky with some steep and exposed sections. The mountain is right by the sea so the winds can really get at you here. This proximity to the sea means some amazing views out to the Atlantic though.
31. Camenbologue (758m), Co. Wicklow
Standing side by side with Conavalla (no.39 below), these are another couple of mountains that can be submitted on the same day. This area of the Wicklow Mountains is particularly beautiful and well worth a visit.
32. Kippure (757m), Co. Dublin/Co. Wicklow
The highest mountain in Dublin can be climbed relatively easily – you will likely see plenty of children along the route galloping up the slope as this is a popular family walk. For more information, check out my guide to climbing Kippure.
33. Knockanaffrin (755m), Co. Waterford
Some spectacular ridge walking can be completed while climbing Knockanaffrin. Another of the lesser known mountains on this list, you will be unlikely to encounter too many people while hiking here.
34. Beann (751m), Co. Kerry
Beann can be climbed on the same trip as Mullaghanattin (no. 25 above). Beann has three summits – the main summit in the middle with Beann North East Top and Beann South Top on either side. The walking feels remote and wild but shouldn’t prove overly difficult.
35. Errigal (746m), Co. Donegal
The most straightforward way to climb Errigal is up and down from designated car park. Other loop walks of varying distances can be completed either. My recommendation would be the lovely 8km hike via MacKoght – check out the details here.
Locals boast that Errigal provides views that surpass any other mountain in Ireland. We mostly got to see clouds when we submitted this jewel of the north west. Nonetheless, a really enjoyable hike.
36. Slieve Binnian (746m), Co. Down
Getting to the top of Slieve Binnian involves following the famous Mourne Wall for a stretch. Reaching the actual summit involves a bit of a scramble but it is well worth it for the views.
37. Broaghnabinnia (745m), Co. Kerry
The last of the 15 Kerry Mountains in this list. Beside Stumpa Dúloigh (no. 23 above), the Broaghnabinnia summit provides a wonderful opportunity to take in the many spectacular mountains of the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
38. Slieve Bearnagh (739m), Co. Down
Slieve Bearnagh is usually climbed in a 10km loop which also takes in Slieve Meelmore and Slieve Meelbeg. The famous Mourne Wall traverses these granite slopes.
39. Conavalla (734m), Co. Wicklow
Beside Camenabologue (no. 31 above), Conavalla is where Art O’Neill died of exposure in 1592 helping his Hugh O’Donnell escape from Dublin Castle. A cross and plaque are located on Conavalla’s northern slopes to remember the event. The Art O’Neill challenge is also held annually to commemorate the provision break.
Details on our Camenabologue and Conavalla hike can be found here.
40. Blackstairs Mountain (732m), Co Carlow/Co. Wexford
Standing beside Mount Leinster (no. 20 above), you have two main options for climbing the Blackstairs Mountain – either from the Rathnure or Scullogue Gap side. Both are relatively straightforward but can get quite muddy in places.
My guide to climbing Blackstairs Mountain is detailed here.
So that completes the 40 highest mountains in Ireland list. I hope it provides you with plenty of inspiration!
A Mountain Versus a Peak
One final note relates to a question I get asked often enough. What qualifies as a mountain?
The above list of the 40 highest mountains in Ireland is from Mountaineering Ireland who define a mountain as having an altitude of greater than 2,000ft (610m) and a prominence of at least 100m.
Prominence here is key, effectively this means there must be a drop of at least 100m between the mountain listed and the next summit.
So for example, Beenkeragh in the MacGillycuddy Reeks stands at 1,008m and is the second highest point in Ireland. However, it falls short of the Mountaineering Ireland 100m prominence threshold and so is not classified as a mountain in it’s own right by the organisation.