Mweelrea

About Mweelrea

As the highest peak in Connacht, this massive sandstone massif looms over the Atlantic with immense scale. It offers a rugged, often trackless ascent through steep gullies and high plateaus. The dramatic plunge into the dark waters of Killary Harbour makes it one of Ireland's most atmospheric and rewarding coastal climbs.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Irish Maol Réidh, meaning 'smooth bald mountain'. This describes the surprisingly level summit plateau that sits atop the mountain's otherwise precipitous and craggy sandstone slopes.
• •As the highest point in the province of Connacht, the summit provides a commanding view of Killary Harbour to the south and the white sands of Silver Strand to the north, with the pyramid of Croagh Patrick visible across Clew Bay.
• •The most popular ascent is via 'The Ramp', a steep and narrow grassy traverse on the eastern side that requires steady footing and careful route-finding to avoid the crags of the Lugmore corrie.
• •The mountain is composed of ancient Ordovician rocks, making its dark, brooding cliffs geologically distinct from the pale quartzite peaks of the nearby Twelve Bens in Connemara.
• •Due to its position on the Atlantic edge, the summit plateau is notorious for losing its landmarks in sudden mist, meaning many successful ascents conclude with a view limited entirely to the damp interior of a Gore-Tex hood.