Slievenamuck

About Slievenamuck

Rising as a long, forested ridge north of the main Galty peaks, this Marilyn forms the northern rampart of the scenic Glen of Aherlow. Though largely covered in commercial plantation, the summit provides a clear, grandstand view across the valley to the dramatic northern escarpments of Galtymore and Lyracappul.

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Did You Know?

• •The name derives from the Irish Sliabh na Muc, meaning 'Mountain of the Pigs'. While it likely refers to the wild boar that once roamed these woods, local folklore occasionally links it to the legendary black pig of the schoolmaster of Solloghod, a mythical beast said to have carved out local valleys.
• •Despite its modest height, Slievenamuck is the best place to appreciate the scale of the Galty Mountains. Looking south across the Glen of Aherlow, you get a full-length profile of the range, including the distinctive 'staircase' silhouette of Galtymore and the sharp drop-offs of the corries.
• •On the southern slopes stands the 'Christ the King' statue. Erected in 1950, its raised hand is positioned to bless the Glen of Aherlow below, and the adjacent car park serves as the primary gateway for those exploring the ridge’s network of forestry trails.
• •Much of the ridge is managed by Coillte, the Irish forestry board. This means the ascent is often on well-graded forest tracks, making it a reliable choice for a walk when the higher Galty summits are lost in cloud or battered by Atlantic winds.
• •For a hill named after pigs, you are significantly more likely to encounter a stray mountain biker or a determined spaniel than a wild boar these days.