Slieve Elva [Sliabh Eilbhe]

About Slieve Elva [Sliabh Eilbhe]

Rising as the highest point in the Burren, this massive, peat-covered sandstone plateau offers a striking contrast to the surrounding grey limestone. While the summit terrain is often boggy, it rewards walkers with clear, expansive views across the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and the rugged peaks of Connemara to the north.

Key Statistics

Find It

Did You Know?

• •The name Sliabh Eilbhe comes from the Irish for 'Ailbhe’s Mountain', likely referring to a person or deity from early Irish mythology.
• •Geologically, the hill is an outlier; while the Burren is defined by its karst limestone, Slieve Elva is capped with sandstone and shale, creating an island of acidic peat and heather in a sea of alkaline rock.
• •Because the underlying shale is impermeable, the hill serves as the primary catchment for the Caher River, the only river in the Burren that remains above ground for its entire length.
• •The summit provides an exceptional vantage point for spotting the distinctive terraced profiles of neighbouring limestone hills like Cappanawalla and Black Head.
• •In a region world-famous for its dry, exposed rock, Slieve Elva provides a rare opportunity in the Burren to test whether your boots are truly waterproof.