Lugnabrick

Rising above the southern shores of Killary Harbour, this rugged 495m peak offers a quieter alternative to the main Maumturks ridge. The ascent involves navigating typical Connemara bog and rock, rewarding walkers with an unobstructed view across the water to the massive southern flanks of Mweelrea and the Sheeffry Hills.

• •The name derives from the Irish Log na Breice, meaning 'hollow of the trout' or 'speckled hollow,' likely referring to the small mountain tarns or the variegated rocky terrain found in the surrounding depressions.
• •The summit provides an exceptional vantage point over Killary Harbour, Ireland's only true fjord, where the dark Atlantic waters cut deep into the landscape between counties Galway and Mayo.
• •This hill sits within Joyce Country, a distinct region of the Maumturk range named after the Joyce family, who arrived from Wales in the 13th century and became the dominant landowners in the Maam Valley.
• •To the east, the view is dominated by the 'Nafooey Throws,' the dramatic mountain slopes that drop steeply toward the red sandstone cliffs surrounding Lough Nafooey.
• •While the central Maumturks are famous for their jagged quartzite peaks, Lugnabrick has a softer, heathery character that makes it a popular choice for those looking for a shorter, standalone walk from the village of Leenaun.
• •Choosing a route from the north involves a tactical battle with the lower slopes, which are remarkably efficient at storing rainwater and testing the integrity of supposedly waterproof boots.