Cnoc an Mhama [Knocknagussy]

About Cnoc an Mhama [Knocknagussy]

Tucked away in the northern Maumturks, this rugged peak offers a quieter alternative to the range's higher summits. The terrain is classic Connemara, consisting of rough peat and rocky outcrops. Reaching the top earns you a superb, direct view over the dark waters of Killary Harbour towards the massive bulk of Mweelrea.

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Did You Know?

• •The name Cnoc an Mhama translates from Irish as 'Hill of the Pass', referring to its position overlooking the ancient transit routes through these mountains. Its alternative name, Knocknagussy (Cnoc na Giúisí), suggests it was once known as the 'Hill of the Fir Trees'.
• •Hillwalkers often bag this summit alongside Letterbreckaun to the south, though the descent into the intervening col requires navigating some particularly saturated peat hags.
• •The summit provides an excellent vantage point for surveying the Renvyle Peninsula and the various islands of Clew Bay to the north.
• •Despite being under 500 metres, its status as a Hump confirms it has at least 100 metres of prominence, making it feel much more like an individual mountain than a mere shoulder of the higher peaks.
• •It is a peak that proves Irish map contours are more of a polite suggestion; the final pull to the summit is consistently steeper than the paper suggests.