Wolftrap Mountain

About Wolftrap Mountain

This broad, peat-covered height in the Slieve Bloom Mountains offers a characteristically wild and boggy experience. While the summit is gentle, the sense of isolation is profound, looking out across the dense forestry toward Arderin and the flat expanse of the Irish midlands. It is a quiet, atmospheric moorland walk.

Key Statistics

Find It

Did You Know?

• •The name derives from the Irish Sliabh an Ghaid, which translates to the 'mountain of the withe' or 'noose,' referencing the snares used to catch the wolves that once roamed these remote uplands. It is traditionally cited as one of the last places in Ireland where wolves survived into the 18th century.
• •It is frequently climbed in tandem with Arderin, the highest point in the range; the two are connected by a high-altitude ridge of deep, undulating peat that requires careful navigation and reliable waterproof boots.
• •From the summit trig pillar, the view extends south across the Leap Castle valley towards the Silvermine Mountains and the distinctive notch of the Devil’s Bit in County Tipperary.
• •A prominent telecommunications mast stands on the northern shoulder of the mountain; while it interrupts the skyline, it serves as an excellent navigational handrail for walkers caught in the thick mists that frequently roll across the Slieve Blooms.
• •Hikers usually find the mountain's namesake traps have been replaced by 'Slieve Bloom porridge'—a local term for the saturated peat hags that are known to swallow a walking pole whole.