Slievebaun

About Slievebaun

Rising above the River Barrow valley, this Tump offers a quieter perspective than its loftier Blackstairs neighbours. Positioned on the Kilkenny-Carlow border, its heathery slopes provide clear vistas over Graiguenamanagh and towards the granite mass of Mount Leinster. The ascent typically rewards walkers with a sense of isolation away from busier trails.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is an anglicisation of the Irish Sliabh Bán, meaning ‘White Mountain’. This usually refers to the pale appearance of the landscape, often caused by outcropping rock or the specific type of mountain grass that whitens in the winter sun.
• •Looking south from the summit, the view follows the deep-cut valley of the River Barrow as it winds towards the ancient monastic site at St Mullin’s, one of the most significant historical landmarks in the region.
• •Though part of the Blackstairs range geologically, Slievebaun stands somewhat apart from the main ridge, providing a distinct vantage point to appreciate the scale of the 793-metre Mount Leinster to the north.
• •Describing a 441-metre hill as a 'mountain' might seem like a stretch of the imagination, but the steep climb from the riverbanks below ensures your legs will agree with the traditional Irish naming.