Barnesmore

About Barnesmore

Guarding the eastern flank of the dramatic Barnesmore Gap, this Marilyn offers a rugged, peat-covered ascent within easy reach of Donegal Town. Its heathery slopes overlook the historic pass once used by the West Donegal Railway, providing expansive views across the Bluestack Mountains and out toward the Atlantic coast.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is derived from the Irish An Bearnas Mór, meaning ‘the big gap’. This refers specifically to the prominent glaciated pass that separates Barnesmore from its neighbor, Croaghery.
• •Until 1960, walkers could reach the base of the hill via the West Donegal Railway. The Barnesmore Halt station sat deep within the gap, serving a sparsely populated area primarily for its scenic and strategic value.
• •The summit provides a clear line of sight down the length of the Barnesmore Gap, where the N15 road and the Lowerymore River now share the narrow floor between the cliffs.
• •To the south-west, the view opens up significantly, revealing the distinctive shape of St John’s Point stretching into Donegal Bay and the distant silhouette of Benbulbin in County Sligo.
• •The 'Big Gap' in the mountain’s name is clearly visible from the top, providing a helpful reminder of exactly how much height you’ve gained compared to the cars currently crawling through the pass below.