Mamore Hill [Cnoc an Mhaim Mhoir]

About Mamore Hill [Cnoc an Mhaim Mhoir]

Rising above the celebrated Mamore Gap in Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, this 423m peak offers a rugged, heathery ascent. While often overlooked for its loftier neighbours in the Urris Hills, the summit provides a sharp vantage point over Lough Swilly and the Atlantic coast, making it a rewarding, standalone climb.

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Did You Know?

• •The Irish name Cnoc an Mhaim Mhóir translates as the 'hill of the great pass', referring to the Mamore Gap which cuts through the Urris Hills at its base; the word 'mám' originally referred to a yoke, fitting for this narrow transit point.
• •On a clear day, the summit offers an uninterrupted view across the North Atlantic to the jagged cliffs of Dunaff Head and south towards the bulky silhouette of Slieve Snaght, the highest point in Inishowen.
• •The hill is frequently bagged alongside its neighbouring peaks in the Urris range, though the steep, pathless terrain and thick heather can make for slow progress compared to the well-trodden trails of central Donegal.
• •The road through the gap below boasts a gradient of nearly 30% in places, providing the rare satisfaction of knowing that while your legs are burning on the climb, the motorists below are likely having a significantly more stressful time with their clutches.