The Playbank [Slievenakilla]

About The Playbank [Slievenakilla]

Rising above the remote valley of Glangevlin on the Cavan-Leitrim border, this broad, peat-covered upland offers a wild sense of isolation. Known locally as The Playbank, the summit plateau of Slievenakilla is notoriously boggy but rewards hikers with expansive views across the Iron Mountains and toward the iconic profile of Cuilcagh.

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Did You Know?

• •The name Slievenakilla is derived from the Irish 'Sliabh na Coille', meaning 'mountain of the wood', a nod to a time when these now-exposed slopes were covered in ancient forestry.
• •The hill is frequently cited as the highest point in County Leitrim, though the sprawling, flat nature of the summit plateau makes the exact 'high point' a matter of some debate among peak-baggers.
• •Located on the northern slopes of the mountain is the Shannon Pot, a small limestone pool that marks the traditional source of the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river.
• •The summit offers a clear perspective on the distinctive 'staircase' topography of the nearby Cuilcagh Mountains and views down to the waters of Lough Allen to the southwest.
• •Navigating the summit plateau in mist is an excellent test of character, as the terrain consists almost entirely of featureless peat hags and 'floating' moss that would challenge even the most optimistic bog-trotter.