Mayo, Sligo & Wild Nephin

This is a region of isolated mountain groups rather than one continuous range. Mweelrea rises above Killary Harbour in southern Mayo, its broad summit plateau surrounded by steep corries, deep valleys and some of the most demanding ground in western Ireland. Farther north, Nephin stands alone above Lough Conn, while the Nephin Beg range stretches into the roadless interior of Wild Nephin National Park.

Slieve Carr is the heart of that wilderness. Reaching it requires a long approach across boggy, lightly tracked country where reliable navigation matters considerably more than summit signs. The Bangor Trail crosses the range below, following an old route between Letterkeen and Bangor Erris.

Achill Island adds another character entirely. Croaghaun rises above enormous Atlantic cliffs, while Slievemore combines open mountain walking with the remains of a deserted settlement on its lower slopes.

Across Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick draws the crowds, but the nearby Ben Gorm and Sheeffry hills provide quieter alternatives. Sligo’s mountains are lower but instantly recognisable: Benbulbin’s limestone escarpment dominates the coast, while Truskmore rises behind it on the Leitrim border. Inland, the Arigna and Cuilcagh country continues through northern Roscommon and western Cavan, exchanging sea cliffs for forests, blanket bog and long, rolling ridges.