Carnaween [Carn na nEan]
Good walks are even better shared.
G8789 : Top of Carnaween Mountain
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Explore routes near Carnaween [Carn na nEan]
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Western Approach from the Upper Glen
A well-trodden path starting from the upper Glen area. This route offers gentle ascent through scenic landscapes.
Northern Ridge Route
A more challenging ascent via the northern ridge, with some steep sections that reward climbers with breathtaking views.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
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G8789 : Top of Carnaween Mountain
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G8789 : North shoulder of Carnaween
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G8789 : Carn na nÉan or Carnaween summit
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G8789 : Busy day on Carnaween
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G8789 : Climb to Carnaween
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G8789 : Carn na nÉan Summit
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G8789 : View from Carnaween
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Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
521m
1,709 ft
Prominence
166m
Coordinates
54.7497, -8.1933
G876891
OS Map
11
At the Summit
The summit is marked by a prominent cairn, which makes a great spot for a selfie or just pretending to be a mountain goat surveying its kingdom.
Terrain & Geology
Carnaween is primarily composed of granite, with some areas showcasing schist and quartzite. The mountain's rocky outcrops provide an excellent opportunity for geology enthusiasts to examine the unique formations and the effects of glacial erosion.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, one can see the rugged Donegal coastline, the Bluestack Mountains, and, on a clear day, even the distant hills of Northern Ireland.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
In Irish, 'Carn na nEan' translates to 'the heap of the birds,' which could either refer to the numerous birds seen at the summit or the fact that it's a favourite among birdwatchers.
Historical Significance
Historically, Carnaween has been a prominent landmark for local communities, guiding them through both terrain and folklore.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is a designated car park near the upper Glen Road, approximately 1 km from the trailhead. It’s a tight squeeze during busy weekends, so arrive early!
Public Transport
The nearest bus service runs from Donegal town to the village of Glencolumbkille, followed by a 6 km walk to the trailhead.
Nearby Facilities
There are several small cafes and pubs in the town of Donegal, offering refreshments and the all-important facilities to recharge before or after your hike.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Sudden weather changes can occur, so it's wise to pack a waterproof jacket. Watch your step on the rocky paths; a tumble could leave you with more than just bruised pride!
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Carnaween [Carn na nEan]?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Carnaween [Carn na nEan] through the maps
Are there other walkers around Carnaween [Carn na nEan]?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Carnaween [Carn na nEan] search or of course create your own walk for Carnaween [Carn na nEan]
Can I organise a walk to Carnaween [Carn na nEan]?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Carnaween [Carn na nEan].
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Carnaween [Carn na nEan]?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Carnaween [Carn na nEan] here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
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Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: G876891
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
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