Galtymore [Cnoc Mor na nGaibhlte]

Galtymore

Overview

Galtymore rises to 917.9 m on the Limerick–Tipperary boundary and is the highest summit in both counties. Its broad summit plateau, Dawson’s Table, overlooks the Glen of Aherlow and steep northern corries. The Black Road, King’s Yard and northern Cush approaches are distinct mountain outings requiring fitness and navigation skills.

Summit and views

The catalogue summit is a cairn at R 87848 23789, 917.9 m above sea level. Dawson’s Table has two cairned tops and a white cross nearby; the eastern top is the main summit. In clear weather the summit overlooks the Glen of Aherlow and Golden Vale to the north, with wider views across southern mountain ranges and towards Carrauntoohil in the west.

Routes

Black Road circuit via Galtymore and Galtybeg

Start at the small Black Road car park above Skeheenarinky. Follow the farm lane and mountain track past Knockeenatoung to the upper Y junction, then traverse below Galtybeg to the col between the two mountains. Climb Galtymore with care above the northern corrie cliffs. Return to the col, ascend Galtybeg and descend its southern slope to the same Y junction. Follow the Black Road back to the starting car park. The Irish Road Trip guide gives approximately 11 km and 4 hours for this two-summit outing. Boggy and indistinct paths require navigation skills.

King’s Yard circuit via Black Road and Knockduff

Start and finish at King’s Yard near Kilbehenny. Follow Cooper’s Wood valley to the Attychraan bridge, climb beside the forest and cross the streams to join the Black Road. Continue to the Galtybeg–Galtymore col and Galtymore. Traverse the western top, then descend the broad southern spur over Knockduff and Galtycastle to the sheep pen and track back into King’s Yard. John G O’Dwyer’s Irish Times guide gives about 4½ hours. This is a high-level circuit with stream crossings and trackless ground that is difficult to navigate in mist.

Northern horseshoe from Clydagh Bridge via Cush

Start and finish at the forest car park above Clydagh Bridge in the Glen of Aherlow (R 874 277). Follow the lane and hillside access to Cush, continue south to Galtybeg and cross the col to Galtymore. Pass the western top and follow the ridge wall before taking the traverse across the eastern flank of Slievecushnabinnia, without climbing its summit. Descend the NNE ridge over Knocknanuss and rejoin the forest track to the original car park. Get Lost Mountaineering gives approximately 13 km and 6 hours. Avoid the steep shortcut down to Lough Curra; faint paths and corrie edges demand careful navigation.

Terrain and safety

Farm lanes and rough mountain tracks give way to wet peat, eroded turf banks, steep grass and stony summit ground. The northern horseshoe has several climbs and faint descent paths; the King’s Yard circuit includes stream crossings.

• Northern corries have very steep cliffs above Lough Diheen and Lough Curra. Keep back from edges and never use a gully or cliff face as a descent shortcut.
• Cloud can obscure the col, broad plateau and faint descent paths. Carry a map and compass and know how to navigate; do not rely only on a phone.
• Wet peat, eroded turf banks, loose stones and steep grass can be slippery. Stream crossings on the King’s Yard circuit may become unsafe after rain.
• Strong wind, cold, rain and poor visibility can affect the summit in any season. Allow enough daylight for the whole return and be ready to turn back.
• Do not bring dogs onto the mountain. Respect livestock, landowners’ notices and any local access or forestry restrictions; keep gates and emergency access clear.

Rain can saturate peat and raise streams. Low cloud and strong wind make the corrie edges and broad summit exits more serious. Snow and ice require winter mountain skills and equipment; choose a lower route when conditions exceed the party’s ability. Short winter daylight leaves less time for the return.

Access and facilities

King’s Yard near Kilbehenny provides paid parking; Limerick City and County Council lists €3 and opening hours of 08:00–22:00, to be checked with the operator before travel. The Black Road has a separate small parking area above Skeheenarinky. The northern horseshoe starts at the forest car park above Clydagh Bridge, R 874 277. Never block lanes, gates or emergency access.

Choose the trailhead before arranging travel. Check current services to the surrounding towns and arrange the onward journey and return from the mountain start in advance.

King’s Yard advertises toilets, camping and an indoor seating area with snacks and hot or cold drinks; confirm availability before travel. Carry food, drinking water, warm waterproof clothing and a headtorch for the full mountain day. Access across farmland depends on responsible behaviour and respect for landowners. Follow local signs and stay on established paths.

Geology

The Galtees are largely Devonian Old Red Sandstone, with conglomerate and some older Silurian shale and greywacke. Ice shaped the deep corries and moraines on the northern side. Geological Survey Ireland identifies the high Galtymore ridge as a nunatak that stood above the glacier ice; peat and eroded peat hags cover parts of the upland.

Names and history

Cnoc Mór na nGaibhlte means “big hill of the Galtees”, as recorded by Paul Tempan in Irish Landscape Names. The origin of the wider name Galtee is less certain. Dawson’s Table is associated with Captain Dawson, a local landowner. Paul Tempan records the spelling Galtymore in the Civil Survey of 1654–56. The Black Road was used to bring turf down from the uplands.

Nearby landscape

Dawson’s Table is the summit plateau. Lough Diheen lies below the cliffs between Galtymore and Galtybeg; Lough Curra lies beneath the western ridge. The Galtee Wall follows part of that ridge. The Glen of Aherlow is the northern valley.