Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan]
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Minaun [An Mionnan]
Minaun, standing proudly at 683 meters, is a gem of the Ox Mountains in County Mayo, Ireland. It’s a Marilyn—yes, that means it might not be the tallest person in the room, but it sure has a lovely personality!
Geology
The mountain showcases limestone formations, with fascinating karst landscapes shaped by glacial movements. You might even find some impressive limestone pavements, perfect for testing your alpine elf agility.
Routes
One popular route to ascend is the Minaun Quarry Path. Starting from the quarry, this path meanders through lush forest scenery, and before you know it, you’re greeted by magnificent views that will make you think about how tiny you really are in comparison to nature.
- Distance: 5.5 km
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Summit Features
At the summit, you’re met with a stone cairn and a trig point—both perfect for bragging rights selfies. From here, you can see the sparkling waters of Clew Bay and the distant beauty of Achill Island; just make sure your jaw is closed to avoid fly attacks!
Terrain Type
Expect a mix of rocky and grassy terrain, with a few sneaky areas of scree that love to trip hikers when they’re not looking. Having sturdy footwear is highly recommended.
Views
The views from Minaun are nothing short of spectacular! Look out for:
- Highlights: Mountains, valleys, and the ocean. Don’t forget your binoculars for a closer look!
- Best Seasons: Late spring and early autumn offer the clearest views.
Hazards
Though stunning, Minaun is not without its challenges. Loose rocks and unpredictable weather can dampen the mood if you’re not prepared, so bring your sense of adventure and a solid weather plan.
Nearby Summits
Feeling ambitious? Nearby, you can check out:
- Ben Gorm (703 m)
- Sliabh A' hEasbhla (682 m)
Access
Nearest Parking: Minaun Quarry has ample parking, but don't test your luck by arriving late on weekends!
Public Transport: The nearest service gets you to Ballina. From there, grab a taxi or arrange transport.
Nearest Town: Ballina is about 10 km away – perfect for a post-hike snack!
Facilities
No facilities on the mountain, but Ballina is your one-stop-shop for cafes and public toilets. Keep that energy up!
History
The name Minaun translates to ‘the little hill’ in Irish, proving yet again that big things come in small packages. This mountain is decorated with folklore and cultural significance, adding layers to its story of beauty and adventure.
So, pack your bags, lace up those hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure on the spectacular Minaun!
Explore routes near Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan]
Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.
No public routes are currently listed within 80 km of Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan] on Walkmates. This does not mean there are no paths here. Explore the map and check local access information before planning a walk.
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.
Minaun Quarry Path
A pleasant ascent starting from Minaun Quarry, winding its way up through scenic forest paths before opening up to the stunning views at the summit.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
View all
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F6501 : Mountain top
Bob Shires
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F6602 : Keel and Keem
Bob Shires
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F6601 : Private memorial
Bob Shires
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F6601 : Madonna on the cairn
Bob Shires
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F6601 : The summit of Mweelin
Bob Shires
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
466m
1,529 ft
Prominence
420m
Coordinates
53.9497, -10.0397
F661019
OS Map
30
At the Summit
The summit features a large stone cairn with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the Atlantic Ocean, Clew Bay, and the distant Achill Island. A trig point provides a great photo opportunity and marks the highest point.
Terrain & Geology
Minaun is primarily composed of limestone, limestone pavements and has a karst landscape, which creates unique geological formations predominantly shaped by glacial activity. The surrounding area features dramatic cliffs that are a treat for geologists and photographers alike.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can expect breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the shimmering waters of the Atlantic. On a clear day, the islands off Clew Bay make for a spectacular backdrop.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name Minaun is thought to derive from ‘An Mionnan’ in Irish, which translates to 'the little hill', although it certainly has a more majestic presence.
Historical Significance
Minaun is not only a geological treasure but is also steeped in folklore, being a part of the rich cultural tapestry of County Mayo, where many stories and tales abound.
Getting There & Facilities
Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.
Parking
Parking is available at Minaun Quarry with enough space for several cars. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
Public Transport
The nearest bus service connects to Ballina, from where you can get a taxi or arrange for transport to the quarry.
Nearby Facilities
There are no facilities directly on the mountain, but nearby Ballina offers cafes, restaurants, and public toilets.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Be cautious of loose rocks on steeper sections, and beware of quickly changing weather conditions. It's wise to check the forecast before heading out.
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 Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan]?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan] through the maps
Are there other walkers around Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan]?
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 Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan] search or of course create your own walk for Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan]
Can I organise a walk to Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan]?
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 Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan].
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 Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan]?
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 Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan] 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
Comments
Location
![Minaun [Menawn] [An Mionnan] location map](https://cdn.walkmates.com/hill-maps/hill-sources/20297/53.94967_-10.03969.png)
Grid reference: F661019
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Hills within 30 km
Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.
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