Mweelrea
Good walks are even better shared.
L7966 : Eastern spur leading up to Mweelrea, Co Mayo
Colin Park Photo source
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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.
Standard Mweelrea Circuit
This is the most popular route to the summit of Mweelrea. Starting from the Doo Lough side, the route ascends the southern slopes of the mountain. The trail offers spectacular views of Killary Harbour and the surrounding valleys. It involves some steep climbs and navigation through rocky terrain.
Mweelrea Horseshoe
This classic horseshoe walk begins near Delphi Adventure Centre. The route takes in Ben Bury and Ben Lugmore in addition to Mweelrea, forming a full circuit around the Glencullin Valley. It is a challenging but highly rewarding route with stunning ridge walking and incredible vistas.
Silver Strand Ascent
Starting from the Silver Strand beach, this route climbs the western slopes of Mweelrea. It is less commonly used but offers a unique perspective of the mountain and excellent coastal views. The terrain is steep in places and requires good navigation skills.
Doo Lough Valley Approach
This route starts from the Doo Lough Valley and follows the ridge line directly to Mweelrea's summit. It is a shorter but steeper route, demanding a high level of fitness and a head for heights. The views over Doo Lough and Killary Harbour are breathtaking.
Glencullin Loop
This route starts from the Glencullin valley and loops around the northern side of Mweelrea. It is slightly less direct than other routes but allows for a gradual ascent. It is best suited for experienced walkers looking for a less crowded path to 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
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L7966 : Eastern spur leading up to Mweelrea, Co Mayo
Colin Park
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L7866 : Summit of Mweelrea with view towards Ben Lugmore
Colin Park
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L7866 : The Mweelrea range from Letterbreckaun (Maumturks)
Michael Earnshaw
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
815m
2,674 ft
Prominence
779m
Coordinates
53.6373, -9.8303
L789668
OS Map
37
At the Summit
The summit features a large cairn and a prominent trig point, both of which make excellent photo opportunities as you stand atop one of Ireland's lesser-known giants.
Terrain & Geology
Mweelrea is primarily composed of granite and schist, which has weathered over time to create striking cliffs and crags. The mountain's geology offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the area, with evidence of ancient geological processes.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Clew Bay, the Twelve Bens, and numerous lakes dotting the landscape.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name Mweelrea is derived from the Irish 'Maolmhuire', meaning 'hill of the servant of Mary'.
Historical Significance
Mweelrea is important in local folklore and offers a glimpse into the spiritual history of the area, being associated with early Christian hermits.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
Parking available at the Delphi Adventure Resort, which is approximately 10 km from the start of the Mweelrea Loop.
Public Transport
Bus services operate from Westport to Louisburgh and other nearby areas, but check local schedules for the latest updates.
Nearby Facilities
While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, the nearby Leenane offers cafes and pubs where you can grab a bite to eat or have a refreshing pint after your hike.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Loose stones on the ascent can be tricky, especially in wet weather. Be mindful of sudden changes in visibility, particularly in fog.
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 Mweelrea?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Mweelrea through the maps
Are there other walkers around Mweelrea?
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 Mweelrea search or of course create your own walk for Mweelrea
Can I organise a walk to Mweelrea?
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 Mweelrea.
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 Mweelrea?
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 Mweelrea 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: L789668
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