Mweelrea

Mweelrea

Mweelrea Group Walks | Join a Walk

815m Elevation
779m Prominence
I Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Marilyn Sim Hewitt Dillon Arderin Vandeleur-Lynam County Top (Historic) County Top (Current)

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Mweelrea together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

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

Rocky and boggy in places with steep inclines as you near the summit. Good hiking boots recommended!

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.

Popular Routes

Standard Mweelrea Circuit

Hard

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.

12 km 6 hours

Mweelrea Horseshoe

Very Hard

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.

15 km 7 hours

Silver Strand Ascent

Hard

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.

10 km 5 hours

Doo Lough Valley Approach

Hard

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.

8 km 4.5 hours

Glencullin Loop

Hard

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.

14 km 6.5 hours

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

Find Walking Companions

Join friendly walkers exploring Mweelrea and surrounding area

Can't find a walk? Organise your own!

Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!

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