J3527 : Sun, snow and Slieve Donard

Slieve Donard

850m Elevation
825m Prominence
I Country
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J3527 : Sun, snow and Slieve Donard

Albert Bridge Photo source

Explore routes near Slieve Donard

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Tollymore Forest Park: River Trail near Newcastle

5.2 km ~2h Moderate

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Silent Valley to Ben Crom Dam: Reservoir Road Walk, County Down

9.8 km ~2h 45m Easy

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Castlewellan Forest Park: Lake, Arboretum and Mitchell's Lake Circuit

7.6 km ~2h 45m Moderate

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Scarva to Poyntzpass: Newry Canal and Lough Shark Return

10.1 km ~3h Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

The Glen River Route

This is the most popular and straightforward route to the summit of Slieve Donard. Starting from the car park in Donard Park, Newcastle, the trail follows the Glen River through a beautiful wooded valley. The path eventually emerges above the treeline, providing stunning views of the Mourne Mountains. The route then climbs steadily along a well-defined path to the Mourne Wall, which guides walkers to the summit cairn and trig point.

9 km ~4 hours Moderate

Bloody Bridge Route

Starting at the Bloody Bridge car park, this route follows the Bloody Bridge River upstream. It offers picturesque views of cascading waterfalls as you ascend toward the col between Slieve Donard and Chimney Rock Mountain. From there, the path joins the Mourne Wall, which leads directly to the summit. This route is slightly longer and steeper than the Glen River Route but rewards with quieter trails and dramatic scenery.

11 km ~5 hours Moderate to Challenging

Commedagh-Donard Circuit

This circular route combines Slieve Donard and its neighbouring peak, Slieve Commedagh. Starting from Donard Park, the route ascends Slieve Commedagh first via the Glen River. After reaching the summit of Commedagh, the trail continues along the Mourne Wall to Slieve Donard. The descent follows the Glen River back to the starting point. This route provides a more adventurous hike with incredible panoramic views.

12 km ~6 hours Challenging

Slieve Donard via Carricklittle

This alternative route begins at the Carricklittle car park and follows tracks and paths past Annalong Wood. The trail ascends toward the col between Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh, eventually joining the Mourne Wall for the final climb to the summit. This route offers a quieter approach with stunning views of the Annalong Valley and surrounding peaks.

13 km ~6.5 hours Challenging

The Mourne Wall Challenge

A demanding full-day route that follows the iconic Mourne Wall across several peaks, including Slieve Donard. Starting at Carricklittle or Meelmore Lodge, this route traverses multiple summits such as Slieve Binnian, Slieve Commedagh, and Slieve Donard. It is a strenuous but rewarding hike for experienced walkers, showcasing the full grandeur of the Mourne Mountains.

35 km ~12 hours Very Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Dillon Arderin Vandeleur-Lynam Historic County Top (pre-1889) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

850m

2,789 ft

Prominence

825m

Coordinates

54.1803, -5.9208

J358276

OS Map

29

At the Summit

The summit features a large cairn and a trig point, providing a perfect spot for a well-earned selfie (with the right backdrop, of course).

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some boggy patches; sturdy footwear is highly recommended.

Slieve Donard is primarily composed of granite, showcasing the geological beauty and complexity of the Mourne Mountains. The mountain is believed to have been formed during the Ice Ages, contributing to its rugged topography.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the majestic Mourne Mountains, the sweeping Irish Sea, and even the city of Newcastle. On a clear day, keep your eyes peeled for the Isle of Man in the distance!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Donard' is derived from the Gaelic 'Sliabh Domhnach', meaning 'mountain of the church'.

Historical Significance

Slieve Donard is not only the highest mountain in Northern Ireland but also holds a significant place in local folklore and spirituality.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at Donard Park, which is well signposted and provides ample space for vehicles.

Public Transport

Public transport options include bus services to Newcastle, followed by a short walk to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

In Newcastle, you will find cafes, restaurants, and public toilets, ensuring you’re never caught short before your hike!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Weather conditions can change rapidly, with fog and rain potentially reducing visibility. Also, watch out for slippery rocks and uneven terrain.

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 Slieve Donard?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Slieve Donard through the maps

Are there other walkers around Slieve Donard?

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 Slieve Donard search or of course create your own walk for Slieve Donard

Can I organise a walk to Slieve Donard?

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 Slieve Donard.

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 Slieve Donard?

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 Slieve Donard 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

Location

Slieve Donard location map

Grid reference: J358276

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Slieve Commedagh

767m

Slievelamagan

702m

Slieve Bearnagh

739m

Slieve Binnian

746m

Slieve Foye

587m
See 5 more nearby hills