J3527 : Sun, snow and Slieve Donard
Strenuous; route dependent

Slieve Donard

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

Albert Bridge Photo source

Overview

Slieve Donard rises to 850 m above Newcastle in County Down and is Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. Glen River and Bloody Bridge approaches lead to steep, exposed upper slopes beside the Mourne Wall. Clear weather brings coastal views, but this is a strenuous mountain walk requiring suitable equipment and navigation skills.

Slieve Donard

At 850 m, Slieve Donard is Northern Ireland's highest mountain, above Newcastle in County Down. The granite summit sits at the north-eastern edge of the Mournes. The catalogue height follows DoBIH.

Choosing an ascent

  • Glen River: the usual Donard Park approach reaches the saddle with Commedagh before the steep final climb beside the wall. Allow for the full return journey: the council tourism route quotes 2.9 miles one way, about 9.3 km out and back. The upper stone path needs care when wet or icy.
  • Bloody Bridge: OutmoreNI's route uses the river and old quarry track, then the wall above the Bog of Donard. Its 3.2-mile ascent is about 10.3 km with a same-way return. The unbridged crossing is a particular concern after rain.
  • Commedagh extension: visiting both summits from the Glen River saddle adds climbing. Returning via the same saddle is not a complete horseshoe.
  • Carricklittle and the Mourne Wall Challenge: these need a separately chosen itinerary. The approach corridor through Annalong Valley and the Brandy Pad is documented, but the former 13 km / 6.5-hour summit route was not verified. A wall circuit is an endurance undertaking, with distance depending on its start, finish and connecting paths.

These are planning summaries. Use a suitable mountain map and a route that matches the whole party's ability.

Summit and name

The Great and Lesser Cairns are prehistoric remains. A separate stone tower in the Mourne Wall supports the trig pillar. Leave archaeological stonework undisturbed. The mountain's name commemorates St Donard, traditionally associated with the summit. See the National Trust history and 2025 specialist study.

Rock and landscape

Mourne granite crystallised from magma underground around 56 million years ago, long before the Ice Ages. Later erosion and glaciation shaped the landscape. The distinction is explained by GSNI/BGS and the regional geology summary.

Access and views

Donard Park is the usual starting point from Newcastle; Bloody Bridge has a separate coastal car park. Check local notices and parking arrangements. Newcastle has refreshments and services, and Donard Park has public toilets. Check bus journeys and the return connection with Translink before travelling. The National Trust visitor page gives access information.

Clear conditions reveal the Mournes, Newcastle and the County Down coast, with the Isle of Man sometimes visible across the Irish Sea. Clouds may hide the view in any season.

Mountain conditions

Expect a sustained climb, uneven ground and an exposed summit. Avoid shortcuts towards Eagle Rocks. Check the mountain forecast; carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water, a map and compass, and a headtorch. Mobile reception is patchy. Snow, ice and short winter days can substantially increase the demands. Follow landowner notices and use stiles rather than climbing walls.

For an emergency, call 999 or 112, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Read Mourne Mountain Rescue's safety advice and Mountaineering Ireland's guidance before choosing a route.

Explore routes near Slieve Donard

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

Newcastle, Co. Down (NI) with Men Walking & Talking

View route

Tollymore Forest Park: River Trail near Newcastle

5.2 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Tollymore Forest Park: Mountain and Drinns Trail

14.2 km ~4h 45m Hard

View route

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

9.8 km ~2h 45m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

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

Glen River route from Donard Park

From Donard Park, follow the Glen River through woodland to the Donard-Commedagh saddle. Turn towards Donard and climb the steep stone-paved path beside the Mourne Wall. Return the same way; avoid the Eagle Rocks cliffs. About 9.3 km return, converted from the published 2.9 miles one way.

9.3 km Strenuous

Bloody Bridge route

From Bloody Bridge car park, cross the A2 and follow the river and quarry track to the Bog of Donard, then climb beside the Mourne Wall. Return the same way. The published 3.2-mile ascent implies roughly 10.3 km return. An unbridged river crossing can be dangerous in spate; do not force a crossing.

10.3 km Very strenuous

Donard and Commedagh via Glen River

An extension of the Glen River ascent: from the saddle, visit Commedagh, return to the saddle, then climb Donard and descend by the Glen River. This retraces sections rather than forming a separate horseshoe. It adds another steep ascent and requires a planned turnaround time.

Strenuous

Carricklittle / Annalong Valley approach

A longer approach through the Annalong Valley to the Brandy Pad and Donard-Commedagh saddle, followed by the steep Donard ascent. This is a planning outline: select and map the exact outward and return lines before using it.

Challenging; navigation required

Mourne Wall Challenge

An endurance circuit linking many Mourne summits, including Donard. Choose a mapped itinerary and start point before planning distance, ascent, daylight and escape routes. The wall's quoted 22-mile length is not a measured distance for every walking variant. This is a major mountain day for experienced, fit walkers.

Very strenuous; endurance route
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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 area includes the remains of the prehistoric Great Cairn, with the Lesser Cairn farther north-east. A separate stone tower at the angle of the Mourne Wall carries the trig pillar. Do not disturb the cairns or climb the structures.

Terrain & Geology

Woodland paths rough mountain tracks steep stone-paved steps granite boulders exposed upper slopes wet or boggy ground off the main path

Slieve Donard is part of the Mourne granite complex, emplaced as magma beneath the surface around 56 million years ago during the Palaeogene. Later erosion exposed the granite, and much more recent glaciation helped shape the mountain landscape.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, views extend over the Mourne Mountains, Newcastle, the County Down coast and the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man can sometimes be seen to the east.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Named after St Donard (Domhanghart), traditionally associated with a hermitage on the mountain.

Historical Significance

The summit has prehistoric cairn remains and a history of pilgrimage and Ordnance Survey work. The Mourne Wall was built in 1904–1922 to protect the water catchment.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Donard Park car park in Newcastle is the usual start for the Glen River route. Bloody Bridge car park on the A2 south of Newcastle serves the eastern approach. Check current signs, any charges and access notices; do not assume spaces will be available.

Public Transport

Bus services reach Newcastle. Check Translink’s current journey planner for outward and return journeys, then allow time to reach Donard Park on foot. Bloody Bridge is a separate starting point south of town and needs its own transport plan.

Nearby Facilities

Public toilets and parking at Donard Park; refreshments and other services in Newcastle. Confirm opening times locally and carry the food and water needed for the mountain.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep, uneven and sometimes slippery paths; the upper mountain is exposed to strong wind and low cloud.
  • Avoid the Eagle Rocks cliffs north of the summit; descend by the planned route.
  • Bloody Bridge involves an unbridged river crossing; spate conditions after rain may make it unsafe.
  • Mobile coverage is patchy. Carry navigation and emergency equipment rather than relying on a phone.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice can make the steep stone paths hazardous and may require winter skills and equipment. Short winter days reduce the margin for a long route. Heavy rain can rapidly raise the Bloody Bridge River; postpone or change the plan if a crossing is unsafe.

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?

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Location

Slieve Donard location map

Grid reference: J358276

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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