S2930 : Summit Bunker
Moderate; sustained stony ascent

Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan]

720m Elevation
642m Prominence
I Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

S2930 : Summit Bunker

kevin higgins Photo source

Overview

Slievenamon (Sliabh na mBan) is an isolated 720.2 m mountain in County Tipperary above Kilcash and the Suir valley. A sustained stony path leads to a broad summit with a burial cairn, trig pillar and wide views in clear weather.

Slievenamon (Sliabh na mBan)

Slievenamon rises above Kilcash and the Suir valley in County Tipperary. Its surveyed height is 720.2 m. The natural summit is a rock 3 m south-southeast of the trig point at S297307, distinct from the large burial cairn and the 1848 commemorative stone.

Kilcash summit return

Begin at the small roadside parking area beside the signed summit lane above Kilcash. Follow the stony lane through the farm gates, closing them behind you, then continue onto the open mountainside with forestry on your right. Stay on the main path as it climbs to the broad summit. After visiting the summit area, retrace the same path and lane to the starting point.

Tough Soles gives 6 km and 1–2 hours for the main walk, depending on route and fitness. Its account does not publish total ascent. Starting in Kilcash village adds a road approach. Time for Tipperary separately lists 6 km, 474 m of climb and 2 hours 45 minutes. These are different publishers’ estimates, not a combined measured itinerary.

The longer moorland circuits need additional planning and navigation. They are separate from this direct out-and-back; do not follow an unverified forest junction or assume the short route’s figures cover an extension.

Terrain, access and safety

The route climbs consistently over rough, loose stone. It is unwaymarked and crosses farmland. Tough Soles reports no dogs on the main ascent. Follow current landowner signs and keep gates and farm entrances clear. Parking is limited; use lawful village parking if necessary and allow for the extra approach.

The summit is exposed to wind and mist. Carry navigation, warm waterproof clothing and enough daylight for the complete return. Away from the main path, heather and wet peat can make progress slower. Take care on the descent and avoid damaging sensitive bog or moving stones from archaeological features.

A trailhead information board and a bench on the lower ascent are described by Tough Soles. Bring food and water. Trailhead toilets, refreshments and a direct bus service have not been verified. Use the current Transport for Ireland journey planner and confirm any onward and return transport.

Landscape, geology and heritage

Clear-weather views take in the Suir valley, Comeraghs, Knockmealdowns and Galtees. Geological Survey Ireland identifies Devonian conglomerate at the summit and conglomerate/sandstone in the surrounding upland sequence, with older Silurian rocks in the wider massif. The vegetation includes heath, grassland and blanket bog.

Sliabh na mBan means “mountain of the women”. Stories about Fionn Mac Cumhaill, Gráinne and a race to the top belong to folklore. The mountain has a burial cairn, associations with the 1848 rally, and a place in Tipperary culture through Charles Kickham’s song. Nearby Old Kilcash has a ruined castle and church; follow access notices and do not assume the castle interior is open.

Explore routes near Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan]

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.

Kilcash summit out-and-back

Start at the small roadside parking area beside the signed Slievenamon Summit lane above Kilcash. Climb the tree-lined stony lane, pass through the farm gates and close them behind you, then follow the main path onto the open mountain with the forestry on your right. Continue up the sustained, loose-stone ascent to the broad summit, visiting the cairn and trig area; the surveyed natural high point is the rock 3 m south-southeast of the trig pillar. Return by retracing the same path, forest edge and gated lane to the same parking area. Tough Soles gives 6 km and 1–2 hours, depending on route and fitness, for the main walk; allow for stops and conditions. No total ascent is supplied by that source. A start in Kilcash village adds a road approach and is not covered by these figures. The route crosses farmland, and Tough Soles reports no dogs on this ascent; obey current local signs. The path is unwaymarked, rough and exposed, so carry navigation and suitable clothing.

6 km Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Dillon Arderin Vandeleur-Lynam

Elevation

720m

2,363 ft

Prominence

642m

Coordinates

52.4276, -7.5629

S297307

OS Map

67

At the Summit

The surveyed natural high point is a rock 3 m south-southeast of the trig point, at S297307 (precise grid S 29786 30720), 720.2 m. The broad summit also has a large burial cairn and an 1848 commemorative stone; these are distinct from the surveyed summit feature.

Terrain & Geology

Stony lane and a sustained loose-stone mountain path initially beside forestry leading to an exposed broad summit. Away from the main path are heather grass wet heath and blanket bog.

Devonian conglomerate blocks occur at the summit. Geological Survey Ireland describes Slievenamon’s uplands as sedimentary terrain, with Old Red Sandstone conglomerates and sandstones around older Silurian rocks. Its geological report identifies the Carrigmaclea Formation in the upland sequence.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, views extend over the Suir valley to the Comeragh Mountains, with the Knockmealdowns and Galtees also visible. The broad summit can offer a wider panorama towards the Blackstairs and Slieve Bloom hills; cloud and haze can obscure distant views.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Sliabh na mBan means “mountain of the women”. The story of women racing to win Fionn Mac Cumhaill’s hand is a traditional explanation, not established historical fact.

Historical Significance

A large burial cairn is a prominent summit monument. Local tradition links the mountain with Fionn Mac Cumhaill and Gráinne; the race-to-the-summit story is folklore. Slievenamon is also associated with the 1848 political rally and Charles Kickham’s nineteenth-century song of the same name.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Small roadside parking area at the signed Slievenamon Summit lane above Kilcash. Tough Soles reports space for roughly six cars and a village-parking alternative. Follow current signs, leave gates and farm access clear, and add the road approach if starting from the village.

Public Transport

A direct public-transport service to the Slievenamon Summit trailhead has not been verified. Check the current Transport for Ireland journey planner and arrange a suitable onward connection to Kilcash; confirm your return journey before walking.

Nearby Facilities

Tough Soles describes a trailhead information board and a bench on the lower climb. Bring food and water; a café or public toilet at the summit-walk trailhead has not been verified.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose stones and uneven, sometimes steep ground need care, especially on the descent or when wet.
  • The exposed summit can be windy and misty. Carry a map and compass and know how to return to the Kilcash path.
  • Off the main path, wet peat, heather and featureless moorland make progress and navigation harder.
  • The approach crosses farmland. Close gates, avoid blocking farm access and follow current landowner signs; Tough Soles reports that dogs are not allowed on the main ascent.

Seasonal Hazards

Wet weather makes the stony descent and peat more slippery. Check the mountain forecast, carry warm waterproof layers and leave enough daylight for the return; winter conditions can require additional equipment and experience.

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 Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan]?

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 Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan] search or of course create your own walk for Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan]

Can I organise a walk to Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan]?

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 Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan].

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 Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan]?

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 Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan] 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

Slievenamon [Sliabh na mBan] location map

Grid reference: S297307

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

Devilsbit Mountain [Bearnan Eile]

480m

Galtymore [Cnoc Mor na nGaibhlte]

918m

Lugnaquilla [Log na Coille]

925m

Mullaghcleevaun

847m

Cuilcagh [Binn Chuilceach]

666m
See 5 more nearby hills