Irish Peak Challenges

For 2023 we are designing peak challenges that will take you to the far reaching corners of Ireland taking in some of the most unexplored summits..

So join us in 2023 in on of our great challenges whether for charity, health, exploration or even to achieve some of your own personal goals. Let us take that journey with you!

Mweelrea

The Sheeffry Hills

Achill Island

The Maumturks

The Partry Mountains

The 12 Bens

1. Munster - Carrauntoohil
2. Connaught - Mweelrea
3. Ulster - Slieve Donard
4. Leinster - Lugnaquilla

The National 3 Peaks Challenge is one of the most popular hiking challenges in the UK. It involves climbing the highest peaks in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon). Normally all within 24 hours including travel.

Ireland does not have an “official” peaks challenge but there are a few unofficial challenges and some extreme long distance challenges such as the Wicklow Round.

For a full list Irish Challenge Walks head over to the Mountain Views website. While the 3 of the four highest peaks according to the Mountain Views 100 highest mountains (“with a prominence of 100 metres”) lie in Kerry, these being Carrauntoohil, Knocknapeasta, Mount Brandon and Lugnaquilla. The 4 Peaks Challenge in Ireland takes you to the highest in each province.

In the times of the Gaels Ireland was divided into ancient kingdoms known as provinces with boundaries generally marked by landforms such as rivers and mountains, Provinces and territories often changed but in modern times settled on 4 in total. Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Cannaught - north, south, east and west respectively. These mountains are as follows:

Carrauntoohil (1038m) - Ireland’s highest peak set dramatically into the Macgillycuddy Reeks which has some 11 summits over 900 metres. A dramatic sandstone range with an Alpine feel.

Mweelrea (814m) - This broad “horseshoe” shaped massif offers adventure to willing hikers. The massif sits next to Ireland's only true fjord and its flanks contain gullies and dramatic cliffs.

Slieve Donard (850m) - A prominent mountain within a designated Area of Outstanding National Beauty. One of 3 great pilgrimages long before the arrival of Christaianity (along with Croagh Patrick, Mayo and Mount Brandon, Kerry). This marks the highest point in Ulster and Northern Ireland.

Lugnaquilla (925m) - The highest mountain in Leinster, Wicklow and outside of Kerry and despite most approaches starting at an elevation of 150 metres it offers an adventurous day out. Lugnaquilla’s broad peak on a clear day offers views over the Wicklow Mountains National Park, into Ireland's central and southern counties and across the Irish Sea to North Wales.

Estimated Height Gain: 3200+ Metres

Estimated Distance: ~ 50km