Best mountain peaks around Ballykeel include Crons Hill, a modest peak within the Belfast Hills range. The wider area provides access to more prominent mountain peaks offering diverse experiences. This region features a mix of local hills and the more challenging Mourne Mountains. Visitors can find varied terrain from moorland and heathland to ancient woodlands and archaeological sites.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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Starting from Carrick Little Car Park, the hiking path to Slieve Binnian offers a rewarding journey through the heart of the Mourne Mountains. This moderate to challenging loop, approximately 11.2 km in length, follows the Mourne Wall, a historic dry-stone structure built in the early 1900s, guiding hikers toward the summit of Slieve Binnian (747 m). The ascent is steady, with a mix of rocky terrain and scenic views. As you approach the summit, the path becomes more rugged, leading to the iconic South and North Tors. From the summit, panoramic vistas unfold, offering breathtaking views of the Silent Valley and the surrounding peaks.
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Not a particularly high mountain but possibly the best 360 degree view in the Mournes!
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One of the very best mountains in the Mournes! Not a huge climb but incredible views in every direction!
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One of the best viewpoints in the Mournes! Instagram-worthy whichever direction you look!
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Enjoy a phenomenal bit of Mournes scenery to take your mind off the fact that you're about to begin your ascent up a mountain. In your periphery, you can see Slieve Binnian to the west, Slieve Lamagan to the North, and Rocky Mountain to the east.
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Well done! You just reached Slieve Doan, a 562m peak that sits amongst some of the highest in the Mourne Mountain range. Take a seat and a breather, and enjoy 360 panoramic views across the Mournes from all directions.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the panoramic views from View of the Mourne Mountains, which offers impressive scenery including Slieve Binnian, Slieve Lamagan, and Rocky Mountain. Other popular choices include Cove Mountain, known for its beautiful panorama above the Ben Crom Reservoir, and Eagle Mountain, which provides extensive views across the Mournes.
Yes, Carnmoney Hill, located approximately 7.2 miles from Ballykeel, offers several walking routes, some of which are accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. It features ancient woodland, diverse wildlife, a Victorian well, and a children's play area, making it suitable for families. Cave Hill Country Park also has the Cave Hill Adventurous Playground and various waymarked trails of varying difficulty, including easier options.
The region offers diverse and spectacular views. From Divis Mountain, you can see Belfast, every county in Ulster, parts of Scotland and England, Strangford Lough, and the Mourne and Sperrin mountain ranges. Carnmoney Hill provides wonderful views over Belfast Lough, the Mournes, Slemish Mountain, and the Antrim Coast. Even the more modest Cairngaver offers extensive views of Belfast, the Mourne Mountains, Belfast Lough, the Antrim Coast, and sometimes Scotland and the Isle of Man on clear days.
Cave Hill is home to significant archaeological sites, including McArt's Fort, an ancient rรกth situated high above sea level. Divis Mountain also holds a rich archaeological landscape, and its trig pillar was instrumental in the first mapping of Ireland in 1825. Carnmoney Hill is known for its rich history, including a Victorian well.
For challenging hikes, consider routes in the Mourne Mountains. The Cove Mountain and Eagle Mountain highlights are described as challenging summits. Additionally, Chimney Rock Mountain offers an enjoyable and relatively strenuous hike with wonderful views. You can find more challenging routes like the 'Mourne Wall Challenge' or 'Slieve Binnian & Wee Binnian loop' in the Hiking around Ballykeel guide.
Cave Hill is famous for its five caves and the distinctive 'Napoleon's Nose' rock formation. Divis Mountain is characterized by its extensive moorland and heathland bog. Carnmoney Hill boasts ancient woodland, floral grassland, wetland, and ponds, providing a diverse natural habitat. Crons Hill, while modest, is notable for its pasture beside the trig point.
Beyond hiking, the area around Ballykeel offers various outdoor activities. You can explore cycling routes, including challenging options like 'Cranfield to Crocknafeola Wood loop' or moderate ones like 'Route 6 - The Head Road Route' found in the Cycling around Ballykeel guide. Road cycling enthusiasts can find routes such as 'Spelga Reservoir Hill Climb' in the Road Cycling Routes around Ballykeel guide. Cave Hill Country Park also offers orienteering courses.
Visitors particularly enjoy the phenomenal scenery and extensive panoramic views from various peaks. Highlights like View of the Mourne Mountains are praised for their impressive vistas. The diverse terrain, from moorland to ancient woodlands, and the opportunity to experience both local hills and the more challenging Mourne Mountains, are also highly appreciated by the komoot community.
Divis Mountain, as the highest peak in the Belfast Hills, offers spectacular panoramic views that can encompass Belfast, every county in Ulster, parts of Scotland and England, Strangford Lough, and the Mourne and Sperrin mountain ranges. Carnmoney Hill also provides wonderful views over Belfast Lough and the Antrim Coast, while Cairngaver offers surprisingly extensive and peaceful views, including parts of Belfast, the Mourne Mountains, and even Scotland on a clear day.
Yes, Cairngaver, located approximately 2.7 miles from Ballykeel, is a good option for a less strenuous walk. Despite its modest height, it offers surprisingly extensive and peaceful views, including parts of Belfast, the Mourne Mountains, and the Antrim Coast on a clear day. Carnmoney Hill also has some gentle strolls among its walking routes.
Divis Mountain is the highest peak in the Belfast Hills, reaching an elevation of 478 meters (1,568 feet). It offers spectacular views and an extensive network of walking trails.
Yes, many peaks have dedicated trails. Cave Hill Country Park offers a range of waymarked walking trails, including the Cavehill Trail, Estate Trail, and Castle Trail. Divis Mountain features an extensive network of trails like the Divis Lough Trail, Divis Ridge Trail, and Divis Summit Trail. For a broader selection of routes, you can explore the Hiking around Ballykeel guide.


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