Slieve Commedagh Summit
Slieve Commedagh Summit
Highlight • Summit
Slieve Commedagh Summit
Hiking
4.9
(43)
You can ascend Slieve Commedagh by itself or add in one or two of its neighbouring peaks, including Slieve Donard, the highest mountain of the Mournes. The going is strenuous with plenty of pathless sections, but there are no technical difficulties on the mountain in good weather.
Hike one of Northern Ireland’s largest peaks for soaring views
Popular start points for an ascent on Slieve Commedagh include Newcastle, to the east, and from Trassey car park, to the north east. The former takes you up via Glen River and the latter, via Hare’s Gap. You can expect boulder fields, stiles and some seriously steep sections but in clear weather, the views are magnificent even from fairly low down.
When you reach the summit, you’re met with a tremendous panorama, a summit cairn and a little tower, a short distance away. To the west, Slieve Donard beckons you onto a longer adventure. To the north west, enjoy views of the Irish Sea and Northern Ireland’s stunning eastern coastline. North and north east bring you flatter, patchwork farmland whilst the Mourne Mountains fill your south eastern view.
You can ascend Slieve Commedagh throughout the year but take great care in any snow and only hike in serious winter conditions if you have the right experience and equipment. The weather can be cold and changeable in any season.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
August 19, 2025
Hiking
October 11, 2023
Hiking
October 16, 2023
Hiking
With spectacular views across Newcastle and over the rest of the Northern Mournes, it is well worth the climb. To reach the peak, head slightly north-east from this point and travel a few hundreds metres.
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Slieve Commedagh Summit
4.9
(43)
272
hikers
14.0km
04:38
640m
640m
Embark on the Hare's Gap & Slieve Commedagh loop, a challenging yet rewarding hike through the dramatic Mourne Mountains. This route spans 8.7 miles (14.0 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2085 feet (635 metres), typically taking around 4 hours and 37 minutes to complete. You will navigate varied terrain, from gravel forest roads to winding tracks over bare rock and through boulder fields. The ascent to Hare's Gap involves rough steps, leading to panoramic views across the range, while the climb up Slieve Commedagh, the second-highest peak, offers sweeping vistas out to the Irish Sea and Newcastle below. You will also see the impressive Mourne Wall winding over the peaks and the Ben Crom Reservoir.
This moderate hike requires good fitness and sure-footedness, so make sure you wear sturdy shoes. While the route is generally well-defined, some sections, especially on Slieve Commedagh, can be steep and demanding, sometimes over pathless ground. It is wise to carry a map and compass, particularly if visibility is poor or you are unfamiliar with the area. The trail starts conveniently from Trassey Car Park, making it accessible for a day trip into the mountains.
The Hare's Gap itself is a historically significant mountain pass, once a key smuggling route where goods were carried along the Brandy Pad. This path still offers gorgeous scenery through the heart of the High Mournes. As you hike, you will frequently encounter the iconic Mourne Wall, which not only serves as a navigational aid but also highlights the scale and history of this unique landscape. The route transitions beautifully from forest edges to open mountainside, showcasing impressive granite features and the wild beauty of the Mourne Mountains.
4.8
(27)
172
hikers
10.5km
04:19
740m
740m
Embark on the Slieve Commedagh and Glen River Loop, a moderate hike spanning 6.5 miles (10.5 km) with a substantial 2425 feet (739 metres) of elevation gain. This route typically takes around 4 hours and 19 minutes to complete. You'll begin by following the picturesque Glen River through deciduous woodland before the ascent truly begins. As you climb, the terrain becomes varied and challenging, leading you towards panoramic views. From Slieve Commedagh Summit, you can look out over the Irish Sea, the coastline of Newcastle, and the vast dunes of Murlough Nature Reserve.
The starting point for this hike is the Donard car park. Be aware that this car park can get very busy, especially on weekends, so plan to arrive early. While the initial section along the Glen River may have many other hikers, the rest of the loop often provides a feeling of quiet solitude. Prepare for steep sections and varied underfoot conditions, including uneven ground, particularly on descents from Commedagh where paths might be less defined.
This loop offers a diverse journey through the Mourne Mountains. You will experience both the gentle flow of the Glen River and the rugged ascent to Slieve Commedagh. The trail provides outstanding vistas of the surrounding peaks and the coastline, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking a challenging day out in nature. It's a great way to explore the varied landscapes of this iconic Irish mountain range.
4.9
(14)
125
hikers
19.4km
06:55
1,110m
1,110m
This difficult loop in the Mourne Mountains challenges you with 12.0 miles (19.4 km) of hiking and a significant 3637 feet (1108 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 6 hours and 54 minutes to complete. You will navigate steep, rocky mountain paths, including sections that require scrambling, especially on Slieve Bearnagh. The reward for your effort is spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the High and Western Mournes, the Irish Sea, and Newcastle below, with the distinctive rocky tors of Slieve Bearnagh adding to the dramatic scenery.
To tackle this strenuous route, you need very good fitness and sure-footedness. The varied terrain includes unpaved paths, gravel, and natural ground, with some sections of built steps. Be prepared for sustained steep climbs and descents; parts of the trail, particularly descending Slieve Bearnagh and towards Hare's Gap, are very steep and demand extreme caution. Wet or icy conditions can make the already rugged terrain particularly slippery, so plan your visit for clear weather.
The trail takes you over Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Commedagh, and Slieve Donard, encompassing three of the four highest peaks in the Mourne Mountains, with Slieve Donard being Northern Ireland's highest. You will encounter the iconic 19-mile (31 km) Mourne Wall, which hikers often follow, and sections of the historic Brandy Pad, a former smugglers' track. The Mourne Mountains are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, highlighting the unique geological and ecological significance of this challenging and rewarding hiking destination.
Details
Informations
Elevation 750 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 26 June
18°C
14°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December