Mountains of Ireland

The mountains of Ireland are many but most are of relatively low levels compared to other ranges in the British Isles and Europe. The centre of the island of Ireland is flat bog land, surrounded by mountains, some of which extend to the coastlines of the country, most notably the Mourne Mountains, Derryveagh Mountains and the Wicklow Mountains. Because of their lack of height, most ranges are eminently suitable for hiking and have some outstandingly superb trails.

The main mountain ranges of Ireland are as follow:

The Macgillycuddy Reeks (South West)

The Comeragh Mountains (South)

The Blackstairs Mountains (South East)

The Wicklow Mountains (East)

The Mournes (North-East)

Glens of Antrim (North East)

Sperrin Mountains (North)

Blue Stack Mountains ( North West)

Derryveagh Mountains ( North West)

Ox Mountains (West)

Nephin Beg Mountains

Maumturks Mountains/Twelve Pins (West)

The Galtee Mountains (Mid West)

Slieve Bloom Mountains ( Midlands)

Highest Peaks

There are 14 mountain peaks on the island of Ireland over 3,000 feet in height. Of these, 11 lie in the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks range in County Kerry, close to the town of Killarney, contributing to the outstanding natural beauty that makes the county the most scenic in Ireland.   

No.        Peak                Height (ft)                           Range

1.       Carrauntoohil                3409                          MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

2.        Beenkeragh                    3314                         MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

3.      Caher (East Top)            3284                          MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

4.       Cnoc na Péiste                3241                          MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

5.      Caher (West Top)           3199                          MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

6.      Maolán Bui                     3192                          MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

7.      Carrauntoohil Tooth       3146                          MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

8.      Cnoc an Chuillin            3143                          MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

9       Brandon Mtn                   3123                         Brandon Group

10.    The Big Gun                    3081                           MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

11.    Cruach Mhór                   3058                          MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

12.    Lough Coimín Móir       3038                          MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

13.    Lugnaquillia                    3035                        Wicklow Mountains

14.    Galtymore                       3015                         Galtee Mountains