Walk Northern Ireland - Mountaineering Ireland

Right: Shamrock
Below: Slemish Mountain
Slemish Mountain
An isolated cone that can be seen
for miles around, Slemish
mountain (437m) is a landmark of
County Antrim. The steep-sided
hill rises from relatively flat
surrounds and is a real icon of the
area. Getting to the top is easier
than you might imagine, however,
it’s an experience that shouldn’t be
missed.
Much of the rock in this area is
volcanic in nature, and Slemish is
no exception. The mountain was
created during a period of major
volcanic activity that began around
55 million years ago. The original
volcano would have been much
larger than the hill we see today –
Slemish is merely the solidified
plug of lava that once filled the
underground vent. When
subsequent ice ages eroded the
landscape, the hard volcanic plug
was all that was left behind. With a
vent the size that we see today, the
eruption itself must have been truly
massive in scale.
Slemish is also famous for its
links with St Patrick, patron saint
of Ireland. Towards the end of the
Roman occupation of Britain, Irish
raiders plundered thousands of
slaves and transported them across
the Irish Sea. The boy who was to
become Saint Patrick arrived this
way, and spent several childhood
years herding swine around Slemish
for a local slavemaster named
Miluic.
By the mid 400s, St Patrick and
his missionaries had begun the
work of establishing
Christianity in the
country. Slemish has since
become a place of
pilgrimage on 17th
March, St Patrick’s Day.
Modern visitors wishing
to make their own
pilgrimage up the
mountain have got a 2km
trek to the top. The trail is
steep, however, gaining
some 180m in altitude in
its short distance.
Fortunately the views
from the summit are well
worth the effort,
encompassing most of
County Antrim and
beyond.
Slemish is just one of
many distinctive
mountains worth
walk… Hills
Slemish is also famous for its
links with St Patrick, patron
saint of Ireland
exploring in the region; the famous
Antrim Glens and Antrim Hills lie
just to the north. Numerous high
quality walking routes cross the
area, offering everything from short
strolls to eight-hour upland
challenges. If you’ve been inspired
by the experience of standing on
top of Slemish, don’t stop there - as
there is still a world to discover
nearby.
Slemish F3
Starting Point: Carnstroan Lane
Distance: 2km, Height 180m
Maps & Books: OSNI sheet: 9
Facilities: Parking/toilets: Available
Safety
Remember that if attempting a mountain
or hill walk, you should be able to use a
map and compass, and be suitably
dressed and equipped for cold and wet,
even in the summer. Check the weather
forecast.
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