Mourne Mountains, Co. Down · Northern Ireland
Slieve Donard (Mourne Mountains)
Northern Ireland's highest peak (850m). The Mourne Wall summit route from Newcastle — steep, exposed, panoramic view over the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man on a clear day.
Updated August 23, 2026
The Mourne Wall — a 35km granite drystone wall built 1904-1922 — crosses the summit. Follow the wall from Newcastle up the Glen River path. Steep, unrelenting last 400m. On a clear day, the view stretches from Wicklow to the Isle of Man to Scotland.
Best months: May-September (dry, low wind)
Trailhead / base town: Newcastle
Nearest airport: BFS
Waymarked: No — navigation skills required
Waypoint map — 5 points
Topographic base map + trail polyline. Click each waypoint for the trail-note.
Elevation profile
Estimated — download the GPX for definitive elevation data on device.
680m
Peak gain
Profile is an approximation from the trail's published ascent metres + typical mountain-profile shape. Real per-metre elevation available in the GPX download opened on Garmin, Gaia, Komoot, or Apple Watch.
Community reviews
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Trail waypoints in order
- 1
Donard Park Car Park (Start)
- 2
Glen River path
- 3
Mourne Wall junction
- 4
Slieve Donard Summit (850m)
NI's highest point — cairn + Mourne Wall junction
- 5
Donard Park Car Park (Finish)
Getting out of Newcastle (BFS)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Slieve Donard (Mourne Mountains) — frequently asked
How long does the Slieve Donard (Mourne Mountains) take to complete?
4-5 hours (day hike) for the full 9km (850m total ascent). Difficulty grade: challenging.
Is the Slieve Donard (Mourne Mountains) waymarked?
No — this is a navigation-required route. Bring an OS 1:50,000 sheet + compass, know how to use them, and check the MWIS forecast before you start. Not for first-time hillwalkers alone.
When is the best time of year for the Slieve Donard (Mourne Mountains)?
May-September (dry, low wind). Outside these months conditions can turn technical (mud, mist, short daylight) and the value-per-effort drops sharply.
Where should I base myself for the Slieve Donard (Mourne Mountains)?
Newcastle — the trailhead is here and it's the natural place to sleep before + after. Fly into BFS, pre-book airport transfer, and pick a base hotel with parking if you're doing multiple sections.
Do I need a permit for the Slieve Donard (Mourne Mountains)?
No permit required — the trail crosses public land, National Parks land, or is a formally waymarked national trail with open access. Respect any farm-stile signs and leave gates as you found them.