Slieve Snaght Summit

One of two mountains by this name, Slieve Snaght (Sliabh Sneacht) translates to ‘snow mountain’ and earns its name by keeping snow on its peak unseasonably late into the spring. At 2,018 feet (615 m), its position on the Inishowen peninsula makes it one of Ireland’s most northerly mountains, and on particularly clear days, you can see across the sea to Scotland.

There are numerous trails up the mountain and a common starting point is the Sliabh Sneacht Centre on the R238 to the west. From this approach, the terrain is rough underfoot with heather and plenty of bogs to keep you on your toes. The higher you get, the drier the ground gets but it’s pathless, rocky and steep. There’s nothing technical here though, so in good conditions, it’s a reasonably straightforward adventure. When the clouds creep in, route finding can be challenging, so make sure you’re prepared. 

At the summit, you’ll find a trig point enclosed in a stone wall, which offers a little wind protection if you need it. The views are sweeping, and soon make any thigh-burn forgotten. You can bring your dog, but they must stay on a lead.