Hungry Hill Summit

Called Cnoc Daod in Irish, Hungry Hill looms large over Bantry Bay in south west Ireland. Sitting on the tremendous wild and rugged Beara Peninsula, it’s less a hill and more of a mountain, rising to 2,247 feet (685 m). Every side of the peak is different, with vast buttresses, sheer drops and domed rocks. 

Exploring Hungry Hill is not for beginners or bad weather, but it does make a brilliant day out if you feel at home on challenging mountains. It has a flat, boggy summit plateau with views across the craggy coast and out into the Atlantic that are well worth the ascent. 

An Irish mountain with challenging routes and stunning views

Hungry Hill will certainly make you keen for a bite to eat, and being generally well-prepared is definitely recommended. On Ireland’s exposed western coast, the weather can turn quickly, so along with your snacks bring waterproof and windproof layers and sturdy boots.

The mountain has sections where you might need to scramble although there are routes, namely that from Healy Pass to the north east, that allow you to stay entirely upright. Either way, it’s certainly wise to turn back if the visibility drops, as every trail to the summit is meandering. 

When you reach the top, a clear day will present remarkable views south across Bantry Bay and north to Glanmore Valley and the bay beyond. East and west both fill your views with awe-inspiring mountains. Summer will bring the best weather to Hungry Hill and only experienced winter mountaineers should attempt it in snowy conditions.