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Non GAA Discussion => General discussion => Topic started by: venter on April 12, 2007, 12:56:10 PM

Title: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: venter on April 12, 2007, 12:56:10 PM
I think there might have been a thread on this already?

Anyways, I have a question. Where is the best point to start a climb of Mweelrea mountain in Mayo. I will be approaching it from Leenane.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Hardy on April 12, 2007, 12:57:05 PM
I always find it's best to start at the bottom.

(Sorry)
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 12, 2007, 02:08:03 PM
There is a spot to start it from on the leenane side, i dont know about that one
From the other side, drive as far as louisburgh and instead of turning right into the town go left for silver strand, about 10 miles, straight all the way. The starting point is about 100 yards up from silver strand, just past a yellow house, you'll usually find cars parked on a patch of grass for the beach, stop there and head up a broken concrete road. As u go up keep to the left of a dark rock mass to the left of the peak, its the easiest and shortest way up.
Sorry these dorections won't make proper sense till you see what i'm talking about but i climbed it saturday on one of the clearest days ever and the views are savage, these dont do justice to it

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7KPfrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0JnPo0GloQqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPGn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)


(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7Kofrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0JnPo0GloeqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPll%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)


(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7KPfrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0JnPo0Gl0QqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPl0%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)


(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7KPfrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0JnPo0GlPlqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPle%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)


(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7Kofrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0JnPo0GloJqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPlJ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Armagh4SamAgain on April 12, 2007, 02:15:38 PM
Nice fotos. Where is that?
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 12, 2007, 02:24:32 PM
Taken from the top of Mwellrea last saturday
Its the highest peak in connaught and on the galway mayo border. You can see killary harbour, the 12 pins and clew bay from the top
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: J70 on April 12, 2007, 02:43:34 PM
Very impressive photos!
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Rufus T Firefly on April 12, 2007, 07:03:46 PM
Quote from: venter on April 12, 2007, 12:56:10 PM
I think there might have been a thread on this already?

Anyways, I have a question. Where is the best point to start a climb of Mweelrea mountain in Mayo. I will be approaching it from Leenane.

Cheers!

Would love to climb it, but never have. I think these are the details you are looking for venter, taken directly from The Mountains of Ireland, by Paddy Dillon. From the description, it appears to be other side of the mountain from Mayo4Sam's path, i.e. the Doo Lough side (I think), e.g. Mayo4Sam's third photo.

Quote

Start/Finish:  Delphi Adventure Centre

Getting There:  Delphi Adventure Centre is on the R335 road between Aasleagh Falls and Louisburgh.

Walk out onto the boggy moorland at the back of the Delphi Adventure Centre. A path runs alongside a fence, then is later confined to a boggy strip of tussocky grass between the fence and a river. The fence encloses a forestry plantation, and once clear of this, it's possible to take any line across a broad, boggy area of grass. This is all difficult, tussocky stuff, with Mweelrea rising nearby, yet never seeming to draw nearer. The ascent starts from the level, boggy grassland and you ahould aim for the ridge well to the left of Mweelrea. Follow a stream uphill at first, then bear left from it to reach a gap on the ridge. Although the ascent is steep, the ground becomes easier to walk as height is gained and a path can be followed. The path stays close to the ege of a cliff for the final pull up to the summit. There is a cairn on the peaty top and it's worth recording that this is the highest point in County Mayo and the Province of Connacht. Views take in the mountains of Connemara across the inlet of Killary Harbour, plus many more distant ranges throughout the west of Ireland.

Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: dodo on April 12, 2007, 10:52:49 PM
Fair play Mayo4Sam. Bringing back great memories of me youth. You just can't beat the west for scenery.
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: realredhandfan on April 13, 2007, 09:25:46 AM
Is this hillwalking as opposed to mountain climbing?
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: venter on April 13, 2007, 11:03:24 AM
Cheers for that Rufus! Exactly what I was looking for. You wont beat this board for information.
Good pics Mayo4sam. I'm going to do it tomorrow morning if the weather is good. I'll bring the camera as well.
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mentalman on April 13, 2007, 12:41:16 PM
Rufus' directions are spot on. Been up a few times, trying different routes, and that is the best from Leenane. Excellent pics Mayo4Sam, spectacular views from up there alright, out to sea and down to the lake. Unfortunately never really got a clear day for it, they are fairly rare around there. Whatever you do Venter don't attempt to take her head on from Delphi, can be tempting, but it gets very steep, and turns more into climbing than hillwalking at that point - learned this to my peril one day, with a numbnuts of a "friend" leading the charge. Was fair tired by the end of that day I can tell ya! :)
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: aontroim abu on April 13, 2007, 01:13:34 PM
climbing  this mountain in June, cant wait now.
climbing Lugnaquilla, Carrantohill, Mweelrea and Slieve Donard as a fundraiser for Action Cancer all in 36 hours
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 13, 2007, 11:38:32 PM
For action cancer or focus ireland AA?
I'm doing the exact same for focus ireland

Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: aontroim abu on April 14, 2007, 01:12:01 PM
doing it for Action Cancer M4S. 7+8 June
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 15, 2007, 10:58:20 AM
Same weekend we're doing it! What order?
we're Kerry, Mayo, Down & Wicklow
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: aontroim abu on April 15, 2007, 04:03:11 PM
we're Leinster, Munster,Connacht & Ulster, just like the rankings in hurling.
doing any training?
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 16, 2007, 06:07:13 PM
Climbed mwellrea and croagh patrick easter weekend. Hopefully mwellrea again next weekend
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: ardal on April 16, 2007, 06:25:29 PM
Did this a few years back for focus Ireland (think it was their first year) Slieve Donard on the morning of the second day is surprisingly the most difficult( in my opinion); lack of sleep,  tired legs in the morning etc etc etc. Lugnaquilla has to be the most boring walk ever. It's just a gentle climb km after km, but just keep thinking about the few beers you'll have at the end of it.

Good luck to all involved though. Think we raised  a little over €25,000; now there's a challenge for yeah all
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: aontroim abu on April 17, 2007, 09:37:59 AM
Christ M4S ye are way ahead of me.
Ardal thats some amount of money to lift, cant see me coming close to that, well done anyway
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: ardal on April 17, 2007, 07:54:50 PM
Don't forget to take a camera and take photos of your team at the top of each mountain. It's a nive wee souvenir afterwards
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 19, 2007, 11:27:12 AM
Some more photos from croagh patrick on Good Friday


(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7Kofrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0GaJeaalG0qpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPlQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7Kofrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0GaJeaalJGqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPlo%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7Kofrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0GaJeaal0nqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPll%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7KPfrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0GaJeaaloPqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPle%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7KPfrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0GaJeaalPGqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPle%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: dodo on April 19, 2007, 12:53:15 PM
Top top top photos Mayo4Sam.

Did you take any of the view east /south to the bogs, forests and the lakes. It is some spot on a clear day for the 360 view.
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Rufus T Firefly on April 19, 2007, 01:28:49 PM
Quote from: dodo on April 19, 2007, 12:53:15 PM
Top top top photos Mayo4Sam.


Agreed - keep them coming please!
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on April 19, 2007, 02:01:45 PM
No really good ones of that side, heres a couple more

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7Kofrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0GaJeaalJnqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPlJ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7KPfrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0GaJeaalJPqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPlG%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7KPfrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0GaJeaal0QqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPGn%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 09, 2007, 11:19:41 AM
Went to Kerry for the weekend and climbed Carrantouhill.
Very cloudy day, couldn't see a yard in front of ur face from the devils ladder on
But heres a few pics from it

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7Kofrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0lGJJPeQQeqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPlQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7Kofrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0lGJJPlnnnqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPll%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7KPfrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0lGJJPeQQlqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPJn%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,332,442)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7KPfrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0lGJJPeQPQqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPGe%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6RKKt%3AxxrKUp7BHD7Kofrj%3DQofrj7t%3DzrRfDUX%3AeQaQxg%3Dr%3F87KR6xqpxQQoJxaQJxePlxv8uOc5xQQQ0lGJJPeQPeqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPlQ%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 09, 2007, 12:14:05 PM
By-The By if anyone feels like contributing to focus Ireland feel free to give me a PM
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: turk on May 09, 2007, 12:30:13 PM
Great stuff lads!

I'd like to try this - is it walking up the mountain in most cases or are you bating ropes and pulley into the side of the mountain?
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 09, 2007, 01:15:12 PM
Its all walking, theres a bit on carrantouhill where u have to go from rock to rock but nothing serious.
Dont know where ur based but I'm doing Mwellrea in Mayo for the following 2 saturdays and Slieve donard in down the saturday after
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: aontroim abu on May 09, 2007, 01:20:19 PM
M4S give me a shout when you are going up Donard and ill do it with you, maybe take in few after
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 09, 2007, 06:51:59 PM
No problem, it'll be sat 26th May, anyone else that wants to head along feel free
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Rufus T Firefly on May 09, 2007, 11:10:08 PM
Great photos Mayo4sam!

The second photo - if I have my bearings right, that is the Hag's Tooth with Beenkeragh rising behind? Did you cross the Beenkeragh Ridge?
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: turk on May 11, 2007, 12:07:15 PM
This looks like an excellent pastime to take up!

What would you need - just a good pair of boots or would you need light ones?

Sorry about the dope questions, no mocking me now please!
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Mayo4Sam on May 11, 2007, 12:13:21 PM
All i use is either runners or my site boots.
Am looking for a decent pair of hiking boots but haven't found anything yet
So to answer ur question a good pair of boots will do u, even runners depending on the hardness of the ground
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Donagh on May 11, 2007, 12:24:51 PM
I'd advise a good pair of hiking boots and socks. After damaging an ankle ligament coming down of Donard last year I got a pair of waterproof HiTec boots for £35. Went into a shuck on Slieve Gullion the week before last and no problems at all - good support and didn't have to tr**p back with soggy socks.
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: venter on May 11, 2007, 02:22:02 PM
QuoteWhat would you need - just a good pair of boots or would you need light ones?

Turk,, on the way up the mountain a pair of runners is ideal, but going down they are not great. You'd probably want a bit of support for the ankles on the way down.

I was up around Mweelrea the other week. I  have a few pictures i must put up when i get the chance. I have ordnance survey map 37 in front of me right now and it does not include the height of Mweelrae.

I went up the horse shoe from Delphi centre  on to Ben loughmore??? and on back to Benbury. The pass between these two mountains is listed as 803metres. I didnt make it back to Mweelrae itself as it was getting late and I was getting lazy. I might try it tomorrow again.
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: venter on May 11, 2007, 02:24:01 PM
Last monday, I took the drive from Bangor to Achill, Some good cliff faces and mountains back that way too.
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: turk on May 11, 2007, 03:15:20 PM
Thanks for all the tips lads!

I will pick a small hill and see how winded i get and take it from there!!
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: Hardy on May 11, 2007, 03:35:37 PM
An Offaly man taking up mountain climbing is a bit like that film about Jamaicans bobsledding.
Title: Re: Mountain Climbing in Ireland
Post by: turk on May 11, 2007, 04:07:46 PM
We have the Slieve Blooms, or part of them anyways! and some fine hills