Best mountain peaks around Carrickmacstay provide a range of outdoor experiences for hikers and climbers. This region features summits offering expansive views and varied terrain, from challenging ascents to more accessible trails. The landscape includes notable peaks with historical sites and natural monuments. Visitors can explore diverse mountain environments, making it a destination for those seeking elevation and scenic vistas.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more peaks around Carrickmacstay.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A tough climb from any direction but a great place to refuel and enjoy the views.
0
0
At the highest point of the Black Mountain you are greeted by spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the Irish Sea.
3
2
Not the biggest in the mournes at only 472m but well worth the climb as the views from Slievemeen are incredible! A great walk for kids as it's relatively close to the car park and has a nice summit to take a picnic on.
0
0
Wikipedia (Clermont Carn (Irish: Carnán Mhaighréid Náir), 2022-11-03): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clermont_Carn Wikipedia (Clermont Carn transmission site, 2022-11-03): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clermont_Carn_transmission_site Wikipedia (Cooley Mountains, 2022-11-03): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooley_Mountains MountainViews.ie (Clermont Carn, 2022-11-03): https://mountainviews.ie/summit/434/ - Viewpoint (Carlingford Lough, Dundalk, …) - Transmission site (2RN (RTÉ Networks), Saorview, …) - Neolithic burial cairn
2
2
The climb up the north side of Black Mountain challenges you right from the start - the first half kilometre feels like a wall before it levels out a bit. But don't be fooled, there's a final kick just before the summit that will make your legs feel what they've done. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with impressive views of the surrounding countryside that will make you feel like you're standing on top of the world. The route itself runs right along the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which creates a special atmosphere. Keep warm in changing weather and be prepared for sudden showers - the wind can pick up quickly up here. The descent requires some caution, as some parts are steep and the tarmac isn't always perfect. But that's what makes it so appealing - an adventure worth it and an experience to remember.
1
2
A couple of detailed hikes up here are described at https://mountainviews.ie/summit/217/
1
0
First half mile is a wall. Levels out after that though and is actually quite pleasant.
1
0
The region around Carrickmacstay offers several popular peaks. Eagle Mountain is highly regarded for its fantastic views across the Mournes, though it requires good physical condition. Slievemeen Summit is another favorite, known for its incredible views and family-friendly accessibility. Visitors also appreciate Pierce's Castle, an atmospheric natural monument offering rewarding views after a tough climb.
Yes, Slievemeen Summit is an excellent choice for families. It's considered a great walk for kids due to its relatively close proximity to parking and a manageable climb that leads to incredible views. The summit provides a nice spot for a picnic.
The mountain peaks around Carrickmacstay offer expansive and rewarding views. From Eagle Mountain, you can enjoy fantastic panoramas across the Mournes. Clermont Carn Summit provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the Irish Sea, including Carlingford Lough and Dundalk. Even smaller peaks like Slievemeen Summit boast incredible vistas.
Yes, Clermont Carn Summit is not only a viewpoint but also a historical site. It features a Neolithic burial cairn and is home to a transmission site. Additionally, Pierce's Castle is an atmospheric natural monument with historical connotations, its name suggesting a connection to ancient fortifications.
For those seeking a challenge, Eagle Mountain requires good physical condition for its climb. Pierce's Castle involves a tough climb from any direction. The Black Mountain North Side offers a particularly challenging ascent, with a very steep initial section and a final kick before the summit, rewarding climbers with impressive views.
Beyond peak bagging, the area around Carrickmacstay offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore various running trails, such as the challenging Carlingford Lough Greenway and Ring of Gullion Loop. For mountain biking, routes like the Rostrevor trails park loop or the Pierce's Castle climb loop provide exciting options. Find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Carrickmacstay and MTB Trails around Carrickmacstay guides.
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The Cloughmore Trail, Fathom Wood loop, and the Cloughmore Stone loop from Rostrevor are all considered easy hikes. These trails offer a chance to enjoy the scenery without strenuous climbs. For more information, refer to the Easy hikes around Carrickmacstay guide.
The Black Mountain North Side climb is known for its challenging nature. The first half-kilometer is very steep, often described as a 'wall,' before it levels out. There's a final steep section just before the summit. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and strong winds, and exercise caution on the descent due to steep and potentially uneven sections. The route runs along the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, adding a unique element to the experience.
Several peaks around Carrickmacstay offer views of or are part of the broader Mourne Mountains area. For instance, Eagle Mountain provides fantastic views all around the Mournes. The Mourne Mountains are a prominent range in County Down, Northern Ireland, known for their dramatic granite peaks.
The Cooley Mountains are a mountain range located on the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth, Ireland. Clermont Carn Summit, with its historical significance and panoramic views, is situated within the Cooley Mountains, offering a notable peak experience in this range.
The highest mountains in Ireland are located in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks range in County Kerry, which is not near Carrickmacstay. Carrauntoohil is Ireland's highest mountain at 1,038.6 meters, followed by Beenkeragh and Caher. These offer challenging climbs and spectacular views, but are a significant distance from the Carrickmacstay area. You can learn more about them on Wikipedia.
Visitors consistently praise the incredible and rewarding views from the summits, such as those from Slievemeen Summit and Eagle Mountain. The sense of accomplishment after a challenging climb, like to Pierce's Castle, is also a major draw. The variety of trails, from family-friendly walks to tough ascents, caters to different experience levels, making it a diverse destination for mountain enthusiasts.


See even more amazing summits around Carrickmacstay with these guides: