Overview
At 694 m (2,277 ft), Keeper Hill is the highest point in the Shannon region and the tallest of the Silvermine Mountains, ranking 58th among Irish summits. The reward isn’t really the numbers – it’s the moment the walk leaves the dense Coillte forest and steps out onto open blanket bog near the top, where the sound drops away and the whole of north Tipperary opens up below. The Irish name, Sliabh Coimeálta, means ‘mountain of guarding’.
If you’ve only half a day, the summit trek is the one to do: red arrows from the Doonane car park take you all the way up. The purple-arrowed Ballyhourigan Loop keeps you in the trees on the lower shoulders and skips the climb – fine if the weather’s closed in, but you miss the point of the hill. The summit plateau is a blanket bog and Nardus grassland designated as both a Special Area of Conservation (site code 001197, protecting active bog and wet heath) and a Special Protection Area for hen harrier.
A stone circle known locally as Firbrega (‘false men’) rests on the northeastern shoulder in Bauraglanna townland: eleven orthostats around a central recumbent stone. A Lughnasadh gathering was once held on the summit each August, tying the hill to Ireland’s Gaelic festival calendar.
Geology & Landscape
The hill is formed from the Keeper Hill Formation – a mix of pale red sandstone, grit and claystone. This underlying geology supports the extensive blanket-bog on the summit, a habitat of European importance that retains moisture and stores significant carbon. The surrounding forest, managed by Coillte, covers roughly 3,300 hectares and includes a diverse mix of beech, larch, spruce, ash and pine. The transition from dense woodland to open bog creates a distinct change in light and sound, making the final approach to the summit feel like stepping out onto the roof of the region.
History & Cultural Background
The name Keeper Hill derives from a mythic tale about Sadb, daughter of Conn of the Hundred Battles, who raised her children on the mountain after being rejected by their father, Ailill Aulom, king of Munster. The alternative name Slievekimalta comes directly from the Irish Sliabh Coimeálta, reinforcing the idea of the hill as a guardian of the surrounding valleys.
Two pieces of the older landscape survive close to the walking routes: the Firbrega stone circle on the northeastern shoulder, and a stone sweat-house near the forest road – a small, corbelled structure once heated with turf and used for steam-bathing, and worth the short detour to find.
What to See & Do
- Summit Views – From the cairn-topped summit you can see the rolling Tipperary countryside, the Limerick City skyline, the River Shannon and, on a clear day, the distant Galtee Mountains, Devil’s Bit and even the Maam Turks.
- Firbrega Stone Circle – Eleven orthostats of varying height, with a large recumbent stone at the centre, sit on the northeastern slope. The arrangement is typical of late Neolithic ritual sites found across Munster.
- Sweat-House – A small stone structure traditionally used for steam-bathing, located along the Ballyhourigan Loop. It offers a quiet moment of reflection away from the main trail.
- The ‘Spout’ Waterfall – A seasonal cascade visible from the forest road on the way to the summit, most dramatic after winter or spring rains.
- Wildlife – The hill is a Special Protection Area for hen harrier, the ghostly grey male often quartering low over the bog; spring brings skylarks and meadow pipits. Sika deer are regularly seen on the forest tracks, especially early and late in the day.
- Woodland Walks – The Doonane/Ballyhourigan forest offers several side-trails to hidden streams and viewpoints, ideal for breaking up the climb.
Trail Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route type | Circular forest route with optional summit trek |
| Length | Sources disagree – roughly 8 km for the shorter waymarked circuit, up to about 14 km for the full loop via Toor |
| Ascent | 550 m |
| Estimated time | 3–4 hours |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Waymarking | Red arrows on white for summit; purple arrows for lower-shoulder loop; yellow arrows for the long-distance Slieve Felim Way |
| Dogs | Allowed on a lead |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchairs; sturdy walking boots recommended |
| Start point | Ballyhourigan Forest entrance (Doonane car park) |
| Finish point | Keeper Hill summit (or return to car park) |
| Facilities | Free car park, trail-head signage, Coillte map download |
The walk begins at the free gravel car park at Doonane – a large semicircle on a minor road north of Bleanbeg Bog, just across the River Doonane. Follow the red-arrowed lane northward; after about 2 km you reach a crossroads where the purple-arrowed lower-shoulder loop diverges. The summit trek continues on red arrows, climbing steeply through mixed forest before breaking out onto the blanket-bog plateau. Allow extra time if you plan to detour to the stone circle or sweat-house.
One honest caveat on navigation: recent walkers report the signpost from the main road can be hidden behind overgrown bushes, and the waymarker at the car park itself has been found loose. Have the route on a map or the Coillte PDF before you set off rather than relying on the signage alone.
Practical Information
Getting There
The trailhead is sign-posted from the R506. From Toor, follow the unclassified road toward Newport for 2 km, then turn right onto the minor road marked with trailhead signs. The car park is free and can accommodate several cars and a few bicycles. There are no toilets or refreshment points on the hill, so pack water and snacks accordingly.
Maps & Resources
Coillte provides a downloadable PDF map of the Doonane/Ballyhourigan area: Keeper Hill Trail Map (PDF).
Seasonal Advice
The hill is best tackled in late spring to early autumn when the weather is milder and the blanket-bog is dry enough for safe footing. Summer can bring occasional mist that obscures views; early mornings often offer the clearest panoramas. In winter, the bog becomes waterlogged and the forest roads can be icy, so heavy boots and a waterproof jacket are essential. The historic Lughnasadh gathering took place in August, but today the summit is quieter, making midweek visits ideal for solitude.
Flora & Fauna
The SAC supports a range of upland habitats. Look out for:
- Hen-harrier – distinctive white-silver male in breeding season.
- Red grouse, meadow-lark, skylark – common in the open bog.
- Plant life – Nardus grass, heather, and rare mosses on the bog surface.
Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths to protect these sensitive habitats. The bog ecosystem is fragile and recovers slowly from foot traffic.
Nearby Walks & Extensions
- Arra Hills – a gentle ridge walk 30 km north, offering lake views.
- Devil’s Bit Mountain – a classic Munster climb 45 km west, reachable as a day-trip.
- Doonane – additional forest trails and woodland walks starting from the same car park area.
- Clare Glens – a red-sandstone gorge with waterfalls, 12-minute drive.
- Glenstal Abbey – historic abbey and landscaped woods, 20-minute drive.
- Knockanroe Woods – 4.3 km loop of wildflower-rich forest, 20-minute drive.
Conservation & Responsible Visiting
Keeper Hill is a designated Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area. Visitors should:
- Stay on waymarked trails.
- Avoid disturbing nesting raptors, especially April to July.
- Carry out all litter.
- Keep dogs on a lead at all times.
- Refrain from walking on the blanket-bog to prevent erosion.
Further Reading & Links
- Official Discover Ireland page (Limerick region): Keeper Hill Summit Walk
- Irish Road Trip guide with photos and route overview: Keeper Hill Walk
- Sport Ireland trail information: Slieve Felim – Keeper Hill Summit Walk