Slieve Carr

Overview

Slieve Carr (also spelled Slieve Cor or Corslieve) dominates the north‑west of County Mayo at 721 m, making it the highest point in Wild Nephin National Park and the most remote spot on the Irish mainland. The mountain stretches north‑south, its eastern slopes dotted with a chain of small lakes – often called the Carr Lakes or Scardaun Loughs – that melt into a blanket of bog and heather. From the stark, open summit hikers are rewarded with 360° panoramas of the Atlantic coastline, the distant Nephin peaks, and the sweeping wilderness of Ballycroy.

Slieve Carr is widely regarded as Ireland’s most remote mainland summit – a claim supported by MountainViews and Go‑to‑Ireland, which note that the nearest road lies over 14 km away.

History / Background

At the summit stands an ancient burial cairn known locally as Laghtdauhybaun (Leacht Dáithí Bháin – “burial monument of white Dáithí”). Folklore links the cairn to Dathí, a 5th‑century king of Connacht reputed to be the last pagan high‑king of Ireland, giving the site a palpable sense of early medieval ritual. The Irish name Corrshliabh means “pointed mountain”. Historical maps (William Bald, 1830) record the alternative name Curslieve, confirming that Slieve Carr, Slieve Cor and Corslieve are the same peak.

Naturalist Robert Lloyd Praeger described the surrounding bogland in 1937 as “the very loneliest place in the country”, underscoring its isolation. For centuries the area formed part of the historic Bangor Trail, a pack‑horse route used by farmers moving livestock across the wild west of Mayo.

Geology & Classification

Slieve Carr is composed of banded, graded and X‑bedded quartzite (Bangor/Corslieve Formation). Its prominence of 646 m and isolation of 2.5 km place it on several Irish mountain lists: the Arderin, Vandeleur‑Lynam, the Irish Highest Hundred, and the Irish Mountains – 98th highest. It is the most northerly summit in the Nephin Beg range.

Routes to the Summit

Four main approaches are described by local walkers:

• North or South via the Bangor Trail – The 25 km historic trail skirts the western flank of Slieve Carr, passing the stone bothy at Letterken Wood. From the trailhead at the R311 lay‑by, follow the marked section to the Tawnyanruddia spur and then the summit ridge. The round‑trip takes 5‑6 hours.
• Letterken Loop (Letterkeen Trail) – A 28.7 km loop that starts near the Letterken Bothy (a simple stone shelter) and can be tackled as a long day hike or split over two nights using the bothy. The route climbs the south‑east ridge and offers the best views of the Carr Lakes. HiiKER rates this route Difficult and estimates a walking time of about 7 h 25 min with an elevation gain of 999 m.
• East via forest tracks – From the small car‑park at Letterken Bothy, a forest track crosses a newer bridge, leads to a small lake, then follows a fence onto open ground. The ascent follows the SE ridge and avoids the boggiest sections.
• Direct West‑East Bog route – The most direct line from the road to the summit crosses extensive bog and requires careful navigation; it is only recommended for experienced hill‑walkers with a map‑and‑compass.

All routes are un‑waymarked on the summit plateau, so a reliable map (OSi Discovery 23) and compass are essential. The Brogan Carroll Bothy near the Bangor Trail provides an emergency shelter for those attempting the longer approaches.

What to See & Do

• Summit Walk – A steep, demanding climb that traverses heather‑covered moorland, passes the tarn‑like Carr Lakes and culminates at the cairn. The summit offers uninterrupted views of the Atlantic cliffs, the Twelve Bens, and the Scardaun Loughs below.
• Lake Circuit – Detour to the eastern Carr Lakes or the clearer Scardaun Loughs for reflective water‑scapes that are perfect for photography and a brief rest.
• Bangor Trail – The historic 25 km trail is regarded as one of Ireland’s toughest wilderness walks and passes the stone bothy at Letterken Wood, a useful base for the most remote section.
• Wildlife Spotting – Red‑breasted choughs, peregrines, curlews, meadow pipits, ravens and occasional otters along the Altaconey River. The Irish Road Trip guide highlights the presence of Greenland white‑fronted geese and red grouse in the wider park.
• Heritage Exploration – The cairn allows contemplation of early burial customs and the mythic link to King Dathí.
• Stargazing – Slieve Carr lies within the Mayo Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional night‑sky conditions on clear evenings (June‑August).
• Roadside Appreciation – For those preferring a gentler experience, the road that skirts the lower slopes provides dramatic viewpoints without the climb.

Accommodation & Shelters

The area is sparsely serviced, but a few simple shelters exist for the self‑sufficient walker:

• Letterken Bothy – A stone shelter close to the trailhead on the Bangor Trail. It provides a bench and a logbook where visitors can record their arrival.
• Brogan Carroll Bothy – An emergency stone bothy situated near the Tawnyanruddia spur on the Bangor Trail. It is intended for short stays in bad weather.
• Altnabrocky Wilderness Huts – A series of timber huts (e.g., Altnabrocky Hut 2) maintained by Coillte within the surrounding pine forest. Each hut contains basic seating and a logbook; they are popular for overnight bivouacs on multi‑day treks.

All shelters are un‑staffed and free of charge. Walkers should bring their own sleeping gear and respect the “leave no trace” ethic.

Seasonal & Weather Advice

• Best months – Late spring (May‑June) through early autumn (September) give the longest daylight and the most reliable footing.
• Winter – The summit can be covered in snow and the boggy sections become treacherous; most walkers avoid the mountain in severe winter conditions.
• Dark‑Sky Park – Because Slieve Carr lies inside the Mayo Dark Sky Park, clear evenings from June to August are ideal for stargazing. Mobile coverage is limited, so carry a fully‑charged phone and a personal emergency beacon if possible.
• Weather warnings – The National Parks and Wildlife Service advises “don’t venture out in bad weather”. Sudden Atlantic storms can bring high winds and heavy rain, turning the bog into a safety hazard.

Practical Information

The mountain is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service as part of Wild Nephin National Park. Plan for a full‑day walk, carry sufficient water, layers for changeable weather, and a reliable navigation aid. Enjoy the solitude and the sense of stepping into a landscape that has remained largely untouched for centuries.

Nearby attractions: Combine a visit to Slieve Carr with a walk in Ballycroy National Park or a drive to the coastal village of Ballycroy Village. The dramatic scenery of Achill Island is also visible from the summit on clear days.