Overview
Slieve Commedagh (Irish: Sliabh Coimhéideach, meaning “watching or guarding mountain”) rises to 767 m (2,516 ft) just northwest of the iconic Slieve Donard. As the second-highest peak in the Mourne range, it offers one of the most direct and rewarding ascents in County Down. The mountain sits at the heart of a protected water catchment, crossed by the famous Mourne Wall and threaded by old smugglers’ tracks that still cut through the heather. From the summit, the view stretches across the River Glen valley to the east, over the rugged interior of the High Mournes to the west, and out toward the Irish Sea and the coastline of Newcastle.
History & Heritage
The Mourne Wall & Summit Tower
The most striking man-made feature on Slieve Commedagh is the Mourne Wall, a 22-mile dry-stone fence built between 1904 and 1922 by the Belfast Water Commissioners. Its purpose was to contain the natural catchment that feeds Belfast’s reservoirs, and today it serves as a reliable navigation line and a key marker for the Mourne Sevens badge challenge.
At the summit stands a small, single-room stone tower originally erected to shelter the wall-builders. Though largely unusable now due to weathering and debris, it remains a dramatic landmark and a popular photo subject. Scattered nearby are the remains of an ancient burial cairn, a quiet reminder of the mountain’s prehistoric significance long before the water commissioners arrived.
The Brandy Pad & The Castles
The southern flank is traversed by the Brandy Pad, an 18th-century smugglers’ track used to move brandy, tobacco, tea and silk from Britain to the Irish coast. The route winds beneath a distinctive cluster of granite tors known locally as “the Castles”. These rugged pinnacles offer short scrambling challenges for confident walkers and make excellent foregrounds for summit photography. The Brandy Pad itself is well-marked and provides a relatively gentle, atmospheric walk compared with the steeper climbing sections.
Near the base of the mountain, just off the approach from Donard Car Park, you’ll pass a 19th-century stone Ice House. Once used to keep meat cold for the Annesley family, it adds another layer of local heritage to the ascent.
Walking Routes
The most popular ascent begins at Donard Car Park in Newcastle. The path follows the Glen River through Donard Forest before climbing past the Ice House and turning onto built stone steps. The route reaches the col where the Mourne Wall begins; a right-hand turn follows the wall directly to the summit tower. The terrain is steep and rocky in places, but the steps and clear path make it straightforward to navigate.
For a shorter, single-peak trip, start from Trassey Car Park. Follow the Trassey Track (way-marked for the Ulster Way) to the col, then join the Mourne Wall and head straight to the tower. Both routes intersect the Brandy Pad near the Castles, allowing you to explore the historic track without committing to a longer loop.
Route options at a glance:
- Donard Loop (three-peak) – Covers Slieve Donard, Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Bearnagh. Approximately 14 km (8.7 mi) round-trip, taking 4–5 hours for experienced walkers.
- Trassey single-peak – About 8 km (5 mi) round-trip, typically 3–4 hours.
- Guided Hike – A qualified mountain leader leads a summit ascent from Donard Car Park, including historical context and navigation tips. Adults pay £15.50; booking is required and participants must be 18+ with reasonable fitness.
Summit Views & Activities
On a clear day, the panorama from Slieve Commedagh is exceptional. You can trace the Newcastle coastline, spot the Pot of Legawherry and the Pot of Pulgarve, and look out toward the distant Isle of Man. The mountain is also one of the seven peaks that make up the Mourne Sevens challenge (Donard, Commedagh, Binnian, Bearnagh, Slieve Meelbeg, Slieve Meelmore, Slieve Muck). Completing all seven earns a commemorative badge and remains a popular goal for local hillwalkers.
Beyond walking, the granite tors of the Castles attract scramblers and boulderers, while the lower forest trails and Trassey Track are popular with mountain bikers. Photographers often time their visits for sunrise or sunset, when the light catches the stone tower and the sea glass of the Irish Sea.
Practical Information
- Parking: Free at both Donard and Trassey car parks. During peak summer weekends, spaces fill early and a modest charge may occasionally apply.
- Dogs: Allowed on all routes. Keep them on a lead on exposed ridges and near the Castles, where livestock or nesting birds may be present.
- Families: The ascent is moderate to strenuous. Families with older children may prefer the Trassey approach, but be prepared for steep, rocky sections and built steps.
- Safety: Weather changes quickly in the Mournes. Carry waterproof layers, sturdy footwear, and a map or GPS. The Mourne Mountain Rescue Team covers the area; dial 999/112 and ask for Mountain Rescue in an emergency.
- Facilities: There are no toilets, cafés, or public shelters on the mountain. The summit tower is not maintained for public use. Bring your own water, snacks, and a fully charged phone.
- Public Transport: Translink bus routes 71/71A run regularly from Belfast to Newcastle town centre. From there, a short taxi ride (around 10 minutes) drops you at either car park. Direct bus links to the trailheads are not currently available.
Getting There
- By car: Take the A2 south from Belfast to Newcastle (approx. 30 km). Follow brown tourist signs to Donard Car Park or Trassey Car Park. Both offer ample space.
- By bike: The coastal cycle route from Newcastle into the Mournes provides a scenic, low-traffic approach to Donard Forest. The ascent itself is not recommended for standard road bikes due to steep, rocky terrain.
Check the Met Office or Met Éireann forecast before setting out, and aim to start your walk early to avoid afternoon cloud build-up that often rolls in off the coast. The stone steps can become slick in rain or frost, so pace yourself and allow extra time for navigation and photo stops.