Slieve Felim Mountains

Overview

The Slieve Felim Mountains form a low‑lying but striking range straddling County Limerick and County Tipperary in Munster. The landscape is a patchwork of heather‑capped peaks, mixed‑wood forests and open valleys that overlook Lough Derg to the south and the River Shannon to the north. The flagship attraction is the Slieve Felim Way, a 43–44 km (≈27 mi) National Waymarked Trail that links the village of Murroe with the former mining village of Silvermines. The route is graded moderate, can be comfortably split into two days, and is open year‑round.

Geology

The mountains are built from some of the oldest rocks in Ireland. Formed during the Ordovician period, around 450 million years ago, the range records intense volcanic activity that shaped much of the Irish midlands. The rugged limestone and sandstone outcrops give the hills their distinctive, weather‑worn profile and support a range of specialised flora.

History / Background

The Irish name Sliabh Eibhlinne means “mountains of Ébliu”, referring to an ancient goddess mentioned in the medieval Lebor Gabála Érenn. Legend tells how the Milesians met the goddess Fódla on these hills, a tale that later merged with the more common male name Féilim, giving the English form Slieve Felim.

The range supported iron‑ore extraction from the 17th century onward; the village of Silvermines still bears the imprint of 19th‑century lead‑zinc mining, while the surrounding valleys retain evidence of the region’s industrial past. Scattered Bronze Age monuments – a ring barrow and a rare bowl barrow – sit on the upland ridges, and the remains of a pre‑Famine hedge school can be seen near the old farmsteads. Near the summit of Keeper Hill, the ruins of Carden’s Folly (a 19th‑century assembly point for anti‑tithe meetings) are still visible.

Flora & Fauna

The mix of heath, gorse, oak and conifer plantations creates a patchwork of habitats. In spring the heather and gorse blaze gold, while rhododendrons on the Glenstal Woods Loop add splashes of pink. Birdwatchers can spot meadow pipits, skylarks and occasional hen harriers. The rivers and streams support otters, kingfishers and a variety of waterfowl, and the higher ground is a haven for butterflies such as the small tortoiseshell.

Cultural Heritage

Along the Waymarked Trail you will encounter several historic sites:

• Bronze Age barrows – a ring barrow and a rare bowl barrow on the ridges, dating back over 4,000 years.
• Pre‑Famine hedge school – the stone‑walled classroom where a local schoolmaster taught children during the 19th century.
• Carden’s Folly – the ruins of a 19th‑century meeting place linked to Daniel O’Connell’s anti‑tithe campaigns.
• Silvermines mining relics – old shafts and spoil heaps that tell the story of the area’s iron‑ore and lead‑zinc industry.

What to See & Do

The Slieve Felim Way

• Start – Murroe: Park on the street and set off past Glenstal Abbey, a Benedictine monastery nestled in mature conifer plantations.
• Keeper Hill (694 m): Though not part of the core range, its silhouette dominates the northern skyline, offering panoramic views across Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and Offaly.
• Toor Village: Mid‑way, this small settlement provides benches, a fire pit, public toilets and a cosy pub – a perfect spot for a break or an overnight camp.
• Mauher Slieve hills: Gentle undulations of limestone and sandstone give way to open fields and quiet forestry tracks.
• Silvermines: The trail finishes in this historic mining community, where remnants of old shafts line the riverbank and tell the story of the area’s industrial heritage.

Landscape Highlights

• Lough Derg: From the southern slopes, the lake shimmers in the distance, especially on clear mornings.
• River Shannon: The trail offers sweeping river vistas as the Shannon winds toward the Atlantic.
• Four‑County Panorama: On clear days the summit of Keeper Hill rewards walkers with views into Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and Offaly.

Walking festivals & events

The Slieve Felim area hosts an annual walking festival each spring (typically late March to early April) organised by the local community and Fáilte Ireland. The programme includes three looped walks, guided walks led by local volunteers, and family‑friendly activities such as a nature‑craft workshop for children. All routes are dog‑friendly on a lead.

A long‑standing tradition is the Easter Sunday sunrise mass held on a hilltop near Upperchurch. Visitors can join the service before setting off on the day’s walks, making it a popular gathering for locals and hikers alike.

Additional walks & loops

• Eamonn an Chnoic Loop – a 7 km circular walk that follows the historic route of the 17th‑century outlaw Ned of the Hill. It passes a Bronze Age barrow, the old hedge‑school site and offers views over the gorse‑covered valleys.
• Upperchurch Loop – a 5 km loop starting from the village of Upperchurch, taking in the local climbing wall, community centre and the scenic Ballyboy lookout.
• Beara‑Breifne Way – the long‑distance trail commemorating Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare’s 250‑mile forced march passes through the Slieve Felim foothills, providing an option for multi‑day thru‑hiking.
• Glenstal Woods Loop – a 15 km moderate walk that shares part of the Slieve Felim Way and showcases rhododendron displays in spring.

Visitor facilities & access

• Upperchurch village – three pubs, a shop, a community centre with a crèche and a climbing wall, and an information desk that supplies Ordnance Survey maps of the local walks.
• Parking – Street parking is available in Murroe (trail start) and Silvermines (trail end). A larger car park at the Upperchurch lookout provides space for day‑trippers.
• Public transport – Regular Bus Éireann services run to Murroe from Limerick City (route 332). The nearest train station is Limerick Junction, about 30 km north.
• Dog policy – Dogs are permitted on the Waymarked Trail but must be kept on a lead.
• Facilities on the trail – Toilets at Toor Village and at the Silvermines trailhead; water points are sparse, so carry sufficient supplies.

Nearby attractions

• Beara Peninsula – The Beara‑Breifne Way links the Slieve Felim foothills to the dramatic coastal scenery of the Beara Peninsula. A day trip to the peninsula adds sea‑cliffs, historic villages and the iconic Beara Way walking network. [/beara-peninsula/]
• Glenstal Abbey – The Benedictine monastery near Murroe offers guided tours of its historic buildings and a tranquil garden.
• Lough Derg – Boat trips and water‑sports are available from the lakeside towns of Dromineer and Killaloe.

Practical tips

• Maps – Pick up a detailed OS Explorer map (sheet 71) from the Upperchurch information desk or local shops.
• Footwear – Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support are recommended; some sections can be boggy after rain.
• Weather – Conditions can change quickly; bring waterproof clothing and a warm layer even in summer.
• Timing – Start early in the day to make the most of daylight, especially in winter when daylight is limited.
• Leave No Trace – Pack out all litter and keep to the marked trail to protect the delicate heath and gorse habitats.

Practical Information

The trail is well‑signposted, suitable for families with pets, and offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and gentle adventure in the heart of Ireland’s Shannon region.