Overview
Slievenanee (Irish: Sliabh na Nia, “mountain of the warriors”) rises to 543 metres (1 781 ft) in the heart of the Antrim Hills, Mid and East Antrim, Northern Ireland. With a prominence of about 100 m it commands a striking silhouette above the surrounding moorland and provides one of the most rewarding viewpoints in County Antrim. The summit is listed on several hill‑walking classifications – Arderin, CoU=, Hu and Myrddyn Dewey – and is the second‑highest point in the county, ranking 440th among Ireland’s peaks.
Name & History
The Irish name Sliabh na Nia translates directly as “mountain of the warriors”. In the 12th‑century Irish narrative Buile Shuibhne (The Frenzy of Suibhne) the mountain appears as Sliabh Níadh, a variant that may have meant “mountain of the warriors” or, in another line, Sliabh na nEach – “mountain of the steeds”. While no specific historic battles are recorded on the summit, the name reflects the hill’s long‑standing place in local folklore.
Geology & Landscape
Slievenanee sits on a bedrock of olivine basalt lava belonging to the Upper Basalt Formation, the same volcanic material that forms the nearby Scawt Hill plug. The landscape has been heavily shaped by the last glaciation, leaving a blanket of peat‑covered plateau, heather‑laden fields and occasional rocky outcrops. The open‑moor character is the result of centuries of low‑intensity grazing.
What to See & Do
Summit Experience
Reaching the top rewards walkers with a 360° panorama that stretches from the rugged coastline of the North Channel to the distant peaks of the Sperrin range and, on clear days, the Scottish islands. The summit is marked by a modest peat hag – a traditional cairn – that guides hikers to the highest point.
Walking Routes
Slievenanee is featured on the Antrim Hills Way, a 22‑mile (35 km) long‑distance trail that traverses the spine of the Antrim Hills from Glenarm to Slemish Mountain. The section that includes Slievenanee is rated moderate and typically completed over two days.
Main route (via Agnew’s Hill) – Follow the marked Antrim Hills Way from the Glenarm trailhead, pass Agnew’s Hill and continue along the fence that links Trostan to Slievenanee. The fence is a useful navigation aid for most of the way; leave it at the sharp right‑hand turn and head south‑west to the summit plateau.
Layby start on the Orra Scenic Route – A popular alternative begins at the layby on the A‑road (grid reference D154 216) between Newtowncrommelin and Cushendall. At 415 m this is one of the highest public roads in Northern Ireland. Park in the layby, keep the fence to your left and follow the boggy track up to the summit. The ascent is shorter (about 1 hour) but the ground can be very wet, so waterproof boots are essential.
Agan Bridge approach – From the Glenariff Forest side, walkers can head south‑east to Agan Bridge, bypassing the worst of the boggy terrain between Trostan and Slievenanee. This route is favoured by those who wish to combine the two summits in a single outing.
All routes are marked on Discovery Map 9 (or any compatible digital map). GPS waypoints are available from the MountainViews and Harold Street databases for precise navigation.
Flora & Fauna
The summit plateau supports typical upland vegetation – heather, bilberry and resilient grasses. Birdwatchers may spot meadow pipits, skylarks and, on rarer occasions, the golden‑eyed wren that favours the craggy outcrops. The open moorland also provides good views for butterfly spotting in summer.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 543 m (1 781 ft) |
| Prominence | 98 m |
| Grid Reference | D166 79 212 98 (MountainViews) – commonly quoted as D167214 |
| Map Sheet | Discovery Map 9 |
| Range | Antrim Hills |
| Parent Summit | Trostan |
| Classifications | Arderin, CoU=, Hu, Myrddyn Dewey |
| Nearest Village | Glenarm (trailhead) |
| Parking | Small car park in Glenarm village; layby on the Orra scenic route (A‑road) provides free roadside parking |
| Dog‑friendly | Dogs are allowed on the public rights of way, but the boggy sections can be challenging for paws |
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early autumn for drier ground and full heather colour; clear days in summer give the most distant views (Rathlin Island, Scottish isles) |
Access & Navigation
The summit is reachable via public rights of way that form part of the Antrim Hills Way. Walkers should carry the Discovery Map 9 (or a compatible digital map) and use the grid reference D166 79 212 98 to pinpoint the final ascent. The col between Slievenanee and the neighbouring peak sits at 443 m (grid reference D175 225), providing a natural waypoint for those tackling multiple summits.
Facilities
There are no formal facilities on the mountain – no visitor centre, parking lot, or paid entry. The nearest parking is available in Glenarm village, where a small car park serves the start of the Antrim Hills Way, and at the layby on the Orra scenic route. Public toilets and a café are available in Glenarm.
Recommended Resources
- Mud & Routes – Slievenanee page: https://www.mudandroutes.com/summit/slievenanee-sliabh-na-nia/
- MountainViews – Slievenanee entry: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/369/
- Harold Street – GPS waypoint data (download GPX/KML): https://www.haroldstreet.org.uk/waypoints/download/?hillnumber=20240
- Antrim Hills Way information: https://walkni.com/walks/antrim-hills-way/
- Discovery Map 9 (available via bookshops or online)
Safety & Considerations
The Antrim Hills Way is described as “exposed to whatever weather is thrown at it” and can be very wet underfoot. The section around Slievenanee includes boggy ground, especially after rain, so sturdy waterproof boots are advisable. The route is moderate in difficulty; however, the ascent involves steady climbs and occasional steep sections, making it suitable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Dogs should be kept on a lead in the boggy areas to protect both the animal and the fragile vegetation.
Closing Thoughts
Slievenanee may not have the fame of Ireland’s highest peaks, but its blend of dramatic coastal outlooks, accessible yet rewarding terrain, and place within the historic Antrim Hills Way makes it a standout destination for hill‑walkers exploring Northern Ireland. Whether you’re ticking off a long‑distance trail or seeking a single‑day summit, Slievenanee offers a genuine taste of the rugged beauty that defines the Antrim landscape.