Overview
Slievenanee (Irish: Sliabh na Nia, “mountain of the warriors”) rises to 543 metres (1,781 ft) in the heart of the Antrim Hills. As the second-highest peak in County Antrim, it commands a striking silhouette above the surrounding moorland and offers one of the most reliable 360° viewpoints in Northern Ireland. While it may not carry the commercial polish of more famous landmarks, Slievenanee delivers a raw, unfiltered hiking experience. The summit is recognised on several hill-walking classifications and forms a key waypoint on the 22-mile Antrim Hills Way long-distance trail.
Name & Lore
The mountain’s Gaelic name, Sliabh na Nia, translates directly to “mountain of the warriors”. This evocative title appears in the 12th-century Middle Irish narrative Buile Shuibhne (The Frenzy of Suibhne), where it is recorded as Sliabh Níadh. Some scholars suggest an alternative reading in the text, Sliabh na nEach (“mountain of the steeds”), hinting at the area’s ancient pastoral use. No recorded battles took place on the summit, but the name reflects the hill’s enduring presence in local folklore and the rugged character of the landscape that has shaped generations of walkers.
The Walk: Routes & Navigation
Slievenanee is accessible via several approaches, each suited to different starting points and experience levels. The terrain is rated moderate, with steady climbs and exposed moorland sections.
Via Agnew’s Hill (Antrim Hills Way) This is the most established route for long-distance hikers. Follow the marked trail from the Glenarm trailhead, pass Agnew’s Hill, and continue along the fence line that links Trostan to Slievenanee. The fence serves as a reliable navigation aid across the open plateau. Leave it at the sharp right-hand turn and head south-west toward the summit plateau.
Orra Scenic Route Layby For a shorter, more direct ascent, park at the layby on the A-road between Newtowncrommelin and Cushendall (grid reference D154 216). Sitting at 415m, this is one of Northern Ireland’s highest public roads. Keep the fence to your left and follow the boggy track upward. The climb takes roughly an hour, but the ground is consistently wet, so sturdy footwear is non-negotiable.
Agan Bridge Approach Walkers starting from the Glenariff Forest side can head south-east to Agan Bridge. This route bypasses the wettest sections between Trostan and Slievenanee, making it a favourite for those combining multiple summits in a single day.
All approaches are clearly plotted on Discovery Map 9. The col between Slievenanee and its parent peak, Trostan, sits at 443m (grid reference D175 225) and serves as a useful checkpoint for navigation.
What to See & Expect
The summit is marked only by a modest peat hag – a traditional stone cairn that helps hikers pinpoint the exact high point. From here, the views stretch across the North Channel, the jagged Antrim coastline, and inland to the Sperrin Mountains. On clear summer days, Rathlin Island and the distant Scottish isles are easily visible.
The landscape is a classic upland plateau, shaped by ancient glaciation and centuries of low-intensity grazing. A blanket of peat, heather, and bilberry covers the slopes, punctuated by occasional rocky outcrops. Birdwatchers often spot meadow pipits and skylarks riding the thermal updrafts, while summer visits bring a steady display of upland butterflies. The golden-eyed wren is occasionally recorded on the rockier edges, though sightings are rare.
Practical Information
- Height: 543m (1,781 ft)
- Prominence: 98m
- Grid Reference: D166 79 212 98 (commonly quoted as D167214)
- Map Sheet: Discovery Map 9
- Parent Summit: Trostan
- Nearest Village: Glenarm
- Parking: Small car park in Glenarm village; free roadside layby on the Orra Scenic Route
- Dog-friendly: Permitted on public rights of way, though boggy ground can be difficult for paws
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn for drier conditions and full heather bloom. Midday visits in summer typically offer the clearest long-distance views.
Safety & Preparation
The Antrim Hills are fully exposed to Atlantic weather systems, and conditions can shift rapidly. The ground around Slievenanee is notoriously wet, particularly after rain, so waterproof hiking boots with aggressive tread are essential. Lighter trainers or trail runners will struggle with the peat and mud.
Navigation is straightforward in good visibility, but mist can close in quickly, obscuring fence lines and cairns. Carry a physical map and compass, or a fully charged GPS device with downloaded waypoints. There are no facilities on the mountain – no gates, signage, or shelters – so plan your water, food, and layering accordingly. Public toilets and a café are available in Glenarm village before you set off. Start early to avoid afternoon cloud build-up, and always check the Mountain Weather Information Service forecast before heading to the trailhead. The summit rewards preparation with unspoiled moorland scenery and a quiet, windswept panorama that feels worlds away from the coast below.