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Slieve Anierin

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

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Slieve Anierin, also known as the Mountain of Iron (Sliabh an Iarainn), is a prominent hill in County Leitrim, rising to 585 meters above sea level. Its name derives from the iron ore deposits found on its slopes, which were mined extensively from the 17th to the 19th centuries to fuel local smelting industries. The mountain is part of the Cuilcagh-Anierin Uplands and is composed of layers of sandstone, shale, and coal, which contributed to its significant mining history. From the summit, one can see wide vistas across the Shannon waterway and the numerous lakes of Leitrim and Cavan. The area is steeped in Irish mythology, often associated with the Tuatha Dé Danann, who were said to have landed here according to legends. Today, it is an important site for biodiversity, supporting upland bird species and rare mountain plants within its rugged terrain. Walking trails lead visitors through the former mining landscape, providing insights into the region's unique geological structure.

Location: Ireland
Nearby: Manorhamilton (24 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	4	6	8	11	13	15	14	13	10	7	5
Rain mm	118	93	90	75	94	102	111	119	98	117	124	122

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Visitors typically access Slieve Anierin from local roads in County Leitrim, often starting their approach near Lough Allen. The routes to the high ground generally begin from small rural access roads that lead towards the lower slopes of the mountain.

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Best season

Late spring to early autumn presents the most reliable conditions for climbing to the 585-meter peak. During winter, the landscape becomes exceedingly bleak, wet, and potentially dangerous due to harsh winds and boggy ground turning to ice or deep mud.

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Terrain & paths

Expect very challenging, trackless terrain characterized by steep slopes, deep heather, and extensive peat bogs. The lack of distinct trails means that walkers must be capable of navigating across rough, natural mountain environments without guidance.

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What to bring

Completely waterproof boots and tough gaiters are crucial to manage the wet, boggy conditions found on this mountain. Walkers must also carry a physical map and compass, as mobile phone signals can be highly unreliable on these remote slopes.

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Parking

Official car parks are rare, so visitors typically park in small, informal pull-outs along the narrow country roads at the mountain's base. Drivers must be exceptionally careful not to block gates, farm tracks, or the passage of local agricultural vehicles.

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Safety

The summit plateau can become completely disorienting during low cloud or fog, requiring excellent map-reading skills to return safely. Deep peat hags and hidden water channels pose persistent tripping and falling hazards throughout the upland area.

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Time needed

Ascending to the summit and returning typically demands around four to six hours of rigorous walking. The lack of beaten paths generally makes progress much slower than expected, so always allow extra daylight hours for the journey.

Geography

Coordinates

54.08300, -7.95000

Facts

Slieve Anierin is the highest point in the locality at 585 meters.
Iron ore from here was used to manufacture cannonballs in the past.
The mountain is geologically composed of Carboniferous rock layers.
Folklore identifies the mountain as the landing place of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
Coal mining continued on the slopes until the middle of the 20th century.
The annual Iron Fair in Drumshanbo celebrates the local mining heritage.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lough Key Adventure Park16 km · SWExplore →

Carrick-on-Shannon18 km · SWExplore →

Manorhamilton24 km · NWExplore →

Cloughoughter Castle32 km · EExplore →

Parke's Castle32 km · NWExplore →

Dartry Mountains33 km · NWExplore →

Devenish Island34 km · NEExplore →

Lough Gowna35 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Slieve Anierin (1)

Sliabh an Iarainn📍 landmark

A mountain peak in Ireland known for its mining history and significance in local folklore.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

In which county is Slieve Anierin?

The mountain is located in County Leitrim, to the east of Lough Allen.

What does the name mean?

The name comes from the Irish "Sliabh an Iarainn", meaning "Mountain of Iron".

Are there marked trails?

Yes, there are several trails, including loop walks starting from Aghacashel Community Centre.

How high is the mountain?

Slieve Anierin has a height of 585 metres.

Is the terrain often wet?

Yes, the moorland can be very boggy; waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended.

Slieve Anierin: where is it located?

Slieve Anierin is located in Ireland.

Slieve Anierin: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Slieve Anierin: why is it worth visiting?

Slieve Anierin, also known as the Mountain of Iron (Sliabh an Iarainn), is a prominent hill in County Leitrim, rising to 585 meters above sea level.

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