Plizio Visual Lab

Slieve Aughty

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

The Slieve Aughty Mountains, also known as Slieve Baughta, are an extensive upland area straddling the border between County Galway and County Clare. Reaching a maximum elevation of about 400 metres, the peaks are gently rounded and covered by vast blanket bogs and commercial coniferous plantations. Geologically, the region is predominantly composed of sandstone and shale, creating a rugged and water-logged landscape. The name Aughty is derived from a figure in Irish mythology, lending the region a mystical significance. The area is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, specifically for the conservation of the endangered hen harrier. Numerous small lakes and rivers originate in these mountains, feeding into the River Shannon and Lough Derg. Today, Slieve Aughty is a destination for eco-tourism, hiking, and mountain biking, where the remote and tranquil nature of the landscape is highly valued.

Location: Ireland
Nearby: Loughrea (14 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	5	5	6	8	11	14	15	15	13	10	8	6
Rain mm	118	92	86	73	84	90	100	107	91	108	132	124

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to the Slieve Aughty region is typically gained via minor roads extending from towns in eastern Clare or southern Galway. The landscape is vast, and many visitors start their explorations from local forestry entrances or rural crossroads.

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Best season

The drier months of summer are strongly recommended for hiking here, as the extensive boglands are less saturated. Winter visits are possible on firmer forestry tracks, but venturing onto the open moorland is often too wet and cold to be enjoyable.

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Terrain & paths

The area features expansive tracts of commercial forestry interspersed with wild, heather-covered blanket bogs. While forestry roads provide solid walking surfaces, leaving these tracks means navigating very soft, challenging ground that requires significant stamina.

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What to bring

High-quality waterproof boots are absolutely essential, especially if you plan to walk beyond the established forestry trails. Always carry full rain protection, a detailed physical map, and a reliable compass due to the featureless nature of the high moorland.

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Parking

Parking is typically found at the barriers of forestry plantations or in small lay-bys beside the local roads. Ensure you never block the large gates, as logging trucks and local agricultural machinery require constant access to these sites.

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Safety

Getting disoriented in the vast, rolling bogs is incredibly easy when mist descends over the hills. There are very few natural landmarks, so strict adherence to navigational protocols and awareness of deeply hidden drainage ditches is crucial for safety.

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Time needed

A substantial hike across the open uplands will generally take around four to five hours, demanding steady pacing. Exploring the maintained forestry loops provides shorter alternative routes that usually take between one and two hours to complete.