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Slieve Felim Mountains

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Slieve Felim Mountains are a range of gently rolling hills stretching across the borders of County Limerick and County Tipperary in southwest Ireland. The highest summit is Mauherslieve, reaching an elevation of 479 metres. Unlike the more rugged limestone mountains further north, the Slieve Felims are primarily composed of Silurian sandstone and shales, giving them a softer and more rounded profile. The landscape is a mosaic of extensive blanket bogs and large-scale forestry plantations, which provide important habitats for local wildlife. Historically, the area is noted for its prehistoric remains, including ancient ringforts and megalithic tombs that dot the countryside. The mountains act as a significant watershed for the River Shannon, with several tributaries such as the River Mulcair originating in these uplands. In local folklore, the name Felim is linked to ancient chieftains and legendary figures from Ireland's past. Today, the Slieve Felim Way features hikers a chance to explore this quiet and relatively undiscovered part of the Irish countryside. The area is particularly well-known for its birdlife, including birds of prey like the kestrel. Sheep farming remains a traditional and vital part of the local economy on the grassy slopes.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Dermot & Grania's Bed · Cullaun · Knockastanna
Nearby: Killaloe (19 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	7	5
Rain mm	100	79	77	69	77	85	92	98	82	105	113	110

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The Slieve Felim Mountains can be explored from various rural trailheads situated along the border of County Tipperary and County Limerick. The Slieve Felim Way provides a common structured walking route through the region.

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Best season

Late spring to early autumn generally provides the most favorable conditions for hiking in this area. During the wetter winter months, the upland bogs and forestry tracks can become excessively muddy and difficult to traverse.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape features a mix of rolling hills, quiet country roads, and extensive forestry tracks with some uneven, boggy sections. While the elevation gains are generally moderate, the varying ground conditions require stamina.

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What to bring

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential due to the frequently wet and boggy nature of the trails. A good map, compass, and sufficient waterproof clothing should always be carried in this expansive rural terrain.

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Parking

Parking options consist mostly of informal lay-bys or designated spots in nearby villages such as Murroe or Cappamore. Always ensure your vehicle is parked safely without blocking narrow local farming access points.

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Safety

Navigational skills are highly recommended, as signposting can be sparse and mist can descend quickly over the hills. Be aware of active forestry operations in the area and adhere to any local diversion notices.

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Time needed

Exploring the mountains can take anywhere from a brief two-hour walk to a full-day hike, depending on the chosen trail length. Completing significant sections of the long-distance Slieve Felim Way typically requires several hours.

Geography

Coordinates

52.66670, -8.25000

Facts

Highest peak: Mauherslieve (479 m)
Geology: Silurian sandstone and shales
Important watershed for the River Shannon
Route of the Slieve Felim Way hiking trail
Home to numerous ringforts and megalithic tombs
Habitat for birds of prey like the kestrel

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Silvermines Mountains11 km · NEExplore →

Killaloe19 km · NWExplore →

Nenagh22 km · NExplore →

Tipperary22 km · SExplore →

King John's Castle25 km · WExplore →

Slieve Bernagh27 km · NWExplore →

St. John's Cathedral28 km · SEExplore →

Rock of Cashel29 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

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

Sights in the town Slieve Felim Mountains (4)

Dermot & Grania's Bed 🏺 historical

A prehistoric megalithic tomb located in the Slieve Felim Mountains.

Cullaun📍 landmark

A hill in the Slieve Felim area.

Knockastanna📍 landmark

A hill in the Slieve Felim area.

Our Lady Of Visitation Church ⛪ religious

A church located in the rural area of the Slieve Felim Mountains.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Slieve Felim located?

This upland area stretches across parts of Counties Limerick and Tipperary.

What is the Slieve Felim Way?

A long-distance walking trail of about 43 km that passes through the hills and forests of the region.

Which is the highest mountain?

The highest point is Mauherslieve (also called Mother Mountain) at 457 meters.

Are there monuments there?

Nearby stands the Sarsfield Monument, commemorating an episode from the Siege of Limerick.

What can you see in nature?

The region is known for forestry and provides habitats for birds like the bullfinch.

Slieve Felim Mountains: where is it located?

Slieve Felim Mountains is located in Ireland.

Slieve Felim Mountains: what is there to see?

Highlights include Dermot & Grania's Bed, Cullaun, Knockastanna.

Slieve Felim Mountains: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Slieve Felim Mountains: why is it worth visiting?

The Slieve Felim Mountains are a range of gently rolling hills stretching across the borders of County Limerick and County Tipperary in southwest Ireland.

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