Plizio Visual Lab

Slieve Guilty

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Slieve Guilty is a 527-metre peak located within the Mourne Mountains of County Down, Northern Ireland. This area is renowned for its dramatic granite landscape and deep historical significance. Geologically, the mountain is composed of the distinctive Mourne granite, which formed approximately 56 million years ago during the Tertiary period. A key feature of Slieve Guilty is its proximity to the Mourne Wall, an extraordinary 35-kilometre dry-stone wall built in the early 20th century to enclose and protect the catchment area for the Silent Valley Reservoir. The mountain gives hikers a more secluded experience compared to the busier peaks like Slieve Donard. From its summit, one can gain memorable views over the Silent Valley and the Annalong Valley. The name 'Guilty' may be a derivation of the Irish word 'Gabhail', meaning 'fork' or 'junction'. The surrounding environment is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), hosting various upland birds and specialized bog flora. Slieve Guilty stands as a place of quiet reflection, showcasing the region's traditional land management and remarkable engineering heritage.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Swiss Cottage · Lissawan · Roosca Castle
Nearby: Cashel (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

Slieve Guilty is usually approached from the quiet local road networks in County Tipperary. Finding a clear trailhead can sometimes be challenging, so visitors often begin from adjacent farm tracks or forestry boundaries.

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Best season

Dry periods during the late spring and summer are the recommended times to attempt a walk here. In winter, the rural tracks and grassy slopes can become very slick, muddy, and less enjoyable to hike.

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Terrain & paths

The environment primarily features grassy, uneven hillsides interspersed with patches of heather and potential boggy spots. There is unlikely to be a clearly defined path to the top, requiring some cross-country walking.

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What to bring

Reliable footwear with deep treads is necessary for gripping the damp grassy slopes securely. Even for smaller hills, carrying a waterproof jacket and sufficient water is standard practice in the unpredictable Irish climate.

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Parking

Dedicated car parks are virtually non-existent, meaning visitors usually have to rely on careful roadside parking. It is vital to ensure that parked cars do not obstruct local gates, driveways, or tractor routes.

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Safety

Navigating off-trail means walkers must be mindful of their surroundings and avoid encroaching on private agricultural land without permission. Hidden holes in the vegetation and slippery slopes are the main physical hazards.

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Time needed

As a smaller prominence, an ascent and descent typically take roughly two to three hours at a moderate walking pace. It is generally regarded as an achievable half-day excursion for those looking to explore quiet terrain.