Most climbed route
Highlights
- Highest mountain in Northern Ireland.
- Lies in the spectacular granite Mourne Mountains in County Down in the southeast of Northern Ireland.
- The early-20th century Mourne Wall runs up the western and southern slopes of the mountain
- The summit has a small stone tower and two prehistoric burial cairns (3300-3000 BC).
Routes
2 climbs • 9.2 km • 7,850 m gain • 4 hr 4 min
1 climb • 10.5 km • 799 m gain • 3 hr 54 min
1 climb • 11.2 km • 1,022 m gain • 2 hr 49 min
1 climb • 12.1 km • 814 m gain • 5 hr 27 min
1 climb • 13.3 km • 1,040 m gain • 6 hr 12 min
1 climb • 17.2 km • 1,069 m gain • 10 hr 10 min
1 climb • 24.3 km • 950 m gain • 7 hr 17 min
1 climb • 9.2 km • 7,850 m gain • 4 hr 30 min
Latest climbs
"Very windy but fair May weather. Starting in Newcastle, I approached Slieve Donard directly from North via a footpath which can be traced but you have to be careful and always compare with the GPS. After Donard I visited Slieve Beg and began a long but steady descent back to Newcastle." — markorothe • May 3, 2025
"Best weather day in Ireland - sunny and slightly breezy. Trail is well marked, and easier than the other peaks we've hit. We didn't have time to hit Slieve Commodagh, wish we did. " — colleenmarie512 • Sep 7, 2019
"The first time I did Slieve Donard was in July 2018. The plan was to do the entire Mourne wall that day but we didn't quite manage that. The walk was over 30 km though with 1600 metres of ascent so we got a good bit done on that hot day." — hannahaapio • Jul 14, 2018
"Solo. From Newcastle using the standard route beside Glen River to col between Slieve Commedach and Slieve Donard and then beside the Mourne Wall. The lower section through the forest, where the river comes down in a series of cascades, is a delight. About 150 others making the ascent." — peter43 • Jul 10, 2017
"I've done this many times. The time, I started at the Trassey Track, and up Slievenaglogh, Corragh, Commedagh then Donard and then down by Bloody Bridge. I find the track from Donard car park is usually very busy, doesn't have the best views in the Mournes and doesn't provide the opportunity to get into the heart of the mountains." — jim.mcmanus.9440 • Aug 18, 2012
"This time I did Donard as the final mountain in a challenge for charity to climb the highest mountains in the nine counties of Ulster in three days. There were 14 of us and it was great fun." — jim.mcmanus.9440 • Aug 21, 2011
"I should have been running in the Mourne Mountain Marathon. My running partner was ill so we had to withdraw. I was given a lift to Melmore Lodge. Solo. To Slieve Bearnagh (tricky scramble) and over Slieve Bearnagh North Tor, Slievenalogh, Slieve Corragh, Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard. Down to Newcastle." — peter43 • Sep 20, 2008
Photos
Awards
Challenges
About peakery awards
Log climbs on peakery to earn awards:
Peak Badges: Earn a special badge for each unique peak you summit. See all of your badges on your Badges page.
First Ascent Award: Only 1 available per peak. Goes to the first peakery member to log a successful summit of a peak. Snag this award and the peak will forever bear your name.
King of the Mountain Award: Only 1 available per peak. Summit a peak more times than any other member. Beware: this award can be lost!
Summit Steward: Summit a peak at least 5 times to become one of its Summit Stewards. As Steward of a peak, you’re encouraged to keep that peak’s info up-to-date on peakery and spread goodwill on your future climbs up the peak.