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Sliabh na mBan (Slievenamon) Mountain

Slievenamon (Irish: Sliabh na mBan), ”mountain of the women” is a mountain which is situated northwest of Carrick-on-Suir, offering a dramatic view from the top over the counties of Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford, with a height of 721 metres (2,365 ft). The origin of the mountain’s name is explained in Irish mythology.

FOLKLORE

According to the tale, the hero Fionn mac Cumhaill was sought after by many young women. Fionn stood atop the mountain and declared that whichever woman won a footrace to the top would be his wife. Since Fionn and Gráinne were in love, he had shown her a short-cut and she duly won the race. The mountain was also known by the longer name Sliabh na mBan Fionn, “mountain of the fair women”. 

There are at least four prehistoric monuments on Slievenamon. On the summit is an ancient burial cairn, with a natural rocky outcrop on its east side forming the appearance of a doorway. The remains of a cursus or ceremonial avenue leads up to the cairn from the east. On the mountain’s northeastern shoulder, Sheegouna, is another burial cairn and a ruined megalithic tomb. They were seen as the abodes of gods and entrances to the Otherworld. Irish folklore holds that it is bad luck to damage or disrespect such tombs and that deliberately doing so could bring a curse.

In one tale, Fionn and his men are cooking a pig on the banks of the River Suir when an Otherworld being called Cúldubh comes out of the cairn on Slievenamon and snatches it. Fionn chases Cúldubh and kills him with a spear throw as he re-enters the cairn. An Otherworld woman inside tries to shut the door, but Fionn’s thumb is caught between the door and the post, and he puts it in his mouth to ease the pain. As his thumb had been inside the Otherworld, Fionn is bestowed with great wisdom. This tale may refer to gaining knowledge from the ancestors, and is similar to the tale of the Salmon of Knowledge.

INTERESTING FACTS

Height: Slievenamon stands at 721 meters (2,365 feet) and offers panoramic views over Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Waterford.

Mythology: According to legend, Fionn mac Cumhaill chose his bride based on a race up the mountain.
Prehistoric Sites: The mountain hosts several ancient monuments, including burial cairns and a megalithic tomb.

Historical Events: It was the site of a speech by Thomas Francis Meagher before the 1848 Famine Rebellion.
Folklore: Local tales associate it with the hero Fionn and the god Bodhbh Dearg.

Song: The song Slievenamon, written in the mid-19th century by revolutionary and poet Charles Kickham, is a well-known patriotic and romantic song about an exile who longs to see “our flag unrolled and my true love to unfold / in the valley near Slievenamon”. It is regarded as the unofficial “county anthem” of County Tipperary, regularly sung by crowds at sporting events.

The Irish Tricolour flag was first flown publicly by Waterford man and Irish American Patriot Thomas Francis Meagher in his native city at the Wolf Tone Confederate Club at 33 The Mall, Waterford on March 7th 1848.Soon after Meagher was part of the Young Irelanders 1848 Famine Rebellion. He was arrested and accused of high treason. On the 16th of July, just before his trial, he visited Slievenamon in Co. Tipperary and gave a speech to 50,000 people. Meagher, decorated with a fabulous Tricolour Sash fulfilled his February promise and baptised the country with his new flag saying these words:“…he [O’Connell] preached a cause that we are bound to see out. He used to say “I may not see what I have laboured for I am an old man my arm is withered no epitaph of victory may mark my grave but I see a young generation with redder blood in their veins, and they will do the work. Therefore it is that I ambition to decorate these hills with the flag of my country.” Thomas Francis Meagher

Kilcash village, located at the butt of the mountain is widely known due to the great 18th century lament poem, which mourns the loss of the Gaelic Irish culture and also the destruction of the great oak woods of the area.

TRAILS

Main Trail 1: Slievenamon Out-and-Back Trail

  • Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
  • Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours.
  • Elevation Gain: 471 meters (1545 feet)
  • Difficulty: Strenuous to difficult
  • Route: This trail starts from Kilcash Community Hall and ascends to the summit of Slievenamon. It is a steep climb but offers panoramic views from the top, especially on clear days. The trail is popular and can be busy during spring and summer. Dogs are permitted on a lead.
  • Source: Hiiker

 

Main Trail 2: Slievenamon and Adjacent Tops

  • Distance: 11.2 km (7 miles)
  • Duration: Approximately 4 hours 
  • Elevation Gain: 643 meters (2110 feet)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Route: This loop trail takes you beyond Slievenamon to explore three other summits nearby. The trail starts from Kilcash, featuring open country paths and heather-covered terrain. It is less trafficked beyond the main peak, providing a quieter experience.
  • Source: Outdoor Active

 

Main Trail 3: Slievenamon Loop

  • Distance: 10.7 miles (17.2 km)
  • Duration: Approximately 6 hours 
  • Elevation Gain: 2,933 feet (894 meters)
  • Difficulty: Highly challenging
  • Route: This loop trail is suited for experienced hikers. It offers a variety of landscapes, including steep ascents and descents, and covers significant elevation. The trail provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is ideal for a full-day hike.
  • Source: AllTrails

 

Slievenamon and Knockahunna Loop

  • Trail Length: 11.3 km
  • Elevation Gain: 648 m
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Description: A loop trail starting from Kilcash, offering a mix of scenic landscapes and challenging climbs.

 

Sheegouna and Slievenamon Loop:

  • Trail Length: 19.4 km
  • Elevation Gain: 864 m
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Description: This loop via Killurney provides an extended hiking experience with varied terrain and beautiful views.

Video from Let’s Have a Trip!

BROCHURE

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