Ascending to Serenity
A Journey Up Slieve Doan in the Majestic Mourne Mountains
Set in the heart of the Mourne Mountains in County Down, Slieve Doan is a must-do hike for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking an unforgettable experience. At 562m, it's still a worthy mountain with breathtaking vistas, jagged tors and sloping valleys. The meander through the bogs along the famous Mourne Wall offers little clue to the magic that lies ahead. From Silent Valley Reservoir to Lough Shannagh, there are plenty of sights and sounds to take in on this rugged adventure. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or an adrenaline rush, Slieve Doan has something for everyone.
Start your walk at Fairy River and follow the path behind the fairy cottages and witches cabins. You'll soon reach a footbridge over the river where you can join the Banns Road mountain path. This cobblestone path will lead you through the Mournes, offering numerous opportunities to stop and take in the breathtaking views. If you're looking for a low-impact hike, this route is perfect! You won't encounter much elevation gain until you arrive at Lough Shannagh. Just be mindful of the unevenness of the path on certain stretches.
Lough Shannagh itself is a stunning lake located at the foot of Slieve Doan. It is the largest body of water in the Mournes that is not man-made and has been around for thousands of years. Swimming in its soft, peaty waters provides a unique experience and visitors can also take in the breathtaking views from its surrounding mountains. Experience the freshness of the mountain air around Lough Shannagh, then embark on your thrilling journey to the summit of Slieve Doan. The climb through the wet bog land can be challenging at times, but once you reach the main pathway it leads you straight to the top of Slieve Doan with only a few points that require you to climb or slip through cracks in the rocks.
Having reached the top of Slieve Doan you can then enjoy unrivaled views of some of the most spectacular scenery the Mournes has to offer. From The Dam at Silent Valley to Lough Shannagh below and the peaks all around you it will both look and feel like an astounding achievement so sit back relax and soak up the atmosphere. But do wear appropriate clothing so you don't end up physically soaking up the atmosphere as from time to time the weather can turn quite quickly and getting caught in a downpour without the correct clothing isn’t a fun walk back to the cottages.
Slieve Doan is a great starter or introduction to hiking in the Mournes. Relatively straightforward it's a suitable walk for most and one that is thoroughly enjoyable
You’ll find more information on the Slieve Doan walk on our website via link https://www.fairyriver.co.uk/walking
