Nephin — Local services in County Mayo

Nephin is a good climb - my comments are based on a mid-October climb from the car park on the north side with near-perfect weather, but previous days saw lots of rain so the ground was sticky mud. I can see how it could become quite tricky if the weather closed in or visibility was bad. The final 2/3 of the climb is unprotected, so if it's at all windy, cold, hot or rainy, it will be more so up there. That said, the first part of the climb through the forest is worth it and you are still rewarded with some views from the end of the forest road. The first third of the 3-mile (5k) climb is on a gravel forest road starting at elev. 200 ft. (60 m) with a moderate grade that takes you to the edge of the forest at about 800 ft. (243 m) elev., then the trail steepens through a half mile of bog that can be tricky to get through if at all wet. Once you get above the bog at 1,200 ft (365 m) elev. into the loose rocks it can still be boggy and mucky all the way to the top despite the very steep incline. The final mile (1.6 k) is the steepest, with mucky bog, loose rocks and no trail in some places. The trail is marked with white poles, but people have removed poles to build makeshift bridges across the muckiest parts of the bog section, so at the end of the forest road, follow the fence on the left all the way up until it turns right and that's where the path crosses the fence on a stile. From there get up to and follow the ridge on the west side of the "crater" - the white poles are not that helpful up on the rocky slope where there's no real trail. The view from the top is spectacular and worth the effort, so if the weather is nice build in some time to hang out there. The info sign says 4-5 hours out and back, which is accurate, but you'll need to allow for more time if its wet since you'll need to pick your way through the boggy parts - unless you don't mind getting all muddy. Bring food and water -...

Climbed up Nephin in 1979 w/my Dad, who climbed it many a time as a young lad. It was his 50th birthday, I was soon turning 18. I was pretty physical back then. He was no desk slacky. He’d been a laborer his whole life and had recently returned to the homeland for his retirement. I’ll be honest, it was a major trek for me. If it were for him, he wasn’t letting me know it. When we started out it seemed rather on a whim; no provisions etc. I gather all the years his chasing down the livestock he didn’t have provisions then either. Climbing up wasn’t too bad, fairly gradual that I recall, until you start reaching the summit. There’s trails woven into the mountain by the sheep & goats that trek the mountains, so it can get rough on your ankles, esp when the ground is slippery. I nearly couldn’t make it to the top, but my father’s encouragement (🤣) got me to the top to the glorious view and the stone monument! The way down was another whole adventure with high winds that moved in, hail, darkness approaching, the damn sheep/goat trails tripping me up! At one point I just sat down and “gave up”! Only to once again be “lovingly encouraged” by me Da, “No one’s sending a helicopter out after ye, so get up and get moving before the dark sets in”!! It’d been a nearly an all day affair, only landing back at the house just after dinner and we lived at the foot of the mountain! I’ve read some of the advice given now that it’s an actual tourist destination and even though it’s not a dangerous climb, it is an arduous climb, and don’t forget to factor in the weather! A cloud comes by and gets stuck on the mountain and you’re stuck in fog! Sometimes systems blow in and out. Others get stuck and then so will you! Bring provisions and dress for various types of weather systems. The peak is so worth the effort! Enjoy and bring out what you bring in. Better yet, leave it nicer than you found it! Up...

Challenging climb up Ireland's tallest standalone mountain but well worth it once you reach the summit.

There are several ways to climb the mountain but taking the trail from the carpark on the Northside is the easiest and quickest. There is a gravel path through a forest followed by a muddy trail and a combination of heather, gravel and rock for the rest of the climb to the summit. Wooden posts are placed along the entire path to the summit so you don't need to worry about getting lost. The entire journey from carpark to summit and back again takes 4-7 hours depending on your ability.

The difficult climb up is definitely worth it when you are met with what is quite possibly the best view in all of Ireland upon reaching the summit. I would highly recommend climbing Nephin if you have never done it before it's certainly an experience...