Hidden Ireland

As Dan MacCarthy dips into a new series of guides on the country’s best walking spots, he discovers that size really doesn’t matter when it comes to the breathtaking beauty on offer

THE mountains of Ireland are famous the world over — we like to think. Many have climbed our highest peak Carrauntoohil (1,039m). Others in the nearby MacGillicuddy’s Reeks are no less impressive — much more impressive depending on the direction you take on your ascent. Beenkeeragh (1,010m) is approached on a sliver of sandstone that should make the hairs on your neck stand up.

But what of the others? Galtymore (Co Tipperary and Co Limerick) and Lugnaquillia (Co Wicklow) are two mountains that receive a lot of walkers. But there are many others that never get a look-in. To correct that imbalance, a new series of guides from the Collins Press looks at the less well-known mountains and hills in Ireland.