The Galtee Mountains: Galtymore and Ireland's Highest Inland Range
Ireland's highest inland range, with a long ridge, glacial lakes in the corries and a summit that belongs to both Tipperary and Limerick.
The Galtee Mountains (also written Galty) are Ireland’s highest inland range, running about 30 km east to west across County Tipperary and County Limerick, with a central ridge of roughly 15 km. Their summit, Galtymore, is 917.9 m (3,011 ft) and is the highest point in both County Tipperary and County Limerick. It is one of the 13 Irish Munros and the 12th-highest mountain on the Arderin list.
What makes the Galtees special
Wikipedia counts 24 peaks above 100 m in the range, 13 of them above 610 m. After Galtymore the heights run: Lyracappul (825 m), Carrignabinnia (823 m), Greenane (801 m), Galtybeg (799 m), Temple Hill (783 m) and Slievecushnabinnia (775 m).
The rock is mainly Old Red Sandstone of Devonian age with Silurian shales, and the summits are capped by conglomerate tors. The central ridge stood too high for the ice sheets to override it, which is why small corrie glaciers carved the hollows now holding the lakes. The flanks mix forestry, heather, bog and grass.
The corrie lakes
On the northern face, Lough Curra and Lough Diheen (also spelled Dihneen) sit in corries and are the scenic payoff for many routes. Lough Muskry is the lake in the range’s folklore, tied to a serpent story and a harper legend recorded by Wikipedia. Lough Dihneen lies on the climb of the Black Road route; Lough Curra is passed on the King’s Yard route from the Clydagh Valley.
Routes up Galtymore
- The Black Road route is the most direct, starting near Skeheenarinky. TravelExtra describes about 8–10 km and 4–5 hours, following a forest track before climbing open moorland to the summit ridge. A steep section leads to Lough Dihneen, and the route is rated strenuous. It can be extended to include Galtybeg as a loop.
- The Clydagh Valley routes pass Lough Curra and Lough Dineen. One guide gives a 12 km round trip of five to six hours that also takes in Galtybeg and Slievecushnabinnia.
- The Galtee Challenge crosses the full range from Cahir in the east to Anglesboro in the west.
Published distances and times vary between guides, so use a current map and treat the figures as a guide only.
Staying safe
Galtymore is a serious hill, not a stroll. The summit is exposed, windy and often misty. Take a map and compass (or GPS and spare battery), waterproof boots, warm clothing, water and food. Tell someone your plans, check the forecast, and avoid severe weather. There are no rangers, mobile signal can be patchy, streams can be hazardous after heavy rain, and snow and ice make winter hillwalking demanding. Keep dogs on leads near livestock. Trailheads are remote, with no public transport.
From Ardfinnan to the Galtees
The Galtees lie roughly 30 km north-west of Ardfinnan, the Norman castle village on the Suir, about 35 minutes by road. The Glen of Aherlow runs along the northern side of the range, and Cahir, to the south-east, is a handy base. Pair a hill day with a castle stop: see Cahir Castle and the Swiss Cottage or our guide to things to do near Ardfinnan.
Mountain conditions change quickly. Check the forecast and current route advice before you set out.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Galtymore?
Galtymore is 917.9 m (3,011 ft), the highest point in both County Tipperary and County Limerick, and one of the 13 Irish Munros (Wikipedia; TravelExtra).
How long does it take to climb Galtymore?
Guides describe the Black Road route as about 8–10 km and roughly 4–5 hours, rated strenuous. Other routes from the Clydagh Valley are longer (TravelExtra).
Are the Galtees safe for beginners?
The summit is exposed, windy and often misty, so route-finding skills are needed. There are no rangers, so tell someone your plans and check the forecast (TravelExtra).
