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Urris Hills

4.9
·12 reviews·, Ireland

Experience Ireland's raw, untamed beauty in the Urris Hills, offering dramatic coastal ridge walks and breathtaking views from Mamore Gap.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer skies, less wind

CrowdMedium
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Urris Hills - Image 1

Urris Hills

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer skies, less wind

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience Ireland's raw, untamed beauty in the Urris Hills, offering dramatic coastal ridge walks and breathtaking views from Mamore Gap.

4.9
(12 reviews)

"Nowhere has quite the impact of this region, wild, dramatic and remote. Magical."

Vertical photo
TIP

Trekking Poles Recommended

Essential for steep sections, especially when accessing from the 'Gap of Marmore' side. :hiking_boot:

Dress for All Weather

Layers are key! Be prepared for wind, rain, and sun, often all in one day. ☁️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.9 · 12 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mamore Gap Views

Mamore Gap Views

Scenic viewpoint

Breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding hills. A must-see for any visitor.

Reddit
Coastal Ridge Walk

Coastal Ridge Walk

Various trails

Experience one of Ireland's most dramatic coastal ridge walks with wild, remote beauty.

Reddit
Dunree Fort

Dunree Fort

Near Mamore Gap

Historic military fort offering insights into the past and commanding views of the Atlantic.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild Weather

Urris Hills are known for their dramatic beauty, but also their unpredictable weather. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear. Wind can be a significant factor, so be prepared for challenging conditions, especially on ridge walks. Reddit

Accessing the Peaks

Many visitors access the Urris Hills via Mamore Gap, a scenic route offering stunning vistas. Be aware that some access points, particularly from the 'Gap of Marmore' side, can be steep and may require trekking poles for stability. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clearer skies, less wind
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Spring/Early Autumn
Why
Fewer crowds, vibrant colors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

East coast things to see.

Staying up in the redcastle next week for a few nights. What's up the east coast or is all the excitement on the west? Want to travel up to malin head and take in a few scenic spots. Any recomendations? Might head west or inland also.

Trekking Poles Recommended

Essential for steep sections, especially when accessing from the 'Gap of Marmore' side. Reddit :hiking_boot:

Dress for All Weather

Layers are key! Be prepared for wind, rain, and sun, often all in one day. Reddit ☁️

reddit.com

Best scenic drive

Will be based in Dungloe for a couple of days. Any recommendations on a scenic drive route? Pub recommendations perhaps with some trad?

Signposted Trails

Most routes are well signposted, making navigation easier for hikers. Reddit 🗺️

Wild & Remote Beauty

Experience Ireland's raw, untamed landscapes – a truly magical feeling. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Trekking Poles Recommended

Essential for steep sections, especially when accessing from the 'Gap of Marmore' side. Reddit :hiking_boot:

Dress for All Weather

Layers are key! Be prepared for wind, rain, and sun, often all in one day. Reddit ☁️

Signposted Trails

Most routes are well signposted, making navigation easier for hikers. Reddit 🗺️

Wild & Remote Beauty

Experience Ireland's raw, untamed landscapes – a truly magical feeling. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(12 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Urris Hills for their wild, dramatic, and remote beauty, often calling the coastal ridge walks the best in Ireland. The stunning views from Mamore Gap are a major highlight. Some find the terrain steep, recommending trekking poles for certain access points, and the unpredictable weather can be a challenge.

"Accessed climb then ridge walk from "Gap of Marmore". Super walk, stunning views, Take Trekking Poles if you access from this side - Its Steep in parts .2 hours there and back quick pace."

TRAVEL MAN

"Great wee walk. Well signposted, lovely views. Was a bit windy the day we went up."

TED DIVIN

"Best coastal ridge walk in Ireland."

Norman Miller (Molendinarius)

What People Like

Stunning coastal views
Wild and dramatic landscapes
Challenging ridge walks

What People Dislike

Steep, challenging terrain
Unpredictable weather

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Urris Hills are best accessed by car. Mamore Gap is a popular scenic route leading into the hills. From Redcastle, you can drive towards Clonmany and then follow signs for Mamore Gap. Reddit

Public transport options are limited. While buses may run to nearby towns like Clonmany, you'll likely need a car or taxi to reach the specific trailheads within the Urris Hills. Reddit

The 'Gap of Marmore' is a key access point. If you're driving, follow signs for Mamore Gap from Clonmany. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads. Reddit

Limited parking is available at popular access points like Mamore Gap. Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot. Reddit

Cycling is possible, but be aware of steep inclines and narrow roads, particularly on Mamore Gap. It's a challenging but rewarding route for experienced cyclists. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to access the Urris Hills. It's a natural landscape open to the public. Reddit

The Urris Hills are accessible at all times, as it's an open natural area. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

There isn't a dedicated visitor center within the Urris Hills themselves. Information and facilities are more likely to be found in nearby towns like Clonmany. Reddit

The main restrictions are related to safety and environmental respect. Stick to marked trails, do not litter, and be mindful of the wild nature of the area. Reddit

While not officially managed, local tour operators may offer guided walks. It's advisable to research and book in advance if you prefer a guided experience. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The coastal ridge walk is highly recommended for its dramatic views. Accessing from Mamore Gap offers stunning scenery. Be prepared for steep sections. Reddit

A quick hike from the 'Gap of Marmore' can take around 2 hours round trip. Longer ridge walks can extend this significantly depending on your pace and chosen route. Reddit

Sturdy hiking boots are essential. Wear layers of clothing, including waterproof and windproof outer layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Reddit

Some lower-level paths might be manageable, but the steepness and exposed nature of many trails make it challenging for very young children. Assess the route carefully. Reddit

You might spot various seabirds along the coast, and if you're lucky, seals in the waters below. The landscape itself is the main draw. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Mamore Gap offers incredible panoramic shots. The coastal ridge walks provide dramatic cliffside and ocean vistas. Look for dramatic skies and rugged terrain. Reddit

Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful golden hour light, but be mindful of accessibility and weather. Midday can still be stunning with dramatic cloud formations. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant features. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low light. Reddit

Embrace the wind and clouds! Use a polarizing filter to enhance sky colors and a fast shutter speed to freeze motion in the waves or wind-blown grass. Reddit

Mamore Gap itself is a prime viewpoint. Many points along the ridge walks offer equally spectacular, albeit less accessible, photographic opportunities. Reddit

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