
Urris Hills
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
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, less wind

Urris Hills
Best Time
Clearer skies, less wind
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.
"Nowhere has quite the impact of this region, wild, dramatic and remote. Magical."

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. :cloud:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mamore Gap Views
Scenic viewpoint
Breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding hills. A must-see for any visitor.

Coastal Ridge Walk
Various trails
Experience one of Ireland's most dramatic coastal ridge walks with wild, remote beauty.

Dunree Fort
Near Mamore Gap
Historic military fort offering insights into the past and commanding views of the Atlantic.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Weather
Accessing the Peaks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
East coast things to see.
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. :cloud:
Best scenic drive
Signposted Trails
Most routes are well signposted, making navigation easier for hikers. :map:
Wild & Remote Beauty
Experience Ireland's raw, untamed landscapes – a truly magical feeling. :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
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. :cloud:
Signposted Trails
Most routes are well signposted, making navigation easier for hikers. :map:
Wild & Remote Beauty
Experience Ireland's raw, untamed landscapes – a truly magical feeling. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Limited parking is available at popular access points like Mamore Gap. Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🥾 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.
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.
Sturdy hiking boots are essential. Wear layers of clothing, including waterproof and windproof outer layers, as the weather can change rapidly.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Mamore Gap offers incredible panoramic shots. The coastal ridge walks provide dramatic cliffside and ocean vistas. Look for dramatic skies and rugged terrain.
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.
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.
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.
Mamore Gap itself is a prime viewpoint. Many points along the ridge walks offer equally spectacular, albeit less accessible, photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Dunree Fort as a more accessible historical attraction nearby, which often has more family-friendly facilities and exhibits. For a truly wild experience, ensure children are well-equipped with appropriate footwear and clothing, and keep a close eye on them, especially near cliff edges.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Always inform someone of your hiking plans, including your intended route and expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone and be prepared for changing weather conditions. The sense of accomplishment after conquering a challenging trail in such a magnificent setting is unparalleled for a solo traveler.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: Hiking in Urris Hills
It's crucial to be prepared for the terrain. Some access points, particularly from the 'Gap of Marmore' side, are noted as being steep in parts, making trekking poles a valuable piece of equipment for stability and safety. The well-signposted nature of many trails is a plus, but the weather can be a significant factor. Be ready for wind, which can be strong, and always check the forecast before setting out.
When planning your hike, consider your fitness level and experience. A quick there-and-back hike from the Gap of Marmore can take around two hours, but longer, more exploratory routes are abundant. The wild, dramatic, and remote nature of the Urris Hills is a major draw, offering an experience of Ireland as it might have been before extensive development.
Capturing the Wild Beauty: Photography in Urris Hills
To make the most of your photography, consider visiting during the golden hours around sunrise and sunset for soft, warm light. However, the dramatic weather often associated with the region can also be a photographic asset. Embracing the wind and clouds can lead to powerful images, especially when using filters like a polarizing lens to enhance the sky. A sturdy tripod is recommended for capturing sharp images in varying light conditions and for longer exposures of the sea.
Beyond the grand vistas, look for details that tell the story of this wild landscape – the texture of the heather, the patterns of the waves, and the resilient flora clinging to the hillsides. The magical quality of the Urris Hills is best captured by being present and observant, allowing the raw beauty of the environment to inspire your shots.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit