I've always thought Muckish more resembles a whale than a pig and have also wanted to climb it for a long time.The opportunity came last week via the miners track after waiting several hours for the weather to improve. Luckily it did and up we went. A fairly steep ascent which included some scrambling/rock climbing as we went 'off piste' a couple of times.

The quarry is quite interesting especially since the site is just below the top. A tough and dangerous job for the men who worked there in the forties and fifties.

I had'nt expected such a short ascent though as the top was attained in 55mins. The summit plateau is expansive and difficult to cross due to rock debris but also an impressive place. We did not have time to explore it's length as evening was advancing but I suspected that a climb from Muckish Gap and the long summit traverse could be quite rewarding in good weather given the splendid views back over the range. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/163/comment/18634/