Slemish rises from the surrounding lowlands like an Irish Uluru and it strikes an impressive pose from any approach. Unfortunately its popularity means that it will never score highly in the wilderness or environment stakes, while private ownership in the area means that there is only one acceptable approach. However Slemish should be viewed as one of Ireland’s iconic hills and should be on the list of any hiker who walks in the North.

Slemish is a volcanic plug, which accounts for why it rises so suddenly from the land. Originally magma would have hardened within the vent of the volcano, and over subsequent aeons the outer volcano eroded away leaving this striking volcanic landform behind.
Slemish is reputedly where St Patrick tended sheep as an enslaved youth, and where he found God. The historians are startlingly precise about this period of his life – he was here from age 16 to 22! However others feel he spent this period of time in the West of Ireland so who knows? The hill is celebrated on St Patricks Day as many people make a Pilgrimage to its summit.

Slemish also has links to the 1798 Rebellion. The first major act of the Rebellion was an attack on Antrim town on 7 June that year led by Henry Joy McCracken. This failed, and for some weeks McCracken and his diminishing force were fugitives around Slemish before he was caught and hanged in July in Belfast. A well bearing his name stood on the southern slope of the hill for many years.

The approved track for Slemish, along with visitor facilities, starts at 217057 A. A steep trail leads to the top in about 20 or 25 minutes. This trail can be wet and slippery, and would require caution in icy conditions. It is the kind of trail that would be easily manageable by regular walkers, whilst annual Pilgrims or those with children might find it a bit mucky and hard work. Slemish is a joy to behold, and the expansive views from the summit add to the quality of this hill.

The name Slemish probably derives from Sliabh Mish. Mish may in turn derive from the Gaelic ‘Mishasta’, meaning unsatisfactory or adverse. Well I can’t think of anything particularly unsatisfactory or adverse about this fine little hill! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/667/comment/6161/