Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

Slemish Mountain

Carnstroan Lane, Broughshane, County Antrim, BT43 4PF
A couple of hikers sitting on a gate admiring the view of Slemish in the background

Book Tickets Online

About

Slemish Mountain, the legendary first known Irish home of Saint Patrick, is located in County Antrim. The mountain rises about 1500 feet (437 metres) above the surrounding plain, and it is actually the central core of an extinct volcano.

According to legend, following his capture and being brought as a slave to Ireland, Patrick worked as a shepherd at Slemish Mountain for about six years, from ages 16 through 22, for a man named Milchu (or Miluic). It was during this time that Patrick turned to frequent prayer as his only consolation in his loneliness. In a vision he was encouraged to escape and return home.

He did, became a priest and returned to Ireland, allegedly to convert his old master. The legend goes that his own real conversion took place while on Slemish out in all weathers, communing with nature and praying continuously. As Patrick was not the first Christian Bishop to visit Ireland, his ministry was confined to the North. Here he established churches and an episcopal system. One such church is thought to have been founded at the nearby site of Skerry Churchyard.

Slemish Mountain is open all year round and on Saint Patrick's Day (17 March) large crowds hike to the top of the mountain as a pilgrimage with a festival held in Broughshane.

The 1.5 kilometre round walk to the summit and back takes approximately one hour in good weather. Excellent views can be had of the Antrim and Scottish coasts to the east. Ballymena town, Lough Neagh and the Sperrin Mountains are all normally visible to the west whilst the Bann Valley and the higher summits of the Antrim Hills can be seen to the North. The 180 metre climb is steep and rocky. The path can become very slippery in wet weather so care should be taken.

As the weather in County Antrim can change very rapidly, please come equipped with good waterproofs and strong footwear. All dogs should be kept on leads.

Large parking facility with interpretation boards and washrooms onsite.

While you're visiting Slemish, why not make a day of it? Click here to discover other things to see and do in the area...

Book Tickets

Facilities

Attraction Facilities

  • Open Evenings
  • Open Mondays
  • Open Sundays

Catering

  • Picnic Area

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Provider Preferences

  • Free (parking charges may apply)

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
TicketFree

Free access

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating - 45 reviews45 reviews

Add Slemish Mountain to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 2563 5010

Map & Directions

Opening Times

* Open all year round.
Safe access may be affected by weather and ground conditions.

What's Nearby

  1. Special waterfowl pond and woodland in Broughshane, run by volunteers with lots of…

    4.54 miles away
  2. Ecos Nature Park is an oasis of wildlife, close to the heart of Ballymena town with 8…

    6.38 miles away
  3. Based in County Antrim, Roots Revealed specialises in ancestral research within the nine…

    6.45 miles away
  4. The Mid-Antrim Museum, offers a fascinating experience for all the family. The museum…

    7.21 miles away
  5. 45-acre urban park in the heart of Ballymena with something to do for all the family -…

    7.3 miles away
  6. Crowned "Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year", Glenarm Castle and its walled gardens…

    8.12 miles away
  7. Small and secluded Ulster Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve, located on an inland route…

    8.46 miles away
  8. Learn all about the development of Carnlough through the centuries, including its unique…

    8.82 miles away
  9. Carnlough's sheltered historic harbour, with small fishing boats, is the focal point of…

    8.86 miles away
  10. Discover Northern Ireland's first Conservation area, Gracehill, an award winning Georgian…

    9.36 miles away
  11. This award winning beach is located in Ballygally, 10km north of Larne town on the…

    9.56 miles away
  12. Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland.…

    9.64 miles away
  13. Packed full of fun family activities and attractions, Carnfunnock Country Park offers…

    10.11 miles away
  14. Arthur Cottage, Cullybackey, is the Ancestral Home of the 21st President of the USA…

    10.55 miles away
  15. Housed in the historic former Carnegie Free Library building, Larne Museum and Arts…

    11.16 miles away
  16. Ballyrobert Cottage Garden is a beautiful and unique Irish garden. It extends to 6 acres…

    11.41 miles away

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Directions from Town:From Ballymena take the A42 for Broughshane. Turn right in the village (B94). Slemish Mountain is signposted from there onwards.

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss