Climbing Slieve Riadh, Glenbrohane
Sliabh Riadh (Slievereagh) is a 465m high hill in the Ballyhoura mountains, just outside Glenbrohane. Translated as the “King’s Mountain”, it is believed that a king is buried at the top of it. Unfortunately for the king, nobody seems to know his name. But, a huge mast crowns the site where he is allegedly buried.
Each year, the Glenbrohane Community Association host the Sliabh Riadh Everest Challenge which aims to get enough people walking to ‘The Pinnacle’ to reach the height of Everest. This challenge coincides roughly with the Summer Solstice.
From dawn to dusk, runners and walkers, adults and children ascend the hill and enjoy the magnificent views from the top.
It’s a lovely walk from the church in Glenbrohane, taking in a country laneway before climbing over a small stile and hiking up into the forest to take the trail for The Pinnacle.
This year, funds were raised for The Irish Pilgrimage Trust. The next organised walk up Sliabh Riadh is the Winter Solstice, one of my favourite walks (pre-covid), for the wonderful atmosphere back in the community centre afterwards where refreshments are served. You can follow the Glenbrohane Community Association on Facebook for more updates.