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Home  »  Initiatives  »  Hillwalking challenges  »

Irish High Point Challenges



The Irish High Point Challenges are a unique set of standalone Irish hillwalking challenges. Each is based on one of the 8 primary sub-lists published on the High Point Ireland website. Together, these sub-lists comprise the complete list of Ireland's 187 major geographical High Points. The 8 personal outdoor adventure challenges can be undertaken at any time. Please note that many of the High Point locations should only be visited by experienced, well-equipped hillwalkers and mountaineers. The objective of each challenge is to visit every High Point on a specific themed sub-list.

The Challenges


The complete list of Ireland's major geographical High Points comprises 187 locations throughout the whole of Ireland. The full list is derived from and includes every location featured on its 8 separate primary sub-lists. We have created a High Point Challenge for each of these sub-lists. Find out more about each challenge via the buttons below. The map further down this page shows all 187 major geographical High Points in Ireland. 
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Always bring a map and compass


​A hardcopy map and compass are the preferred navigational tools used by all competent self-navigators in the mountains and hills. Relying exclusively on a GPS device or phone for navigation is strongly discouraged. The person who follows a dot, crosshairs or a GPX route on a tiny screen is not navigating. They are effectively being led by their device. This involves no skill whatsoever and will only increase that person's reliance on technology. We recommend using hardcopy maps and traditional magnetic compass because:

  • their use requires and reinforces an elementary outdoor skill.
  • the user is the navigator (this is not the case when using a GPS device, especially one with the day's route loaded in).
  • they do not require a power source, therefore have less impact on the environment.
  • hillwalking and mountaineering should be about having a digital detox in nature, not squinting at yet another screen.
  • satellites, phones, GPS devices and their associated networks and systems are vulnerable to potential outages caused by external factors (e.g. hacking, ransomware, terrorism, solar fluctuations, space junk, etc).

In short, you should always have the relevant hardcopy map and a traditional magnetic compass in your pack when venturing off the beaten track. The convenience of a GPS is not a valid reason to go into the uplands or other wild areas without these two basic essentials.

You can browse all published maps on our dedicated maps page.
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Irish High Point Challenges

​Irish High Point Challenges


  • The Province High Points Challenge
  • The County High Points Challenge
  • The Local Council High Points Challenge
  • The Range High Points Challenge
  • The Major Island High Points Challenge
  • The Major River High Points Challenge
  • The 20km Isolation High Points Challenge
  • The 500m Prominence High Points Challenge

Shortcuts & bookmarks

If you find yourself returning to any particular page on this website, we recommend creating a shortcut on your device and a bookmark in your internet browser. These will give you much quicker access to the Irish walk-related information you need. For full details, including step-by-step instructions, please visit our "Shortcuts & bookmarks" page.
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Walking initiatives

We have developed the widest possible selection of meaningful initiatives to promote recreational walking in Ireland. These are delivered across The Ireland Walking Guide and High Point Ireland websites and range from monthly walking themes right through to the official All-Ireland Hillwalking Championships. We aim to deliver a consistent programme of initiatives every year on a recurring basis rather than a series of standalone one-off campaigns. Our "predictable" approach to participation initiatives means walkers always know what's coming up and have ample time to plan ahead. But why should you take part? Click here to find out...
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​The Ireland Walking Guide is the best and most user-friendly Irish walking and hiking information website. If you are planning a day walk, a weekend of walking, a holiday or vacation in Ireland, make us the first stop for all your on-foot Irish adventures. 

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Disclaimer

Please be aware that recreational walking in the great outdoors can be a risk activity. The Ireland Walking Guide and Donard Media (the website's publisher) accept no responsibility for any injury, loss or inconvenience sustained by anyone using this website. Personal safety is entirely the participant's own responsibility.

The inclusion of walking routes, locations and geographical areas on this website is not an indication that access is permitted. It should not be assumed that access is permitted to any any specific piece of land in Ireland. Please note that upland areas and coastal areas indicated on this website are based purely on their geographical characteristics. It should not be assumed that access is permitted to any of the upland areas and coastal areas illustrated on this website. Where local access restrictions exist (e.g. those indicated by "Private Property" signs, "No Trespassing" signs, etc), we strongly advise that you comply with the relevant landowner's wishes. The Ireland Walking Guide and Donard Media recommend that anyone planning to go walking in Ireland should check for potential access restrictions and to request permission from the relevant landowner(s) in advance.

Copyright © Donard Media 2012 – 2023
  • Where to walk
  • Initiatives
  • Community
  • Walking Kit
  • Extra
    • About >
      • Contact us
      • Follow us
      • Terms & conditions >
        • Terms & conditions for advertisers
    • Our news
    • General Information >
      • Clothing & equipment
      • Knowledge & skills
      • Countryside etiquette
      • Walking holidays in Ireland
      • Gift ideas for walkers
    • Shortcuts & bookmarks
    • Reasons to take part in our initiatives
    • Downloads >
      • Wall calendars
    • Our other websites >
      • The Ireland Travel Guide
      • The Ireland Sightseeing Guide
      • High Point Ireland