Magic Hiking Group

31/12/2025

14/09/2025

A small group started yesterday in Rostrevor and followed the Mourne Way to Newcastle. The 38 km route led through forests, rivers, valleys, and the Mourne Mountains, finishing by the sea in Newcastle.

03/09/2025

South Prison on Lugna

27/06/2024

CALLOUTS AND APPEAL FOR INFORMATION ON MISSING PERSON: The team was tasked by AGS on Tuesday afternoon to search for a missing male hillwalker on Mount Brandon. He was last seen near the summit of Mount Brandon on Sunday last at approximately 15.30. Please see a photograph of the man attached. The team is seeking information from anyone who may have seen this man at any stage on the hill or around the general Brandon area from Sunday afternoon onwards. If you have any information, please contact Di**le Garda Station.

The search has been ongoing for the past 3 days with assistance from SARDA, Di**le Coast Guard, and Coast Guard Heli R115.
Extensive ground and air searches have been carried out since the alarm was raised on Tuesday, but unfortunately the casualty has yet to be located. Weather and visibility have deteriorated considerably in the last 36 hours making for difficult search conditions.

We would like to acknowledge the support and incredible hospitality of the locals in the Brandon/Cloghane area, who have kept us fuelled with endless supplies of food, teas and coffees. Your kindness is very much appreciated. Special mention also to the SARDA dog teams who have worked with us through some less than ideal conditions in the last couple of days.

The search operation will continue over the weekend.

In other news, the team responded to a separate incident late last night on Carrauntoohil after a male hillwalker fell while descending Br. O'Shea's route. The man was treated on scene for a suspected collarbone fracture and lowered to safety, while two of his companions were also assisted off the hill. We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.

29/02/2024

New movie from comeragh mountain 💪

Proceed cautiously on this 8.2-km loop trail near Comeragh, County Waterford. Generally considered a highly challenging route, it should only be attempted by...

25/02/2024

Saturday, 9 in the morning, and people are gathering in the parking from all over Ireland to start a hike in the Comeragh Mountains. Surprisingly, the weather is beautiful, even by Irish standards, although the wind is a bit strong, but it's just beautiful.

A group of about 27 people gathered, divided into 3 groups. In the plans, there was a designated route of about 20 km. Some, about 4 people, quickly went ahead, while the rest paced calmly through the forest, only to emerge onto a gravel road shortly after. After passing a fence and going through a ladder, we turned left and headed uphill. The climb was quite tough, some were in the mountains for the first time, while others were seasoned hikers.

Before reaching the summit, we made a stop to eat something and assess the time needed to complete the entire trail. We decided that to complete the whole route, we would have to return at night, and some would be too exhausted for such a long hike. We knew that at the top, there was a vast flat area, boggy and very wet, and sometimes foggy, so we headed up and conquered Kilclooney Mountain (792 m), after which we turned back and changed the route to the Comshinguan Loop.

We descended to the edge and followed the trail to bypass the beautiful lake, which was a few hundred meters below. The next mountain, already on the descent, was Stookeen, and further down. It started to descend on stones, which was more difficult than the usual road we had been walking on, so we lost some time on that.

The next stage was a stop at Coumshinguan Lough lake. A moment of rest, someone went into the water to swim, others relaxed with hot tea, while others basked in the sun.

Now, back to the parking lot, a surge of energy when the road became free of stones. Upon reaching the parking lot, changing into dry and clean clothes, we made a bonfire where we spent a great time. The rest of the group returned from their routes. After that, we dispersed to our homes, and such a pleasantly spent time in great company and beautiful views came to an end.

22/10/2023

Our day began early, at 8 a.m., as our group gathered, ready for another grand adventure in the Wicklow Mountains. The weather was on our side; after the rains that had plagued us on Friday, we didn't hold much hope for good conditions, but the sun peeked through the clouds and greeted us with clear skies.

Our goal for the day was to conquer five peaks and cover around 30 kilometers. We kicked off our expedition from Luggala, the first of the peaks where we began the day. The views of the surrounding landscape were breathtaking, and the crisp mountain air filled us with energy for the journey ahead.

After reaching the summit of Luggala, we set our sights on the second peak, Carrigvore. The trail led us through picturesque terrain, but just before reaching this summit, a thick fog suddenly descended. Visibility became limited, adding an air of mystery to our adventure.

Next on our route was Gravale, but at this point, the terrain became muddier. Moving in that direction, we noticed that the ground was getting increasingly boggy, and bogs became our daily companions. However, this did not deter us; we were determined to reach our goals.

Duff Hill was the next destination, where the pace of our march remained steady. The ascents were steeper, and the descents were faster, though, at times, our legs sank into the mud up to our ankles, making it difficult to maintain a fast pace.

After about six hours of trekking, it was finally time to conquer the last peak, Mullaghcleevaun East Top. We were weary but also filled with excitement at reaching this milestone. All that was left was the descent towards Lough Dan, where our next challenge awaited.

Crossing the Glenmacnass River was no easy feat, especially after a recent flood hit the east coast of Ireland. We knew we had to find the most suitable spot to cross the fast-flowing river. After a few minutes of searching and several attempts, we succeeded in finding a safe spot to make the river crossing, which was a real achievement.

Our next destination was the road leading to Lough Dan, where we noticed that the beach had completely disappeared, and the water had inundated the surrounding fields. The Wicklow landscape was incredibly dynamic, but that was part of the charm of these mountains.

We consider our expedition a success. The camaraderie, the views, and the challenges we faced made it an unforgettable day. Each of us was pleased with the route we covered, and we could proudly look at the five conquered peaks and the over 29 kilometers that passed in the blink of an eye. It's true that a wonderful group atmosphere makes kilometers fly by, and every step was worth it to experience the charm of the Wicklow Mountains.

Movie below:
https://youtu.be/9DnIto56t0s?si=fywcD43ICNqFmT0w


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08/10/2023

Last weekend was an unforgettable adventure as my friend Konrad and I embarked on a hiking journey around the breathtaking Lugnaquilla. The trail formed a loop, presenting us with the challenge of conquering five peaks, each promising its own unique vistas and experiences.

Our expedition kicked off amidst a mysterious fog that veiled the landscape in an ethereal ambiance. Setting out early in the morning from the Barivor car park at 7:30, we eagerly followed the trail leading us to Camenabologue. The anticipation of what lay ahead only fueled our excitement.

Upon reaching a junction, we faced a pivotal decision. To the left beckoned the path to Camenabologue, but we opted for a detour, choosing to ascend Table Mountain West Top first. The ascent was demanding, with the route proving wet and boggy. However, the challenge only heightened our sense of accomplishment as we stood triumphantly atop Table Mountain West Top, relishing the panoramic views that unfolded before us.

Having conquered that peak, we retraced our steps, navigating the boggy terrain back to the trail junction and proceeded towards Camenabologue. The landscape, though challenging, showcased the raw beauty of the mountains, rewarding our perseverance with glimpses of rugged terrain and untamed nature.

The pinnacle of our journey awaited as we approached Lugnaquilla. The weather, though initially shrouded in mist, began to reveal its true colors. The summit provided a vantage point like no other, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It was a moment of awe and reflection, a reminder of the sheer majesty of the natural world.

The descent from Lugnaquilla's eastern side marked the latter part of our trek. The trail led us down, winding through the landscape, flanked by lush forests. Navigating through this greenery added a serene touch to our adventure, and the sense of accomplishment continued to grow as we covered approximately 28 kilometers in total.

In retrospect, it was more than a hike; it was a journey that tested our physical limits, strengthened our bond of friendship, and allowed us to connect with the awe-inspiring forces of nature.

22/03/2023

Glenmanore Zig-zag is close for public 😥

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=201395489201231&id=100079923441511&sfnsn=mo

***Glenmalure’s ‘Zig-Zags’ Walking Trail Closed to the Public***

The well-known Zig-Zags walking track in Glenmalure has been closed to the public following an assault carried out on the landowner. The popular route, which is located entirely on private lands, provided access from the base of Carrawaystick Waterfall towards Lugnaquilla.
The Zig-Zags was an ‘Agreed Access Route’, facilitated through a formal Permissive Access Agreement between the landowner, Pat Dunne and County Wicklow Partnership. First developed in 2007, Pat was one of the first landowners in the country to permit an agreed access route across his lands and is widely respected among the recreational community for his efforts.
However, following a physical incident with a hiker on the 19th March, Pat and the Dunne family have taken the difficult decision to close public access with immediate effect.
Speaking about the closure Pat Dunne said ‘I want it known that for the last 16 years we have permitted open access to Lugnaquilla via the Zig Zags. The track and open mountain lands immediately above are private property. The only request in return for open access to our land was that NO DOGS were brought onto the mountain due to the disturbance they can cause to livestock. It is not an unreasonable request as we have had many instances of sheep being mauled by dogs on the mountain’.
He continued ‘However, over the years we have had many instances of verbal abuse with people as they ignored signage asking that dogs were not brought onto our lands. In one case this even resulted in a threat that our house “would be burnt down”’.
Pat said ‘The final straw came on Sunday 19th March at 11.10am when after repeatedly asking a man and a youth accompanying him to not bring their three dogs onto the track, he physically assaulted me, knocking me to the ground, before continuing up the mountain with the dogs’.
‘It is because of this that we have decided to revoke the permissive access agreement and close the trail to the public with immediate effect’.
Commenting on the closure Aaron Byrne, Rural Recreation Officer with County Wicklow Partnership added ‘County Wicklow Partnership completely support the Dunne family in their decision. The success of The Walks Scheme and access routes are evident all over the country and that’s based on cooperation between landowners and recreational users. The actions of this particular individual are completely unacceptable. The closure of the trail will come as a huge blow to all the recreational users who benefitted from the goodwill of the Dunne family and enjoyed access to the mountains through their lands.’

03/03/2023

Mountain Rescue Tips.

If you're planning a trip to the mountains, it's important to be prepared for the unexpected. While no one likes to think about the possibility of getting lost or injured, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Here are some tips on how to call for rescue and survive until help arrives:

Bring a communication device: One of the most important things you can do is bring a communication device with you. This could be a cellphone, a satellite phone, a two-way radio, or a personal locator beacon (PLB). Make sure your device is fully charged and that you know how to use it.

Know your location: If you do get lost, try to determine your location as accurately as possible. Use a map and compass, GPS, or other navigation tools to help you figure out where you are. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you.

Stay put: If you're lost, injured, or otherwise in distress, don't try to keep moving. This will only make it harder for rescuers to find you. Instead, stay put and make yourself visible. If you have a whistle, use it to signal for help.

Build a shelter: If you're going to be waiting for rescue for an extended period of time, you'll need to build a shelter to protect yourself from the elements. Look for natural materials, such as branches and leaves, to construct a basic shelter.

Stay hydrated and fed: It's important to stay hydrated and fed while you're waiting for rescue. Bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks with you on your trip. If you run out of food and water, try to find a source of water, such as a stream or spring, and purify it before drinking.

Stay warm: Mountains can be cold even in the summer, so make sure you have warm clothing and a way to start a fire. Fire can provide warmth and light, and also help you signal for help.

Be patient: Finally, remember that rescue can take time. Don't panic or give up hope. Stay positive, stay focused, and stay alive.

If you find yourself in need of rescue while in the Irish mountains, you should call the emergency services immediately by dialing 112 or 999. These numbers will connect you with the appropriate emergency services, including mountain rescue teams.

When you call, be sure to give your exact location, describe your situation, and provide any other relevant information, such as the number of people in your group, the nature of any injuries or medical conditions, and the weather conditions in the area.
Magic

02/03/2023

Navigating in the mountains requires some preparation and basic knowledge of orienteering, map reading, and terrain assessment. Here are some general tips to help you navigate in the mountains:

Plan ahead: Before heading into the mountains, study the map and the terrain to identify potential hazards, such as steep slopes, cliffs, or dense vegetation. Plan your route, taking into account your skill level, weather conditions, and the amount of daylight available.

Bring the right gear: Make sure you have proper footwear, clothing, food, and water, as well as a map, compass, and GPS device. Bring a headlamp or flashlight in case you need to hike in the dark.

Stay on the trail: Stick to established trails whenever possible, as they are typically safer and easier to navigate. If you need to leave the trail, make sure you can find your way back.

Use landmarks: Look for prominent landmarks such as peaks, ridges, or bodies of water to help you orient yourself. Use your map and compass to determine your location and direction of travel.

Monitor the weather: Pay attention to weather forecasts and be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, such as thunderstorms or blizzards

01/03/2023

Mountain Rucksack Packing

Packing your rucksack properly is essential when heading out into the mountains. Here are some steps to help you pack your rucksack effectively:

-Make a List: Before packing your rucksack, create a list of all the essential items you will need on your trip. This will help you avoid forgetting any necessary items.

-Organize Your Gear: Sort your gear into categories such as clothing, food, water, and shelter. This will make it easier to pack and find your items when you need them.

-Use Compression Sacks: Use compression sacks to reduce the size of bulky items such as sleeping bags and clothing. This will help maximize the available space in your rucksack.

-Put Heavy Items at the Bottom: Place heavier items such as cooking gear, food, and water at the bottom of your rucksack. This will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent discomfort or back strain.

-Use the Outer Pockets: Use the outer pockets of your rucksack to store items that you need to access quickly, such as snacks, maps, or sunscreen.

-Pack Smartly: When packing your rucksack, make sure to distribute the weight evenly. Place heavier items towards the center of your rucksack and closer to your back. This will help you maintain balance while walking.

-Adjust the Straps: Make sure to adjust the straps on your rucksack to fit your body properly. This will help you carry the weight more comfortably and prevent discomfort or injury.

-Test the Weight: Before setting out, test the weight of your rucksack to ensure that it is comfortable to carry. Adjust the straps or remove items as necessary to achieve the optimal weight distribution.

Remember to also bring a first aid kit and emergency supplies such as a flashlight and a whistle. Happy hiking!