North West Ireland Tourism
Visitor Guide to Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan & Monaghan
Visitor Guide to Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan & Monaghan
Mamore Gap
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Mamore Gap
Take a trip over the mountains to Urris, through the infamous Gap of Mamore. The steepness of the terrain is cruel and you'll mavel as sheep and cyclists strain themselves up the hillsides. Once you reach the summit of Mamore you'll be rewarded with extraordinary vistas of the coast below and to the West. This is an extraordinary place, remote and unforgiving like few other places in Europe.
The Mamore Gap was once the only route to the lands of Urris, and the challenges posed by its extreme height set the people of Urris entirely apart. Indeed they were a hardy bunch, effectively cut off for much of the winter months. Mamore’s steep meandering roadway threads its way precariously between the Hill of Mamore on the east, and the Hill of Craogh Carragh on the west. Each of these great landmasses is a remnant of glacial deposits which shaped the area some 17,000 years ago in the latter years of the Ice Age.
The Mamore Gap is known, not just for its extraordinary vistas, but also as the home of several traditional shrines. The holy well of St Eigne is the focal point of an annual mass which is held on Mamore every August 15th. It remembers the Penal days when locals had to practice their religion in secret, far from the gaze of landlords and constablry. Indeed these were dangerous days for the Catholic church here in Ireland, where priests were murdered, imprisoned, or transported, and where masses were secretly celebrated at great risk to all involved. But today it is God’s great vistas which set Mamore so far apart from all other places. Enjoy stunning views with a dash of historic intrigue, and just a pinch of precarious mountain driving. *
Book Mamore Gap Accommodation
The Mamore Gap was once the only route to the lands of Urris, and the challenges posed by its extreme height set the people of Urris entirely apart. Indeed they were a hardy bunch, effectively cut off for much of the winter months. Mamore’s steep meandering roadway threads its way precariously between the Hill of Mamore on the east, and the Hill of Craogh Carragh on the west. Each of these great landmasses is a remnant of glacial deposits which shaped the area some 17,000 years ago in the latter years of the Ice Age.
The Mamore Gap is known, not just for its extraordinary vistas, but also as the home of several traditional shrines. The holy well of St Eigne is the focal point of an annual mass which is held on Mamore every August 15th. It remembers the Penal days when locals had to practice their religion in secret, far from the gaze of landlords and constablry. Indeed these were dangerous days for the Catholic church here in Ireland, where priests were murdered, imprisoned, or transported, and where masses were secretly celebrated at great risk to all involved. But today it is God’s great vistas which set Mamore so far apart from all other places. Enjoy stunning views with a dash of historic intrigue, and just a pinch of precarious mountain driving. *
How to get to the Mamore Gap
By bicycle, bus, or car. Follow the marked "Inishowen 100" roadway north from Buncrana straight for the Urris Hills and the Gap of Mamore. From Ballyliffin follow the coast road to Dunaff, Lenan Bay, and Mamore.Explore more
Other worthwhile sites in the vicinity of the Mamore Gap include Buncrana, Rockstown-Dunaff, Doagh Famine Village, Malin Head, Greencastle, and Derry City. Refer to the coastal and inland map pages for more information.Where to stay near the Mamore Gap
Mamore, Lenan, and Dunaff offer a whole range of accommodation types, from traditional holiday cottages to guesthouses, hostels, and home B&B's.Book Mamore Gap Accommodation
Things to do in Mamore Gap
When in the Gap of Mamore you can not afford to miss:- This is hiking country, so bring your boots, water bottle, and camera. Climbing upwards from the Gap presents a series of superb treks, each challenging but wonderfully rewarding. Remember that this isolated tough terrain so prepare well, travel in groups, set realistic goals, and let somebody know what time you are due to return.
- As well as St. Eigne’s holy well, the Mamore Gap is home to a number of smaller shrines, statues, and ancient artifacts.
