Scale Slemish Mountain this St Patrick’s Day!

Get your walking shoes at the ready and join the hundreds of visitors at Slemish Mountain this St Patrick’s Day for the annual trek up the hill - where legend has it St Patrick worked as a shepherd for six years.

The traditional St Patrick’s Day climb of Slemish will take place on Monday 17 March - with a series of activities planned to make it a rewarding experience for all.

The music marquee at Slemish Car Park will offer an array of local musical entertainment from Portglenone Comhaltas Group and Counties Antrim and Derry Country Fiddlers Association and The Doone Brothers.

There will also be entertainment for the whole family from a kids petting farm to face painting and walkabout characters. A tasty hot food van will be available for all the climbers who have worked up an appetite!

The one and a half kilometre walk at Slemish takes approximately one hour up and down and it is strongly advised that suitable clothing and strong footwear is worn. Sections of the short climb can be steep and slippery and might not be suitable for all.

There will be no parking anywhere near Slemish and traffic patrols will enforce all no waiting cones - so a free park and ride service will operate from Silverwood/Michelin at Broughshane, just off the M2.

Follow the yellow and black event signs on all approaches. Parking for blue badge vehicles is also at Silverwood/Michelin.

The shuttle bus to Slemish Mountain will run continually from 9am with the last departure from Michelin/Silverwood at 3:30pm.

Police have issued travel advice for the event and general travel in the Broughshane area on St Patrick’s Day. A police spokesperson said:

“On Monday 17th March, the annual pilgrimage to Slemish will take place near Broughshane, with participants following in the footsteps of Saint Patrick.

“There is no vehicular access or parking at the base of the mountain and a traffic management plan will be in place to ensure roads remain clear for emergency vehicles.

“Carnstroan Road is closed to traffic and the area of Carnalbanagh Road is expected to be busy with event buses and pedestrians around these times.

“No parking is permitted on Carnalbanagh Road at any time. Free shuttle buses will run to Slemish Mountain from Silverwood Business Park (Raceview Road) from 9am - 4pm.  The last buses are expected to leave Slemish at 5pm.

“Members of the public who are not attending the event are asked to seek alternative routes.”

Please note that dogs are not permitted for this event, service and assistance dogs only.

This event is supported by The Executive Office through Council’s Good Relations Programme.

For further information and download a guide for the day visit here.