Treacherous Way up Ireland’s Highest Mountain, Carrauntoohil

The Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) knows the best way up mountains. Take its race route up Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. It directs its runners up soft slopes, along the Cahir Ridge, and then back down a bouncy fun descent. Up until last weekend, that was the only route I’ve known up the 1,038 metres … Continue reading Treacherous Way up Ireland’s Highest Mountain, Carrauntoohil

Running up Ireland’s “Mountain of the Women”

It’s impossible to resist running up a mountain that belongs exclusively to women. And Sliabh na mBan (pronounced Slievenamon) in Ireland’s Country Tipperary is definitely a ladies’ hill. IreIand’s mythical hunter-warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill (pronounced Fin Mac Cool) once sat on this mountain’s summit. Legend has it that he organised a female only race to … Continue reading Running up Ireland’s “Mountain of the Women”