Three rugged, adventure-craving Irish guys—Marius Monaghan, Ronan O'Donnell, and Aidan Fitzgerald—teaming up to tackle Ireland's ten tallest peaks. Sounds thrilling, right? Well, that's exactly what they did in the epic Portwest 10 Peaks Challenge.
Across landscapes more breathtaking than a Hollywood blockbuster, with over 9000m to climb (that's higher than Everest!), these intrepid guys accomplished the whole challenge in just 5 days. Yep, you read that right, just 5 days!
1. Slieve Donard Mountain – 850 metres (Down):
First stop, County Down. Here, our trio took on Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak. As they powered up this imposing mountain, each step brought them not just closer to the peak but to stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea. Sounds pretty epic, doesn't it?
2. Lugnaquilla Mountain – 925 metres (Wicklow):
Next, they left Co. Donwn in their rear-view mirror and set their sights on Lugnaquilla in the Wicklow Mountains. Let's just say, this wild beauty didn't make it easy for them. The misty moorlands and rocky trails were a test of grit, but these guys are made of stern stuff.
3. Mullaghcleevaun Mountain – 849 metres (Wicklow):
The guys stayed in Wicklow Mountains for peak number three—Mullaghcleevaun. This was not just a physical test, but a mental one too. But the stunning panorama kept their spirits high.
4. Galtymore Mountain – 919 metres (Lim/Tipp):
Straddling the border of Limerick and Tipperary, Galtymore presented an enticing mix of lush valleys and rocky ridges. Let us tell you, reaching the top was no walk in the park, but the awe-inspiring views made it all worthwhile.
5. Mangerton Mountain – 839 metres (Kerry):
It was on to the Kingdom for Mangerton Mountain. Packed with picture-perfect lakes and rough terrain, this was a peak with a twist. As exhaustion set in, the lads had to dig deep, but their unwavering will kept them going.
6. Purple Mountain – 832 metres (Kerry):
Next up was Purple Mountain, also in Kerry. As they neared the summit, the guys couldn’t help but look back on their journey—the highs, the lows, and the feeling of exhilaration with every conquered peak.
7. Mount Brandon – 952 metres (Kerry):
The majesty of Mount Brandon, in Kerry again, offered a perfect blend of rugged beauty and spiritual resonance. The climb was grueling, but the vistas of the Dingle Peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean were a sight to behold.
8. Baurtregaum Mountain – 851 metres (Kerry):
Next, they set a course for Baurtregaum Mountain. This hidden gem in Kerry packed a punch with its rugged allure and panoramic vistas. The guys rose to the challenge, reveling in the satisfaction of another peak under their belt.
9. Cnoc na Péiste – 988 metres (Kerry):
With the end almost in sight, next up was Cnoc na Péiste, a lofty summit in Kerry. Its steep slopes and rocky trails proved a stern test of endurance, but the promise of breathtaking views kept them going.
10. Carrauntoohil – 1,038 metres (Kerry):
And now the guys made their way across the ridge to Carrauntoohil, the tallest peak in Ireland. Set in scenic County Kerry, the challenging ascent, awe-inspiring views, and the thrill of adventure set the tone for this fantastic expedition.
What started as the Portwest 10 Peaks Challenge soon became an unbelievable journey for Marius, Ronan, and Aidan. They took on and triumphed over Ireland's ten highest peaks, savoured the splendid beauty of the Emerald Isle, and reminded all adventure buffs that exhilarating experiences await us out there.
So what do you think? Can you conquer the Portwest 10 Peaks Challenge? Whether you aim to match our Irish trio’s time, spread it out over a year, or even a lifetime, remember to tag us on your journey! We can't wait to see where the adventure takes you.
