The highest point in County Roscommon is Seltannasaggart (Sliabh Sealtan na Sagart), standing at 412 meters (1,352 feet). Seltannasaggart is located in the Arigna Mountains, in the north of County Roscommon, near the village of Arigna and close to the border with County Leitrim. It lies within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, a region known for its rolling hills, lakes, and quiet rural charm.
- Elevation: At 412 meters, Seltannasaggart is the highest point in Roscommon, a modest peak compared to Ireland’s taller mountains, but notable for its accessibility and scenic views.
- Terrain: The mountain features boggy moorland, grassy slopes, and some rocky outcrops. The summit is a broad, flat plateau with a trig pillar, surrounded by peat bogs and heather, typical of the Arigna uplands.
Starting Point and Access:
- Driving Route: The most common trailhead is near Arigna village, accessible via the R280 from Carrick-on-Shannon (20 minutes, 15 km) or the R285 from Drumshanbo, County Leitrim (15 minutes, ~10 km). The trailhead is typically a lay-by or parking area near the Arigna Miners’ Way or Seltannasaggart trailhead, close to the wind farm access roads. From Roscommon town, the drive takes about 45 minutes (40 km). The route offers views of Lough Allen and the surrounding hills.
- Alternative Access: Another approach is from Drumshanbo, following the Miners’ Way and Historical Trail, a 118-km waymarked route that includes Seltannasaggart. A less common start is from Keadue, incorporating local paths or the Leitrim Way. The presence of wind turbines makes access roads a useful guide but can confuse navigation.
- Public Transport: Public transport is limited. Carrick-on-Shannon is served by buses (e.g., Bus Éireann 462 or 567) and trains from Dublin, but reaching the trailhead requires a car or taxi. Guided hikes, such as those offered by Leitrim Landscapes or Ireland Walk Hike Bike, include transport from Carrick-on-Shannon or Boyle.
Arigna Route:
- Distance: Approximately 5–7 km round trip.
- Duration: 2–3.5 hours, depending on pace and conditions.
- Description: This is the most direct route, starting near Arigna at a lay-by or wind farm access road. The trail follows a rough path or track through boggy moorland, ascending gently to the summit plateau. The trig pillar marks the highest point, near wind turbines that dominate the landscape. The route is not heavily waymarked, but the open terrain and visible turbines aid navigation. The descent retraces the path.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for hikers with basic fitness. The boggy terrain and lack of clear paths require waterproof boots and some navigation skills, especially in fog.
Miners’ Way Route (Drumshanbo):
- Distance: 8–10 km round trip.
- Duration: 3–5 hours.
- Description: Starting from Drumshanbo, this route follows the Miners’ Way, a waymarked trail that traces the region’s coal-mining heritage, before ascending Seltannasaggart’s northern slopes. It offers views of Lough Allen and the Leitrim hills but involves more boggy terrain and a longer approach.
- Difficulty: Moderate, best for hikers comfortable with navigation and wet ground.
Seltannasaggart Loop:
- Distance: 10–12 km round trip.
- Duration: 4–6 hours.
- Description: This circular route starts near Arigna or Keadue, combining the Miners’ Way with local paths to loop around Seltannasaggart. It includes the summit and offers a broader exploration of the Arigna Mountains, with views of the Shannon region.
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, due to the longer distance and boggy conditions.
Navigation Tips:
- Use an Ordnance Survey map (Discovery Series Sheet 26 or 33) or apps like HiiKER, AllTrails, or PeakVisor for navigation, as the summit plateau is featureless and disorienting in fog.
- Bring a compass or GPS device, as paths are faint and the wind turbines can confuse orientation.
- Wear waterproof hiking boots with good grip and gaiters, as the terrain is consistently boggy. Trekking poles are essential for stability on wet ground.
Scenery and Views:
- Summit Views: On clear days, Seltannasaggart offers expansive views of Lough Allen, the Arigna Valley, and the surrounding counties of Leitrim, Sligo, and Cavan. Notable sights include the Dartry Mountains, Cuilcagh Mountain, and the Shannon River. On exceptional days, distant peaks like Benbulben may be visible. The views are serene, emphasizing Roscommon’s rural charm.
- Landscape: The area is dominated by blanket bog, heather, and grass, with wet, peaty ground and occasional rocky outcrops. The summit is a flat plateau with a trig pillar, overshadowed by nearby wind turbines, which slightly detract from the natural aesthetic.
- Unique Features: Seltannasaggart is part of the Arigna Mining Experience, with the region’s coal-mining heritage adding historical context. The summit’s name, meaning “mountain of the priests,” reflects local folklore, possibly linked to Penal-era Mass sites.
Hiking Experience:
- Duration: The Arigna route takes 2–3.5 hours, the Miners’ Way route 3–5 hours, and the Seltannasaggart Loop 4–6 hours, including summit time.
- Conditions: The terrain is boggy and wet, with soft, peaty ground requiring careful footing. The summit is exposed to wind and mist, with poor visibility common. Spring and summer (April–September) offer the best conditions, with vibrant heather in August. Autumn (September–October) provides colorful landscapes, while winter hikes are wetter and colder but manageable.
- Cultural Significance: Seltannasaggart is tied to Roscommon’s mining heritage, with the Arigna Mining Experience (10 minutes away) offering tours of historic coal mines. The area’s quiet, rural setting and Hidden Heartlands designation add to its understated appeal.
- Weather: The summit is exposed, with frequent mist and wind. Check forecasts (e.g., Met Éireann) and avoid hiking in severe conditions.
- Terrain: The boggy ground can be challenging, with hidden pools and uneven surfaces. Navigation is tricky due to the lack of distinct landmarks and faint paths.
- Safety: Inform someone of your plans, as there are no rangers. Bring water, snacks, and warm clothing, as temperatures can drop. Solo hikers should be confident in navigation or opt for guided tours.
- Wildlife: Expect to see birds like curlews, skylarks, or hen harriers, and possibly hares or foxes. The bog supports unique flora, including sphagnum moss, sundews, and bog cotton.
Highest point in county
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County Roscommon:
Ireland’s county Roscommon combines historic sites with tranquil landscapes, with Roscommon Castle’s imposing ruins offering a glimpse into medieval Ireland. Lough Key Forest Park provides boating and treetop canopy walks, while the Arigna Mining Experience explores the county’s industrial past. Other attractions include the sacred site of Rathcroghan, linked to ancient mythology. Roscommon is Ireland’s 11th largest county by size (2,463 square km) and eighth smallest by population (70,259). Population peaked at 253,591 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 53,519 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Roscommon is Ireland’s 31st most visited and Ireland’s second least visited tourist county with around 25,000 international visitors per year.
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