A mountain of craic as Slemish climb returns this St Patrick’s Day!

Hillwalkers and visitors to Slemish Mountain for St Patrick’s Day in 2025, with large crowds expected again in 2026.

A centuries-old tradition will once again bring hundreds of people to the slopes of Slemish Mountain this St Patrick’s Day, as families from across County Antrim prepare to take part in the annual uphill climb.

Held on Tuesday 17 March, the popular St Patrick’s Day ascent blends local legend, shared history and outdoor adventure in one of the borough’s most recognisable landscapes.

According to tradition, Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, once tended sheep on Slemish — a story that continues to draw visitors keen to connect with the area’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Organisers say the traditional climb will offer a day filled with history, fresh air and family-friendly fun in the heart of County Antrim. While many will tackle the hill itself, the event promises more than just the walk.

Entertainment at the site will include a petting farm, face painting and walkabout characters, ensuring younger visitors are well catered for. A marquee will also host local traditional Irish music and Irish dancing for those with energy to spare after the climb.

The walk itself covers approximately one and a half kilometres and typically takes around one hour to complete. However, participants are being urged to come prepared. Appropriate warm, waterproof clothing and strong footwear are strongly advised, with boots recommended and soft trainers discouraged.

Sections of the climb can be steep and slippery, and organisers caution that parts of the route may not be suitable for everyone.

Those who reach the summit and complete the descent will be able to collect a St Patrick’s Day Climbers certificate, subject to availability — a small but popular memento for many families marking the day together.

Strict travel arrangements will be in place. Access to Slemish will operate on a Park and Ride basis only, running from the Silverwood/Michelin site on Raceview Road at Broughshane, just off the M2, from 9am until the last departure at 3.30pm.

No parking will be permitted near Slemish itself, and traffic patrols will enforce all no waiting zones.

Visitors are advised to follow the yellow and black event signage on all approaches. Blue badge holder parking will also be located at the Silverwood/Michelin site.

Only service and assistance dogs are permitted at the event.

The annual climb is supported by The Executive Office through the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) programme, underscoring its continued role as a shared cultural occasion that brings communities together each year.

With legend, landscape and live entertainment combined, the St Patrick’s Day climb of Slemish remains one of County Antrim’s most distinctive annual traditions — and organisers are once again preparing to welcome the crowds.