Maumturks
Mountains Rugged Connemara mountain range with steep quartzite ridges
In Connemara, the Maumturks range offers sharp quartzite ridges and extended hillwalks; hikers tackle the famous Maamturks Challenge and navigate boggy passes, loughs and remote summits.
The Maumturks (Maamturks) are a rugged mountain range in Connemara in County Galway on Ireland’s west coast, known for steep rocky ridges and the popular long-distance ridge walk. The range forms one of Connemara’s principal upland features.
The mountains are natural landscape features shaped by glacial and post-glacial processes; they have long been part of local grazing and rural land use patterns rather than sites of permanent settlement. Modern recreational use grew with hillwalking and mountaineering in the 20th century.
The Maumturks run through Connemara in western County Galway, west of Galway city and inland from the Atlantic coast, occupying a remote and sparsely settled upland area.
- Maumturks Challenge: Experienced hillwalkers often tackle the full Maumturks Challenge - a long, technical ridge walk along the range that is offered as an organized event by local mountaineering clubs.
How to Get to Maumturks #
The Maumturks are reachable from the village of Leenane and from various points in County Galway. From Galway city, drive west on the N59 toward Clifden and use regional roads to approach the ranges; public buses serve larger towns nearby but local taxi or private vehicle is recommended for access to trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Maumturks #
- If attempting the Maumturks Challenge (a long ridge walk), start at dawn and carry a detailed map - parts of the ridge are pathless.
- Weather changes fast; expect wind and fog even on summer days and be prepared for boggy ground after rain.
- Public transport to the nearest villages is limited on Sundays; check schedules or arrange a taxi for return.
Best Time to Visit Maumturks #
Best in June-September for ridge walking; choose clear days for long-distance routes to enjoy the views.
Weather & Climate near Maumturks #
Maumturks's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1602 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (175 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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