Maumturk Mts

Maumturk Mts is a serious cross-country site in the Maumturk range of County Galway, western Ireland, and it has the record to prove it — pilots have flown routes of over 40 km from here, with one flight in June 2021 stretching to roughly 190 km. There are several takeoff options between the summit and lower elevations, all reasonably clear of rocks, reached by hiking along the trail and traversing the slope to whichever spot suits the day's wind. Getting there means driving the N-59 toward Clifden, turning north at Maam Cross toward Mameen, and following the road roughly 3.5 km to the parking area. A minimum Para Pro 3 rating is expected here, and pilots flying it for the first time should arrange a local guide rather than figuring it out alone. Coastal mountain weather can turn quickly — watch for strengthening wind and cloud base dropping fast as fog rolls in off the ocean below the peaks. Landing is right beside the car park, but there are power lines close to both the road and the car park that deserve real attention on approach.

Launch & conditions

Several takeoff spots exist between the summit and lower elevations, all reasonably clear of rock, reached by hiking the trail and traversing the slope to the one that suits the day's wind.

Getting there & local rules

Drive the N-59 toward Clifden, turn north at Maam Cross toward Mameen, and follow the road about 3.5 km to the parking area.

Local rules & hazards

A minimum Para Pro 3 rating is expected here, and first-time visitors should arrange a local guide rather than fly it cold; standard right-of-way ridge-soaring and thermal-entry rules apply. Coastal mountain weather can turn quickly, with cloud base dropping fast as sea fog rolls in below the peaks — and watch for power lines right at the car park landing area.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Maumturk Mts, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Maumturk Mts with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.