PRICE €299
NATIONAL4 PEAKS 2025 IS SOLD OUT
Welcome to the official Ireland 4 Peak’s Challenge climbing the highest mountain in Ulster Munster Leinster & Connaught
Climbs
Slieve Donard – 850m
Lugnaquilla – 925m
Carrauntoohil – 1038m
Mweelrea – 814m
Total Ascent : 3627m
Total Distance : 60km
Country
Ireland
DURATION
4IN44 hrs
Route
Standard Intermediate Advanced
Grade
Moderate
MAX ALTITUDE
3630 m
11,909 ft
Daily Activity
Non-Stop
Dates Available
Date: 26 April Sold OutDate: 17 May Sold OutDate: 07 June Sold OutDate: 21 June Sold OutDate: 26 July Sold OutDate: 09 August Sold Out
Price
Deposit €99 on booking
Balance six weeks from date.
Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge
Overview
To undertake to climb Ireland’s 4 highest peaks with little rest and very little sleep is a serious physical challenge and requires you to have have a good level of physical fitness and mental strength.
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Your safety is our priority, you will be guided by one of the world’s leading High altitude mountaineers – Jason Black.
You will be transported by our professional coach service to all four peaks.
We ascend each mountain using the most straight forward route. Our pace is smooth and efficient.
Do not take on this challenge unless you are fit and have a reasonable amount of hiking experience, this is not for beginners to hiking and a huge physical & mental resilience combined with a collective team first approach to be successful.
We are a leave no trace guiding company and treat mother nature as our best friend.
Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge
Trip Details
Day 1
Saturday morning
Assemble 7.30 am sharp at Slieve Donard Carpark Co Down
Event overview – Q&A.
Gear check.
Event safety briefing.
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Climb 1
SLIEVE DONARD 850m
08.00am hike starts on Slieve Donard
Round trip time allocated is 4hrs
Require appropriate hiking gear, food & liquids for hike duration.
Return to the bus and load your gear into the rear trunk of the bus
Direct drive to Lugnaquilla 3hrs (199 km)
CLIMB 2
LUGNAQUILLA 925m
Start climb on Lugnaquilla – 5hr round trip
Return to the bus immediate departure.
Please have your prepared food with you as we will not be stopping.
Direct drive to Carrauntoohil carpark Kerry – 5hrs
CLIMB 3
CARRAUNTOOHIL 1038m
Start night hike on Carrauntoohil Co Kerry – 6hr round trip
Require warm hiking clothes food, liquids and head torch.
Return to the bus immediate departure.
Please have your prepared food with you as we will not be stopping.
Direct drive to Mweelrea Co Mayo – 5hrs.
CLIMB 4
MWEELREA 814m
Start climb on Mweelrea Co Mayo – 4h.30m round trip
Require warm hiking clothes food, liquids and head torch.
Return to the bus immediate departure.
Please have your prepared food with you as we will not be stopping.
Direct drive to Slieve Donard Carpark 5hr (360 km)
NATIONAL 4 PEAKS FINISH
Bus arrives back to Slieve Donard carpark Monday 12.00am
(We will have quick road side toilet stops but we will not be stopping for food or water along the way so please have all you require prepared in advance)
For detailed information, download our Information Pack below.
Includes
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National mountain challenge
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Fully Insured Challenge
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Qualified mountain guides
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Wilderness first responders
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Expertly designed route
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Bus transport with professional drivers
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All transport between the 4 peaks
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National 4 Peaks finishers medal
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Land owners permission
For detailed information, download our Information Pack below.
Practical Info
Frequently asked questions
The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Jason Black Mountaineering, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated Expert Advice page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Not Included in your registration
- Personal Gear clothing etc
- Food
- Snacks
- Liquids
Our code of Practice
The Code of Practice sets out guidelines to ensure that the potential negative effects of the Ireland 4 Peak Challenge are minimised.
Specific National 4 Peak Challenge Guidelines
- Capped number of hikers per event.
- We will Avoid the peak holiday times e.g. bank holidays, and summer solstice to minimise overcrowding on the mountains and the respective valleys’ infrastructure.
- Be aware toilet provisions are very limited so plan accordingly.
- Implemented strictly are the 7 leave no trace principles. Information will be provided to participants on the environmental and land management sensitivities of the areas they will be visiting. We will give participants guidance on how to mitigate their impact as much as possible.
- Individual mountain and site-specific codes of conduct should be followed.
- We will always minimise disturbance and adverse impact on locals and seasonal farmers, giving consideration to the timing of the event for the least disturbance.
- In camp settlement areas, arrival and departure will be agreed upon in advance.
- Strict access and parking locations will be identified, avoiding congestion and the blocking of narrow roads.
- In accordance with Irish Mountaineering guidelines, no dogs are allowed.
Mandatory Kit List?
Check the equipment tab for more information about the Mandatory Kit List.
How Fit Do You Need to Be for the Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge?
The Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge involves climbing the highest peak in each province of Ireland in a short timeframe (usually 24–48 hours). This makes it a test of endurance, hill fitness, and recovery ability. While none of the peaks are extreme in altitude, the challenge involves steep ascents, rough terrain, and back-to-back summits, requiring strong hiking endurance, leg strength, and mental resilience.
📌 The 4 Peaks Overview
Mountain | Province | Elevation | Approx. Hiking Time |
Carrauntoohil (1,038m) | Munster | 1,038m | 5–7 hours |
Lugnaquilla (925m) | Leinster | 925m | 4–6 hours |
Slieve Donard (850m) | Ulster | 850m | 4–5 hours |
Mweelrea (814m) | Connacht | 814m | 5–6 hours |
The total ascent is over 3,500m, and the total distance covered can exceed 35–40 km.
- Most people attempt this challenge within 24–48 hours, meaning limited recovery time.
- You will likely start hikes in the dark and deal with unpredictable Irish weather (wind, rain, and boggy trails).
📌 Physical Requirements for the Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge
1. Endurance & Cardiovascular Fitness
- The challenge involves back-to-back climbs, requiring strong endurance and leg stamina.
- Expect long, steep ascents with rough terrain and boggy sections.
- If attempting the 24-hour version, sleep deprivation and exhaustion will be major factors.
✅ Training Recommendations:
- Hike 15–20 km (9–12 miles) with a 10–15 kg pack at least once a week.
- Stair climbing (30–45 min with a 10 kg pack).
- Running, cycling, or swimming (3–5 times a week, 45–90 min per session).
2. Leg Strength & Load-Carrying Ability
- You’ll be climbing and descending steep trails with uneven footing.
- Lugnaquilla and Carrauntoohil involve long, relentless uphill sections.
- Mweelrea has steep descents that put pressure on the knees and ankles.
✅ Training Recommendations:
- Squats, lunges, deadlifts (for leg power).
- Step-ups (50 cm box) with a weighted pack.
- Planks & core exercises (for stability on uneven terrain).
- Farmer’s carry (15 kg per hand) for grip & pack strength.
3. Recovery & Multi-Day Stamina
- If attempting the challenge in 24 hours, you’ll have very little rest between peaks.
- Recovery and nutrition will play a major role in endurance.
- You need to be comfortable with multiple long hikes over a short period.
✅ Training Recommendations:
- Back-to-back training hikes (Saturday & Sunday) to simulate fatigue.
- Long hikes with limited rest (6–10 hours of continuous movement).
- Practice fueling with snacks and hydration during long hikes.
4. Mental Toughness & Weather Resilience
- Irish weather is unpredictable—expect rain, wind, boggy trails, and cold temperatures.
- You’ll be starting early in the morning or hiking at night with fatigue.
- Some descents (especially Mweelrea) are steep and require careful footwork.
✅ Mental Training:
- Train in harsh conditions (rain, wind, cold, darkness).
- Push through exhaustion with back-to-back training hikes.
- Simulate sleep deprivation by doing an early morning or night hike.
📍 Minimum Fitness Benchmarks for the Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge
You should be able to:
✅ Hike 1,000m+ elevation gain with a 10–12 kg pack (6–8 hrs).
✅ Run 10 km in under 60 minutes (for cardio endurance).
✅ Climb stairs for 45 min with a 10 kg pack.
✅ Handle long trekking days back-to-back (6–10 hrs per day).
⛏ Who Should NOT Attempt This Challenge?
🚫 If you have never done a long-distance or multi-peak trek.
🚫 If you cannot walk uphill for 6–8 hours per day.
🚫 If you struggle with sleep deprivation or limited recovery time.
🚫 If you are not comfortable hiking in wet, slippery conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge is an intense endurance event. If you have solid hill fitness, good endurance, and the ability to recover quickly, you’ll be well-prepared.
Would you like a 12-week training plan for this challenge? Let me know your current fitness level, and I’ll tailor one for you!
12-Week Training Plan for the Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge
This 12-week structured training plan is designed to build cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, multi-day stamina, and recovery ability to successfully complete the Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge. The focus is on long-distance hiking, steep ascents, quick recovery, and mental resilience to prepare for back-to-back mountain climbs in unpredictable Irish weather.
📌 Weekly Training Schedule Overview
Day | Activity |
Monday | Strength Training + Stair Climb with Pack |
Tuesday | Cardio (Running/Cycling) + Core |
Wednesday | Weighted Hike (12–20 km) |
Thursday | Strength + Endurance (Step-ups, Stability) |
Friday | Rest or Light Recovery (Yoga, Stretching) |
Saturday | Long Hike (15–25 km, 1,000–1,500m ascent) |
Sunday | Active Recovery (Swimming, Cycling) or Back-to-Back Hike |
🏋️♂️ Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Building Base Endurance & Strength
Goal: Develop cardiovascular endurance, core stability, and leg strength to handle multiple mountain ascents in one day.
✅ Hiking & Trekking
- 10–15 km (6–9 miles) hikes with a 10 kg backpack.
- 600–1,000m elevation gain.
- 4–6 hours duration.
- Use trekking poles to protect knees on steep descents.
✅ Strength Training (2x per week)
- Squats – 4 sets of 10 reps.
- Lunges – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg.
- Step-ups (50 cm box) with a weighted pack – 3 sets of 12 reps per leg.
- Deadlifts – 3 sets of 8 reps (for core and lower back strength).
- Planks & Hanging Leg Raises (for core strength and stability).
✅ Cardio Training
- 60 min runs or cycling/swimming at moderate intensity.
- Stair climbing (30 min with a 10 kg pack).
- Rowing or incline treadmill for lung capacity improvement.
✅ Recovery & Multi-Day Stamina
- Train with minimal rest between long hikes.
- Simulate sleep deprivation with early morning or night hikes.
🏔 Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8): Strength, Endurance & Multi-Day Adaptation
Goal: Increase hiking difficulty, elevation gain, and recovery ability.
✅ Hiking & Trekking
- 15–20 km (9–12 miles) with a 12 kg pack.
- 1,000–1,200m elevation gain.
- 6–8 hours duration.
- Back-to-back hikes on weekends (Saturday & Sunday).
✅ Strength & Load Carrying (2x per week)
- Step-ups (50 cm box) with a 12 kg pack – 3 sets of 15 reps per leg.
- Deadlifts – 4 sets of 6 reps (for pack-carrying strength).
- Farmer’s Carry (15 kg per hand) – 3 sets of 30m (for grip & backpack strength).
- Planks & Hanging Leg Raises (for core & balance).
✅ Cardio & Endurance
- 70 min continuous run, cycling, or swimming.
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): 5x 3 min fast, 3 min slow.
- Rowing or stair climbing for 45 min with a 12 kg pack.
✅ Technical Training & Terrain Adaptation
- Practice walking on steep, boggy, and uneven terrain.
- Use trekking poles effectively for quick descents.
✅ Recovery & Nutrition Strategy
- Practice fast refuelling and hydration strategies between hikes.
- Simulate eating and drinking while hiking to maintain energy levels.
🏆 Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12): Peak Performance & Challenge Simulation
Goal: Simulate multi-peak trekking, maximise endurance, and finalise preparations.
✅ Hiking & Load-Carrying
- 20–25 km (12–15 miles) with a 12–15 kg pack.
- 1,200–1,500m elevation gain.
- Back-to-back long hikes (Saturday & Sunday) – 7+ hours per day.
- Summit two peaks in a single day to simulate the 4 Peaks Challenge conditions.
✅ Final Strength & Endurance Training
- Stair Climbing (60 min with a 12 kg pack).
- Bulgarian Split Squats – 3 sets of 12 per leg.
- Planks & Hanging Leg Raises – 3 sets of 1 min.
✅ Mental Training & Simulation
- Practice hiking in darkness (start a hike at 3 AM).
- Train in cold, wet, and windy conditions.
- Practice hiking with limited sleep to simulate fatigue.
✅ Recovery & Injury Prevention
- Cold showers & ice baths to prepare for extreme temperatures.
- Stretching & foam rolling to prevent muscle tightness.
📍Final 2 Weeks (Taper & Recovery)
🔹 Reduce heavy training (Taper).
🔹 Focus on mobility, stretching, and rest.
🔹 Test your full gear & pack during a light hike.
🔹 Hydration & nutrition strategy practice.
💡 Key Training Tips
🔹 Train with your boots & backpack early to get used to heavy loads.
🔹Use trekking poles to protect knees on long descents.
🔹 Train slow, steady breathing on steep climbs to improve oxygen efficiency.
🔹Practice on mixed terrain (rock, bog, loose scree, high winds).
🔹 Train in extreme conditions (cold, high wind, night trekking).
🔹 Hydration & nutrition practice – Know what fuels you best.
🔹 Recovery matters! – Foam roll, stretch, and prioritise sleep.
🚀 Are You Ready for the Ireland 4 Peaks Challenge?
✅ Can you hike 1,500m+ with a 12 kg pack?
✅ Can you handle 6–8-hour climbs back-to-back?
✅ Have you trained in cold, wet, and high-wind conditions?
✅ Are you comfortable with long hiking days and quick recovery?
If you check all the boxes, you’re ready for one of Ireland’s ultimate endurance challenges!
Mandatory
Walking boots (with ankle support, not trail shoes or trainers)
Head Torch (as backup)
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Hiking socks (wearing a single pair recommended, rather than using a liner sock)
Backpack (approx. 20 litre size)
Water container (bottle or Camelpak-style, 1-2 litres)
Food & hill snacks (pasta, cereal bars, dried fruit, nuts)
Gloves
Hat (covering ears)
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Recommended, optional
Sunglasses & suncream
Walking poles
Light shoes / sandals
Thermal underwear
Backpack rain cover
Recommended clothing
Walking trousers (lightweight hiking trousers, not jeans or tracksuit trousers)
Sports top (not cotton)
Warm outer layer
Changes of clothes
Personal First Aid kit
Foot care kit
Blister care packs
Antiseptic cream
A tick hook
Duct tape
Triangular bandage
A wound dressing
A crepe bandage
A roll of general purpose medical tape
A selection of plasters and/or Compeed-style blister plasters
Scissors or a knife
A few pairs of rubber or plastic gloves
- On Booking your National 4 Peaks challenge our cancelation policy can be viewed here
