Slemish facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Slemish
Sliabh Mis
Highest point
Elevation	437 m (1,434 ft)
Prominence	150 m (490 ft)
Listing	Marilyn
Naming
English translation	Mis' Mountain
Geography
Slemish Location in Northern Ireland
Location	Antrim, Northern Ireland
Parent range	Antrim Hills
OSI/OSNI grid	D221054
Geology
Mountain type	Volcanic plug

Slemish is a small, special mountain in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It's also known as Slieve Mish, which means 'Mis's mountain' in Irish. You can find it a few miles east of Ballymena, in a place called Carnstroan.

Many people believe that Saint Patrick lived here when he was young. He was brought to Ireland as a slave and looked after sheep on Slemish. During this time, he became very close to God.

Slemish is actually what's left of an extinct volcano. It's like the hard core, or "plug," of the old volcano. This plug is made of a tough rock called dolerite. It formed a very, very long time ago, during the Palaeogene period.

The mountain looks very unique. Its top parts are steep and rocky. But the lower slopes are gentle fields, and to the east, there's flat bogland. This makes Slemish stand out in the landscape for miles around!

Slemish is a protected area, which helps keep its special plants and animals safe. It's a great spot for watching birds. You might see large black ravens, buzzards, wheatears, and meadow pipits flying around.

History of Slemish

Slemish Mountain is famous for being the first home of Saint Patrick in Ireland. The story says that when Patrick was captured and brought to Ireland as a slave, he worked as a shepherd on Slemish. He was about 16 years old and stayed there for six years, looking after sheep for a man named Milchu.

During this lonely time, Patrick prayed a lot. He found comfort in his prayers. One day, he had a vision that told him to escape and go back home.

He managed to escape and returned to his own country. Later, he became a priest. He then came back to Ireland, hoping to teach his old master about Christianity. People say that Patrick's own strong belief in God grew while he was on Slemish. He spent a lot of time outdoors, praying in all kinds of weather.

Patrick wasn't the very first Christian leader in Ireland. His work mostly happened in the northern parts. He helped set up churches and a system for bishops. One church is thought to have been built nearby at Skerry Churchyard.

Much later, in 1798, Slemish was used as a camp by a group called the Society of the United Irishmen. This was during a big rebellion in County Antrim.

Fun Activities at Slemish

Slemish Mountain is open for visitors all year. On Saint Patrick's Day, March 17th, many people walk to the top of the mountain. It's a special tradition, like a pilgrimage.

The walk to the top and back is about one and a half kilometers. It usually takes about an hour if the weather is good. From the top, you can see amazing views!

• To the east, you can see the coasts of Antrim and even Scotland.
• To the west, you can often spot Ballymena town, Lough Neagh, and the Sperrin Mountains.
• Looking north, you can see the Bann Valley and the higher parts of the Antrim Hills.

The climb up Slemish is steep and rocky, going up about 180 meters. There's a parking area with information boards and restrooms available for visitors.

Slemish in Books

Slemish is mentioned in a book called Climbing Slemish by Dennis Campbell Kennedy. This book tells the story of a family's life in Northern Ireland over a hundred years.

Images for kids

• 

  Slemish from Buckna

• 

  Slemish from Carnstroan Lane

• 

  Slemish from Collin Road

• 

  Slemish from Racavan Road

• 

  Slemish from Shilnavogy Road