Slievenamon, Sliabh na mBan or 'Mountain of the Women'

As I write this Storm Fionn is hitting Ireland and bringing with it snow, heavy winds and high seas.

It's rather fitting then that last week I climbed a mountain in County Tipperary called Slievenamon, whose Irish name means Mountain of the Women.

This 721m high mountain sits at the end of a long ridge stretching across the south east of Ireland.

It was an important mountain in Irish mythology having been the place chosen by an important mythological figure, often described as a giant, Finn or Fionn MacCumhaill as the site of a race - the winner would be the first woman to ascend Slievenamon who would win Fionn's hand in marriage.

Finn, as you might already know, is the hero/god/giant who created the Giant's Causeway, Lough Neagh and the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea according to legend. 

So check out the video of my short ascent of Slievenamon from the green Suir Valley to the white, icy wonderland on top with stunning views of the Munster Vales and the counties of this part of Ireland situated along the driving route known as Ireland's Ancient East, like the present Storm Fionn it was blowing a gale at 721m above sea level.

The video is hosted on YouTube but you can watch it here on this page by playing it.