An adventure-seeking Glenties man is preparing for the ultimate hiking challenge this week, as he plans to hike 10 of Ireland’s highest mountains in seven days.
Starting from Monday, Ronan O’Donnell and two friends will tackle ten hikes totalling 9,043m. That’s taller than Everest!
Ronan, aged 29, is a primary school teacher with a passion for videography through his company Dronan Media. He is teaming up with fellow content creators Marius Monaghan and Aidan Fitzgerald for the challenge, which is being supported by Irish outdoor clothing brand Portwest and Bunk Campers. Aidan is a native of Kerry while Marius is from Co Tyrone and has close links to south Donegal.
The trio’s aim is to showcase Ireland’s amazing landscape and to inspire others to reach new heights by taking on their own challenges this summer.
Beginning in the Mourne Mountains with Sliabh Donard, the lads are targeting up to two peaks per day before the grand finale at Carrauntoohil in the Magillycuddy Reeks. Each step of the way, they will document their journey to share with their large number of followers on social media.
Speaking to Donegal Daily, Ronan said the challenge was right up his street, as he’s always seeking the next adventure. His videography company has brought him some amazing opportunities with businesses, concerts and weddings in recent years and he’s become a highly sought-after creator.
Ronan said: “This year I set some goals that included hiking some of Ireland’s highest mountains, when the idea of this challenge arose, I jumped straight on. It’s going to be a serious test of willpower and I’m looking forward to that feeling of standing on top Carrauntoohil when it’s all over.
“My only fear is that I will get injured, but I think I’ll be able to complete the task. I am putting everything I can into place to make sure my recovery is good. I’m planning to swim in between hikes and I have my massage gun packed.”
Ronan O’Donnell is an experienced climber who is often chasing sunsets and sunrises
Ronan may scale Errigal mountain regularly, but he’s only hiked one of the 10 mountains listed in the challenge. Six are in Kerry, two are in the Wicklow Mountains and the Galtymore is on the border between Limerick and Tipperary.
He said: “This is my first proper challenge that will be mentally and physically draining, but I’m looking forward to seeing new parts of Ireland, showcasing them and documenting them.
“Being from Donegal, ideally I’d like to include a mountain in Donegal but this challenge is about the tallest peaks. I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Maybe the next one will be the highest peaks in every county!”
With their social media skills combined, Ronan, Marius and Aidan will be sharing daily recap videos and impressive stories of the highs and lows of their adventures. Stay tuned to their Instagram pages from Monday via the links below:
