O’Donnell’s Rock offers excellent ridge and thermal soaring conditions, with significant cross-country potential. However, pilots must observe restricted airspace above 2500 feet for the first few kilometres. Permission can be obtained from Sligo ATC as detailed below.
Location: Irish Grid ref G 883 352
Wind Directions: North-west, 280 – 330 degrees
Suitability: Hang Gliding and Paragliding
Pilot Rating: BHPA Pilot
Road Access
From Manorhamilton, follow the R280 Drumshambo Road south for about 3 miles. O’Donnell’s Rock is signposted. There is a bumpy track up the face, which is now only passable with 4WD, but there is an acceptable route for normal cars around the south-west end of the ridge. Take a left turn off the R280 and follow a series of minor roads up the back, passing through one unlocked gate.
Parking
There are several parking areas on the plateau behind the ridge, ensuring that access is not blocked.
Site Access
As described above. Please refer to the picture for clarity.
Special Site Rules
N/A
Hazards
O’Donnell’s Rock can be a strongly thermic site, and severe turbulence from rotor or thermals has been experienced when top landing on the plateau behind the face. Be aware of electricity lines running parallel to the ridge between the launch and the road.
Launch
The launch is a convenient, though fairly low, take-off located at the southern end of a small bowl near where the front, back, and plateau tracks meet. A walk to the rounded edge of the ridge proper provides a less committing launch.
Bottom Landing Zone
The fields in front of the ridge are small and down-sloping, but better, though boggier, fields are located beyond the main R280 Drumshambo Road.
Top Landing Zone
Top landing is possible on the high, rounded cliff edge, though this is not always achievable. If forced to land on the plateau behind launch, expect turbulence. Severe turbulence from rotor or thermal activity has resulted in at least one significant injury when pilots have top landed on the plateau.
Air Traffic Control Restrictions
The Sligo CTA airspace panhandle extends directly over the site. This starts at 2500ft Alt and cannot be entered unless a special temporary arrangement has been agreed with Sligo ATC (+353 1671 8655).
