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Summit Science

How did Divis help measure the size and shape of the planet?

  • Booking essential
  • Free event

Two hundred years ago, ‘geodesy’ was a major scientific quest. The Ordnance Survey of Ireland played a key role in this endeavour. It involved making accurate observations using state of the art surveying instruments, set up on top of Divis. The mountain became a hive of scientific activity.

Today, modern mapping techniques and survey technologies can help us locate where the survey teams camped and learn about how they did their work, while living in what is a hostile and challenging upland environment.

Join mapping experts Keith Lilley and Ken Stewart on a guided walk to the summit of Divis Mountain.

Times

The basics

Booking details

Call n/a

Suitability

+14

Meeting point

Divis Cafe Barn building

What to bring and wear

Suitable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothes

Accessibility

Steep and uneven terrain

Contact info

Divis & the Black Mountain

Upcoming events

Winter Solstice Walk 

Embrace the beauty of the winter solstice with a sunset walk to the summit of Divis Mountain. Journey through tranquil landscapes before taking in the spectacular sunset view from the top.

Event summary

on
21 Dec 2025
at 14:00 to 15:30