Anthony Adams Reilly (1836–1885) was a distinguished Irish mountaineer and cartographer whose work transformed Alpine exploration. Born at Belmont House, Mullingar, Reilly was educated at Rugby School and Oxford, where his passion for the Alps began. Joining the Alpine Club in 1862, he quickly gained renown for his climbs and meticulous surveys. His landmark achievement was the first accurate map of the Mont Blanc chain, published in 1865, which remained a standard reference for decades. Reilly collaborated with Edward Whymper on several first ascents, including Mt. Dolent and Aiguilled’Argentière, though he narrowly missed the historic Matterhorn climb.
His contributions earned him honorary memberships in Swiss and French Alpine clubs, and several Alpine features—such as Aiguille Adams Reilly and Col Adams Reilly—bear his name. After returning to Ireland in 1881,he settled in Delgany, Co. Wicklow, but failing health led to his death in Dublin in April 1885. His final resting place is in Annagh Churchyard on the shores of Lough Derg within the Minchin family plot linked through marriage. A memorial cross adorned with Alpine flowers like edelweiss and gentian marks his grave, a poignant reminder of an Irishman whose legacy spans from Lough Derg to the peaks of Mont Blanc.
Sources:
Kevin Higgins, ‘The Life of O’Reilly’ published in the Tipperary Historical Journal 2010.
