• See also the Coillte information on Carrickgolligan, which includes a trail map;
• The wikipedia page on Carrickgollogan;
• And a brief history of the lead mine.

Route

• Starting in the carpark, find the Coillte map showing the trails. From this map, bear right and follow the wide path towards Carrickgollogan – the hill will quickly become visible as a low summit through the trees.
• As you get approach Carrickgollogan, bear right off the main path onto a smaller path that leads through the trees and winds up to the summit of Carrickgollogan. Despite its low height, on a clear day the panoramic views are excellent.
• Retrace your steps back down the hill and rejoin the main path. Continue along the main path, which will bear left and continue through the woods. Keep on the main path – don’t follow the paths heading downhill to the right (unless you would like to do some pleasant exploring of the woods) – and you will eventually come to the edge of woods and see open fields. Bear right and you’ll shortly arrive at the lead chimney. Although its high, its will not be visible until you get quite close, as the view is obscured by the trees.
• At the chimney, an optional detour is to walk downhill following the chimney flue (which is underground but visible as a raised mound leading northwards). The brambles at the bottom are v. good, but come at the cost of the walk back uphill.
• After exploring the chimney, return to the woods and continue along the path to the right. As before, keep bearing left and you will end up back at the car park.
• If you would like to extend the walk, its only a short distance from the car park to the Scalp.

View Carrickgollogan & Lead Chimney in a larger map

A short walk for a summer evening, the main highlights being the ruined Hellfire Club and the spectacular views across Dublin city. The walk is circular and can be done in either direction, but its recommended to go clockwise (starting out along the forestry road, returning directly downhill) to best enjoy the views on the return leg.

Hellfire Club

Path from Hellfire Club back to car park

Route
The route is straightforward and follows well trodden paths. Starting at the car park, walk the length of the car park to where a forestry road starts. Follow this road for about 1km as it twists through the woods, then take the sharp right turn onto another forestry road that appears as the main road bends to the left and heads downhill. Although there a few muddy paths leading off from the main road, the right turn you want is the first one onto a proper forestry road and so is easy enough to spot. Follow the road for about 300m to find the Hellfire Club. This is a ruined building with a colourful history – see, for example wikipedia for more details. There are great views over Dublin city from here. Continue past the Hellfire Club following a narrow path downhill through the trees. This leads directly back to the car park.

View Hellfire Club in a larger map

Surely one of the most popular walks of all time near Dublin. A favourite walk for all ages with fantastic views down the coast and inland to the Wicklow mountains. The shorter walk can be done in about an hour there and back (maybe an hour and a half with smaller children), with the longer route starting from Kilmacanoge taking about 2.5 hours. Children love the scramble up the rocky path near the summit, and the scamble back down, although younger children will need adult help.

Sugar Loaf viewed from Powerscourt Waterfall Walk

View from start of short route

Short Route

Probably the most difficult part of this route is finding the small side route leading to the hill – see map below. Park at the foot of the hill (there used to be a car park, but its now closed so its necessary to park at the side of the road). Follow the path, which is clearly visible, to the top of the hill.

Short route is marked in blue, longer route in green. View Larger Map

Longer Route

Again, probably the hardest part of this route is finding the starting point.

• Take the exit from the N11 into Kilmacanoge village and immediately take the left hand turn up a narrow road to the GAA ground. Along the side of the GAA ground is a path that marks the start of the route.
• Follow the path to the shoulder of the Sugar Loaf. A clearly marked path then leads along the shoulder and up to the summit.
• On the return, it possible to retrace your steps. But an alternative is to continue south and circle around the Sugar Loaf. Head for the Glen of the Downs and join the path that leads north back to the GAA ground.

See google map above.

Other Maps

Click on map to enlarge

Click on map to enlarge. Route starts from Kilmacanoge.