Lugnaquilla
Duration: About 5 hours
Lugnaquilla is the highest mountain in Wicklow and the only Munro (i.e. hill above 3000ft). It rewards the effort of climbing it with panoramic views over Glendalough and the Wicklow hills and views inland over the Blessington Lakes and Co. Kildare. There are a number of possible routes up Lugnaquilla – the one given here passes the dramatic cliffs of Fraughan Rock Glen and takes a short but steep route to the summit.
This walk is not suitable for inexperienced walkers.
 Fraughan Rock Glen |
 Fraughan River |
 Lugnaquilla summit from Clohernagh |
Route
- Start from the car park at the end of the Glenmalure road, near to the youth hostel. Follow the small path north-west from the car park along the side of the river to find a small footbridge. Cross the river and continue along the road past the youth hostel.
- Fork left uphill a short distance after the youth hostel, following a forestry road up into Fraughan Rock Glen.
- In Fraughan Rock Glen the path follows beside the river, with the path gradually deteriorating as the river descends the steep slope at the head of the glen. Follow the path up to emerge onto an open area at the head of the glen with the summit of Lugnaquilla now visible in front.
- At this point one option is to bear right to reach the lower part of the northern shoulder of Lugnaquilla and then follow the shoulder to the summit. A shorter alternative is to bear left and take a more direct (and steeper) path up to the shoulder. In either case, once on the shoulder, the path to the summit is clear.
- Returning from the summit, head east along a gentle slope to reach the summit of Clohernagh.
- Follow the path east that descends the shoulder of Clohernagh (keep to the north of the shoulder to find the path) to join the Wicklow Way at the dramatic Carrawaystick Waterfall. Follow the path down to the Glenmalure road and return to the car park.
- An alternative descent is to begin following the path east from Clohernagh, but then bear north and descend to Arts Lough. Then follow the forest road down into Glenmalure.
Other Maps
The google map above lacks detail and is indicative only. Do invest in a suitable map before going on this walk (e.g. see links below).
(8 votes, average: 3.13 out of 5)
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June 28th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
lookin for a guide for a charity walk sat 2nd
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:36 pm
The map is wrong. Fraughan Rock Glen is the one to the South.
July 5th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Thanks, should be fixed now.
August 1st, 2011 at 7:31 am
would the people in the two cars which were parked near the barrier at the start of walk (just above the An Oige centre) please go back and cleanup after you the only word that describes you people is knackers
August 1st, 2011 at 10:38 pm
I agree with Des. My first visit to the Glenmalure area over the weekend and I was appalled by the mess left up toward fraughan rock Glen by the knackers that were parked up. Also a car was in the ditch near the youth hostel on Sunday morning and by Sunday afternoon it was completely burnt out! Plenty of well meaning campers in the area but I wouldn’t be enticed, I can only imagine what happens after dark up there.
August 11th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Looking for accommadion near the mountains and a bar for two adults and two children. Were climbing the four highest peaks in the four provinces of lreland. Have completed three and this will be our last! !!
August 12th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
The Glenmalure Inn does bed and breakfast. There is also a hostel near by.
January 2nd, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Please can you send me some information on Lughnaquilla.
My address Shanid 166 Rochestown Avenue Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin.
Such as best/worst time weather etc. Also send same to Mr David O’Farrell 95 Beaumont Road Cambridge CB1 8PX Cambridgeshire England.
January 3rd, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Stephen
Mountain can be climbed at any time of year but take care in winter as snow and ice are not always obvious from base. Make sure you have decent boots and proper all weather gear as its definitely not a stroll. Map compass etc all essential as the summit can be shrouded in cloud with very little warning and there are steep cliffs at the south prison leading from summit. Most strightforward route is from Fentons pub in Glen of Imaal. In winter in particular note that this can take 5 or 6 hours – make sure you leave enough daylight to complete safely.
see http://www.holidaywicklow.com for accommodation
Happy Hiking
Dave