Climb Lugnaquilla

Glenmalure, Fraughan Rock Glen and Art’s Lough – day hike (Hard)

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We climb Lugnaquilla via Fraughan Rock Glen, which offers a more gradual and scenic route to the summit, at 925 metres. This is the highest point in Leinster and one of only 13 mountains over 3000ft in Ireland. In good weather there are superb views across the Wicklow mountains, and beyond to the coast, even as far as Wales! One of our most popular itineraries.

About Lugnaquilla guided day hike in the Wicklow Hills

We start at the site of the memorial stone to the 1798 rebellion and make our way up a forest road into Fraughan Rock Glen, a lovely secluded valley of rocky outcrops and heather and bilberry clad slopes. Steadily gaining height as we climb Lugnaquilla, we reach the broad northern ridge of the mountain which we use to gain access to the summit plateau, a wide expanse of wind swept short vegetation, before reaching the large summit cairn.

Lugnaquilla is the highest mountain in Co. Wicklow at 931 metres (3054 ft.) and one of the ‘4 summits’. (The highest point in each province of Ireland).

From the summit we head east, down another broad ridge, taking in the superb views as the whole of the Wicklow mountains are laid out before us, before dropping down to Art’s Lough and into the forest. Soon we reach a forest track and the final leg down through the trees and back to our cars. The hike should take around 6½ hours and we should return to Dublin by approx. 18.00.

Transport is available for this hike from Dublin city. Please specify at the checkout that you require transport and we will send you a link to make payment.

MEETING POINT

Baravore car park, Glenmalure 10.30am

RETURN TIME

To Dublin approx. 6.00pm

EQUIPMENT

Good waterproof boots and waterproof clothing are essential – walking trousers are advised or comfortable athletic clothing, (no jeans please); spare warm layer; hat and gloves; lunch and/or snacks; water or juice drink, (1.5 litres); small rucksack to carry it all in.

TRANSPORT

Limited transport is available from Dublin. Meet at the Molly Malone statue in Suffolk Street, at 09.00, – additional €10 per person, please state at the checkout that you require transport and we will send a link to make payment.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Professional mountain leader with first aid certification and full insurance.

Insights into the history, flora and fauna of the Wicklow mountains.

Specialist hiking clothing.

Food and drink.

How to get to the start:

To get to Glenmalure from Dublin take the N11 heading south. Get off at Kilmacanogue, (R775), and head for Roundwood . Go through Roundwood, then Annamoe and on to Laragh. Turn left in the centre of the village towards Rathdrum, (R775), and after a kilometre turn right for Glenmalure. On reaching the Drumgoff crossroads, turn right and follow the small road up the valley to the car park at the end.

Lugnaquilla Testimonials:

Don’t Just Be a Tourist – Climb A Mountain!
“…If like us you wish to escape tourism and experience the wonderful Irish hills, we 100% recommend Russ and Mountain Trails, couldn’t fault our two trips in any way and certainly superb value for money.” Les and Ruth – reviewed 25th June 2015