5 Top Tips for Climbing Lugnaquilla mountain

Lugnaquilla is the highest mountain in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, and at 925 metres it is the highest point in Ireland outside of Co. Kerry.

Shaped rather like a large upturned Christmas pudding with 3 large bites taken out of it, there are a number of ways to climb this mountain, all of which lead to the large stone summit cairn, topped by a triangulation pillar.

The summit plateau is a bare undulating surface of short, wind swept vegetation. Paths are indistinct at best, and very hard to follow in low cloud, which often shrouds this mountain.

To the northwest of the summit is the ‘North Prison’, a large glacial cwm with steep sides, carved out during the last ice age. Frequented by winter climbers, it offers the best chance of winter climbing conditions in the east of Ireland.

Close to the summit to the southeast is the South Prison, another cwm formed by the ice, also steep sided this can be approached through the forests of Aughavannagh.

Finally, the third ‘bite’ is a much larger but less steep glacial valley to the northeast, variously known as the ‘Green Corner’ or the ‘Green Banks’. Lugnaquilla can be summited with relative ease from this side, but beware, there are no paths and in poor visibility it is so easy to get disoriented here.

Winter Hiking on Lugnaquilla

The three most popular routes up the mountain follow the three ridges formed by the intersection of these glacial valleys, to the north, east and west. They are described below.

To the west of the mountain lies the Glen of Imaal, a military firing range owned by the defence forces. There are two permitted paths crossing the periphery of the range, but they are closed on most weekdays, when firing takes place. It is important to note that the valley here, the ground between Table Mountain and Camarahill has no permitted access, and is potentially dangerous even when firing is not taking place as there may be unexploded ordnance in the area.

If you are planning to climb Lugnaquilla, here are my five top tips:

1) Plan your route

There are a number of ways to climb Lugnaquilla mountain, some are more difficult than others. Ascents via any of the three glacial cwms require confident footwork and capable navigation. There is no access to the North Prison from the floor of the Glen of Imaal.

Many climbers return by their outward path, but there are some route combinations that can give a superb horseshoe circuit and return you to your start point.

The three most popular routes to the summit are: