Carrickgollogan

Overview

Rising to 276 m (904 ft) on the eastern fringe of the Dublin Mountains, Carrickgollogan sits on the border of County Dublin and County Wicklow, just south of the suburban districts of Rathmichael and Shankill. The hill is cloaked in an 85‑hectare (210‑acre) mixed‑wood forest managed by Coillte, featuring Lodgepole pine, Noble fir, Japanese larch, Lawson cypress, Scots pine, birch and beech. The woodland intersperses with heathland, furze and patches of farmland, creating a patchwork that supports badgers, rabbits and a variety of birdlife.

From the summit, a viewing rock offers a 360° panorama that stretches from Dublin Bay and the coastal villages of Bray, Howth, Dalkey and Killiney to the rolling Wicklow hills – War Hill, Djouce and Duff Hill – and the distant sea. The vista has been praised since the early 20th century, when Weston St. John Joyce described it as a “fine view of Bray, Howth, Dalkey, and Killiney… and the higher Wicklow hills”.

History

The most striking historic landmark on Carrickgollogan is the granite flue chimney that crowns the northern edge of the hill. Built in 1836 as part of the Ballycorus lead‑mines complex, the chimney is the only surviving example in Ireland of a long‑run flue designed to capture lead vapour from a reverberatory furnace. Workers scraped the precipitated lead from the interior of the flue – a hazardous task that earned the surrounding area the grim nickname “Death Valley”. The chimney, with its external spiral staircase and viewing platform, was once taller than it appears today and was marked on Admiralty charts as a navigational reference.

Open‑cast mining began around 1807; underground work continued intermittently until 1863, and the smelting works remained active until the early 20th century, finally closing in 1913. The valley below the chimney still holds granite furnaces, lime kilns, workers’ cottages and a manager’s house, many of which have been converted into private residences.

Further down the northern slope lie the ruins of Rathmichael’s early‑Christian church and its round‑tower base (≈ 5 m high). The site, enclosed by what was once one of Ireland’s largest ringforts, dates back to the mid‑7th century and contains a unique collection of Rathdown grave slabs – nine of which are set into the south wall of the ruined church. These slabs display Norse‑influenced motifs such as concentric circles and herring‑bone patterns.

A small fortified dwelling known as “Puck’s Castle” also dots the hillside. Likely erected around 1537 by Peter Talbot, the two‑storey stone building bears the marks of centuries of weathering and occasional folklore about a fairy piper.

On the southern slope a stone plaque commemorates Dr Nathaniel Alcock (d. 1904), inscribed with a Seneca quotation on solitary contemplation – a reminder of the hill’s long association with quiet reflection.

Pre‑historic activity is hinted at by a now‑re‑buried wedge tomb discovered during a gas‑pipeline installation and a three‑stone trilithon that may have been a portal or wedge tomb.

What to See & Do

Lead Mines Way (Orange)

• Length: 2.3 km (≈ 40 min)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: The distinctive flue chimney, mixed‑wood scenery, occasional wildlife sightings. The trail is way‑marked with orange discs and loops anticlockwise from the car‑park. A short detour leads to the viewing rock for a quick panorama.

Mountain Access Trail

• Length: 0.5 km (≈ 30 min)
• Difficulty: Moderate (short but steeper ascent)
• Highlights: Direct climb to the summit’s viewing rock, offering the most expansive 360° outlook over Dublin, Wicklow and the Irish Sea.

Dublin Mountains Way

The long‑distance Dublin Mountains Way (42.6 km) threads through Carrickgollogan, linking Shankill to Tallaght. Hikers can join the Way for a longer trek or simply enjoy the section that passes the chimney and viewing rock.

Orienteering & Audio‑Poetry

Three permanent orienteering courses (Short 1.7 km, Medium 2.4 km, Advanced 2.4 km) are laid out among the trees, with downloadable maps on the Coillte site. The “Sky Walkers” audio‑poetry project by Méadhbh O’Connor places listening stations at key points, including the chimney and the viewing rock, adding a meditative layer to the walk.

Nearby Historical Sites

• Rathmichael Church & Round Tower – a short walk north of the summit.
• Puck’s Castle – a small rectangular ruin that hints at 16th‑century defensive architecture.
• Alcock Memorial – a stone plaque set into the rock face on the southern slope.

Flora & Fauna

The mixed‑wood plantation supports a range of native and introduced species. Conifers such as Lodgepole pine and Noble fir dominate the higher ground, while birch and beech provide autumn colour. Birdwatchers can spot sparrowhawks, woodpeckers and occasional red‑kites soaring above the ridge. The heathland and furze support small mammals – badgers and rabbits – and seasonal butterflies like the meadow brown.

Dog‑Friendly & Family Tips

Dogs are welcome on all marked trails but must be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and other walkers. Bring a bag for waste – visitors have noted a lack of bins near the car‑park. The main loop is wide enough for strollers, and the gentle gradients make it suitable for families with young children.

Mountain Biking & Other Activities

While the official trails are footpaths, the forest contains several informal mountain‑bike tracks that weave between the pine stands. Riders should keep to the designated walking routes to avoid disturbing the orienteering courses and wildlife. The area is also popular for casual picnicking and photography, especially during the golden hour when the sea‑ward view catches the sunset.

Visitor Tips & Safety

• Parking: The car‑park is small (approximately 10‑20 spaces) and fills quickly at weekends; aim to arrive early, especially in summer.
• Weather: The summit can be windy; on days with Met Éireann red‑wind warnings the site may be closed. Check the Dublin Mountains Partnership website for real‑time updates.
• Facilities: No toilets or café on‑site. Kilternan village, a short drive away, offers refreshments and public restrooms.
• Leave No Trace: Stick to the paths, take litter home and respect the historic chimney and archaeological features.

Practical Information

Getting There

• By car: From the M50, exit at Junction 15, follow signs to Kilternan, then turn left onto Barnaslingan Lane. After 1.9 km turn left into the car‑park (approximately 300 m up the lane).
• On foot: The Dublin Mountains Way provides a 4.5 km approach from Shankill and a 2 km link from Kilternan via Barnaslingan Wood.
• By bus: Route 44 stops on the Enniskerry road; a 2 km walk leads to the trailhead.

Visitor Amenities

The site offers a basic car‑park, marked walking trails, and permanent orienteering courses. No café or toilet facilities are present on‑site, but the nearby village of Kilternan provides refreshments and restrooms.

Seasonal Notes

The chimney and viewing rock are visible year‑round, but the best panoramas occur on clear days when the sea and Wicklow hills are unobstructed. The forest canopy is especially photogenic in autumn, when the conifers turn golden‑brown.