Overview
Rising to 276 metres on the eastern edge of the Dublin Mountains, Carrickgollogan straddles the border between County Dublin and County Wicklow. Just south of Rathmichael and Shankill, the hill is covered in an 85-hectare mixed woodland managed by Coillte. Lodgepole pine, noble fir, Japanese larch and Scots pine mix with native birch and beech, creating a dense canopy that opens onto heathland and furze. The forest floor supports badgers, rabbits and a steady rotation of birdlife, making it a quiet escape less than thirty minutes from the city centre.
The main draw is the summit viewpoint, which delivers a clear 360° sweep from Dublin Bay to the Wicklow ridge. On a clear day, you can trace the coastline past Bray, Howth, Dalkey and Killiney, while inland the outlines of War Hill, Djouce and Duff Hill stand out against the horizon. Weston St. John Joyce noted the quality of this vista in the early 1900s, and it remains one of the most reliable lookouts in the southern Dublin hills.
The Historic Flue Chimney & Industrial Past
The granite flue chimney on the northern ridge is Ireland’s only surviving example of a long-run flue from the 19th-century lead-mining industry. Built in 1836 for the Ballycorus lead-mines complex, the chimney was designed to capture lead vapour from a nearby reverberatory furnace. Workers had to scrape the condensed metal from the interior – a dangerous job that gave the surrounding valley the grim nickname “Death Valley”. The structure once stood taller than it does today and was marked on Admiralty charts as a navigational aid for ships in the bay.
Open-cast mining began around 1807, with underground work continuing until 1863 and smelting operations running until 1913. The valley below still holds the foundations of granite furnaces, lime kilns and workers’ cottages, many now converted into homes.
Further down the northern slope, the ruins of Rathmichael’s early-Christian church and its 5-metre round-tower base date to the mid-7th century. The site sits within the remains of one of Ireland’s largest ringforts and features nine Rathdown grave slabs set into the south wall, carved with Norse-influenced concentric circles and herringbone patterns. A short walk away, the two-storey stone ruin known as Puck’s Castle likely dates to 1537, built by Peter Talbot. On the southern slope, a stone plaque commemorates Dr Nathaniel Alcock (d. 1904), inscribed with a Seneca quote on solitary contemplation – a fitting nod to the hill’s long reputation as a place for quiet reflection.
Walking Trails & Activities
Carrickgollogan’s paths are clearly waymarked and cater to casual walkers, families and route planners.
Lead Mines Way (Orange)
- Length: 2.3 km (approx. 40 minutes)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Route: Loops anticlockwise from the car park. Waymarked with orange discs, this trail passes the flue chimney and mixed woodland. A short detour leads to the viewing rock for a quick panorama.
Mountain Access Trail
- Length: 0.5 km (approx. 30 minutes)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route: A steeper, direct climb to the summit’s viewing rock. Choose this if you want the most expansive outlook without covering extra distance.
Dublin Mountains Way
The 42.6 km long-distance route threads through Carrickgollogan, linking Shankill to Tallaght. Hikers can join the Way for a multi-day trek or simply walk the section that passes the chimney and summit.
Orienteering & Audio-Poetry
Three permanent orienteering courses (Short 1.7 km, Medium 2.4 km, Advanced 2.4 km) are laid out through the trees. Downloadable maps are available on the Coillte website. For a different pace, the “Sky Walkers” audio-poetry project by Méadhbh O’Connor places listening stations at key points, including the chimney and viewing rock, adding a reflective layer to the walk.
Wildlife & Woodland
The plantation’s mix of conifers and broadleaf trees supports a steady cycle of seasonal colour. Birch and beech bring autumn gold, while the heathland and furze provide cover for small mammals. Birdwatchers regularly spot sparrowhawks, woodpeckers and occasional red kites circling the ridge. Meadow brown butterflies are common in summer, and the open slopes are ideal for spotting foxes at dawn or dusk.
Practical Information & Getting There
- Parking: The free car park holds roughly 10–20 vehicles. It fills quickly on weekends and clear summer days; arriving before 10:00 or after 16:00 helps avoid the queue.
- Facilities: There are no toilets, cafés or bins on-site. Bring a bag for litter and plan a stop in nearby Kilternan for refreshments and public toilets.
- Dogs & Families: Dogs are welcome on all marked trails but must be kept on a lead to protect nesting birds and other walkers. The main loop is wide and relatively flat, making it suitable for strollers and young children.
- Weather & Safety: The summit is exposed and can be very windy. The site closes during Met Éireann red-wind warnings. Check the Dublin Mountains Partnership website for real-time updates before heading out. Paths are unpaved and can be muddy after rain; waterproof footwear is recommended.
Transport Options
- By car: Exit the M50 at Junction 15, follow signs to Kilternan, then turn left onto Barnaslingan Lane. After 1.9 km, turn left into the car park (approx. 300 m up the lane).
- By bus: Dublin Bus route 44 stops on the Enniskerry Road. From there, it’s a 2 km walk to the trailhead via the Dublin Mountains Way.
- On foot: Approach from Shankill (4.5 km) or Kilternan (2 km via Barnaslingan Wood) if you prefer to park further away and walk in.
The car park gates operate on seasonal hours, so check the opening times before setting out. If you’re planning a sunset walk, arrive at least an hour early to secure a parking space and allow time for the short climb to the viewing rock. Pack a light windbreaker – the ridge temperature drops noticeably once you clear the tree line.