Overview
Corrig (Irish: An Charraig, “the rock”) rises to 617.1 m (2,025 ft) in the Dublin Mountains, making it one of the higher summits in County Dublin but not the highest – Kippure (757 m) holds that title. It ranks 258th‑highest peak in Ireland and sits on the edge of Wicklow National Park, forming part of the watershed for the River Liffey and River Dodder.
The summit is a broad, boggy plateau with little rock left on the surface – a contrast to the name which originally described the rocky outcrops that once dominated the top. The bedrock is pale‑grey, fine‑to‑coarse‑grained granite (type 2e equigranular).
History & Name
The Irish name An Charraig reflects the historic rocky character of the hill. Early maps recorded the anglicised form Corriganoura, supplied by the Placenames Commission informant PNCW. The mountain forms part of the historic “Circuit of Kilbride”, a quartet of summits – Seahan, Corrig, Seefingan and Seefin – that marked the boundary of the former Kilbride Rifle Range on the Dublin/Wicklow border. Small stone boundary markers are still visible on Corrig’s ridge.
Archaeological surveys have identified prehistoric activity in the surrounding area dating back up to 5,000 years, but Corrig itself lacks a megalithic tomb. Nearby peaks host the classic “holy mountains” cairns described in the Irish Times (2015). Local legend links the Glenasmole Valley east of Corrig to the Fianna, with Fionn McCumhaill’s Stone said to have been carried down from Corrig.
Geology & Landscape
The summit’s boggy surface is the result of glacial till overlying the granite bedrock. Scramblers and quad‑bikes have churned parts of the bog, making navigation tricky in poor visibility. Because the top is featureless, walkers should carry a map, compass or GPS and be aware of the nearby Kilbride Rifle Range – an unintended descent into the range can occur in fog or heavy rain.
Walking & Outdoor Activities
Corrig is most often tackled as part of a longer ridge walk, but several routes allow a summit‑only outing:
- Via Seahan – the most popular approach, starting from the Seahan car‑park (grid reference O108 200). The trail follows a well‑marked ridge before turning onto the summit plateau.
- Upper Reservoir Loop – a shorter 4‑km circuit that begins at the Bohernabreena Reservoir car‑park, circles the waterworks and reaches Corrig via a gentle ascent.
- Kilbride Circuit – a 12‑km loop linking Seahan, Corrig, Seefingan and Seefin, ideal for peak‑baggers targeting the four “Kilbride hills”.
- Private‑road option – a minor road from Bohernabreena (grid reference O073 200) climbs to about 480 m, shaving off much of the ascent. Access beyond the gate may require farmer permission; local walkers report a friendly response when asked.
All routes are marked on the Dublin Mountains Partnership maps (available online) and are suitable for walkers of moderate ability. Sturdy, waterproof boots are recommended due to the boggy terrain. Dogs are allowed but should be kept under control, especially near the rifle‑range boundary.
Practical Information
Getting there – From Dublin city centre, take the N81 to Tallaght, then the R113 to Oldbawn. Turn right onto the Bohernabreena Road (R114) and follow signs to the Bohernabreena Waterworks car‑park. The Upper Reservoir Loop or the Dublin Mountains Way provide the main trailheads.
Parking – A small car‑park with about 15 spaces sits beside the reservoir. It fills quickly on weekends, so early arrival is advisable. The private‑road option has limited roadside parking; a farmer’s gate may restrict vehicle access.
Trail conditions – Paths are generally well‑maintained but become very wet after rain. In winter, snow and ice may cover the ridge; check recent trip reports before setting out.
Maps & resources – OSI sheet 56 (Wicklow, Dublin, Kildare) covers the area. Detailed route descriptions and GPX tracks are available on the Dublin Mountains Partnership site and on community‑run hill‑walking pages such as MountainViews.ie (summit 247).
Seasonal notes – The busiest months are May, June and February. Winter ascents require extra caution due to possible ice and reduced visibility.
Safety – Because the summit is open and featureless, carry a compass or GPS and be prepared for rapid weather changes. The Föhn effect can create clearer conditions on the lee side of the range, but wind can also bring sudden rain.
Nearby Attractions
- Bohernabreena Reservoir – offers picnic areas, nature trails and views of Corrig, Seefingan and Seefin.
- Glenasmole Valley – a scenic valley east of Corrig, historically a Fianna hunting ground; Fionn McCumhaill’s Stone is said to have been carried down from Corrig.
- Seefin and Seefingan – higher neighbours that can be added to a longer ridge walk.
- Kilbride Rifle Range – the historic military range (not open to the public) whose boundary stones are visible on Corrig’s summit.
Corrig is free to access year‑round and has no official visitor website.