Overview
The Hill of Allen (Cnoc Alúine) rises 206 metres (676 ft) from the western edge of the Bog of Allen – not high, but high enough in this flat corner of Kildare to see for miles. From the top the raised peatland spreads across Kildare, Offaly and Laois, broken only by the odd farmstead and, on a clear day, the far ridge of the Wicklow Mountains. The reason to come is the circular stone tower on the summit; the reason to time it well is that the trailhead car park is often shut, which catches people out (see Getting there).
History & Folklore
The name Cnoc Alúine gives the surrounding bog its own title, but the hill’s reputation stretches far beyond geography. In Irish mythology, it was considered the stronghold of the legendary hunter-warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool). According to the tales, Fionn built a fortress on the summit and used the flat, open ground below as a training ground for his Fianna, the elite warrior band.
Recorded history adds another layer to the site. The Annals of the Four Masters record the Battle of Allen in 722 AD, where the forces of High King Fergal mac Máele Dúin met the Leinstermen led by King Murchad mac Brain Mut. Centuries later, Victorian romanticism reshaped the hill’s profile. Sir Gerard George Aylmer, 9th Baronet of Donadea, commissioned a circular stone folly in 1859 to replace an earlier wooden structure. Completed in 1863, the tower bears the inscribed names of the workmen who built it on the interior steps. Local tradition holds that during construction, a large coffin containing human bones was unearthed; villagers believed them to be Fionn’s remains and had them re-interred beneath the tower’s foundation.
The hill’s western flank is worked as a quarry: a 50-year agreement running from 2008 to 2058, between Roadstone Dublin Ltd and Kildare County Council, has cut into the natural contour on that side. It’s the honest caveat here – this is a mythic hill with an active quarry biting its west face, and you’ll see and hear it.
The tower and the views
Climbing the tower is the whole point. The internal spiral runs to 83 steps, with the names of the men who built it carved into the stones as you go up, before it opens onto an unroofed platform. The view is a full circle: south to the Curragh plains rolling toward Newbridge, and out across the peatland toward Laois and Offaly.
For photographs, skip the middle of the day and come in the hour after sunrise or before sunset, when the low light picks out the texture of the stone and throws long shadows across the bog.
What to See & Do
- Walk to the summit: The out-and-back to the tower is about 1.1 miles (1.8 km) and moderately challenging – manageable for most, but steeper and rougher underfoot than a stroll, with stone steps on the final approach.
- Read the interpretive panels: Boards near the trailhead and along the path cover the Fianna legends, the 722 AD Battle of Allen, and the tower’s Victorian origins – a decent primer if you’re here with children.
- Come for the St Brigid’s Day illuminations: The tower is lit on the eve of St Brigid’s Day (31 January) and again on 1 February, often with cultural performances. The tradition started during the COVID lockdowns as a beacon of hope and has stuck. Summit access may be limited during the ceremony itself.
Practical Information
Admission The hill is open access and free; there’s no ticket office and no booking. It doesn’t keep posted opening hours, so treat it as a daytime walk and don’t plan on being up there after dark.
Getting there
- By car: From Dublin, the hill is signed off the local roads near the village of Allen, west of Naas. The catch is parking: the trailhead car park is frequently closed, and when it is, people park on the roadside near the gate, where space is very limited. Come early, and have a fallback if it’s full.
- By public transport: Trains run from Dublin Heuston to Kildare town roughly hourly; from there it’s a short taxi. There’s no useful direct bus.
Facilities There are no reliable facilities at the hill itself, so bring what you need. Once past the gate the path turns to gravel and stone, and the ground near the quarry edge is uneven.
Safety The active quarry on the western side is fenced off. Stick to the marked trail and mind the warning signs.
Exploring the Wider Area
The Hill of Allen sits within a corridor of significant archaeological and natural heritage. Just a short drive north, Dún Ailinne preserves the remains of the ancient royal site of Leinster, with guided walks and interpretive panels that echo the mythic themes found at Allen. To the south, Lullymore Heritage Park offers structured trails through raised bog habitat and an educational centre focused on midland ecology. For a change of pace, the woodland walks and historic castle ruins at Donadea provide a relaxed afternoon extension to your visit. Allow an extra hour to explore the nearby forest trails if you want to round out the day with a longer walk.