Kippure – Dublin’s Highest Peak and Adventure Hub | Wicklow

Overview

Kippure (Irish: Cipir) stands at 750 m (2,460 ft), making it the highest point in County Dublin and one of the most prominent peaks in the Wicklow Mountains. The mountain straddles the border between County Wicklow and County Dublin, dominating the skyline over Dublin city and the surrounding countryside. Its summit is instantly recognisable thanks to a 127 m television and radio transmitter mast – the oldest TV transmission site in Ireland, erected in 1961. The mast area is fenced and not open to the public.

The massif hosts two striking corrie lakes, Lough Bray Upper and Lough Bray Lower, and feeds the headwaters of the River Liffey and the River Dodder. The area is criss‑crossed by historic routes such as the Old Military Road (R115) and a private service road that climbs to the transmitter. For walkers, Kippure forms part of several classic Wicklow loops, including the Seefin‑Seefingan‑Kippure ridge and the Lough Bray summit detour.

Just a short drive from the mountain lies the Kippure Adventure Centre in Blessington, a purpose‑built outdoor‑activity hub offering high‑ropes, zip‑lines, climbing towers and bespoke corporate or family programmes.

The nearby village of Annamoe provides a convenient stop for refreshments and is a popular base for walkers tackling the Kippure area.

History & Background

The name “Kippure” is a local transliteration with no definitive meaning, though scholars suggest a link to the Irish words ciop (stump) and iúr (yew). The mountain’s strategic height attracted early broadcasting interest. In the mid‑1950s Radio Éireann surveyed the site for a VHF FM transmitter; the Irish Board of Works built an access road in 1959 and the British firm Pye Ltd erected the mast the following year. By 31 December 1961, Kippure began regular television broadcasts on the 405‑line system, later upgrading to 625‑line service in 1962 and FM stereo in 1969.

While newer UHF sites have reduced its national broadcasting role, the mast still carries Saorview digital TV and several RTÉ FM services. The summit’s visibility from afar, even across the Irish Sea to Wales on clear days, underscores its enduring landmark status.

What to See & Do

Summit and Views

A short, well‑marked path branches off the R115 near the Sally Gap and leads to the transmitter road. The paved service road climbs 221 m over 3.4 km (average 6.5 % gradient) and provides a straightforward route to the top. From the summit you can see Dublin city, the Irish Sea, the Wicklow range, and on exceptionally clear days, the distant hills of Wales.

Lakes and Landscape

Lough Bray Upper and Lower sit on the north‑east flank of Kippure. Their dark, peat‑stained waters are framed by heather‑covered slopes and offer reflective vistas of the surrounding peaks. The lakes are popular waypoints for hikers tackling the Lough Bray loop or the longer Kippure via Lough Bray hike (≈9 km, 380 m ascent).

Walking Routes

Seefin‑Seefingan‑Kippure Loop – A 21 km moderate‑to‑strenuous circuit that traverses three peaks, passes the River Liffey’s headwaters and offers varied terrain from woodland to open bog.
Lough Bray Upper & Lower Loop – A 7‑9 km loop with an elevation gain of about 290 m, suitable for a half‑day hike. Adding the Kippure summit detour extends the walk to roughly 9 km and 380 m gain, introducing a short off‑trail segment along the TV‑maintenance road.

Kippure Adventure Centre

The centre spreads across 240 acres of Wicklow countryside and caters to all ages and abilities. Activities include:

High‑ and low‑ropes courses
Climbing and abseiling tower
Sky‑trek zip‑line and monster swing
Orienteering, treasure hunts, archery and bushcraft
Geocaching, hill‑walking and environmental field studies

The venue also hosts family fun days, kids’ parties, weddings, hen‑/stag nights, and corporate team‑building events, with four meeting rooms and on‑site accommodation for up to 150 guests.

Access & Parking

By car – The most convenient route is via the Old Military Road (R115) from Dublin. Turn off at the Quarry car park near Lough Bray; a short, well‑signposted lane leads to the base of the service road. Parking is available at the Quarry car park and at the former Glencree Barracks, both free and within a few minutes’ walk of the trailheads.

Public transport – The nearest bus stop is in Blessington (Bus Éireann route 145). From there, a local taxi or a short hike up the R115 brings you to the start of the summit path.

Cycling – The private service road is open to cyclists, but be prepared for steep gradients (up to 11 %). A sturdy bike and good brakes are essential.

Nearby Attractions

Blessington – A charming lakeside town with boating, fishing and the historic Blessington Lakes.
Glencree – Home to the Glencree Barracks and several walking routes into the Wicklow Mountains.
Avondale Forest Park – A historic estate with woodland walks and the birthplace of Charles Stewart Parker, linked here: Avondale Forest Park.
Avonmore River – Flows nearby, offering pleasant riverside walks and picnicking spots.

Practical Information

Facilities – The adventure centre provides a bar, dining area and on‑site accommodation. No admission fee is required to visit the mountain itself; the transmitter mast is fenced and not open to the public.

Safety – The TV mast area is restricted. The private service road is steep; drivers should use caution on the 11 % sections. Hikers venturing off‑trail should carry a map or offline GPS app, as the routes are not signposted.

Contact & Further Details

Website: Kippure Adventure Centre – Discover Ireland
Phone: Not listed in source material
Opening hours: Centre operates year‑round; specific activity times are arranged by booking.

Coordinates – Approximate latitude 53.15° N, longitude 6.30° W (derived from summit location).