Overview
Kippure (Irish: Cipir) rises to 750 m (2,460 ft), marking the highest point in County Dublin and standing as a defining feature of the Wicklow Mountains. Straddling the county border, the massif dominates the eastern skyline and serves as a crucial watershed. The summit is instantly recognisable for its 127 m television and radio transmitter mast, Ireland’s oldest TV transmission site, erected in 1961. While the mast compound is fenced and restricted, the surrounding terrain offers a rugged, rewarding landscape for walkers. The area also hosts two striking corrie lakes, Lough Bray Upper and Lough Bray Lower, and feeds the headwaters of the River Liffey and River Dodder. Historic routes like the Old Military Road (R115) cut through the foothills, providing access to classic mountain loops.
History & The Broadcast Mast
The name Kippure is a local transliteration without a definitive meaning, though scholars often link it to the Irish ciop (stump) and iúr (yew). Its commanding elevation caught the attention of early broadcasters. In the mid-1950s, Radio Éireann surveyed the summit for a VHF FM transmitter. The Irish Board of Works constructed an access road in 1959, and British engineering firm Pye Ltd erected the mast the following year. Regular television broadcasts began on 31 December 1961 using the 405-line system, later upgrading to 625-line service in 1962 and FM stereo in 1969.
Though newer UHF sites have diminished its national role, the mast still carries Saorview digital TV and RTÉ FM services. On exceptionally clear days, its presence is visible across the Irish Sea to Wales, cementing its status as a permanent landmark. The mast area remains an active telecommunications site and is not open to public access.
Walking the Summit & Lakes
The summit is accessible via a well-marked path branching from the R115 near Sally Gap, leading to a private service road. This paved route climbs 221 m over 3.4 km with an average gradient of 6.5%, offering a straightforward ascent. From the top, views stretch across Dublin city, the Irish Sea, and the Wicklow range.
The northeast flank holds Lough Bray Upper and Lower. Their dark, peat-stained waters are framed by heather-covered slopes and provide reflective vistas of the surrounding peaks. These lakes are popular waypoints for hikers. A standard loop around both lakes covers 7–9 km with roughly 290 m of ascent, suitable for a half-day outing. Adding the Kippure summit detour extends the route to approximately 9 km and 380 m gain, incorporating a short off-trail segment along the TV maintenance road.
For those seeking a longer challenge, the Seefin–Seefingan–Kippure loop covers 21 km. This moderate-to-strenuous circuit traverses three peaks, passes the River Liffey’s headwaters, and transitions from dense woodland to open bog terrain.
Kippure Adventure Centre
Just a short drive from the mountain, the Kippure Adventure Centre in Blessington operates as a purpose-built outdoor hub. Spread across 240 acres of Wicklow countryside, the facility caters to all ages and abilities. Core activities include:
- High- and low-ropes courses
- Climbing and abseiling tower
- Sky-trek zip-line and monster swing
- Orienteering, treasure hunts, archery, and bushcraft sessions
- Geocaching, hill-walking, and environmental field studies
Beyond daytime activities, the venue hosts family fun days, kids’ parties, weddings, and corporate team-building events. Four meeting rooms and on-site accommodation for up to 150 guests make it a practical base for extended visits.
Getting There & Practical Tips
Reaching the mountain by car is most convenient 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. Free parking is available at the Quarry car park and the former Glencree Barracks, both within a few minutes’ walk of the trailheads.
Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is in Blessington (Bus Éireann route 145), requiring a local taxi or a hike up the R115 to reach the summit path. Cyclists can use the private service road, but should prepare for steep sections reaching 11% gradient. A sturdy bike and reliable brakes are essential.
The mountain itself is free to access, but hikers venturing off-trail should carry a detailed map or offline GPS app, as routes are not comprehensively signposted. Weather in the Wicklow Mountains changes rapidly; waterproof layers and sturdy footwear are non-negotiable. For refreshments, the nearby village of Annamoe serves as a convenient stop before or after your hike.
Nearby Stops
The wider area offers several complementary locations that pair well with a mountain visit. Blessington is a charming lakeside town ideal for boating and fishing. Avondale Forest Park features historic woodland walks and the estate linked to Charles Stewart Parnell. The Avonmore River flows through the valley, providing quiet riverside paths and picnic spots. Each location can be combined with a morning or afternoon on Kippure to create a full day in the heart of the Wicklow landscape. For booking details and activity schedules, visit the Kippure Adventure Centre – Discover Ireland.