Overview
Lugnaquilla dominates the centre of the Wicklow Mountains, rising to 925 metres (3,035 ft) to claim the title of County Wicklow’s highest summit. It is the highest peak in Ireland outside of County Kerry and holds the status of a P600 and Furth – a mountain that would be classified as a Munro if it stood on the wrong side of the border.
The summit itself is a broad, wind-swept plateau known locally as Percy’s Table, named after the 18th-century landowner Colonel Percy. From this grassy table, the views stretch in every direction: down into the Blessington Lakes, across the River Slaney valley, and out to the Irish Sea. On clear days, the skyline of Dublin is visible to the east, while the Llŷn Peninsula and even Snowdon in Wales can be spotted to the west.
Geologically, the mountain is a striking mix of dark-grey schist crags and a lighter granite core. This granite is the remnant of an ancient magma chamber that survived the last ice age as a nunatak, a peak that remained exposed above the surrounding glaciers.
Trailheads & Access
Lugnaquilla is a free-access mountain with no admission fee, but it requires planning. There is no public transport that drops you at the trailheads, so a car is essential for most hikers. The mountain has two main approaches, each with distinct parking and route characteristics.
| Trailhead | Parking Location | Drive from Dublin | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glen of Imaal | Small car park behind Fenton’s Pub | ~70 mins via M50 & R755 | Closest to the “Tourist Route”. Warning: This trail crosses a live-fire artillery range. Always check firing times before setting out. |
| Baravore | Baravore car park, Glenmalure Loop | ~80 mins via M50 & R115 | Access to Fraughan Rock Glen and the South Prison corrie. The most popular starting point for the classic loop. |
| Glenmalure | Lay-by near Glenmalure Visitor Centre | ~85 mins via M50 & R115 | Ideal for the full circuit including Arts Lough and both Prison corries. |
Recommended Routes
The Glenmalure Loop
This is the classic Lugnaquilla hike, a rugged 12 km ridge walk that rewards effort with dramatic scenery. Starting from Baravore or the Glenmalure Visitor Centre, the route climbs steeply through Fraughan Rock Glen, a hanging valley with towering cliffs and a U-shaped profile carved by ancient ice.
The path continues up to Arts Lough, a tranquil corrie lake at 511 m that offers a perfect spot for a rest. From there, the ascent becomes more exposed as you tackle the South Prison, a steep glacial bowl facing the River Ow valley. The final push leads to Percy’s Table, where a cairn and triangulation pillar mark the summit. The return leg often follows the ridge down towards Camaderry or back through the Glen of Imaal.
Glen of Imaal Approach
For a steeper, more direct ascent, the north approach from Fenton’s Pub covers about 10 km. This route tackles the North Prison, a steep cwm opening onto the Glen of Imaal. It is a favourite among winter climbers for its reliable snow and ice conditions. The terrain is rough and the gradient is unrelenting, making this option best suited for experienced hikers comfortable with scrambling over rocky ground.
History & Folklore
The name Lugnaquilla has long sparked debate among scholars. The modern interpretation favours Log na Coille, meaning “hollow of the wood”, though 19th-century antiquarian P.W. Joyce recorded it as Log na Coilleach (“hollow of the grouse cocks”). Some older sources tried to link it to the Celtic god Lugh, but this has been largely dismissed by modern toponymists.
The glens surrounding the mountain are steeped in Irish history. In 1580, the valley of Glenmalure on the eastern flank was the site of a significant Irish victory against a 3,000-strong English army led by Arthur Grey. The remote, rugged terrain made it a natural stronghold.
After the 1798 Rebellion, United Irishman leader Michael Dwyer used the area as a hideout, evading government troops for years. The landscape was so effective at concealing rebels that it earned the nickname “the last place God made”.
Local folklore also ties the mountain to the mythical hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill. Legend says he hurled the famous Mottee Stone from Lugnaquilla’s heights all the way down to Avoca, a tale that speaks to the mountain’s imposing stature and the steep drop into the valleys below.
What to See
- North and South Prisons: These glacial cwms are the mountain’s defining features. Their sheer walls and bowl shapes showcase the ice-carved drama of the last ice age.
- Wildlife: The moorland and rocky slopes are home to peregrine falcons, ravens, and mountain hares. Wild goats are also regular inhabitants of the area.
- Alpine Flora: Keep an eye out for purple saxifrage and moss campion clinging to the rock faces, alongside carpets of heather and gorse on the lower slopes.
- Neighbouring Peaks: For those with the energy, a short ridge walk from the summit connects to Camaderry and Camenabologue, offering extended ridge-walking and varied perspectives of the surrounding valleys. See the dedicated guide to Camaderry.
Essential Tips
- Check the Artillery Range: If approaching from the Glen of Imaal (Fenton’s Pub), you must verify the live-fire schedule for the Curragh artillery range. The area is closed during firing hours for safety.
- Weather Changes Fast: The Wicklow Mountains are notorious for rapid weather shifts. Bring waterproof layers, warm insulation, and a map and compass, even in summer. The summit is fully exposed to strong winds.
- Leave No Trace: The alpine flora is fragile and slow-growing. Stick to established paths, especially around the corries and Fraughan Rock Glen, to protect the environment.
- Timing: Start early. The Glenmalure Loop is a serious hike that can take 5 to 7 hours depending on fitness and weather conditions. Allow plenty of daylight for the descent, as the rocky terrain can be slippery in the dark.