Overview
Mount Leinster (Irish: Stua Laighean) rises to 795 m (2,605 ft), the highest point of the Blackstairs Mountains on the Carlow‑Wexford border. The peak dominates a 75 km circular Mount Leinster Heritage Drive, a scenic loop that threads through the friendly towns of Borris, Bunclody, Clonegal, Kildavin, Myshall, Fennagh and Bagenalstown. Whether arriving for a summit walk, a challenging bike climb, or a leisurely drive through rolling farmland, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the southeast coast, the Wicklow Mountains on clear days, and a landscape steeped in natural and cultural history.
History & Background
The mountain’s summit is marked by a 2RN transmission mast – the highest broadcast site in Ireland – first commissioned in December 1962 and upgraded in 2010 for digital services. A small cairn and memorial plaque honour the four victims of the Cessna 182Q crash on 7 September 1983, a reminder of the mountain’s sometimes‑hazardous weather.
At the foot of the hill lie the Nine Stones, a line of ten upright stones (the tallest about 1 m) whose origins are uncertain; folklore links them to nine shepherds lost in a storm, while archaeologists record them as a long‑standing landmark.
The slopes also hold a darker natural milestone: in 1786 the last recorded wolf in Ireland was shot here, signalling the end of a species that had roamed the island for millennia.
The Heritage Drive itself was conceived by Carlow Tourism to showcase the region’s geological spine – a granite formation stretching from Dublin’s coastal suburbs to Brandon Hill in Kilkenny – and to connect the area’s farms, country houses, and archaeological sites with clear signage and village‑based map boards.
What to See & Do
Summit Walk
- Start point: Nine Stones car‑park (GPS 52.6369, ‑6.7937).
- Route: A tarmacked access road climbs ~350 m over 3 km, with sections up to 20 % gradient.
- Duration: About 90 minutes at a steady pace.
- Highlights: Transition from dense woodland to open heather, the transmitter mast, the crash memorial, and panoramic views across the Blackstairs ridges to the Wexford coastline and, on exceptional days, the Wicklow Mountains.
Cycling Challenge
| Start point | Length (km) | Avg. gradient | Final 2 km gradient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borris (Carlow) | 13.2 | 6.9 % | up to 16 % |
| Bunclody (Wexford) | 14.0 | 5.9 % | up to 16.3 % |
| These climbs feature regularly in the Tour of Ireland and the Rás Tailteann, and are a favourite training ground for the local ML Syndicate mountain‑bike club. |
Hang‑Gliding & RC Flight
The open expanse around the summit makes Mount Leinster a popular launch site for hang‑gliders and radio‑controlled gliders, offering unrivalled lift and sweeping vistas.
Heritage Drive Highlights
| Town/Village | Key Attractions |
|---|---|
| Borris | Traditional pubs, historic church, riverside walks |
| Bunclody | Quaint streets, craft shops, River Barrow access |
| Clonegal | Georgian architecture, riverside promenade |
| Kildavin | Gateway to the South Leinster Way, excellent cycling routes |
| Myshall | Ancient heritage sites, folklore museums |
| Fennagh | Rolling farmland, wildlife spotting |
| Bagenalstown | Heritage centre, market town vibe, riverside cafés |
Beyond the villages, the drive provides access to:
- South Leinster Way – a long‑distance walking trail that threads the area.
- Family‑friendly walks along the River Barrow and through Kilbrannish Forest on the Blackstairs slopes, ideal for birdwatching.
Practical Information
- Access: The Heritage Drive is a 75 km loop; it can be entered at any point and travelled clockwise or anti‑clockwise. Main entry points are the Borris and Bunclody turn‑offs.
- Parking: Designated car‑parks at the Nine Stones, Borris village, and Bunclody provide free short‑term parking.
- Road conditions: The drive consists mainly of narrow, well‑maintained country roads with occasional steep sections; cyclists should be comfortable with gradients up to 16 %.
- Facilities: Village map boards list nearby amenities (toilets, cafés, B&Bs). Fuel stations are available in Bagenalstown and Bunclody.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn offers the clearest views and the most reliable weather for summit activities. Summer can bring occasional thunderstorms, so check forecasts before attempting the climb.
- Safety: The summit road is open to pedestrians and cyclists but can be windy; appropriate footwear, water, and layered clothing are advised. Hang‑gliders must adhere to the Irish Hang‑Gliding Association’s launch regulations.
- Accessibility: The summit road is fenced off to vehicles and unsuitable for wheelchairs; the climb may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
- Cultural etiquette: Respect the memorial plaque and the Nine Stones by staying on marked paths and avoiding litter.
Note: The previously listed website (https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/mount-leinster-walk/) is currently unreachable and may need verification or replacement.