Overview & Views
The Nine Stones Viewing Point sits on the high saddle between Mount Leinster and Slievebawn, the twin peaks that dominate the Blackstairs Mountains on the County Carlow and Wexford border. As the highest point in the county, it offers a commanding vantage point over a patchwork of rolling farmland, ancient forests, and distant towns. On a clear day, the panorama stretches across eight counties – Carlow, Laois, Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary – and can reach as far as the Welsh coastline to the east.
Locals know the area by its Irish name, Cúil an tSneachta (Coolasnaghta), meaning “the nook of snow.” The name is a practical warning rather than a poetic flourish: because of its elevation, snow settles here weeks before it touches the valleys below. The drive up from Bunclody winds through windswept heath and Coillte-managed plantations, where herds of wild horses are frequently spotted grazing on the slopes.
The Nine Stones & Local Legends
Just off the road on the valley side lies the site’s namesake feature: a modest alignment of nine low stones. Stretched roughly east to west over a distance of 12 metres, the stones are spaced about a metre apart and stand no taller than 60 cm. Archaeologists note that the row shows no astronomical alignment, suggesting it was likely erected for ceremonial or memorial purposes.
Like many ancient Irish monuments, the stones have attracted a cluster of local folklore. The most enduring tale claims they mark the resting place of nine shepherds who vanished during a fierce winter storm. Another version, collected in the 1930s Dúchas Schools Collection, ties them to the 1798 Rebellion, describing nine men from Father Murphy’s army who were pursued by British Captain Irvine’s troops after the Battle of Newtownbarry and met their end near the stones. A more playful legend warns that if a traveller finds one of the stones out of place, they must return it to its line immediately – otherwise, it will magically hop back and strike them on the legs.
Walking & Forest Trails
The viewpoint is a popular staging post for walkers and cyclists exploring the Blackstairs. It sits directly on the South Leinster Way, a 102 km long-distance trail that runs from Kildavin to Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary. Hikers often use the car park as a rest stop or a place to refill supplies before heading deeper into the mountains or down into the River Barrow valley.
For shorter outings, two Coillte-maintained forest loops start directly from the car park:
- Short Loop: 3 km (2 mi), taking roughly one hour.
- Long Loop: 5 km (3 mi), taking about two hours.
Both trails are surfaced with compacted gravel, making them suitable for families and casual walkers. Information boards and picnic tables are scattered along the routes. If you want to extend your hike, the summit of Mount Leinster itself is a steady, unmarked climb of about an hour from the viewing point, offering an even more exposed perspective over the region. The nearby Kilbrannish Forest Recreation Area is also just 3 km away for those seeking additional woodland paths.
Practical Information
- Access & Admission: Free and open year-round. The site has no formal opening hours or entrance fees.
- Parking: A small lay-by and car park are located directly beside the viewpoint. Spaces fill quickly on sunny weekends and during peak autumn foliage season.
- Facilities: Picnic tables, trail maps, and information boards are available at the car park. There are no toilets or refreshment kiosks on site.
- Accessibility: The car park and immediate viewing area are on compacted gravel, but the ground becomes uneven and steep beyond the platform. The site is not wheelchair accessible.
- Dog-friendly: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead, particularly near livestock and wild horse herds.
- Safety: Mountain weather shifts rapidly. Even in summer, temperatures drop significantly at altitude, and winds can be strong. Pack warm layers, waterproofs, water, and a fully charged phone.
Nearby Attractions
The Mount Leinster Heritage Drive makes it easy to combine a stop at the Nine Stones with other local highlights:
- Borris House – The historic Kavanagh family estate with guided tours of the house and formal gardens.
- Borris Railway Viaduct – A striking 19th-century stone structure with a peaceful 3.5 km walking route beneath its arches.
- Brownshill Dolmen – One of Ireland’s largest portal tombs, located just a few kilometres north of the mountains.
- Borris – A well-preserved Georgian village offering cafés, craft shops, and the starting point for the viaduct walk.
Plan your visit for mid-morning or late afternoon when the light catches the valley ridges, and allow extra time for the drive up, as the narrow, winding roads require careful navigation. The car park fills quickly, so arriving early guarantees a spot and a quieter experience on the trails.