Overview
Tonelagee (Irish: Tóin le Gaoith) stands at 817 m, making it the third‑highest summit in the Wicklow Mountains and the 15th‑tallest peak in Ireland. It sits on the central spine of the range that runs from Kippure in the north to Lugnaquillia in the south, and marks the southern terminus of the classic “central boggy ridge”. Its prominence of 202 m qualifies it as a Marilyn, and the mountain is listed on both the Arderin and Vandeleur‑Lynam scales. The most striking feature of Tonelagee is the deep north‑eastern corrie that cradles Lough Ouler, a natural lake shaped like a heart and set against sheer cliffs.
The mountain lies within Wicklow Mountains National Park, a protected landscape of heather‑covered plateaux, glacial valleys and historic stone monuments. A cross‑inscribed standing stone sits between the subsidiary summit of Stoney Top and the main summit, hinting at the area’s ancient cultural layers.
History & Landscape
The name Tonelagee has been recorded in several forms, including the occasional spelling Tonelegee. Irish academic Paul Tempan notes that the name appears in other placenames such as Tandragee, though its exact linguistic link to wind or other natural features remains uncertain. The mountain’s geology is dominated by mica‑schist, giving the slopes a distinctive sheen that can be seen from the surrounding valleys.
Tonelagee’s corrie lake, Lough Ouler, was carved by glacial erosion during the last Ice Age. The lake sits at an elevation of about 600 m and is framed by a 200 m high amphitheatre‑like cliff on its north‑eastern side. The lake’s heart shape is a favourite subject for photographers and has become an emblem of Wicklow’s wild beauty.
What to See & Do
| Route | Distance (km) | Elevation Gain (m) | Typical Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenmacnass Loop | 8 (loop) | 450 | 3–4 hrs | Challenging |
| Wicklow Gap (Turlough Hill) | 4 (return) | 350 | 2–3 hrs | Moderate |
| Turlough Hill Direct (easiest) | 5 (out‑and‑back) | 381 | 1.5–2 hrs | Moderate |
Glenmacnass Loop (East Approach)
The most photographed route starts from the Glenmacnass car park just above the spectacular Glenmacnass Waterfall on the Old Military Road (R115). From the car park, the trail follows the Glenmacnass River, crosses a series of stepping‑stone boulders, and climbs a steady 8‑10 % gradient through heath‑covered bogland. About 45 minutes in you reach the Tonelagee NE Top, the first viewpoint over Lough Ouler. The lake appears as a deep blue heart set in a bowl of heather, offering an ideal spot for a short rest.
Continuing along the rim, the path steepens to around 20 % before the final scramble to the summit trig point. On clear days the summit rewards hikers with a 360° panorama that includes the distant Irish Sea, the rolling Wicklow hills, and the glacial valleys below. The descent retraces the route via Stoney Top, where the standing stone provides a tangible link to the mountain’s ancient past.
Wicklow Gap (West Approach)
The Wicklow Gap car park (also known as the Turlough Hill Car Park) sits on the R756 and is reachable via a scenic drive from Dublin or Glendalough. This route is shorter but still offers a rewarding ascent. The trail is un‑signposted but follows a clear, well‑trodden line up the shoulder of Tonelagee. After about 45 minutes you reach the summit ridge; a brief detour of 5–10 minutes brings you to the cliff edge that overlooks Lough Ouler. The path is muddy in places but free of major technical obstacles, making it a solid choice for hikers with moderate fitness.
Turlough Hill Direct (Easiest Option)
For those short on time or seeking a less demanding climb, the Turlough Hill Car Park provides a direct 5 km out‑and‑back route. The first two kilometres are steep, but the trail is well‑defined and suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. The summit can be reached in roughly 40 minutes, and a short continuation leads to the lake viewpoint. This option is popular among local walkers and is mentioned on the Wild Irish Walks guide as the “most straightforward” ascent.
Extra Adventures
Tonelagee sits on a network of longer ridge walks. The Mullaghcleevaun‑Tonelagee Loop (≈16 km, 6 hrs) links Tonelagee with Wicklow’s second‑highest peak, Mullaghcleevaun, via a dramatic ridge that traverses both summits and passes the Glenmacnass Waterfall. For experienced hikers, this extended trek offers varied terrain, from boggy plateaux to rocky arêtes.
Practical Information
- Parking: Two main car parks serve the mountain – Glenmacnass (large but fills quickly on weekends) and Wicklow Gap/Turlough Hill (smaller, free). Both are accessible by car; the Wicklow Gap car park is also reachable by the 183 local link bus between Arklow and Sallins (see Transport for Ireland timetable).
- Getting there & transport: From Dublin, the R115 (Old Military Road) provides a scenic 45‑minute drive to the Glenmacnass car park. Public‑transport users can take the 183 bus to the Wicklow Gap stop and walk the remaining 1 km to the trailhead.
- Access: The trails are not sign‑posted, so a reliable GPS or offline map app (e.g., Maps.me, AllTrails) is recommended. The Glenmacnass route includes a river crossing; water levels can vary, so assess conditions before committing.
- Fees: There is no admission charge; the mountain is free to explore as part of Wicklow Mountains National Park.
- Seasonality: The routes are usable year‑round, but the Glenmacnass loop can become very muddy after rain, and the river crossing may be hazardous during high water. The Wicklow Gap route tends to stay drier.
- Facilities: No on‑site facilities such as toilets or cafés. The nearest amenities are at the Glenmacnass Waterfall viewpoint and in the village of Laragh (≈10 km south).
- Safety & pets: While the paths are generally clear, sections of steep, loose boulders and boggy ground require careful footing. Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be kept on a leash in the National Park to protect wildlife and other walkers.
- Maps & guides: For detailed maps and downloadable GPX files, see the interactive maps on Travel Ireland Today and the AllTrails page for the Wicklow Gap‑Tonelagee route.
Nearby Attractions
Tonelagee is well‑placed for a day of exploring the wider Wicklow region. Consider adding one of these short detours to your itinerary:
- Glendalough – historic monastic site and stunning valley, just 8 km north via the R756.
- Avoca Valley – scenic river walk and craft heritage, linked via the R752 (Avoca Valley).
- Blessington Lakes – popular for fishing and watersports, reachable in about 20 km south (Blessington and its Lakes).
- Aghavannagh – a quiet village with access to the Glenmalure valley and the historic Aghavannagh Forest (Aghavannagh).
Tonelagee offers a blend of dramatic scenery, geological intrigue, and flexible hiking options that suit everyone from confident hill‑walkers to families seeking a day out in nature. Whether you chase the iconic heart‑shaped Lough Ouler or simply relish the sense of standing on one of Ireland’s highest peaks, Tonelagee is a must‑visit destination in the Wicklow Mountains.