Overview
Turlough Hill (Irish: Tomaneena) dominates the central Wicklow Mountains at 708 m (2,326 ft), making it the 136th highest summit in Ireland. The mountain is famed not only for its dramatic ridge‑line and blanket‑bog habitat but also for housing the country’s only pumped‑storage hydroelectric power station, operated by the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). From the summit you can enjoy uninterrupted views across Lough Nahanagan, the surrounding peaks of Camaderry and Conavalla, and the rolling valleys that stretch to the Irish Sea.
History & Background
The hill was originally known locally as Tomaneena; the name Turlough Hill was coined by the ESB during the 1960s when the site was surveyed for a pumped‑storage scheme. Construction of the power station began in 1968 and the plant became fully operational in 1974. The facility can generate up to 292 MW of electricity during peak demand, storing water in an upper reservoir that is emptied into a lower basin and then pumped back uphill when demand falls – a clever use of the mountain’s natural topography.
The underlying geology is solid granite, cloaked in a blanket bog that supports a rich flora of heather, purple moor‑grass and Sphagnum moss. Alpine specialists will recognise dwarf willow, cowberry, crowberry, fir clubmoss and common bilberry clinging to the higher ridges. To the north‑east of the summit lies Lough Nahanagan, a classic corrie lake carved by the last glaciation.
What to See & Do
Summit Walk
The most popular route starts at the Wicklow Gap car park, follows a well‑marked footpath south to Lough Nahanagan, then ascends Camaderry (698 m) before looping around the Sevenchurches cairn field to the Turlough Reservoir. From the reservoir the trail climbs westward to the Turlough Hill summit. The entire circuit is 4.7 miles (7.5 km) and typically takes 3‑4 hours, depending on pace and stops.
Along the way you’ll encounter:
- Panoramic viewpoints over the Wicklow Mountains, with clear sightlines to the Sugarloaf, Lugnaquilla and the coastal cliffs.
- Alpine plant communities that are rare at this latitude, especially in the higher, wind‑exposed sections.
- The hydroelectric reservoir – a striking blue‑green lake framed by the power‑station’s concrete structures.
Power Station Exploration
Guided tours of the Turlough Hill Power Station are offered by the ESB on a limited basis. Visitors can view the control room, surge tank and penstock, gaining insight into how water is cycled between the upper and lower reservoirs to generate electricity. The tour also includes a short walk around the reservoir’s perimeter, where interpretive panels explain the engineering and environmental considerations of the scheme.
Connecting Walks
From the summit you can extend your adventure onto neighbouring routes:
- Glendalough Lakes – a short south‑west detour leads to the famed monastic site and its twin lakes.
- Wicklow Way – the long‑distance trail passes close by, allowing a multi‑day trek through the heart of the range.
- Barrow Way – a 100 km river walk that begins nearby for those seeking a longer, low‑land experience.
Practical Information
Turlough Hill is accessible year‑round via a tarmac access road that begins at the top of the Wicklow Gap. The road is open to pedestrians and cyclists, and a small car park is available at the gap. No admission fee is charged for the summit walk or for viewing the power‑station exterior. Guided tours of the power station are free but operate on a pre‑booking basis; contact the ESB visitor centre for availability.
The walk is well‑signposted with trail markers and occasional explanatory boards near the reservoir. The route is suitable for most walkers, though sections of the ascent involve steep, boggy ground that may be challenging for those with limited mobility. The summit can be reached via the paved access road for those who prefer a shorter, vehicle‑assisted visit.
Coordinates: 53.024167 N, 6.416389 W.
Nearby amenities: The Wicklow Gap car park provides basic facilities (toilets and parking). For meals or accommodation, the villages of Glendalough and Avoca are a short drive away, offering B&Bs, pubs and cafés.
Further reading & maps: Detailed route maps and GPX files are available from GPS‑Routes.co.uk, including an OpenStreetMap view of the walk.