Lugnaquilla Mountain
Ireland's highest peak in Leinster, rugged mountain
The highest peak in Leinster at the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, offering long ridge walks across peatland and rocky summits; popular with day‑hikers and backpackers from Dublin.
Lugnaquilla at a Glance#
Admission: Free to access (mountain/open countryside).
About Lugnaquilla#
Lugnaquilla is a mountain in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland and is the highest point in County Wicklow and the province of Leinster at 925 metres. It is a well-known objective for hillwalkers and peak-baggers seeking the highest point in Leinster.
Walks commonly approach over open, rugged ground leading to a broad summit plateau; the mountain features glacially formed corries and steep flanks. Routes are unpaved and can be boggy and exposed, so walkers plan for variable weather and limited shelter.
The peak sits within the Wicklow Mountains range in eastern Ireland, roughly within the upland heart of County Wicklow and accessible from several glens and valley trailheads. It is commonly reached as a day hike from nearby towns and is roughly within driving distance of Dublin to the north.
- Height and ranking: Summit altitude is 925 metres, making it the highest point in County Wicklow and the province of Leinster.
- Terrain and conditions: Terrain includes a broad, heathery summit plateau and steep corries; conditions can be boggy and weather changes rapidly, so good boots and waterproof clothing are recommended.
How to Get to Lugnaquilla#
Lugnaquilla (County Wicklow) is reached by road from Dublin: drive south on the M50/N11 then take regional roads into the Wicklow Mountains (for example the R755 toward Glenmalure). The mountain is commonly approached from the Glenmalure valley parking areas or from the Glenbeigh/Glendalough side; these car parks put you on marked mountain paths and the ascent is a multi‑hour hike, so plan accordingly with maps and supplies.
Tips for Visiting Lugnaquilla#
- Start early and favor the Glenmalure/Fraughan Rock Glen approaches for clearer routes and more interesting mountain scenery-these are the two well-known access options and offer good lines to the summit.
- Check the local mountain forecast before setting out; Lugnaquilla is the highest peak in Leinster and can cloud in quickly, so time your walk for good visibility and avoid summit attempts in strong winds or poor visibility.
Best Time to Visit Lugnaquilla#
Climb Lugnaquilla between May and September for the best hiking conditions and longest daylight; winter ascents are for experienced, well-equipped walkers only.
Weather & Climate near Lugnaquilla#
Lugnaquilla's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2169 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 5° | -4° | 247 mm | overcast | 92% | 9.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 5° | -4° | 185 mm | overcast | 91% | 8.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.7h |
| March | Poor | 0° - 6° | -3° | 192 mm | overcast | 89% | 8.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 8° | -1° | 139 mm | overcast | 87% | 7.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Poor | 4° - 11° | 3° | 148 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 7° | 123 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.1 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 12° | 121 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| August | Poor | 8° - 15° | 11° | 152 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.5h |
| September | Poor | 6° - 12° | 6° | 182 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 222 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 216 mm | overcast | 91% | 8.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 242 mm | overcast | 92% | 8.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
