Mount Leinster

Mountain Mountain in Leinster, prominent local hiking destination

Prominent hill on the Leinster border; walkers follow waymarked trails to summit points and enjoy views across the Blackstairs and surrounding midlands.

Main image

Mount Leinster is a 20th-century name for the prominent peak in the Blackstairs Mountains on the border of County Carlow and County Wexford in southeast Ireland, rising to roughly 795 metres. It is one of the higher peaks in the region and a visible landmark across much of Leinster.

Hikers use a network of trails that approach the summit from several directions; the ridge and slopes are popular for day walks and hill running. The summit area includes a prominent broadcasting mast and offers broad views across the surrounding lowlands and other Blackstairs peaks.

The mountain has long been part of local land use and upland commons; modern infrastructure such as the mast and marked walkways were installed in the 20th century. The peak has no major built monuments but has been used for recreational walking for decades.

Mount Leinster sits on the Carlow-Wexford county boundary in southeast Ireland, forming part of the Blackstairs range. It overlooks agricultural lowlands to the east and west and is accessible from nearby towns and country lanes.

  • Elevation: rises to about 795 metres above sea level
  • Summit features: marked by a broadcasting mast near the summit and used by walkers for upland routes across the Blackstairs
Mount Leinster
52.6183, -6.7800

How to Get to Mount Leinster #

Mount Leinster is in County Carlow/County Wexford border region. The usual car access is from the village of Borris or from the R724/R725 roads; local car parks and trails are signposted. Public transport to nearby towns exists but is limited; driving from Dublin takes roughly 1.5-2 hours.

Tips for Visiting Mount Leinster #

  • Walk the main loop from Boroimhe/Raheenleagh car park for a well-marked route and a steady gradient.
  • Visit on a dry day to see the trace of an ancient barrow and the Trinity well near the summit.
  • The Leinster Way passes nearby-combine the summit with a longer day walk.

Best Time to Visit Mount Leinster #

Late spring to early autumn provides the most pleasant walking weather and best visibility for the surrounding hills.

Summer (June-August)
June-August · 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
Best weather for walking and views across the Blackstairs and the Wicklow Mountains.
Spring (April-June)
April-June · 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)
Quieter trails, wildflowers on lower slopes, and moderate conditions for hikers.
Autumn (September-October)
September-October · 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)
Cooler, breezy, with good visibility and fewer midges; ideal for photography.

Weather & Climate near Mount Leinster #

Climate

Mount Leinster's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1894 mm/year), wettest in January.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (218 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

218 mm
Rainfall
8.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.1h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

167 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.7h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

165 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.8h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.2
UV Index
High
15.5h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
16.5h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
16°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
16.0h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
16°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

133 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
14.5h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

160 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (192 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

192 mm
Rainfall
6.9 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (185 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

185 mm
Rainfall
7.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.6h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (213 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

213 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.5h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Mount Leinster