Dublin & Wicklow Walks

Duration: About 1 hour
An easy walk for a summer evening or autumn afternoon on good paths through woodland. Although its not high, there are great panoramic views from the summit of Carrickgollogan and the lead mines chimney forms another point of interest.

• See also the Coillte information on Carrickgolligan, which includes a trail map;
• The wikipedia page on Carrickgollogan;
• And a brief history of the lead mine.

Route

• Starting in the carpark, find the Coillte map showing the trails. From this map, bear right and follow the wide path towards Carrickgollogan – the hill will quickly become visible as a low summit through the trees.
• As you get approach Carrickgollogan, bear right off the main path onto a smaller path that leads through the trees and winds up to the summit of Carrickgollogan. Despite its low height, on a clear day the panoramic views are excellent.
• Retrace your steps back down the hill and rejoin the main path. Continue along the main path, which will bear left and continue through the woods. Keep on the main path – don’t follow the paths heading downhill to the right (unless you would like to do some pleasant exploring of the woods) – and you will eventually come to the edge of woods and see open fields. Bear right and you’ll shortly arrive at the lead chimney. Although its high, its will not be visible until you get quite close, as the view is obscured by the trees.
• At the chimney, an optional detour is to walk downhill following the chimney flue (which is underground but visible as a raised mound leading northwards). The brambles at the bottom are v. good, but come at the cost of the walk back uphill.
• After exploring the chimney, return to the woods and continue along the path to the right. As before, keep bearing left and you will end up back at the car park.
• If you would like to extend the walk, its only a short distance from the car park to the Scalp.