Carrantuohill, Seafingan, Lug na Coile and the Sugar Loaf
Posted August 6th, 2012 at 08:05 PM by Gile na Gile
Carrantuohill commands magnificent scenery of course, but it is a beast. From this walk you may still see the 40 foot "Free Tibet" banner draped from the peak leading up to the mountaintop and under which all manner of serious rock climbers ply their trade. A dizzying lot to behold. The highest mountain in Ireland may be best approached via the infamous Devil's Ladder but it is inadvisable to return on this path if it is raining as the steep and stony track can get very slippy. Having scaled the Ladder you are now only 300m from the top but these last few strides will be long and arduous. This is a very popular climb, ideal for the family and group outings and quite often you will be joined by hundreds of other aspiring cardiac victims. Many a smoker in fact has been known to quit on this ascent. Though built like Nepalese mountain goats, being overtaken by an eighty year old double granny can be a shocking wake up call.
For those who prefer a combination of vast open spaces amidst that splendour of solitude the seldom trekked mountain duo of Seafin and Seafingan are ideal. Just west of Kippur on the outskirts of Dublin the climber is rewarded by the sight of two magnificently arranged megaliths. The cairn stones on top of Seafin are evidently an ancient tumulus and can be entered via a narrow front passage or again through an opening in the roof. The slender chamber inside is about 15m long and is an ideal shelter for that inevitable blizzard. There is also an intriguing carving of a Greek Orthodox cross on the right hand front portal.
Seafingan is less than half an hour's walk from here and is visible as you look directly to the east towards the Isle of Man. Some 100m higher than Seafin the cairn stones here though more numerous do not present the climber with an opportunity to view inside. Nevertheless it is astounding to see such ancient designs so far above the noise and bustle of the city. It was an old Scot's tradition to carry a stone up to the mountain top to aid the suffering of the recently bereaved. Whether this was to help the soul in it's journey, share the burden of suffering or as a simple token of respect it has led to the creation of many an interesting pile.
For those who like their punishment long drawn out Lug na Coile, the highest point in Leinster, is a rambling unending slugfest of a monster. The hike to the top may take up to four hours if approached from the north so it's best to start out as early as possible particularly if you are climbing during the dark months. As a precaution it's advisable to place stone markers on your path to the top as there is a tendency for mist and fog to rapidly sweep in from the west. In fact, having a compass on this walk may save you the onerous task of having to needlessly trudge through three miles of gorse, bracken and bog whilst listening to the fumigations of irate local farmers.. Mistakes may also arise on the descent owing to the less than distinct trail markings two thirds way up and so any faults in orienteering will be exposed by this mountain. Lug is a relatively flat ascent and is one of the many old pilgrimage sites. Bring your mobile, a pair of gloves, a well-packed lunch and a hot flask - it is usually freezing at the top. Also, oxygen depletes more rapidly here than any other mountain top in the country, so save your gabbling for the lowside.
The Sugar Loaf in Co. Wicklow is the remains of a Jurassic era volcano that once disgorged it's contents all over the "Garden of Ireland". The peak is perfectly preserved and is easily visible as you approach Enniskerry from the main Dublin road. This is a very enjoyable climb offering numerous well located vantage points from which to view your surroundings. Once at the top you can see War Hill to the south which rises sharply across the magnificent forested valley below. To the west can be seen the old colonial sprawl of the Wingfields - Powerscourt Gardens - now converted into an ultra luxuriant stopover for the (mostly international) well coiffured. A pair of binoculars might also grant you a glimpse of the "Powerscourt" Waterfall - the highest in Ireland. To your north is an unrivalled view of Dublin bay and to the east you will see an execrable motorway carving it's way through the ancient forests of the Glen of the Downs.
For those who prefer a combination of vast open spaces amidst that splendour of solitude the seldom trekked mountain duo of Seafin and Seafingan are ideal. Just west of Kippur on the outskirts of Dublin the climber is rewarded by the sight of two magnificently arranged megaliths. The cairn stones on top of Seafin are evidently an ancient tumulus and can be entered via a narrow front passage or again through an opening in the roof. The slender chamber inside is about 15m long and is an ideal shelter for that inevitable blizzard. There is also an intriguing carving of a Greek Orthodox cross on the right hand front portal.
Seafingan is less than half an hour's walk from here and is visible as you look directly to the east towards the Isle of Man. Some 100m higher than Seafin the cairn stones here though more numerous do not present the climber with an opportunity to view inside. Nevertheless it is astounding to see such ancient designs so far above the noise and bustle of the city. It was an old Scot's tradition to carry a stone up to the mountain top to aid the suffering of the recently bereaved. Whether this was to help the soul in it's journey, share the burden of suffering or as a simple token of respect it has led to the creation of many an interesting pile.
For those who like their punishment long drawn out Lug na Coile, the highest point in Leinster, is a rambling unending slugfest of a monster. The hike to the top may take up to four hours if approached from the north so it's best to start out as early as possible particularly if you are climbing during the dark months. As a precaution it's advisable to place stone markers on your path to the top as there is a tendency for mist and fog to rapidly sweep in from the west. In fact, having a compass on this walk may save you the onerous task of having to needlessly trudge through three miles of gorse, bracken and bog whilst listening to the fumigations of irate local farmers.. Mistakes may also arise on the descent owing to the less than distinct trail markings two thirds way up and so any faults in orienteering will be exposed by this mountain. Lug is a relatively flat ascent and is one of the many old pilgrimage sites. Bring your mobile, a pair of gloves, a well-packed lunch and a hot flask - it is usually freezing at the top. Also, oxygen depletes more rapidly here than any other mountain top in the country, so save your gabbling for the lowside.
The Sugar Loaf in Co. Wicklow is the remains of a Jurassic era volcano that once disgorged it's contents all over the "Garden of Ireland". The peak is perfectly preserved and is easily visible as you approach Enniskerry from the main Dublin road. This is a very enjoyable climb offering numerous well located vantage points from which to view your surroundings. Once at the top you can see War Hill to the south which rises sharply across the magnificent forested valley below. To the west can be seen the old colonial sprawl of the Wingfields - Powerscourt Gardens - now converted into an ultra luxuriant stopover for the (mostly international) well coiffured. A pair of binoculars might also grant you a glimpse of the "Powerscourt" Waterfall - the highest in Ireland. To your north is an unrivalled view of Dublin bay and to the east you will see an execrable motorway carving it's way through the ancient forests of the Glen of the Downs.
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very interesring, Gile. If I ever make it to Ireland, I may think ot givng t a try.Posted November 30th, 2012 at 01:45 AM by Anna James
