Lugnaquilla — Local services in The Municipal District of Baltinglass

This is an incredibly beautiful, quite difficult but very rewarding trail! First off, it is entirely unmarked and you need a map (if even on your phone); if it's foggy or bad weather, don't attempt this. We got very lost even with a map, and while we were able to find our way to the top and eventually get back on the trail, it was a frustrating time.

Parking is at the Glenmalure lodge (the only populated looking area for a while), and the you walk 2.5km along the road until a very tiny and hard to miss road sign points you to the trailhead. You'll pass someone's house and farm along the way, and then make sure you don't miss the entrance to the trail on the left of this house. After zig-zagging along the first part of the trail, it's hard to see where to go (this is where we got lost), but you'll want to look for a ladder to get across the sheep fence. After that, it's pretty straightforward- just follow the rock trail to the summit.

It's pretty muddy at the bottom and very windy at the top, so wear appropriate gear. There are rolling hills and sheep galore, so beautiful! It took us about 6 hours with a lunch stop to do this whole...

We hiked up to this mountain from Baravire carpark via Art's Lough. This is not a novice hike, as it has steep descents and ascents over rocks, marshes, heather etc, and there are plenty of bog and wet areas. The views before we got up into the clouds and when we came down were spectacular, especially in the gorgeous green valley surrounded by cliffs. We had no view from the summit as we were in thick clouds but it was a lovely loop hike to accomplish in just under 6 hours. Sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, waterproofs and a hiking pole are essential up there, as it gets very cold, windy and wet. Plan your route and know where you are as you could get easily disoriented in the heavy...

Not to be attempted alone with a mild hangover, no water, no food, no compass and a four year old smartphone with half an hour battery life. Also maybe wear hiking boots instead of old Nikes with holes in the toes. Also if you see the summit covered in cloud, turn around and go back - unless you decide freestyle base jumping is your new thing. I give it one star for getting back to the pub in Glenmalure before nightfall without breaking any limbs or being gored by a deer. Never again.

Joking aside, this can be a very changeable and unforgiving environment. A small mistake can lead to a much bigger one. Don't come here unprepared. May 2022....