Blackstairs Mountains – walks and wild heath

Overview

The slopes of the Blackstairs are covered in wet and dry heath, which is why the range is protected as the Blackstairs Mountains Special Area of Conservation and why the ground underfoot is springy heather and peat rather than bare granite. The mountains run north–south along the border between County Carlow and County Wexford, defined by two summits: Mount Leinster, 795 m, with a view across the Barrow Valley and the Wicklow Mountains, and Blackstairs Mountain, 732 m.

The landscape is a granite core capped by peat-covered uplands. Where the granite meets slate, the terrain shifts into a sharply cut, horn-back ridge that gives the southern slopes their distinctive profile.

See the range from Nine Stones

The Nine Stones viewpoint has a designated car park and looks out across the countryside below. Use that car park rather than stopping on the road. The Nine Stones themselves form a line of prehistoric standing stones that likely marked ancient droving routes.

Geology & Landscape

The bedrock consists of dark-grey semi-pelitic schist and psammitic schist, overlain in places by extensive peat and dry-heath. This geological contrast shapes the walking experience: the northern approaches feel rounded and peat-softened, while the southern ridge exposes hard slate and dramatic drop-offs.

The habitat supports a mosaic of ling heather, mat-grass, crowberry, bilberry and bell heather, creating a landscape that shifts from deep green in spring to russet and purple by late summer.

History & Local Lore

The Blackstairs have long served as a refuge. During the 1798 Rebellion, the rugged terrain and poor visibility made it an ideal hideout for insurgents, embedding the range into local resistance history. The name itself traces back to the ancient Irish province of Laighin (Leinster), with folklore suggesting a pre-Christian king was buried beneath a cairn in the area.

The southern ridge is known locally as Cahir Rua’s Den, named after Cathaoir na gCapall, an 18th-century chieftain-turned-rapparee who reportedly used the caves to hide stolen horses. Local stories persist that a cache of treasure remains buried in one of the ridge’s crevices.

Every year, locals traditionally climb the ridge on Mountain Sunday (the last Sunday of July), a custom dating to the 18th century that keeps the area’s cultural ties alive.

A metal cross on the high ground marks the crash sites of a German bomber in 1941 and a Cessna 182 in 1983, a quiet, reflective spot for walkers crossing the range.

Walking the Range

The Blackstairs suit both day-hikers and long-distance walkers. Signposting on the high ground can be sparse, so plan your route in advance, carry a map and keep dogs on a lead.

Nine Stones to Kildavin

The Nine Stones to Kildavin route follows the South Leinster Way for 11.6 km on hillside paths, forest tracks and local roads. It is a linear walk, so arrange your return from Kildavin before setting out. Follow the yellow waymarks.

South Leinster Way

The South Leinster Way is a long-distance route running from Kildavin (Co Carlow) to Carrick-on-Suir (Co Tipperary), letting multi-day walkers link the range with the wider Leinster countryside. For a longer trip, check the Sport Ireland trail notice first: the section between Carrick-on-Suir and Piltown, well south of the Blackstairs, is closed following a bridge collapse.

Climbing the summits

Mount Leinster and Blackstairs Mountain both offer exposed heathland and wide views, and the open ground is a good place for birdwatching. Check current route and access information locally before you set out, and stay on waymarked paths.

Wildlife & Flora

The upland ecosystem supports species adapted to acidic, nutrient-poor soils. In addition to the dominant heath plants, rare species like bird’s-foot and cranberry (scarce in County Wexford) appear in sheltered hollows. Spring brings carpets of wild-garlic along the dry-stone walls.

Birdlife is a major draw. Golden plovers, merlins, red grouse and wheatears are regular sightings, while hen harriers and peregrine falcons use the open ridges for hunting. Mammals include Irish hares, red foxes, badgers, stoats, Sika deer and small herds of feral goats that have adapted to the rough terrain.

Guided Walks & Local Experiences

Based near Borris, Carlow, Blackstairs Eco Trails has offered structured walks focused on the area’s natural and cultural heritage, including foraging and fungi workshops, native tree walks, stargazing evenings and shepherds’ hut glamping. Check the Blackstairs Eco Trails site for what is currently available and for prices.

Practical Information

Walking in the Blackstairs is free. Use the Nine Stones viewpoint car park as your starting point for the waymarked route.

Getting There

The range lies between Carlow, Borris and Enniscorthy, and those towns provide cafés, shops and places to stay. Check current public transport options before you travel, and arrange a lift or taxi for the final stretch to the trailhead.

Dogs & Families

• Keep dogs on a lead, and take particular care in spring and early summer when ground-nesting birds are on the hills.
• The long ridge walks are better for older kids or experienced walkers.
• The high ground is exposed and frequently windy. Waterproof layers and sturdy boots are essential.
• Winter conditions can bring snow and ice, which shorten daylight hours but reward prepared walkers with quiet, frozen landscapes.

Navigation & Safety

Mobile signal can drop significantly once you leave the lower ground. Carry a physical map, a headlamp, and extra food and water, as weather changes quickly in the uplands. Download offline maps before you head out.

For further information, visit the Blackstairs Eco Trails official site or the Blackstairs Mountains Wikipedia entry.