Overview
Rising to 276 metres on the eastern edge of the Dublin Mountains, Carrickgollogan sits in County Dublin close to the Wicklow line, in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown. Just south of Rathmichael and Shankill, the hill is covered in a mixed woodland managed by Coillte, and it is free to walk. Lodgepole pine, noble fir, Japanese larch and Scots pine mix with native birch and beech, creating a dense canopy that opens onto heathland and furze. The forest floor supports badgers, rabbits and a steady rotation of birdlife, making it a quiet escape close to the city.
The main draw is the summit viewpoint, which gives a wide sweep from Dublin Bay to the Wicklow ridge. On a clear day, you can trace the coastline past Bray, Howth, Dalkey and Killiney, while inland the outlines of War Hill, Djouce and Duff Hill stand out against the horizon. Weston St. John Joyce noted the quality of this vista in the early 1900s.
The Historic Flue Chimney & Industrial Past
The granite flue chimney on the northern ridge is a survivor of the 19th-century lead-mining industry. Built in 1836 for the Ballycorus lead-mines complex, the chimney was designed to capture lead vapour from a nearby reverberatory furnace. Workers had to scrape the condensed metal from the interior – a dangerous job that gave the surrounding valley the grim nickname “Death Valley”. The structure once stood taller than it does today and was marked on Admiralty charts as a navigational aid for ships in the bay. View the chimney from the trail and keep out of the structure.
Open-cast mining began around 1807, with underground work continuing until 1863 and smelting operations running until 1913. The valley below still holds the foundations of granite furnaces, lime kilns and workers’ cottages, many now converted into homes.
Further down the northern slope, the ruins of Rathmichael church mark an early Christian site said to have been founded by St Comgall of Bangor in the 6th century; only the base of its round tower survives, about 5 metres across. The site sits within the remains of a large ringfort and holds nine Rathdown grave slabs set into the south wall, carved with Norse-influenced concentric circles and herringbone patterns. A short walk away, the two-storey stone ruin known as Puck’s Castle likely dates to 1537, built by Peter Talbot. Down on farmland at Shankill, below the hill itself, a Neolithic wedge tomb more than 4,500 years old stood until its capstone collapsed in late 2021. On the southern slope, a stone plaque commemorates Dr Nathaniel Alcock (d. 1904), inscribed with a Seneca quote on solitary contemplation – a fitting nod to the hill’s long reputation as a place for quiet reflection.
Walking Trails & Activities
Start at the designated car park and check the map; the paths are waymarked.
Lead Mines Way (Orange)
- Length: about 2 km
- Route: Waymarked with orange discs, this is the walk to the old Ballycorus lead-mines chimney, passing through mixed woodland on the way. A short detour leads to the viewing rock for a quick panorama.
Mountain Access Route
This is a shorter but steeper spur to an exposed viewing rock. Wear shoes with grip and stand well back from the edge. Choose it if you want the outlook without covering extra distance and are comfortable on a steep climb.
Dublin Mountains Way
The long-distance route threads through Carrickgollogan, linking Shankill to Tallaght. Hikers can join the Way for a multi-day trek or simply walk the section that passes the chimney and summit.
Orienteering & Audio-Poetry
Permanent orienteering courses are laid out through the trees, with maps on the Coillte website. For a different pace, the “Sky Walkers” audio-poetry project by Méadhbh O’Connor places listening stations at key points, including the chimney and viewing rock.
Wildlife & Woodland
The plantation’s mix of conifers and broadleaf trees supports a steady cycle of seasonal colour. Birch and beech bring autumn gold, while the heathland and furze provide cover for small mammals. Birdwatchers regularly spot sparrowhawks, woodpeckers and occasional red kites circling the ridge. Meadow brown butterflies are common in summer, and the open slopes are good for spotting foxes at dawn or dusk.
Practical Information & Getting There
- Car park hours: Check the Dublin Mountains Partnership’s visitor information for current car park hours. The gates close earlier in winter.
- Facilities: Plan for a site without built facilities and bring a bag for litter. Kilternan is nearby for refreshments.
- Weather & Safety: The summit is exposed and can be very windy. Paths are unpaved and can be muddy after rain; waterproof footwear is recommended. Check the Dublin Mountains Partnership website for updates before heading out.
Transport Options
- By car: Follow signs to Kilternan and then to the Carrickgollogan car park on Barnaslingan Lane. Check the Coillte page for the current route and map.
- On foot: Approach from Shankill or Kilternan via the Dublin Mountains Way if you prefer to park further away and walk in.
If you’re planning a sunset walk, check the gate closing time first and allow time for the short climb to the viewing rock. Pack a light windbreaker – the ridge temperature drops noticeably once you clear the tree line.