Kippure Mountain | Why this Dublin peak is easier than you think
If you’re going to climb the highest point in Co. Dublin, you’re probably on the lookout for an easy summit without getting lost in a sea of mud.
Parking, fitness and what to expect when standing beside the giant transmitter, at the top, can make or break your day out in the hills.
This article about climbing Kippure will guide you through the routes you can do, where to park along Military Road (the historic route), and helpful tips to make your way up safe, easy, and successful.
Getting to start and practical info
Determining where you want to start is key since there are no major visitor centres and no specific corporate facilities at the base of the mountain.
Finding the trailhead and parking
A small gravel parking area just a few kilometres north of the iconic Sally Gap crossroads is the easiest place to start your hike, it’s located on the R115, the Military Road.
Key hike metrics at a glance
The out-and-back route on the paved access road is a simple track, and for this option, the round trip distance is about 7 kilometres. Allow 2 hours for the walk, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the 220 m total elevation gain, which is gentle but not insignificant.
Routes for Climbing Kippure
The terrain can be enjoyed in two different ways, with a casual family hike or an off-the-beaten-path adventure into the backcountry.
Option 1: The paved access road (Best for families & toddlers)
If you’re hiking with a young family, carrying a toddler in a rucksack or simply taking it easy at the end of the day, then the service road is for you. This private road was constructed to support the large transmission mast at the top but is superb for walking and has a solid surface underfoot, eliminating the worry of getting bogged down in mud.
Some experienced hikers may think that it is a bit of a bore to walk on a paved road, but on a windy day when you don’t want to risk slips and falls, it is a lifesaver.
Option 2: The Lough Bray Loop (Best for Adventurous Hikers)
For the more adventurous, avoid all of the tarmac and head straight out of the jewel-like lakes of Upper and Lower Lough Bray for a more traditional, rugged mountain experience. This path will be a challenging one to navigate and leads directly up onto the open mountain area.
Spot the deep drainage ditch that runs along the lower slopes of the wild bog down to the service road, it is only safe to cross with absolute clarity of sight and firmness of foot.
Option 3: The Wicklow Round Section (Best for Thru-Hikers)
On the long-distance, endurance Wicklow Round, it is a major landmark for the toughest of the tough. You will be arriving at the mountain from the less-climbed northern ridges and not the normal eastern access.
Hiking Kippure Mountain: What to Expect Underfoot
As soon as you leave the tarmac, the true essence of the Dublin-Wicklow border becomes clear.
Navigating the Peat and Bog
The surrounding massifs are the headwaters of the River Liffey, and deep peat bogs and extremely wet boggy terrain are dominant features of the area. Waterproof hiking boots are a must when travelling off the service road, where the terrain is soft and is waterlogged.
Preparing for High-Altitude Weather
The area is completely open moorland with no trees, so the weather can change in a matter of moments. The higher elevations of the mountain are where high-altitude mountain winds can be found; therefore, it is always recommended to bring an extra warm layer with you.
The summit of Kippure and Reflections
At the broad, open summit, modern infrastructure stands alongside reminders of Ireland’s ancient past.
Getting to the Transmission Mast and Ancient Cairn
The Kippure television mast is the oldest television transmission site in the Republic of Ireland and is 127 metres tall, standing prominently at the 757 m peak. On the other side of this enormous steel structure is a stone cairn and a stone OS trig column indicating the true geographical high point.
Checking the map for next steps
When the weather is fine, you can lift your map and enjoy a 360° vista across the Irish Sea to Wales and great views down towards Dublin City and the rolling hills of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Thoughts on Kippure Mountain
It’s an excellent destination for all levels of hiking, from those who are seeking their 32 County High Points challenge to those who are bringing kids on their first mountain hike. It unites untouched blanket bogs and all-weather access with ease.
