Lugnaquilla

Lugnaquilla is the highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains, standing at 925 metres (3,038 feet) above sea level. The mountain lies in County Wicklow, Ireland, within the Wicklow Mountains National Park and is part of the larger county ridge that forms the backbone of the region. Its summit was reached in August 1749 by the British soldier Sir John Cleave, who is credited with the first recorded ascent. The name “Lugnaquilla” derives from the Irish *Lugnaquilla* “white hill” or “honey hill”, reflecting its pale basaltic geology.

The geology of Lugnaquilla is dominated by Ordovician and Silurian sedimentary rocks, mainly quartzite and shale, which give the mountain a rugged, layered appearance. The plateau at the top is a broad, grassy expanse that provides expansive views of the surrounding landscape, including the Glen of Imaal Military Camp and the peaks of Maulin and Tomregan. The summit is marked by a cairn and a small trig point.

Lugnaquilla is a popular destination for walkers, with six main ascent routes that vary in distance and difficulty. The most common approach is via Turlough Hill, which is a 6 km loop graded at moderate difficulty. Other paths include the Moneymore and Pahanabeg routes, which offer steeper climbs and more exposure. The mountain is typically visited between April and October, when weather conditions are most favourable.

The habitat around Lugnaquilla supports various fauna, including red grouse, pine martens, and the rare Lough Neagh scree frog. Flora includes diverse heathland species, such as bilberry, ling, and deer’s grass. Conservation measures focus on maintaining the balance between recreational use and ecological preservation, with guidelines issued by the Wicklow Mountains National Park authority.