Mount Leinster & Blackstairs

The Blackstairs Mountains form a dramatic ridge along the Carlow-Wexford border. This route climbs through farmland to the summit drive of Mount Leinster - one of Ireland's few peaks accessible by car.

Why This Route?

The Blackstairs offer genuine mountain experience:

• Summit drive - Mount Leinster accessible by road
• Paragliding - Ireland's premier launch site
• Panoramic views - Nine counties visible
• Wilderness feel - Rocky granite landscape
• Uncrowded - Far from tourist routes

The Mountains

The Blackstairs Ridge runs north-south for 25km, with Mount Leinster (795m) the highest peak. The range is granite, exposed on the upper slopes as rugged tors.

The Route

Starting from Carlow Town

Head south through rolling farmland.

Bunclody

A gateway town on the Wexford side:

• Planned estate town
• River Slaney confluence
• Good facilities

Nine Stones (Viewing Point)

A dramatic standing stone circle on the mountain approach. Views begin to open up.

Mount Leinster Summit Drive

Ireland's only summit accessible by paved road. The road climbs through:

• Forestry plantations (lower slopes)
• Open heather moorland
• Rocky granite summit area

Summit Area

At the top you'll find:

• TV transmission tower (visible for miles)
• Paragliders launching (common sight)
• Walking trails
• Viewing orientation panels

Panoramic Views

On clear days you can see:

• Wicklow Mountains (north)
• Slieve Bloom (northwest)
• Galtees and Comeraghs (southwest)
• Coast (east and south)

South Leinster Way

Long-distance trail crossing the mountains. The Mount Leinster section is the highlight.

Kiltealy

A Wexford village on the southern approach.

Borris

Return via this attractive village (see Barrow Valley route).

Walking Options

Mount Leinster Summit Loop

• Distance: 5km from top car park
• Time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Ridge walk, views

South Leinster Way (Blackstairs Section)

• Distance: 15km
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Highlights: Full ridge traverse

Black Rock Mountain

• Distance: 8km from Kiltealy
• Time: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
• Highlights: Less visited summit

Paragliding

Mount Leinster is Ireland's most popular paragliding site. On flyable days you'll see:

• Pilots launching from the summit
• Thermals carrying them higher
• Landing fields in the valley below

Not a participant? It's still fascinating to watch.

Practical Tips

1. Summit road - Narrow; drive carefully, watch for walkers
2. Weather - Cloud often on summit; check before driving up
3. Exposed - Bring warm layers even in summer
4. No facilities at summit - Bring food and water
5. Best visibility - Morning, or after rain clears the air