adventurescenicnature

Mount Leinster & Blackstairs

Carlow • Wexford

Mount Leinster & Blackstairs at a glance

Distance: 85 km
Driving time: 2 hoursAllow 1 day
Best direction: Carlow Town → Ferns
Best season: Spring, Summer and Autumn
Nearest airport: Dublin~98 km away
Fuel estimate: ~€105.5 L at €1.75/L

Fuel estimate assumes 6.5 L/100km and an average Republic of Ireland petrol pump price of €1.75 per litre (AA Ireland, July 2026) — see the Ireland fuel price guide for current rates.

About This Route

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

Where to Stay

This 85km mountain drive runs from Carlow Town south through the Blackstairs to Bunclody and Ferns, with the summit of Mount Leinster as the centrepiece. A base at the northern end keeps you close to the start and within striking distance of the summit road.

Carlow Town

Carlow is the most convenient overnight option, offering hotels and guesthouses just minutes from the route's starting point. The town sits on the eastern bank of the River Barrow, giving you easy access south to Borris, the Nine Stones viewpoint, and the Mount Leinster summit drive. On your return you can loop through Bunclody and Ferns on the Wexford side before heading back to Carlow for the evening.

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

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

Before You Drive This Route

Plan on 1 day for the Mount Leinster & Blackstairs: the 85km takes roughly 2 hours at the wheel, and the rest is why you came. If this is your first drive in Ireland, read driving on the left in Ireland before you collect the car — the first roundabout is not the moment to work it out. For what a trip like this costs in 2026, from fuel to beds, see the budget guide. If you have not booked a car yet, our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers what to choose and what the desk will ask for, and car hire excess insurance explains the excess you will be asked to cover. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Carlow page, and the 1798 Rebellion Trail pairs naturally with this one.

Frequently asked questions

Tap a question to expand the answer.

QHow long does the Mount Leinster & Blackstairs take to drive?▼

2 hours of driving covers the 85km of the Mount Leinster & Blackstairs, though nobody drives it straight through. Budget 1 day to do it at a sensible pace, or 1 day if you want to linger.

QCan you drive the Mount Leinster & Blackstairs in one day?▼

Yes — the Mount Leinster & Blackstairs is designed as a day trip. 85km and 2 hours of driving fit comfortably into one day with time for stops. An early start still helps at the busier viewpoints.

QWhich direction is best to drive the Mount Leinster & Blackstairs?▼

Carlow Town to Ferns is the direction to take. The route is documented that way, so the distances and drive times between stops follow in sequence. Driving it in reverse is perfectly possible — you will just be reading the itinerary backwards.

QIs the Mount Leinster & Blackstairs suitable for nervous drivers or large vehicles?▼

The Mount Leinster & Blackstairs is rated Moderate. Most of the 85km is straightforward, but there are narrower stretches where you will meet oncoming traffic and need to slow right down. Fine for a cautious driver taking their time; a large campervan will want to check the tighter sections first.