Mullaghcleevaun
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O0607 : Mullaghcleevaun Mountain
JP Photo source
Overview
Mullaghcleevaun
Mullaghcleevaun is Wicklow's second-highest mountain. Current DoBIH records 846.7 m, 371 m prominence and a trig-point summit at O0676507046. Mullaghcleevaun East Top is a separate 795.9 m summit. Primary record
Routes and access
The northern approach starts at Ballynultagh Gap, uphill from Lacken, and crosses Black Hill before the col and main summit. A straightforward return in route shape retraces the outward line, but the terrain is rough and often boggy. Glenmalure Lodge is not this trailhead. Independent approach account
For a longer circular return, a recorded Wikiloc route continues from the summit to Cleevaun Lough, descends towards the river at the forest edge, and uses forest roads back to the same parking. Its full 7.87-mile track is approximately 12.7 km; the 5.8 km summit waypoint is only the outward section. The author recorded 5 hours 5 minutes overall, including stops, which is not a promised duration. A July 2026 walker reports no visible trail below the lake until the forest, with difficult bog and heather. Use this only with the skills to manage steep pathless ground and current permitted access. Recorded complete loop
Landscape
GSI describes Devonian granite, extensive erosion of high-level blanket peat and exposed granite blockfields. This is not an easy, continuously waymarked trail. Geological report
Mullach Cliabháin means “summit of the cradle/basket”; the connection to the hollow holding Cleevaun Lough is a suggested explanation. Clear weather gives views over the Wicklow hills and Blessington Lakes. Table Mountain is 701 m, not 925 m. Name research
Planning
Parking at Ballynultagh Gap is limited. Arrange facilities and onward transport before arriving; Dublin Bus 65 serves Blessington, rather than a verified mountain-trailhead stop. Carry food, water, weather protection and navigation equipment. Local travel information
Sources checked 18 October 2026. Imported summit survey and revision are retained. Older 849 m walking-source figures are not substituted for the current primary record.
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Ballynultagh Gap via Black Hill and Cleevaun Lough: recorded loop
From Ballynultagh Gap, cross Black Hill and the col to the main Mullaghcleevaun summit, then descend to Cleevaun Lough and towards the river at the forest edge. Follow forest roads back to the same parking. The linked recorded whole loop is 7.87 miles, about 12.7 km. The descent below the lake is partly pathless, wet and rough; check current access and do not treat the track as a waymarked trail. Source: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/mullaghcleevaun-loop-from-ballynultagh-gap-car-park-165813566
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O0607 : Mullaghcleevaun Mountain
JP
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O0607 : Trigpoint on Mullaghcleevaun
Colin Park
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
847m
2,778 ft
Prominence
371m
Coordinates
53.1036, -6.4067
O067070
OS Map
56
At the Summit
The main 846.7 m summit is marked by a trig point at O0676507046. Mullaghcleevaun East Top is a separate 795.9 m summit and must not be mistaken for the main top.
Terrain & Geology
Geological Survey Ireland describes a predominantly granite mountain, with Devonian granite emplaced about 405 million years ago. Eroded blanket peat, deep gullies, granite sand, tors and blockfields are important features of the high ground.
Views & Scenery
In clear weather the summit overlooks the Wicklow Mountains and Blessington Lakes. Cleevaun Lough lies in the corrie below the summit; do not approach its steep rim casually in poor visibility.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
Mullach Cliabháin means “summit of the cradle/basket”. Paul Tempan, citing Joyce, associates the name with a cradle-like depression near the top, probably the hollow containing Cleevaun Lough.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
The documented northern approach begins at the small Ballynultagh Gap parking area around O 044108, reached uphill from Lacken. Keep gates and local access clear. Glenmalure Lodge is not the start of this route.
Public Transport
Dublin Bus 65 serves Blessington, according to the local tourist office. Arrange the onward journey to Ballynultagh Gap and the return separately; this is not evidence of a bus stop at the mountain trailhead. Check current services before travel.
Nearby Facilities
Plan refreshments and toilets in a village or town before reaching Ballynultagh Gap. No staffed facilities at that mountain start were verified; carry food, water and suitable equipment.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Deep peat gullies, wet bog and uneven ground occur high on the mountain as well as near the start.
- The Cleevaun Lough loop has steep, partly pathless descent through bog and heather before reaching the forest roads. Good navigation and mountain fitness are essential.
- Low cloud, strong wind and cold wet weather can develop quickly. Carry a map and compass and avoid committing to a descent that you cannot safely identify.
- A published GPS trace does not establish access rights or current forestry conditions. Respect signs and gates and turn back if a safe permitted continuation is unavailable.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Mullaghcleevaun?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Mullaghcleevaun through the maps
Are there other walkers around Mullaghcleevaun?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Mullaghcleevaun search or of course create your own walk for Mullaghcleevaun
Can I organise a walk to Mullaghcleevaun?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Mullaghcleevaun.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Mullaghcleevaun?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Mullaghcleevaun here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
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Location
Grid reference: O067070
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