O0801 : Trig point on Tonelagee with view towards Mullaghcleevaun
Serious hillwalk; navigation skills needed

Tonelagee

816m Elevation
204m Prominence
I Country
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O0801 : Trig point on Tonelagee with view towards Mullaghcleevaun

Colin Park Photo source

Overview

Tonelagee is an 815.8 m mountain in County Wicklow above the steep glacial corrie of Lough Ouler. The Glenmacnass circuit and shorter Wicklow Gap return are distinct hillwalks, both requiring suitable equipment and navigation. The Glenmacnass approach also involves a river crossing that can become impassable after rain. The main summit is separate from Tonelagee NE Top, SE Top and the lake viewpoints.

Tonelagee

Tonelagee rises to 815.8 m in County Wicklow above Lough Ouler. Its main summit at O085015 is separate from Tonelagee NE Top and SE Top and from the lake viewpoints.

Routes

Glenmacnass and Lough Ouler circuit

Start and finish at Glenmacnass Waterfall car park on the R115. Wicklow Tourism's circuit visits Lough Ouler, climbs Tonelagee, then returns around the northeast side to the car park. Its full circuit has 505 m of ascent and an estimated three hours; allow a generous margin for navigation and wet ground. Although the publisher labels it moderate, it specifies well-equipped experienced hikers with navigation skills. Avoid this approach after substantial rain or when substantial rain is forecast. The Glenmacnass River can rise during the walk and prevent your return crossing; turn back before an unsafe crossing. Keep back from corrie drops and carry a map and compass.

Distance: 7.9 km for the complete circuit.

Tonelagee from Wicklow Gap return

Start and finish at Wicklow Gap car park on the R756. Climb the unsigned hillside path to Tonelagee's main summit, then retrace the same line to the car park. AllTrails gives about 381 m of ascent and two to two-and-a-half hours for this complete out-and-back. Expect steep, uneven and muddy ground, exposed winds and difficult navigation in cloud. A descent to the shore of Lough Ouler is a separate extension. Keep back from the corrie edge when seeking a lake view. TFI Local Link 895 serves Wicklow Gap Viewing Point; check outward and return services before travelling.

Distance: approximately 3.9 km for the full return.

Landscape and views

Lough Ouler occupies a glacial corrie below Tonelagee. Geological Survey Ireland describes granite along the northern side of the corrie and slate and schist of the Maulin Formation to the south. Ice carved the hollow and left a moraine and large erratic boulders. Eroded blanket peat forms hags on the ridge towards Stoney Top.

Clear weather gives wide views across the Wicklow Mountains. Lough Ouler lies in the corrie below Tonelagee; viewpoints around its rim are separate from the actual summit and have steep drops nearby.

Access and facilities

Use Glenmacnass Waterfall car park on the R115 for the Lough Ouler circuit, or the small parking area at Wicklow Gap on the R756 for the summit out-and-back. These are different starting points. Park responsibly without blocking roads, entrances or emergency access, and follow local signs.

TFI Local Link 895 runs between Sallins and Glendalough and stops at Wicklow Gap Viewing Point. Check the current timetable and return service before setting out. Route 183 connects Arklow and Glendalough. For the Glenmacnass start, arrange a suitable transfer rather than assuming these buses reach the waterfall car park.

Carry food and water for the mountain. Public toilets are at Glendalough Visitor Centre and the Upper Lake car park; Laragh and Glendalough have places to eat. Keep dogs on a lead and take litter home.

Safety

The Glenmacnass River can rise during a walk and block the return crossing. Avoid the Glenmacnass route after substantial rain or when substantial rain is forecast; turn back before an unsafe crossing.

Steep corrie cliffs above Lough Ouler have abrupt drops. Keep back from the edge, especially in wind, cloud or poor visibility.

Wet peat, mud, uneven ground and slippery rocks make progress slow and increase the risk of falls.

The exposed mountain can be cold and windy. Routes are unsigned or indistinct; carry a suitable map and compass and know how to use them.

Mobile reception is absent in parts of the Glenmacnass valley. Tell someone your plan and return time, and carry food, water, warm waterproof clothing and a torch.

Name and history

Paul Tempan records the Irish name Tóin le Gaoith, meaning "backside to the wind". The Glenmacnass approach lies beside the Great Military Road, constructed between 1801 and 1809 through the Wicklow Mountains.

Nearby tops

Tonelagee NE Top (667 m, O095019) and Tonelagee SE Top (545.8 m, O099004) are separate summits.

References

Explore routes near Tonelagee

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Glenmacnass and Lough Ouler circuit

Start and finish at Glenmacnass Waterfall car park on the R115. Wicklow Tourism's circuit visits Lough Ouler, climbs Tonelagee, then returns around the northeast side to the car park. Its full circuit has 505 m of ascent and an estimated three hours; allow a generous margin for navigation and wet ground. Although the publisher labels it moderate, it specifies well-equipped experienced hikers with navigation skills. Avoid this approach after substantial rain or when substantial rain is forecast. The Glenmacnass River can rise during the walk and prevent your return crossing; turn back before an unsafe crossing. Keep back from corrie drops and carry a map and compass.

7.9 km ~3 hours Challenging; river crossing

Tonelagee from Wicklow Gap return

Start and finish at Wicklow Gap car park on the R756. Climb the unsigned hillside path to Tonelagee's main summit, then retrace the same line to the car park. AllTrails gives about 381 m of ascent and two to two-and-a-half hours for this complete out-and-back. Expect steep, uneven and muddy ground, exposed winds and difficult navigation in cloud. A descent to the shore of Lough Ouler is a separate extension. Keep back from the corrie edge when seeking a lake view. TFI Local Link 895 serves Wicklow Gap Viewing Point; check outward and return services before travelling.

3.9 km Moderate; steep, rough mountain terrain
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Dillon Arderin Vandeleur-Lynam

Elevation

816m

2,677 ft

Prominence

204m

Coordinates

53.0543, -6.3826

O085015

OS Map

56

At the Summit

The main summit is at O085015 above the steep-sided corrie holding Lough Ouler. Lake viewpoints on the surrounding slopes and rim are separate from the summit. Keep well back from the drops when seeking a view.

Terrain & Geology

Open mountain slopes wet peat and bog heather rough and uneven paths rocky ground steep corrie slopes

Lough Ouler occupies a glacial corrie below Tonelagee. Geological Survey Ireland describes granite along the northern side of the corrie and slate and schist of the Maulin Formation to the south. Ice carved the hollow and left a moraine and large erratic boulders. Eroded blanket peat forms hags on the ridge towards Stoney Top.

Views & Scenery

Clear weather gives wide views across the Wicklow Mountains. Lough Ouler lies in the corrie below Tonelagee; viewpoints around its rim are separate from the actual summit and have steep drops nearby.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Paul Tempan records the Irish name Tóin le Gaoith, meaning "backside to the wind".

Historical Significance

The Glenmacnass approach lies beside the Great Military Road, constructed between 1801 and 1809 through the Wicklow Mountains.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Use Glenmacnass Waterfall car park on the R115 for the Lough Ouler circuit, or the small parking area at Wicklow Gap on the R756 for the summit out-and-back. These are different starting points. Park responsibly without blocking roads, entrances or emergency access, and follow local signs.

Public Transport

TFI Local Link 895 runs between Sallins and Glendalough and stops at Wicklow Gap Viewing Point. Check the current timetable and return service before setting out. Route 183 connects Arklow and Glendalough. For the Glenmacnass start, arrange a suitable transfer rather than assuming these buses reach the waterfall car park.

Nearby Facilities

Carry food and water for the mountain. Public toilets are at Glendalough Visitor Centre and the Upper Lake car park; Laragh and Glendalough have places to eat. Keep dogs on a lead and take litter home.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The Glenmacnass River can rise during a walk and block the return crossing. Avoid the Glenmacnass route after substantial rain or when substantial rain is forecast; turn back before an unsafe crossing.
  • Steep corrie cliffs above Lough Ouler have abrupt drops. Keep back from the edge, especially in wind, cloud or poor visibility.
  • Wet peat, mud, uneven ground and slippery rocks make progress slow and increase the risk of falls.
  • The exposed mountain can be cold and windy. Routes are unsigned or indistinct; carry a suitable map and compass and know how to use them.
  • Mobile reception is absent in parts of the Glenmacnass valley. Tell someone your plan and return time, and carry food, water, warm waterproof clothing and a torch.

Seasonal Hazards

After substantial rain, or when substantial rain is forecast, avoid the Glenmacnass approach: a river crossed safely on the way out may be impassable on return. Wet peat and rock become slippery. Strong winds and low cloud can make the exposed summit and corrie rim hazardous.

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 Tonelagee?

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Are there other walkers around Tonelagee?

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 Tonelagee search or of course create your own walk for Tonelagee

Can I organise a walk to Tonelagee?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

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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 Tonelagee?

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.

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Location

Tonelagee location map

Grid reference: O085015

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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