Ballinafunshogue Walk - Mountain Access Trail

From Ballinafunshogue Car Park the way climbs through Ballinafunshoge Forest on a forest access route, passes a stream and small waterfall setting, then picks up the Old Miner's Path before joining the Wicklow Way for the final pull to the Mullacor Saddle. The saddle is the turnaround point: the trees fall away and you step onto open, exposed upland with views back over wooded valley slopes and the surrounding mountains.

The official grading is strenuous and the climb is very sustained, with steep sections that keep coming rather than easing off. Reported figures are about 430 m of total height climbed with a highest point around 500 m. Terrain underfoot is listed as forest trail, and in practice that means gravel and forest road, rough stone steps, a rocky water crossing, and rougher grass and heather higher up. Suitable for fit walkers with sturdy boots.

The trail is marked with white markers. Above the treeline you are on open mountain, where cloud, wind and poor visibility change the walk completely, and full mountain navigation skill and gear are needed in difficult conditions. Carry a map and compass, and bring enough food, water and layers for the full round trip.

Start at Ballinafunshogue Car Park (52.975124, -6.391822), a small parking area of about 10 spaces, so an early arrival helps. No public transport to the start point is documented.

Dogs are welcome, but keep yours on a lead and under control throughout. A lead is required in the National Park at all times, and this route reaches open mountain where livestock and ground-nesting birds are a real concern.

The saddle opens onward options toward Lugduff or Mullacor and Derrybawn, and the Wicklow Way continues in both directions. Those are separate, longer undertakings beyond this trail, and the shorter Miners Path is a different, easier forest walk nearby. This route ends at the saddle and returns the way it came.