Lacken – Mass Path

This is the signed Lacken Mass Path, a linear route of 1.9 km one way from the village access to its upper end near the forest edge below Lugnagun. Most walkers return the same way, which makes the outing about 3.8 km round trip. The official register allows about 30 minutes one way, so plan on roughly an hour of walking there and back, plus stops.

The path starts at a gap in the stone wall with steps, then rises along an old boreen enclosed by high stone walls, some reported up to eight feet tall. Higher up it leaves the walled lane, crosses open farmland through gates, passes a small river crossing and a stile, and finishes at the plantation edge. Grading is moderate, with a steady pull rather than sharp climbing, and the register lists around 110 m of ascent. Tread is mixed: asphalt and steps near the village, then dirt and narrow grass that can be soft, uneven and slippery underfoot. Sturdy boots are worth having.

This was a working route for over 200 years, used by families from Lugnagun and Blackrock walking to church, school, shops and the pub in Lacken before cars were common. The community later reopened the old shortcut. Along the way you pass famine-era ruins and old potato ridges still visible in the ground. The reward on the upper section is wide open ground over Poulaphouca Reservoir and the Blessington Lakes, with long views across Mid Leinster toward the Slieve Bloom Mountains on a clear day.

Follow the green arrows on white waymarks. The line is straightforward on the ascent, with the walled lane and field boundaries doing most of the guiding. Walking the route in reverse takes more care, because the path start at the forest edge is easy to miss, so note that junction on the way up.

Dogs are not allowed. The path crosses grazing land with sheep, and it depends on continued goodwill from local landowners. Close gates behind you, keep to the marked line, and give livestock room.

Parking is by the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Lacken, where a recent walker account reported only about a dozen spaces, so arrive early or have a plan if it is taken. From there, walk back through the village a short distance to the signed access at the old shop, which is now closed. The register places the start 10 m to the left of that building, at approximately 53.140278, -6.488517.

Near the forest edge there are onward options toward the summit ridge and Sorrel Hill. Those continuations sit outside this record, are less marked and more demanding, and need proper hill navigation skills. If you only want the Mass Path, turn around at the forest edge and retrace your steps.