MountainViews: Info on Croghan Hill Cnoc Cruacháin (234m) in area North Midlands

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North Midlands Area

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Maximum height for area: 339 metres

Summits in area: 10

OS Map(s): 27A, 28A, 28B, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 39 for all tops

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Croghan Hill Hill	Offaly County
Cnoc Cruacháin A name in Irish	(Language)
(Ir. Cnoc Cruacháin [logainm.ie], 'hill of the little stack')
Height: 234 metres	OS 1/50k Mapsheet: 48 for top
Grid Ref: N48105 33113	Latitude: 53.346295 Longitude: -7.278472
ITM: 648043 733139	Prominence: 159m Isolation: 31.8km
Brí Éile, '(fortified) hill of Éile', is the earlier Irish name of this hill. Éile (Ely) is a large territory covering parts of Offaly and Tipperary. Bearnán Éile (Devilsbit Mountain) is at the other end of it. The Hill of Croghan is the remains of Croghan Hill is the 1025th highest summit in Ireland. Croghan Hill is the most southerly summit in the North Midlands area. Our data has reached 100% of the goal for this summit. (Details)

COMMENTS for Croghan Hill

MountainViews.ie Picture about mountain Croghan Hill in area North Midlands, County Offaly, Ireland

Picture: Looking south over peat bogs Expand pics.

The effort won't kill you, the drive might!

Short Summary created by jackill 7 Jul 2010 Start at N48800 33000 (Point A)(very little room to park)next to gate and concrete hut, go through the gate (note this is private farmland) and follow the track uphill to the summit passing an old graveyard on the way and crossing one wire fence
.Excellent views across boggy plains from Irelands most isolated mainland summit.

Point A: N48800 33000

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Comment Rating (3.00)

Picture: Croghan Hill - a lovely walk Expand pics.

by wicklore 22 Jun 2009 Croghan Hill in Co. Offaly is listed on MV as the most isolated hill in Ireland – in effect it is 32 kms from the nearest MV listed hill, which is the Ridge of Capard in the Slieve Blooms. I climbed Croghan Hill on Sunday, and in doing so I completed my Local 100 hills, and also hit the 200 summit milestone all in one go! It would also be the first time our 5 ½ month old daughter would travel on my back in the immensely useful harness/rucksack we were given as a present!

Exploring the minor roads that circle Croghan Hill, we found a spot at N488 330 (Point A) where there is a gate and a small concrete hut. I had asked a local man on the way up about climbing Croghan and he had said there was no problem going up through the fields on this side. There is room for one car to park safely on the verge at the gate

Through the gate we followed a track that led in about 15 minutes to an old graveyard at N482 330 (Point B). It is surrounded by an old stone wall, and there are steps to cross the wall for those wishing to explore the ancient graveyard. These are on the west side near a locked gate. Talking to another local, he told me that this is where St Brigid received her veil from St Macaille when she became a nun. Another story says that she received her veil in Meath, but set up her convent here at Croghan Hill. This all happened 1500 years ago so information is sketchy! Nowadays the graveyard is overgrown with long grass and nettles, but it has a lovely atmosphere.

The summit cairn and trig pillar are just a few minutes uphill from here. A barbwire fence between the graveyard and the summit is easily crossed. The cairn at the summit (N481 331 (Point C)) is covered in grass and cattle were grazing freely. The views are absolutely breathtaking – flat farm and bogland sweep away in all directions for dozens of miles. The uninterrupted views really give the sense of this being the most isolated summit. The hills of Wicklow, Cavan, Tipperary, Louth & Down are visible far away. Nearer by, peat operations are evident, with the towers of the peat power station near Kinnegad visible. The Slieve Blooms loom to the south. This hill is an absolute must for the views on a good day!

As mentioned by Audi-Anne, the locals have a tradition of climbing this hill on St Patrick’s Day. St Patrick himself is said to have visited the hill, and St Patrick’s Well is on the north side of the hill just off the road. The farmer we spoke to on the way down told us that there used to be boxing matches and all sorts of revelry on the hill, but that some of the old ways are dying out. He confirmed that there is no access problem with climbing the hill on this side (east side), and said that it is a popular route up with locals.

Our baby really enjoyed her first walk in the harness, and it was an easy 20 minute stroll up to the summit. This is a highly recommended walk for both occasional strollers and seasoned walkers alike!

Point A: N488 330	Point B: N482 330	Point C: N481 331
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(Comment Rating 4.62) Your Score: Very useful << >>Average

Picture: Turf cutting from the top. Expand pics.

Saving the bog with diesel.

by simon3 4 Jul 2010 The summit area allows you to see the extraordinary mechanised turf cutting to the north.
Incidentally, this summit is easily reached by people heading from Dublin as a quick excursion off the main road. It took us less than two hours.

(Comment Rating 4.00) Your Score: Very useful << >>Average

Picture: Stunning views from little Croghan Hill Expand pics.

Views all around.

by csd 15 Aug 2010 Taking the obvious road out of Rhode and turning right, the exact co-ordinates of the gate where you can park one car and head up the slope are N48852 33016 (Point D). It's shortly after the boreen that leads left off the road you're on (ignore this), and look out for the tiny concrete hut. If you wish to avoid the field here for reasons of livestock, then the adjacent field (to the left looking up the hill) can also be used -- there's a gate further back up the road.

As the other contributors have mentioned, Croghan's isolated location affords stunning views that belie its relatively modest elevation. Today's beautiful weather and an ND grad filter enabled me to take some lovely shots.

Point D: N48852 33016

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Small but mighty.

by ChrisJefferies 7 Nov 2011 First I'd like to thank previous posters. If it weren't for them I'd have never have known that this hill was accessible. It always appeared that the hill was private and not walkable.

We had a great few hours walking up and sitting on the summit. The Wicklow mountains and Slieve Blooms were easily seen from the summit and because of the flat surrounding area the views of Westmeath & Offaly were stunning. We also parked at the small concrete hut and walked from there as we couldn't find the old school/community centre (does anyone have a map ref for it?) Next time we will park by the cemetery just before the junction to the lane and walk the lane as well.

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Picture: Croghan Hill Expand pics.

by youngjohn 1 Aug 2009 Have climbed Croghan Hill several times always using the same route. The old school now the community centre has parking off road. If standing at the front door of the only and most useful shop, turn left and follow the road as it ascends to find the old school. Climb over the bullwire fence head for the hill. A low barbed wire fence is easily traversed and the reat of the hill has but one more fence. This approach is from the southern side. The views are just great. The hill is like an island in the bog. One can imagine St. Patrick, High Kings etc above on it. The trig as usual ruins the cairn. A handy climb but a good one. Views are worth the bother.

(Comment Rating 3.86) Your Score: Very useful << >>Average

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