wicklore on Forth Mountain

Forth Mountain lies a few kilometres SW of Wexford Town. Mountain is a bit of an ambitious addition to this hill's name as it is one of the 50 smallest hills on MV. (Out of the current 1054 listed). It is a small ridge of upland about 1.5 kms long stretching NE SW. It has two summits, with the highest point at the NE end. The southern half of the ridge is covered in forestry and I didnt go there.

I was skirting around the hill looking for a way onto the summit area. The public road is only 40 - 50 metres below the highest point in places. However there are farms on all sides of the summit and I resorted to using the farm access road at A (S984 196). This leads to a farm at the summit area, with barns, livestock and some houses. Those with dogs should take note of this obvious restriction on letting their four - legged friends run free. The lane runs through the farm and leads to the rocky summit outcrop. Im not sure about public access as I never saw anyone to ask. There are a number of communications masts and rocky outcrops around the summit area, and the trig pillar is atop the biggest of these. The trig pillar retains one of those curious benchmark plaques that pdtempan discusses in Motley Views General Forum (04-06-2008). These rectangular plaques have disappeared from most trig pillars that they were originally on, so its nice to see them on rare occasions

From the top the views are magnificent and include Wexford Town, Rosslare harbour and the wider coastal area. The Saltee Islands were visible to the south east, and the Blackstairs to the north. Out to the west I could see some low hills including Slievecoillte and Carrickbyrne Hill near New Ross. A friendly farm dog joined me at the summit and accompanied me back down the track past the farm to my car. I think information about public access to this hill would be badly needed but I couldnt find out on this occasion.

This hill is well worth a visit for those passing by. It requires absolutely minimal effort in return for fantastic views. Remember to bring a treat for the friendly local farm dog! Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1013/comment/4263/

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Unes79 on Forth Mountain

The dogs name is Buddy and yes he is very friendly. In fact if you gave him treats he would probably run away with you but my Mother would be very sad. This is private property and the owner prefers no access as in the past, gates have been left open (on the farm) and the lane has been blocked so I'm sure you can appreciate the privacy, being farmers. However, not to spoil your experience of the eye candy...there is an alternative route which you can take by foot to the summit of the pinnacle. All you need to do is from the newline road, take the right after Hayes Mountain Bar coming from Wexford Town, then turn left at the second crossroads. This will bring you around a sharp meandering bend that opens up a vast/baron area. if you park up into the ditch as much as possible (its a narrow road) then walk for a bout 2 minutes from the bend where you'll see a gap on the right hand side. This is a lovely pathway which will lead you up to the pinnacle. (wear wellies in winter and on wet days(obviously). Past the power station and take a left. You can't miss the entrance to the summit :-)!!
As for the name Forth mountain. It is only that. A name. Like the Dublin Mountains ect. They may not be actually mountains but it is a given landmark name for the area and so it is Forth Mountain not The Forth Mountain or The Dublin Mountains. I gave up calling it Forth Mountain for fear of sounding too optimistic to town folk, so I always refer to it as the pinnacle. Hope all this helps.
The views are amazing. The sunrise are beautiful and the sunsets behind the mountains are Gone-with-the-wind-esque in the summer. The moon shines on the ocean at night and between the moon and the shore becomes a sliver lane. To your right are two black dots in the silver sea. they are the Saltee Islands! Tuskar lighthouses torch is so powerful when the farm house sitting room lights are out, the beam shines through the window and lights up the room. Thats more than 10 miles away!!! Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1013/comment/4306/

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Forth on the Fourth

Eamonoc. Left Wexford on the N25 turned right onto R733 at Duncannon Rd Roundabout. Turned right onto L3072 at Hayes Mountain Bar, turn left at 2nd crossroads, after about 3mins driving when Forth Mt comes into view on the right, look out for an obvious stoney path which leads to the summit, there is space to park on the left for one car. 5mins easy walking will see you on the summit. Fine views over Weford harbour an all around, just ignore the vast array of masts that adorn this summit. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1013/comment/6650/

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New locked gate and No Trespass signage

A locked gate with signage forbidding trespass now blocks the previously straighforward access path to the summit via the masts. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1013/comment/23908/

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Access issues to dull top, beautiful trail nearby.

There are access issues with this hill (Forth 'Mountain' definitely a misnomer) from both the east and north. There is actually a drivable road from the north, which you access according to Google Maps but in fact has multiple red 'Private Road' and 'No entry' signs all over the place. The other trail to the SE is similarly adorned. However, if you don't mind a longer walk, there is an official hiking trail at the Forth Mountain Pennylands car park at C (S97172 18074), about 2.5km to the SW. Proceed up the trail for 600m, turn right and continue for another 1.7km to reach the rock outcrop that marks the highpoint, which is surrounded by transmitters/buildings and farm structures. While in the area make sure you take the time to do the short Carrigfoyle Lough Loop about 1km north of Forth. Starting at the car park at D (S98615 20129), follow the waymarked track as it loops around a long-disused quarry that filled up naturally with water many years ago to form a stunning little lough surrounded by woodland. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1013/comment/24030/

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