Slow down and let history reveal itself

Ballynalacken Hill will be all too readily written off as a brief stop on the way elsewhere. Despite its excellent views west it may appear to have little else to recommend it. An old ruin and a large metal tank as well as some piping in the ground adorn the summit field. The summit itself is merely a minute or two from the road. A peak-baggers dream one would think.

But there is always something to be seen, to know about, to think about on a hill. The summitteer can experience more when they slow down and look around. Sometimes it’s obvious, like the tower on the Hill of Allen in Kildare, or the passage tombs on Slieve Na Calliagh in Meath. And sometimes it’s not so obvious; it’s more subtle and requires a little effort or application of an extra sense to find.

Ballynalacken is one such place. Yes, as the others have described it is in itself a boring hill, albeit with brilliant views to the west. But if you wander a few hundred metres to the south east of the summit field you will see a little tangled overgrown hill across the hedge in another field. This curious hillock caught my eye. If, like me, you explore this small hill enough, persevere enough and duck and clamber enough you will find what I found. Hidden history not advertised anywhere and only a vague reference which I later discovered on an old 25 inch map. What is there is not overwhelming, but it's still exciting, especially as it's not marked on the modern OSI map. It is a little reward for those who take the time to experience a hill and explore a little. Even the most mundane hill can have something exciting to offer Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1125/comment/17555/

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Only 30 metres from road

Take the R694 out of Ballyraggart to Castlecomer. At the 5 way crossroads take the Ballinakill road. Proceed through the crossroads and just before forest park car at gate (A (S47622 75197)). Cross gate and go to top of hill. Not interesting hill but wonderful views. Note road to Ballinakill from here gets very rough with many potholes.

Always ask landowner permission to cross land, never ever damage fences and beware of livestock. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1125/comment/15853/

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Fab views on boring field

Followed the description of Fergalh, crossed the gate, took few steps and that was it. Also drove bit further up on the Ballinakill Road to the electricity masts. Fab views of Mt. Leinster, Blackstairs Mt., Slievenamon, Brandon Hill, Coppanagh. Did I also see Comeragh Mts. and Slieve Bloom? Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1125/comment/17545/

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