Silsean is rarely mentioned or climbed without reference to its almost twin summit Moanbane. The two tops are the highest points of the area of mountain overlooking the hamlet of Ballyknockan to the east of the Blessington Lakes and Phoulaphuca Reservoir. There is about 1.5kms between the tops, and Silsean is the smaller by 5 metres. However Silsean has a summit cairn, while Moanbane makes do with a summit pond. The cairn on Silsean has recently been rebuilt by volunteers into a 3.5 foot high beehive from stone on the hill. The same volunteers have attempted to repair damage caused by quad bikes by transplanting sods of bog to the scarred summit area.

Silsean can be reached directly either from O00415 06643 A or O01141 07290 B. For a much longer walk start at the Black Hill car park at O04387 10862 C. Silsean offers great views across the Blessington Lakes, as well as south to Slievecorragh, Church Mountain, and Corriebracks.

Silsean also offers fantastic opportunities for lengthy snow sliding on its western slopes in the winter! Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/113/comment/4873/