History rules

Finally, this historic little hill get on the list!
Starting at the Northeast side of the Hill there is access for 1 car to park just off the roadside at a row of large boulders ( Allen (N76404 20925)). You then enter a clearing through the trees where masses were held years ago. An old stone altar and a derelict house still stand. From there follow the track all the way to the top keeping to the right where a round tower awaits (Aylmers Folly). According to legend, Fionn mac Cumhaill had a fortress on the hill and used the surrounding flatlands as training grounds for his warriors. Not much of a view at the summit due to trees but a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon stroll. There is also a large quarry on the west side which is eating into the hill so get there quick before it's gone! Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1265/comment/15785/

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Gaining height?

Followed Dessie1's route to the top and the first thing that strikes you are the multitude of warning signs on the path up! Private Property, Keep To The Path, Working Quarry etc. On and on they go the whole way. The views however are excellent, Croghan Hill is clearly seen rising out of the flat bogland below, that is if you climb the tower and pop out on the ramparts. Does this add a few extra metres to the height? Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1265/comment/15824/

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Tower and gash hidden.

Another place to view the Hill of Allen from is the south. This photo was taken from the cyclable towpath of the Milltown Feeder, a water supply canal. It's curious how the major features of the hill such as the tower and enormous quarry are completely invisible from here. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1265/comment/18313/

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Pleasant and easy stroll

A pleasant and easy stroll from the lay-by on the Allen-Miltown road as referenced by Dessie1. Frustratingly a spacious car parking area at this spot is padlocked, meaning visitors must park in a very tight spot on the narrow road.

The trail to the top - just follow the path uphill for 10-15 minutes and avoid any momentary temptation to leave it - is the only accessible part of the hill. One one side is a mess of uncontrolled vegetation and on the other are the quarry cliffs.

The folly at the summit was open when I visited and looks permanently so. You will need to climb the spiral staircase, each step touchingly engraved with the name of a local person, if you want to see the views of the surrounding countryside as otherwise these are obscured by trees, bushes and fencing. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1265/comment/20577/

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Delightful short walk up through the forest

Visited the Hill of Allen on 18/11/2023. Parked at the recommended roadside spot and walked up through the forest to the summit and the tower.

It's a beautiful tranquil walk through mixed forest decked out in autumn colours.

There have been a few changes at the summit area since I was last here (about 4 years ago). A lot of rough vegetation has been cleared and new fencing installed. The tower door was locked. One thing that hadn't changed - misty drizzly weather meant that I was cheated of the views that reward walkers who climb this hill on a fine day.

One curiosity here: the paving stones around the base of the tower record a long-ago royal visit to the place, but some stones are missing so there are gaps in the inscription.

Reading between the lines (almost literally) we may surmise that the future king Edward VII visited the hill and the folly when he was stationed at the Curragh in the late 19th century.

Also worth checking out the religious words and phrases at various points on the outside wall of the tower.

Return distance 1.7km, 30 minutes. Linkback: mountainviews.ie/summit/1265/comment/24082/

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