Slievemaan is doubly disadvantaged. Firstly it is overshadowed (literally) by the highest summit in Leinster, Lugnaquillia, which gains the majority of attention from hillwalkers to these parts. Secondly Slievemaan is just not that exciting a summit. It is boggy, has no dramatic geology and is really just a stop on the way elsewhere. On the redeeming side, it is the 70th highest summit in Ireland, has fine views of nearby Lugnaquillia and it forms part of a fine circuit taking in Lugnaquillia, Slievemaan and Ballineddin Mountains.

One option is to complete a circuit of the Slaney River valley. Start S97310 93557 A (Fentons Pub) and head along the road to join a trail at S98438 92935 B. From here follow the trail over Camarahill towards the summit of Lugnaquillia. At S01962 915 C 60 either contour around south to the col between Lugnaquillia and Slievemaan at T02217 91190 D, or continue up to Lugnaquillia and then come back down to the col. It’s an easy pull up to Slievemaan, although the col will be terribly wet and boggy on all but the most frozen of days. Enjoy the views from Slievemaan and its tiny cairn at T01756 90820 E. A trail will bring you on over the bog down and up to Ballineddin Mountain. You can pick your way down to the road at S98570 91435 F. From here follow the road/tracks back to Fentons Pub.

The round trip, including Lugnaquillia, can take 6.5 hours and is 15.89kms long. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/70/comment/4830/

I can agree with csd's comment of 27 April. This is some of the worst high level damage in Wicklow caused, not by hillwalkers, but by bikers or quad bikers. The photo shows the damage to the ground between Slievemaan and Lugnaquillia. So bad is the damage that even after comparatively dry weather it was prudent not to walk on the ground. This is a recent phenomenom. Although it was always a bit wet here, it was easily crossable. Not any more or at least not after rain. I would advise anyone crossing between Slievemaan and Lugnaquillia to beware of the danger of getting stuck. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/70/comment/530/

As seen in the unfortunately dark picture, surface damage isn't limited to the col between Slievemaan and Lugnaquillia. Here is a shot of the summit, pitted with ATV tracks. Almost on cue, three riders drove past as I was doing my best to enjoy the summit. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/70/comment/1795/

The summit of Slievemaan has great views to the south, though not on the day this picture was taken. The picture shows the mini-cairn in front of the impressive bulk of Lugnaquillia. The summit of Lugnaquillia is less than 200m above this point. It can't be seen because it is quite far back from the skyline, across a broad shoulder known as Percy's Table. Trackback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/70/comment/531/