Just S of Mt. Leinster, Blackstairs Mt. is a prominent hill on the main ridge separating Carlow & Wexford. Views are good in all directions, mostly over flatlands, but dominated by the peak of Mt. Leinster to the N. Brandon Hill and Slievenamon are also visible. This is a hill-walker friendly region and there are a number of approaches.

N. Perhaps the most straight-forward ascent is from the Scullogue Gap, parking at S81378 47884 A. There is a well-worn track from here which can be quite wet. 1.5 to 2 hrs.

S. Park near the start of a forest track at S 80872 40979 B. Take the track up to the col NE of Carrigalachan and head N along the ridge from here. 2hrs

W. Start from S 78700 43824 C, head up the zigzag track to the obvious col. Then it’s a fairly steep 2k ascent NW to B. En route you pass Caher Roe’s Den S80138 43838 D - among the rocky outcrops is a cave said to hold the treasure of the O’Dempsey family of Laois. 1.5 hrs+

W. Park near S77806 42791 E and take the forest rd to the NE. When you exit the forest head up the steep slopes to theh aforementioned col and head NW to B. 1.75 hrs

The entire ridge can be traversed by starting near S75817 35576 F, taking in Bran Scultair, Carrigroe and Carrigalachan, before reaching B itself, then dropping to the Scullogue Gap, with the option of extending to Mt. Leinster and exiting the ridge at the Nine Stones S81643 54638 G - entire traverse 8 hrs+

Notable tracks – the linear track/4119, circular track/4617 and track/3370 Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/85/comment/4845/