[RWD version 1 ] The starting phase of storm Éowyn cut short the planned route which included Djouce. I have included it because it shows an interesting variation using Powerscourt Deerpark.
As I write this up, Éowyn is shaping up to be the most extreme storm to have hit Ireland - some 560,000 premises lack power as of 6am.
We approached Djouce some 16 hours before the danger warning started for the area, by passing Paddock Lake and then ascending beside the forest at the south east corner of the track.
At around 430m the windspeed was around 35 km/h with gusts to 46. We didn't turn towards Djouce at this point instead headed towards the bridge at Glensoulan over the Dargle. Before we turned to go down to the bridge, the wind was gusting to 56.
The route back involved crossing the Dargle which is easy because there is a bridge. Harder is the stream leading to the essentially dry Paddock Lake, which has a substantial flow and a big ravine.
As of 2025 the forest beyond that returning to the Longhill Carpark is relatively open and easy to walk through.