Hiking in Wicklow

Yeah, the 145 goes up the N11 as far as Kilmac, and then goes up and over the bridge stops just outside the Esso station. It's a very regular service now, every 10 mins at peak times. Try and pick one that doesn't go via Bray Dart station, if you can .. they change driver there which can take a while and sometimes he just doesn't show up at all

There's also a Bus Eireann service 133 to Arklow from Connolly that stops at the Shell station on the left just before the bridge which is a bit quicker and more comfortable than the 145. That's pretty regular too, but check on the Bus Eireann website for details.

kayakboy wrote:

Here's a good link once you get to Kilmac
www.imra.ie/?sec1=racedetail&id=306

There's another way up from Kilmac as well .. if you walk up the Roundwood road a bit, about 500m or so, past the roundabout, there's a small laneway off to the left opposite a house entrance with some white cast-iron gates. Follow that to the end, through a gate and follow your nose.

I usually park along this stretch of road. You'll see the other cars gathered. You need to cross over the bridge at Kilmacanogue (exit left on the N11 coming from Dublin just after the petrol station), turn left onto R755, keep left when the road forks, up the hill past the Quarry, take the next left after the small burnt out petrol station (which also has some parking), follow the road until you see other cars gathered..

It's 'safe' at any time of year, as long as common sense and wisdom prevail!
It's not terribly high, so snow wouldn't be a huge concern (and you'll see it from a distance!), so as long as it's not too windy (and you also know what the wind is like long before you near the top) you'll be fine. Rain would be quite unpleasant, ans there's a bit of scrambling required, and would make the loose shale and rocks slippery.

And to Hot Fuss' question, yes it's an easy climb, with a small amount of scrambling required. My kids (6yo and 12yo) love it... Short approach, quick climb.. Easy-peesey..