FRAUGHAN

ROCK GLEN

FRAUGHAN

ROCK

GLEN

POCKET IRELAND › Place Guides › Fraughan Rock Glen

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Tucked securely within the wild expanse of the Wicklow Mountains, this glacial glen exudes an atmosphere of untamed serenity. You leave the forest tracks of Glenmalure behind and step into the expansive valley floor before hiking beside the rush of the mountain river cascading down the steep headwall. Surrounded by imposing grey schist cliffs and steep, sweeping slopes, the glen feels like a hidden, elemental amphitheatre carved by ancient ice.

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Glacial Hanging Valley

The glen is a striking example of a U-shaped glacial hanging valley, suspended dramatically above the deeper Glenmalure valley and defined by its sheer cliffs and rugged rocky outcrops.

The Cascades

A lively mountain river tumbles down the steep valley headwall, creating a series of picturesque, roaring cascades that carve their way through the rugged landscape.

Gateway to Lugnaquilla

The glen serves as one of the most scenic, albeit challenging, ascent routes to the 925-metre summit of Lugnaquilla, Leinster’s highest peak.

Baravore Car Park

To embark on your ascent into Fraughan Rock Glen, you must navigate to the very terminus of the breathtaking Glenmalure valley at Baravore car park. From your vehicle, your journey on foot commences by crossing the Avonbeg River before you join the ascending forestry track. You will trek through the dappled shade of the coniferous plantation for approximately one and a half kilometres, the crisp scent of pine and damp earth guiding your way, until the treeline abruptly falls away to unveil the sweeping, rocky amphitheatre of the glen.