Silsean

About this place

Silsean (Irish: Soillsean, meaning 'place of lights') at 698 metres (2,290 ft), is the 92nd–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 114th–highest peak on the Vandeleur-Lynam scale. Silsean is in the central sector, at the western edge, of the Wicklow Mountains, in County Wicklow, Ireland. Silsean is on a small massif alongside Moanbane 703 metres (2,306 ft) which lies between the Blessington lakes (or Poulaphouca Reservoir), and the major massif of Mullaghcleevaun 849 metres (2,785 ft). The village of Ballyknockan exists on the northern slopes of the hill. Bonfires were lit on the hill in former times to celebrate events, as recorded by Barry Kinane in "Welcome to the Granite City: A Social History of Ballyknockan": Dr. Walsh, Archbishop of Dublin, visited the parish of Blackditches in July 1907 to administer confirmations... The Archbishop was held in high regard by the men of Ballyknockan since he helped resolve a worker dispute in 1885. The night the Archbishop departed Ballyknockan was described in the Wicklow Notes in vivid detail. The Valley of the Kings River was a natural amphitheatre of rolling hills illuminated by bonfires. An immense beacon was erected by the men of Ballyknockan on Garry Ou Hill (Silsean), and it could be seen as far out as the sea.

Visitor Information

Elevation

698 m

Getting There & Parking

Silsean is located in County Wicklow, roughly 41 km (35 min drive) from Dublin. Nearby highlights within a short drive include Moanbane (1.6 km away).