Gowlin Forest Trail

From the lower car park at the public road, follow the forest road as it climbs steadily uphill and around a large zig zag bend. The forest road levels out and reaches the upper car parking area at a junction. The name of this wood, walk and nearbv settlement is Gowlin, pronounced Goolin locally. The name is derived from the Irish word 'guala' or 'gualainn', meaning a shoulder. As you climb up the hill and onto the level ground, you ascend onto a great shoulder or spur jutting out from the main ridge of the Blackstair Mountains. It's this afforested spur that gives it's name to the area. Fabulous views of the South Blackstairs and Barrow Valley are on offer here. The upper car parking area is located at a forest road junction with great views north to Mount Leinster.