Slieve Coillte
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Slieve Coillte (from Irish Sliabh Coiltair, meaning 'mountain of Coltar')[1] is a hill in the south of County Wexford, Ireland. The hill is the highest point on the Hook peninsula, with an elevation of 268.5 metres (881 ft).
Villages around Slieve Coillte include New Ross, Slaught, Cassagh, Gusserane, Campile, Ramsgrange and Duncannon. On a good day the whole of the Hook peninsula can be overseen, up to the 12th Century Hook lighthouse on Hook Head, one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world.[2]
Slieve Coillte is popular with hillwalkers, with thousands of people climbing the mountain every year. A 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) road leads to a viewpoint on the summit. The road is accessible by car, so the view from Slieve Coillte can also be enjoyed without a walk to the top. Starting from the viewpoint is a 1.3 kilometres (0.81 miles) circular track that is also suitable for inexperienced walkers.[3]
On the south side of the hill is the John F. Kennedy Arboretum with approximately 4,500 species of trees and shrubs on 620 acres (250 ha).[4]