Conavalla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clonavalla |
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| Ceann an Bhealaigh | |
Massif of Conavalla (centre) as seen from the shores of the Glendalough Upper Lake
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 734 m (2,408 ft) |
| Prominence | 109 m (358 ft) |
| Listing | 100 Highest Irish Mountains, Hewitt, Arderin, Simm, Vandeleur-Lynam |
| Naming | |
| English translation | head of the road or pass |
| Language of name | Irish |
| Geography | |
 Clonavalla
Location in island of Ireland
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| Location | Wicklow, Ireland |
| Parent range | Wicklow Mountains |
| OSI/OSNI grid | T023959 |
| Topo map | OSi Discovery 56 |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Dark slate-schist, quartzite & coticule |
Conavalla is a mountain in County Wicklow, Ireland. Its name, Ceann an Bhealaigh, means "head of the road or pass" in Irish. This mountain stands at 734 meters (about 2,408 feet) tall. It is one of the highest peaks in the Wicklow Mountains range.
Conavalla's top is located near the main "spine" of the Wicklow Mountains. This spine stretches from Kippure in the north to Lugnaquilla in the south. The mountain has a large, often wet and boggy area. This area overlooks the upper parts of the Glendalough valley and the eastern side of the Glenmalure valley.
What's in a Name?
The name "Conavalla" comes from the idea of a "pass." A pass is a route through mountains. Experts believe the name refers to old paths that crossed Conavalla's boggy areas. These paths connected the Blessington lakes area in the west to the Glenmalure valley in the east. For example, the R756 road goes towards the Wicklow Gap. This gap can lead to the nearby Glendalough valley.
Conavalla is in the southern part of the Wicklow Mountains. It forms a horseshoe shape with other mountains around the head of the Glenmalure valley. Its neighbors include Table Mountain, which is 702 meters (2,303 feet) tall, and Camenabologue, which is 758 meters (2,487 feet) tall.
Conavalla is also part of another horseshoe shape around the Glendalough valley. Here, it sits with mountains like Camaderry (699 meters or 2,293 feet) and Mullacor (661 meters or 2,169 feet). The mountain's large, boggy area stretches from its summit. It reaches to Lough Firrib, a lake about 650 meters (2,133 feet) high. Another interesting spot is Three Lakes, located north of Conavalla's summit at 620 meters (2,034 feet).
Conavalla is considered the 39th-highest mountain in Ireland. This is according to the 100 Highest Irish Mountains list.
Art O'Neill's Story
On the northern slopes of Conavalla, you can find Art's Cross and Art's Plaque. These are memorials to a man named Art O'Neill. In January 1592, Art O'Neill died from the cold on these slopes. He was helping Hugh Roe O'Donnell escape from Dublin Castle. They were trying to reach a safe place with Fiach McHugh O'Byrne in the Glenmalure valley.
Gallery
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Summit cairn
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Three Lakes
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Art O'Neill's cross
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Summit from Table Mountain
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Lough Firrib
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Conavalla Massif
