Table Mountain (Wicklow) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Table Mountain |
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Flat summit of Table Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 702 m (2,303 ft) |
| Prominence | 16 m (52 ft) |
| Listing | Arderin Beg, Vandeleur-Lynam |
| Geography | |
 Table Mountain
Location in island of Ireland
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| Location | Wicklow, Ireland |
| Parent range | Wicklow Mountains |
| OSI/OSNI grid | T019972 |
| Topo map | OSi Discovery 56 |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Granite with microcline phenocrysts |
Table Mountain is a mountain in the southern part of the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. It stands about 702 meters (2,303 feet) tall. Even though it's called Table Mountain, it has no connection to the famous Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. There isn't an old Irish name recorded for this mountain.
Table Mountain is part of a group of mountains that form a horseshoe shape. It sits with its taller neighbors, Camenabologue (758 meters or 2,487 feet) and Conavalla (734 meters or 2,408 feet). These mountains are at the top of the beautiful Glenmalure valley. All three peaks are close to the main line of mountains that runs through the Wicklow range.
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What Makes Table Mountain Special?
Table Mountain is known for its flat top, which is how it got its name. It's not one of the tallest mountains in Ireland. Its "prominence" is only 16 meters (52 feet). Prominence means how much a mountain sticks up from the land around it. Because its prominence is small, it's not on many lists of Ireland's highest mountains. However, it is listed as the 110th highest peak on the Vandeleur-Lynam Irish scale.
Exploring the Wicklow Mountains
The Wicklow Mountains are a popular place for hiking and enjoying nature. They stretch across County Wicklow and are sometimes called the "Garden of Ireland." The mountains are made mostly of granite rock. This type of rock is very strong and forms the rugged landscape you see today.
Geology of the Area
The rocks that make up Table Mountain and the surrounding area are mostly granite. This granite formed deep underground millions of years ago. Over time, the land was pushed up, and softer rocks wore away, leaving the hard granite mountains we see now. You might even find special crystals called microcline phenocrysts in the granite here.
Hiking and Nature
The area around Table Mountain is often described as "boggy." This means there are wet, marshy areas, especially on the flat parts of the mountain. These bogs are important habitats for many plants and animals. Hikers often explore this region, enjoying the quiet and wide-open views.
Plants and Animals
The bogs and moorlands of the Wicklow Mountains are home to unique plants. You might see different types of heather, mosses, and grasses that thrive in wet, peaty soil. These plants are adapted to the cool, damp climate.
Many animals also live here. You might spot birds like the red grouse or even birds of prey soaring overhead. Small mammals and insects also make their homes in the bogs and rocky areas. It's a great place to observe nature.
