Welcome to Lacken Hill, New Ross.You are now standing on the summit of Lacken Hill, which overlooks the medieval town of New Ross. In front of you stands a Holy Year Cross, erected in 1950, and a commemorative stone dedicated to Fr. Philip Roche and the United Irishmen, who camped here in the aftermath of the Battle of Ross, on 5th June, 1798.

The Battle of Ross was one of the bloodiest battles of the 1798 Rebellion. Approximately 3,000 people lost their lives and many more were wounded during the battle. Some of the wounded who died on Lacken Hill are believed to be buried on the hill in unmarked graves.

From this 193m high summit, stunning panoramic views of the South East Region can be enjoyed. If you stand at the Holy Year Cross, Carrickbyrne Hill can be seen to your extreme left. Slightly to the right of Carrickbyrne Hill, you will see the Browne Clayton Monument, a 28.75m high Corinthian column, constructed in Mount Leinster granite and known locally as the Pinnacle of Carrickbyrne. To the right of the monument is a small outcrop, Tinnecarraig Hill.

A little to the right and looking across a patchwork of fields and hedgerows, you can see the Wexford coastline. If the day is clear, look closely and you will see the Saltee Islands and the sea at Ballyteige Bay glistening in the distance. To the left of the Saltee Islands along the Wexford coastline, windmills near Kilmore are visible if weather conditions permit.Looking South, towards the Hook Peninsula, you can see Sliabh Coillte, Ballylane Hill and the New Ross Bypass. To the right is Ireland’s longest bridge at 887m long, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge spans the River Barrow to the Pink Rock in Co. Kilkenny.

Looking South West over New Ross, you can see Tory Hill, a prominent outcrop on the landscape, with the Comeragh Mountains visible in the background. Outlined on the horizon, and further to the right, Slievenamon in the heart of County Tipperary, protrudes above the skyline.

To the North West, Brandon Hill which overlooks Saint Mullins, and Ballyleigh Hill to the right form the Barrow Valley, an area renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.

When you re-enter the forest, turn left and walk along a winding path. Take a minute to look over the hedgerow and a beautiful vista will open up before you, including the White Mountain, the Blackstairs Mountains, Mount Leinster and the hills of North Wexford towards Ballindaggin, Bunclody and beyond.

While you are here, take time to sit in the stillness and become infused with the peace and tranquillity of this incredibly special place.​