Prince William's Seat


Prince William's Seat at, is the 296th–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, however, it does not have the elevation to quality as a Vandeleur-Lynam. Prince William's Seat is on the border of the Wicklow Mountains and Dublin Mountains in Ireland, and lies on the northern side of the Glencree valley, positioned at its entrance. Prince William's Seat is separated by a small col from neighbouring Knocknagun, which is also in height. Prince William's Seat and Knocknagun are popular peaks with hill-walkers.

Naming

According to Irish academic Paul Tempan, the peak was probably named after William, brother of King George IV, following a royal visit to Ireland in 1821. Tempan has not been able to find any evidence of an Irish native name prior to "Prince William's Seat".
Tempan wondered whether the neighbouring peak of Knocknagun, which is of equal height and only separated by a small saddle, was the name given to both peaks. There is a granite Tor near the summit of Knocknagun, which would have served as a resting place for the hunting parties of the Fitzwilliam family, who owned the lands from the mid 16th-century to the late 17th-century.

Hill walking

Prince William's Seat is described as a popular hill walking location for families given its ease of access and proximity to Dublin City. A recommended route is the 10.5-kilometre 3-4 hour "loop route" that starts from a forest car-park at the Boranaraltry Bridge in Glencullen, rises up to the summit of Knocknagon through the Glencullen Forest, and then crosses to the summit of Prince William's Seat, before returning to the bridge.

Fitzwilliam's Seat

Near the summit of Knocknagon is a large granite Tor known as Fitzwilliam's Seat, which stands out amongst the flat boggy terrain of the area.

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