Hi there,
So, in the continuing quest for the perfect spot, last week end, we've decided with Joe to have a proper look at the Mt Leinster slopes !
With the new motorway, it's only about 1h20 from Dublin now..
Mt Leinster is situated on the border of Wexford and Carlow.A few minutes south-west of Bunclody.There is a signposted road on the edge of Bunclody town on the Carlow road.This will take you all the way to Nine Store car park.
Their are a couple of west slopes to fly at Mt Leinster.The first is at the
Western car park.Following the road from Bunclody you will see a left turn signposted for Mt Leinter mast(this is the road to Nine Stones), just past this on the left is the western car park.The slope here is a pretty good, not that high but quite steep.Lots of lift in a good blow.Only problem is there isn't much of a landing zone! They have just cut down a lot of trees behind the slope which may make landings easier.That and brakes! I usually only fly foamies here for the above reasons.This could be a good slope for 60" racing/combat as the slope is steep and the lift zone is close in.
Western Carpark / Slope : 
Next is the
Western Ridge.Following the road from Bunclody you take the left turn signposted for Mt Leinter mast(Nine Stones road).This road brings you along the western bowl.There is a gate and a parking zone on the left.You have two options, the slope across from the gate flys pretty well in west and a little north or south of west.All models can be flown here.The landing can be a little tricky as there is still lift on top where you want to land.Their are a few pockets in the lift though and a few go arounds will show them.Those with brakes will have no problems.
The second option is to walk up the slope behind the gate/car park.You get lift off the slope you just walk up here and the slope mentioned above .Great big landing zone covered in ferns here.Suitable for any glider.
Mount Leinster itself. This is where the RTE mast is.Again follow the route as above until you get to the Nine Stone car park and the gate leading up to the mast.Unfortuneatly this gate is locked most of the time and you will probably have to walk up! Along the road there are large west and south-west facing slopes.I have only flown here once and just for a few minutes as I was worried about getting locked in.
A word of caution! Mt leinster is a very popular spot for Hang-gliders/Paragliders.We have a good relationship with these guys and we want to keep it that way.Stay out of their way and respect their airspace! People come first always!! Always talk with them before flying and come to an arrangement.We can all enjoy the slopes, safely.Our plan at the beginning was to walk up to the Mt Leinster mast to have a look (and test the slope with models as well !) Our aim was to find a slope where you can fly other thing than epp flying wings and small gliders. Basically, a good decent slope for all type of models...
A paraglider/hang glider event due to be held at the mast stopped us to go on the top, so we've decided to go on top of the hill we can see when we fly at the 9 stones...
Well... What a slope !!! We can almost fly 360 degrees (South East need to be confirmed / tested, but should not be an issue with "week end " gliders (well, big scale one might be an issue...)
So, here are som photos now !
The "old" Westerly Slope. That is the slope along the rad to go to the Nine Stones. You have kind of a car park in the half way. Suitable for all size models ! You have an airport to land with nice grass.
With a nice view :
The North, North East slope at the Nine Stones Go along the west slope, you arrive at a carpark and the Nine Stones. Park here, and you are at the N-NE slope. Be carefull, this is also a launch / landing site for the para/hang gliders ! They have priority at any time ! But usually, they launch from there, then, after a few soar on the slope, go fly elsewhere... You can fly all type of glider from that slope. Tourist area, so same thing, be carefull of the walkers passing by !
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