Turlough Hill, Mountain summit in County Wicklow, Ireland.
Turlough Hill is a mountain summit in County Wicklow standing at 681 meters with granite rock throughout. The peak overlooks Lough Nahanagan lake to its northeast and conceals a pumped-storage power facility beneath its surface.
Construction of the pumped-storage power facility began in 1968 and the site became operational in 1974 as Ireland's first of its kind. This project transformed how the mountain functioned and marked a turning point in the nation's energy development.
The peak held a different name in local memory before the power station arrived and reshaped how people thought about this place. Today the facility is simply part of how visitors encounter the mountain and its role in the region.
A tarmac road from Wicklow Gap provides a direct route to the summit for an easier approach. Multiple hiking trails offer alternatives for those wanting a longer walk up the mountain.
Hidden deep beneath the surface lies a massive underground cavern built specifically to store water for power generation. This concealed space allows the mountain to bank energy when demand is lower.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
