From the mountains to the sea, Dublin is blessed with a stunning natural landscape – and you will experience Ireland’s capital at its best when you spend the day getting close to nature in the Dublin Mountains. Just 10 km from the city centre, there’s great outdoors to be discovered that is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life.
Go hiking or horse riding, mountain biking or zip lining, golfing or paintballing. Go wildlife watching, explore ancient sites and monuments or just savour the spectacular views. The trails and forests of the Dublin Mountains have something for everyone.
Walk by yourself or opt for a guided tour. Many of the starting points are accessible by public transport, and have free car parking, while tour and activity operators can arrange collection from the city centre.
Action-packed or leisurely-paced, the Dublin mountains do both – and everything in between. All you have to do is choose! One thing is for certain, you’ll receive a warm welcome in every village and on every trail, and leave with great memories that last a lifetime. It all starts just 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre. So go on, get outdoor in the Dublin Mountains. It’s Well Worth The Climb.
Ticknock’s 16km of fast and fun trails will keep the most experienced bikers on the edge of their seat. Bike hire facilities, lessons and guided tours available.
For bike rentals in the area please contact:
https://www.biking.ie/
Take to the treetops, swing into cargo nets, ride a bmx across a bridge, and go zipping down any number of ziplines at the Zipit high-wire adventure park in Tibradden Wood. For more information, contact ZipIt Adventure Centre at:
https://www.zipit.ie/
This marked trail runs 43km from Shankill village across the mountains. It’s a strenuous full day hike of around 12.5 hours, although individual stages can be walked in an hour or two.
Allow 1.5 hours for this relatively easy, 5.5km walk through Massy’s Estate takes in the notorious Hellfire Club – a remote ‘hunting lodge’ built in 1725 which is said to have once been used for satanic rituals!
Don’t let the name fool you, the iconic mountain walk starts in Dublin. Stage one runs 12 km from Marlay Park to Glencullen Village. It takes 4 hours and boasts wonderful views and the prospect of a great meal at the end. Glencullen Village is on the route of the Wicklow Way. Stop off for a pintand bite to eat at the iconic Johnnie Fox’s Pub, said to be the highest pub in Ireland.
Home to a historic stately home, Saturday farmer’s market, playground, par-3 golf course, model railway, running and walking trails and much more.
Get fit, build strength and meet new people while enjoying the surreal views of Dun Laoghaire Harbour to Killiney Beach from the top of Dalkey and Killiney Quarry. For more information, contact one of the below:
– Extreme Ireland: +353 (0) 1 410 0700, www.extremeireland.ie
– Adventure.ie: + 353 (0) 86 827 2524, www.adventure.ie
This moderate 12km loop hike takes 3-4 hours. From Brady’s pub in Shankill, follow the marked trail through Rathmichael Wood and Carrickgollogan, past the Lead Mine to Barnaslingan Wood and the stunning ‘Scalp’ viewing point.
Savour some spectacular views from the saddle with a pony trek or riding lessons with Carrickmines Horse Riding Stables.
T: +353 1 295 5990
www.carrickminesequestrian.ie
The Paddocks Riding Centre is a truly fabulous equestrian facility located high in the Dublin Mountains overlooking Dublin City. Why not get away from the busy city life and enjoy some riding lessons or a one or two hour exciting trek through the Dublin Mountains enjoying the amazing views and beautiful scenery.
T: +353 1 2954278
info@paddocks.ie / www.paddocks.ie
Rathmichael Walk is a short looped walk through the woodland. On reaching the hill fort site the walker is rewarded with splendid views, northwards over Dublin bay, eastwards towards Killiney and Dalkey and southwards to Bray head and the Little Sugar Loaf. This is a looped walk of 1.7km and will take approximately 30minutes.