Dublin Mountains

Overview

The Dublin Mountains form the Dublin‑side extension of the Wicklow Mountains, a granite‑capped upland that dominates the south‑eastern horizon of the capital. Though the range spills over into Wicklow, Carlow and Wexford, the portion within County Dublin is locally known as the Dublin Mountains (Sléibhte Bhaile Átha Cliath). Covering roughly 43 km of marked trails, forested valleys and open heath, the area provides a natural playground just a short ride from the city centre – about 8 km (15‑minute drive) from Dublin’s centre. Highlights include the Dublin Mountains Way (DMW) – a 41.1 km long‑distance trail that links Shankill in the east to Tallaght in the west – as well as shorter loops such as the Hellfire Club walk, the Fairy Castle loop at Ticknock, and the scenic Scalp viewpoint.

History & Background

The mountains have been inhabited since the Neolithic period; passage tombs sit on summits such as Seefin and Seefingan, marking some of Ireland’s earliest ceremonial landscapes. In the 6th century Saint Kevin founded the famous monastic settlement at Glendalough, a short drive north of the Dublin foothills, establishing the area as a centre of early Irish Christianity.

During the Norman invasion of 1170, the mountains provided a high‑road for Strongbow’s forces, and later became a stronghold for the Gaelic O’Byrne and O’Toole clans, who used the rugged terrain for guerrilla warfare against English settlers. The 1798 Rebellion saw rebels again seeking refuge here, prompting the British government to commission the Wicklow Military Road (1800‑1809). The road runs from Rathfarnham through the Sally Gap and into the Dublin Mountains, laying the groundwork for today’s waymarked routes.

In the 19th century the area attracted early tourists, especially to the monastic ruins at Glendalough. The 20th century saw the creation of the Dublin Mountains Partnership (DMP) in 2008, a collaborative body of state agencies, local authorities and recreation groups tasked with improving paths, installing orienteering courses and developing mountain‑bike routes. The DMP launched its Strategic Plan 2022‑2026 in February 2023, outlining a vision of sustainable outdoor recreation, wildlife protection and community engagement.

What to See & Do

Dublin Mountains Way (DMW)

The flagship long‑distance trail stretches 41.1 km (≈12.5 h walking time) from Shankill to Tallaght. It is graded Strenuous, ascends 895 m, and is waymarked with the standard yellow walking‑man symbol. Key waypoints include:

• The Scalp (Barnaslingan) – a dramatic limestone escarpment with sweeping views over Dublin Bay.
• Lead Mines Tower – remnants of 19th‑century lead‑mining operations near Carrickgollogan.
• Fairy Castle (Three Rock Mountain) – a cairn and ancient passage tomb at 536 m, the highest point on the DMW.
• Bohernabreena Waterworks – historic reservoirs built in 1887, still visible from the trail.
• Tibradden Mountain – a 522 m summit offering panoramic city and sea vistas.

The DMW is dog‑friendly (leashed) and free entry; no admission fee is required.

Popular Short Walks

• Hellfire Club Loop (Montpelier Hill) – 4 km, moderate difficulty, leads to the ruined 18th‑century hunting lodge associated with early Freemason gatherings.
• Ticknock Fairy Castle Loop – 5.5 km, moderate, climbs through Japanese larch and Sitka spruce forest to the Fairy Castle cairn on Three Rock Mountain.
• Shankill Walk – 6 km one‑way (≈1.5 h) from the village of Shankill, passing Rathmichael Wood, Carrickgollogan, and ending at the Scalp viewpoint.
• Glenasmole & Tallaght Stage – 6 km, easy, follows the Dodder River through the protected Glenasmole Valley, spotting swans, moorhens and the historic Bohernabreena Waterworks.

All routes are waymarked with yellow arrows on a black background, and most are accessible via public transport (DART, Luas, Dublin Bus).

Additional Activities

• Mountain Biking – Designated single‑track routes wind through Ticknock, Tibradden and the Massy’s Estate forest. Bike rentals are available in the Ticknock visitor centre.
• Ziplining & Aerial Adventure – The Zipit adventure park at Ticknock offers a zip‑line circuit and high‑ropes for families and groups.
• Bouldering – The Footee bouldering area, also at Ticknock, provides a range of problems on natural rock and artificial walls.
• Orienteering – The DMP maintains several orienteering courses across the mountains, suitable for schools and clubs.
• Family Activities – Seasonal treasure hunts, guided nature walks and a “Leave No Trace” workshop are run by the DMP throughout the year.

Wildlife & Landscape

The upland habitat consists of blanket bog, heath and mixed woodland. Birdwatchers can spot merlin, peregrine falcon, red grouse, skylark and kestrels. Mammals include red‑sika deer (descended from the historic Powerscourt herd), red squirrels, feral goats, mountain hares, badgers and otters. The forested sections are dominated by Sitka spruce, Japanese larch, Scots pine, native birch and occasional noble fir, while the higher heath supports heather, bilberry and purple moor‑grass.

Practical Information

Getting there

• Shankill – DART to Shankill Station, then a 15‑minute walk to the trailhead at Brady’s of Shankill (a local pub). The E1 bus also stops opposite the pub.
• Ticknock – Green Luas line to Dundrum, then the 44b bus (weekday) to Ballinteer; the Ticknock car park off the R113 provides free parking. The Zipit and Footee adventure sites are a short walk from the car park.
• Tallaght – Red Luas line to Tallafield, a short walk to Sean Walsh Memorial Park, the western terminus of the DMW.
• Ballyboden – The suburb of Ballyboden offers convenient road access and a small car park for walkers heading to the southern sections of the DMW.

Parking & Facilities

• Free car parks at Shankill (Brady’s), Ticknock (R113), and Tallaght (Sean Walsh Memorial Park).
• Public toilets at the Scalp car park and Tallaght terminus.
• Picnic tables are scattered along the DMW, notably at the Scalp viewpoint and Bohernabreena Reservoirs.
• Refreshments at Johnnie Fox’s Pub in Glencullen and at the Ticknock visitor centre.

Trail Management & Safety

• The DMW is overseen by the Dublin Mountains Partnership, based at Coillte, Dublin Road, Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow. For enquiries email info@dublinmountains.ie.
• Seasonal notes: some woodland tracks (e.g., Barnaslingan Wood) may be temporarily rerouted after severe weather; winter snow or ice can make higher sections slippery – sturdy boots and gaiters are recommended.
• Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the network.
• Stay on waymarked paths, especially where the route follows minor roads (e.g., between the Scalp and Cruagh).

Maps & Guides

• Official overview maps are available as PDFs from the DMP site (e.g., the 2018 DMW leaflet) and from OS Discovery Series Sheet 50.
• The DMP’s Leave No Trace campaign encourages walkers to take litter home, stay on paths and respect farm animals.

Events & Volunteering

• The DMP runs regular guided walks, wildlife talks and seasonal festivals (e.g., spring wildflower walks). Check the DMP website for the latest calendar.
• Volunteer Ranger programmes allow locals to help with trail maintenance, litter picking and signage. Sign‑up details are on the DMP “Volunteer” page.

Quick reference table

Enjoy the blend of city‑side convenience and mountain wilderness that makes the Dublin Mountains a unique Irish destination.