Overview
The Dublin Mountains form the Dublin-side extension of the Wicklow Mountains, a granite-capped upland that shapes the south-eastern horizon of the capital. Though the broader range spills into neighbouring counties, the section within County Dublin carries its own local name: Sléibhte Bhaile Átha Cliath. Covering roughly 43 km of marked trails, mixed forest and open heath, the area functions as a natural playground just eight kilometres from the city centre.
The network is anchored by the Dublin Mountains Way (DMW), a 41.1 km long-distance route linking Shankill to Tallaght, but the mountains also host a patchwork of shorter loops, historic roads and adventure parks. Whether you are after a brisk morning hike, a family-friendly forest walk or a day exploring old mining ruins, the foothills provide immediate access to wilder terrain without the need for a long drive.
History & Heritage
Human activity in the mountains stretches back to the Neolithic period. Passage tombs sit on summits like Seefin and Seefingan, forming part of Ireland’s earliest ceremonial landscapes. By the 6th century, Saint Kevin had established the monastic settlement at Glendalough, just north of the Dublin foothills, cementing the wider region’s role in early Irish Christianity.
The rugged terrain later proved strategically valuable. During the Norman invasion of 1170, the high passes offered a route for Strongbow’s forces. Centuries later, the Gaelic O’Byrne and O’Toole clans used the same crags and valleys to wage guerrilla campaigns against English settlers. The 1798 Rebellion saw Irish rebels retreat into the hills, prompting the British administration to commission the Wicklow Military Road (1800–1809). Running from Rathfarnham through the Sally Gap and into the Dublin Mountains, the road remains a popular walking corridor today.
In 2008, the Dublin Mountains Partnership (DMP) was formed to coordinate trail maintenance, wildlife protection and outdoor recreation. Their current Strategic Plan (2022–2026) focuses on sustainable access, path upgrades and community engagement, ensuring the mountains remain a shared resource for locals and visitors alike.
Walking the Trails
Dublin Mountains Way
The DMW is the flagship route, graded as Strenuous with a total ascent of 895 m. Waymarked with the standard yellow walking-man symbol, the trail is divided into logical stages that can be tackled individually or as a multi-day challenge.
Key stages and highlights include:
- Shankill to The Scalp (9 km, Moderate): Passes Rathmichael Wood and Carrickgollogan before reaching the dramatic limestone escarpment at Barnaslingan. The viewpoint offers clear sightlines across Dublin Bay.
- The Scalp to Cruagh (21 km, Strenuous): The longest and most demanding section. Walkers climb through forest tracks to Three Rock Mountain (536 m), home to the Fairy Castle cairn and passage tomb.
- Cruagh to Glenasmole (6 km, Moderate): Descends past the historic Bohernabreena Reservoirs (built in 1887) and follows the River Dodder.
- Glenasmole to Tallaght (6 km, Moderate): A gentle finish through the protected Glenasmole Valley, ending near Sean Walsh Memorial Park.
The route is free to walk, dog-friendly (on a lead), and fully waymarked. Some sections follow minor roads, so extra caution is advised at crossings.
Shorter Loops & Family Routes
Not every visit requires a full day. The DMP maintains several shorter circuits that are ideal for families or those with tighter schedules:
- Hellfire Club Loop (Montpelier Hill): A 4 km moderate walk to the ruined 18th-century hunting lodge, historically linked to early Freemason gatherings.
- Ticknock Fairy Castle Loop: 5.5 km through Japanese larch and Sitka spruce forest, climbing to the Fairy Castle cairn on Three Rock Mountain.
- Shankill to The Scalp: A straightforward 6 km one-way route from the village, perfect for a lunchtime hike with a reward at the viewpoint.
- Glenasmole & Tallaght Stage: An easy 6 km riverside walk through wetland and woodland, where you can spot swans, moorhens and otter tracks.
All routes use the same black-and-yellow waymarking system and are accessible via public transport.
Adventure & Outdoor Activities
Beyond walking, the mountains support a range of structured outdoor activities:
- Mountain Biking: Designated single-track routes wind through Ticknock, Tibradden and the Massy’s Estate forest. Bike rentals are available at the Ticknock visitor centre.
- Aerial Adventure & Ziplining: The Zipit park at Ticknock runs a high-ropes course and zip-line circuit suitable for families and groups.
- Bouldering: The Footee area near Ticknock offers natural rock problems and artificial walls for climbers of varying grades.
- Orienteering: The DMP maintains several courses across the estate, regularly used by schools and local clubs.
- Family Programmes: Seasonal treasure hunts, guided nature walks and “Leave No Trace” workshops run throughout the year. Check the DMP calendar for dates.
Wildlife & Landscape
The upland environment shifts from blanket bog and heath at higher elevations to mixed plantation and native woodland in the valleys. Birdwatchers regularly report merlin, peregrine falcon, red grouse, skylark and kestrels. Mammal sightings include red-sika deer (descended from the historic Powerscourt herd), red squirrels, feral goats, mountain hares, badgers and occasional otters.
The forested zones are dominated by Sitka spruce, Japanese larch and Scots pine, with pockets of native birch and occasional noble fir. Higher ground supports heather, bilberry and purple moor-grass, which turn the ridges into a tapestry of rust and purple during late summer.
Getting There & Practical Tips
Access Points
- Shankill (East terminus): Take the DART to Shankill Station, then walk 15 minutes to Brady’s of Shankill, where the trailhead begins. The E1 bus also stops opposite the pub.
- Ticknock: Catch the Green Luas to Dundrum, then transfer to the 44b bus (weekday service) to Ballinteer. Free parking is available off the R113, with the Zipit and Footee sites a short walk away.
- Tallaght (West terminus): The Red Luas to Tallafield puts you within walking distance of Sean Walsh Memorial Park.
- Ballyboden: The suburb of Ballyboden provides road access and a small car park for southern DMW sections.
Facilities & Safety
- Free car parks are available at Shankill (Brady’s), Ticknock (R113) and Tallaght.
- Public toilets are located at the Scalp car park and Tallaght terminus.
- Picnic tables are positioned at the Scalp viewpoint and near Bohernabreena Reservoirs.
- Refreshments can be found at Johnnie Fox’s Pub in Glencullen and the Ticknock visitor centre.
The DMW is managed by the Dublin Mountains Partnership. For route updates or trail closures, email info@dublinmountains.ie. Woodland tracks like Barnaslingan Wood may be rerouted after heavy rain, and winter conditions can make higher sections icy. Sturdy boots and a waterproof layer are strongly recommended. Dogs must remain on a lead across the entire network, and walkers are asked to follow Leave No Trace principles: take litter home, stay on marked paths and give livestock space.
Official overview maps are available as PDFs from the DMP website, and the OS Discovery Series Sheet 50 covers the area comprehensively. For those wanting to give back, the DMP runs a Volunteer Ranger programme for trail maintenance, litter picking and signage work.
Start your hike early from Shankill to beat the midday crowds, and keep an eye on the weather forecast before heading up to Three Rock or The Scalp, where wind speeds and visibility can change quickly.