Overview
The Featherbeds are barely twenty minutes from the centre of Dublin, yet this broad, windswept plateau of heather and blanket bog feels nowhere near a city. It nearly wasn’t public land at all: in private hands and facing development, it was secured for the state after a campaign that gathered more than 20,000 signatures, and since August 2016 it has been part of Wicklow Mountains National Park. The 4,900-acre (1,983-hectare) expanse of bog and scattered granite straddles the Dublin–Wicklow border, 93% of it now legally protected, with no fences or buildings to break the sightlines.
History & Conservation
For decades, the Featherbeds remained in private hands, which sparked local concern when development proposals surfaced. A public campaign, including a petition that gathered more than 20,000 signatures, pushed the government to intervene. The resulting acquisition not only expanded the national park to 22,000 hectares but also created a continuous corridor of protected habitat. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) now manages the site alongside the Dublin Mountains Partnership, focusing on bog restoration, invasive species control, and maintaining low-impact access for visitors. The absence of fences, buildings, or permanent structures is intentional, preserving the raw, unbroken sightlines that have defined this landscape for centuries.
What to See & Do
The Featherbeds Bullaun Stone
A short detour from the Military Road leads to a large, rounded granite boulder marked by three distinct, bowl-like depressions. Known as a bullaun stone, this feature sits at a rare quadripoint where the boundaries of a townland, parish, barony, and county all converge. While bullaun stones are typically associated with early monastic sites and may have been used for grinding or ritual purposes, its isolated placement here suggests a different origin. Local historians believe it likely marked the boundary of the Archbishop of Dublin’s ecclesiastical lands during the 13th century, possibly adopting an even older territorial marker. The stone is clearly visible from the roadside track and makes a quiet, reflective stop for anyone exploring the plateau.
Walking & Hiking
The open terrain is ideal for walkers who enjoy unmarked routes and sweeping vistas. A popular circular walk begins near the Military Road lay-by, heads toward the bullaun stone, and climbs toward the summit of Kippure. The route covers roughly 5.8 miles (9.4 km) with a steady ascent of around 1,090 feet (332 m). On clear days, the view stretches across the Dublin coastline and the higher peaks of the Wicklow range. The trail is well-documented by local hiking groups and available as a downloadable GPX file. It also forms a key section of the longer Dublin Mountains trail network, linking the uplands to established paths in the valley below.
The Source of the River Dodder
The plateau acts as a natural watershed, and it is here that the River Dodder begins its long journey to the sea. Local planning authorities have long discussed extending the Dodder Greenway through the Featherbeds, which would eventually connect this upland source to Dublin’s urban trail system. While the greenway extension remains a long-term prospect, the existing network of tracks already provides a mountain-to-valley walking experience that draws a steady stream of walkers.
Seasonal Highlights
- Late June – August: Heather dominates the landscape, painting the boglands in shades of purple and pink. The weather is typically most stable, making it the prime window for photography and longer hikes.
- September – October: The heather fades to russet and gold, while the blanket bog turns a rich, dark brown. Crisp air and dramatic cloud cover create striking conditions for landscape photography.
- November – February: The plateau frequently experiences frost, mist, and occasional snow. Paths can become soft and waterlogged underfoot, so sturdy footwear and waterproof layers are essential. Daylight hours are short, so plan to return before mid-afternoon.
- March – May: Spring brings a surge of wildflowers, including bog asphodel and cottongrass. The ground remains damp, but the returning light and active birdlife make for rewarding walks.
Practical Information
- Access: The Military Road (R115) crosses the plateau. A small, informal lay-by provides parking for walkers heading toward the bullaun stone and Kippure trail.
- Facilities: There are no buildings, toilets, or refreshment stops on site. Visitors must carry all water, food, and waste out with them.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs are welcome, but owners should be aware that ground-nesting birds and Irish hares use the bogland extensively.
- Safety: Mobile phone coverage is unreliable across much of the plateau. Carry a map or downloaded route, and inform someone of your planned return time. Weather can change rapidly, so check forecasts before heading out.
- Entry: Free. No permits or booking required.
Getting There
The Featherbeds are most easily reached by car via the Military Road, which connects directly to the M50 and M11 routes. Public transport options are limited; the nearest regular bus services stop in Rathdrum or Ballyboden, requiring a taxi or a substantial hike to reach the trailhead. Cyclists can approach via the Dublin–Wicklow trail network, though the bog tracks are unsuitable for standard road bikes. For those combining a visit with other local attractions, Bohernabreena Reservoir lies just to the northwest and offers complementary walking routes and birdwatching.
The Featherbeds do not offer curated experiences or signposted attractions. The reward comes from navigating the open terrain, reading the landscape, and finding the quiet rhythm of the bog. Bring a reliable map, pack for shifting weather, and allow extra time to explore the tracks that branch off the main Military Road route.