Kilternan

Overview

Kilternan (sometimes spelled Kiltiernan) is a small village tucked into the rolling foothills of the Dublin Mountains, just south of Dublin city. Locally it is sometimes dubbed “Little Zermatt” because of its alpine‑like setting and the presence of Ireland’s only ski slope. Though it lacks a traditional main street, the crossroads of the R117 and R116 roads form the village’s informal centre, from which a network of walking trails, sports grounds and cultural sites radiates. The area straddles the border of County Wicklow, giving visitors easy access to both the coastal charms of Dublin and the rugged beauty of the Wicklow Mountains.

History

The village’s roots stretch back to the early 19th century, when the Church of Ireland Parish Church was erected in 1826. A decade later, the Catholic community built the timber‑framed Church of Our Lady of the Wayside, blessed on 14 July 1929. Locally known as “The Blue Church” for its distinctive Marian‑blue paint, it remains a visual landmark that reflects Kilternan’s dual‑denominational heritage. Over the years, the settlement grew around these spiritual anchors, later adding a vibrant sporting culture that includes rugby, soccer and equestrian pursuits.

Education

• Kilternan Church of Ireland National School – a primary school attached to the historic Church of Ireland parish, serving local families.
• Stepaside Educate Together – a mixed‑gender primary school a short drive away, popular with newcomers to the area.
• John Scottus Senior School – a secondary school in nearby Glencullen offering the Irish curriculum and the International Baccalaureate.

What to See & Do

Churches and Architecture

• Church of Ireland Parish Church (1826) – A modest Georgian‑style stone building that still hosts regular services and community events.
• Our Lady of the Wayside (The Blue Church, 1929) – The striking blue façade makes it a favourite photo‑stop; interior mosaics celebrate local devotion.

Pubs, Food & Social Hubs

• The Golden Ball Kilternan – A family‑owned gastro‑pub set amid the Dublin Mountains foothills. The menu showcases locally sourced produce, including Wicklow Mountain venison, and the lounge features four cosy fireplaces. The bar is dog‑friendly and serves food seven days a week. In 2026 the venue won a YesChef Award for best local restaurant in Ireland, underscoring its reputation for quality cuisine. Regular live‑music sessions add a lively backdrop to the dining experience. Opening hours vary; visitors should check ahead. Phone: +353 129 40471. More info: Golden Ball.
• Farmer Brown’s Kilternan – A farm‑to‑table eatery offering seasonal Irish dishes; a popular stop for families after a walk.
• The Step Inn (nearby Stepaside) – Traditional Irish pub serving classic dishes and a good selection of craft beers.
• Quattro Woodfire Pizza (Stepaside) – Wood‑fired pizzas made with local ingredients, ideal for a quick bite.

Sports & Recreation

• Ski Club of Ireland – Ireland’s only artificial ski and snowboarding slope, located in the grounds of the Kilternan Golf & Country Club, about 10 minutes off the M50. The club was founded in 1963 (official records note 1964) and ran its first slope at Knockrabo in Mount Anville, Goatstown, before moving to Kilternan in the 1970s. It operates year‑round (hail, rain or shine) and runs lessons from September to March. The facility offers four slopes (180 m main run, 150 m intermediate, and two 50 m nursery slopes) on a Dendix bristle surface. Opening hours are:
  • Monday‑Friday 19:30‑22:30
  • Saturday 10:30‑13:30 & 14:30‑17:30
  • Sunday 10:30‑13:30 & 14:30‑17:30 (snowboarders only 18:00‑20:30) Membership fees: €370 for a full year (unlimited slope use and 50 % discount on lessons) or €80 for a regular (non‑member) pass. Lesson packages: €150 for four adult classes, €100 for four under‑18 classes. A 3‑hour practice session costs €33 (€28 for members) and includes equipment hire. The club is non‑profit, provides free equipment for lessons and practice sessions, and employs over 90 voluntary ski instructors. Office hours: 09:00‑17:00 on weekdays. Note: scarves are prohibited on the slopes for safety reasons. Phone: 01 295 5658. Website: Ski Club.
• Rugby – Home to De La Salle Palmerston (Salmo) at Kirwan Park and Old Wesley RFC (Wezz) on Ballycorus Road. Both clubs welcome spectators on match days.
• Wayside Celtic Soccer Club – The local football team plays at The Golden Ball ground, fostering community spirit.
• Carrickmines Equestrian Centre – Situated on Glenamuck Road, it offers riding lessons and trail rides across the surrounding countryside.

Nature & Wellness

• The Healing Forest – A 33‑acre sanctuary offering guided forest‑bathing walks, Reiki, Havening techniques and a suite of holistic workshops. Sessions can be booked in‑person or online. Email: info@thehealingforest.ie.
• Dublin Mountain Way – A long‑distance walking route that passes close to The Cottage accommodation, providing spectacular vistas of sea and mountains.
• Barnaslingan Woods, The Lead Mines and Glencullen Adventure Park (The GAP) – Scenic trails that loop around the village, perfect for a post‑pub stroll.
• Footpath proposal – Local authorities are planning a new scenic footpath linking Kilternan with the neighbouring village of Enniskerry, which will create an additional walking corridor through the Dublin Mountains.

Walking & Footpaths

A formal footpath connecting Kilternan to Enniskerry has been approved in the local development plan and is expected to open in the next few years. The route will weave through the Lead Mines, Barnaslingan Woods and the surrounding pine‑covered slopes, offering walkers a safe, traffic‑free link between the two villages and access to the Dublin Mountain Way. The project is part of a broader effort to improve active‑travel options across the Dublin‑Wicklow border area.

Kilternan Cemetery Park

Kilternan Cemetery Park is a 36‑acre, multi‑denominational burial and remembrance ground set in tranquil parkland beside the Loughlinstown River. It offers well‑kept gardens, water features, a garden temple and quiet walking paths that give pleasant views towards the Lead Mine Chimney and Ticknock. Visitor facilities include dedicated parking, toilet blocks and seating areas. Opening hours:

• October – March: 09:00‑16:00
• April – September: 09:00‑21:00 (open daily) Phone: 087 092 7372 Eircode: D18 X22C. The park provides a peaceful setting for reflection and gentle walks.

Accommodation

• The Cottage (Kilternan) – A 200‑year‑old restored cottage offering modern comforts, sea views, and a private garden plus four acres of surrounding land. Ideal for walkers exploring the Dublin Mountain Way. Website: The Cottage.

Local Amenities

• Supermarket – The nearest large grocery outlet is Carrickmines Shopping Centre, a short drive away, providing a full range of food, household goods and services.
• Petrol Station – A small forecourt petrol station sits on the Kilternan‑Enniskerry road, convenient for motorists heading into the mountains.
• Community Hall – Kilternan Community Hall hosts local events, classes and occasional markets.

Practical Information

Getting There

• Road – Kilternan sits at the junction of the R117 (from Dublin to Glencullen) and the R116 (towards Ballymore). Signage can vary between “Kilternan” and “Kiltiernan”, but both refer to the same village.
• Motorway – The M50 passes within 10 minutes’ drive, providing quick access from Dublin and the south‑west.
• Public Transport – Frequent bus services connect the village with Dublin city centre and surrounding towns:
  • Bus 44 – Dublin City University (DCU) to Enniskerry, stopping at the Ski Club.
  • Bus 118 – Kilternan to Eden Quay, running all day (note: as of 2025 the service runs only once a day at 07:45 on weekdays).
  • Go‑Ahead Bus 63/a – Dun Laoghaire to Kilternan.
  • Bus L26 – Links to the Luas Red Line at Sandyford (approximately every 30 minutes).
• Rail – The nearest Luas tram stop is Sandyford on the Red Line, about 6 km away, offering frequent service into central Dublin.

Transport Challenges

Recent local news reports highlight that Kilternan residents experience patchy bus services, with the 118 operating only a single morning service and the 44 running roughly hourly. The split of the former 63 route into L26 and L27 has left some commuters relying on half‑hourly services that are often delayed, prompting calls for improved public‑transport provision.

Transport Updates

• The Irish Times (Nov 2025) noted that the 118 now runs just once each weekday morning, leaving many residents dependent on private cars.
• BusConnects route changes in 2024 saw the historic 63 route divided, creating the L26 (Kilternan‑Sandyford) and L27 (Kilternan‑Dún Laoghaire) services. Residents have described the new arrangement as “demoralising” and have urged the National Transport Authority to review frequency and coverage.

Visiting the Ski Club

The artificial slope is open for public use from September through March. Prospective visitors must register on the club’s booking portal before their first session. Lessons, equipment hire and group rates are listed on the club’s pricing page. No admission fee is charged for casual practice, but lesson packages apply. The club also runs a limited public programme on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings (mid‑May to mid‑September) for season‑ticket holders.

The Healing Forest Sessions

Bookings are managed through an online scheduler. Options include one‑to‑one forest‑bathing walks, group circles and longer wellness programmes. While the forest is open to walk‑ins, guided sessions require prior reservation.

Accessibility

• The Golden Ball pub provides wheelchair‑accessible entry and a level floor area.
• The Cottage offers ground‑floor accommodation with step‑free access to the garden.
• The Ski Club’s main slope area is designed for able‑bodied participants; wheelchair‑friendly facilities are not listed.

Contact Details (where available)

Nearby Attractions

• Carrickmines Castle Ruins – A short drive north, offering a glimpse of medieval architecture set amid woodland walks.
• The Lead Mines – Historic lead‑mining tunnels near Barnaslingan, now part of a popular walking loop.
• Barnaslingan Scalp Lookout Trail (Red) – Provides panoramic views over Dublin Bay and the surrounding mountains.

Recent News & Developments

• Government funding for the ski slope – In June 2022 the Ski Club of Ireland received €173,000 from the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme to upgrade its middle slope, improve floodlighting and enhance changing facilities. The grant supports the club’s 90‑strong volunteer instructor team and its aim to become a national snowsports hub.
• Footpath linking Kilternan and Enniskerry – Local authorities have approved a new scenic footpath that will create a traffic‑free walking route between the two villages, linking existing trails such as the Lead Mines and Barnaslingan Woods.
• Large development site on Glenamuck Road – A 33.32‑acre parcel on Glenamuck Road was placed on the market in 2020 with a guide price of €19 million. Planning documents envisage up to 500 new homes and a neighbourhood centre, with the Part 8 Glenamuck District Roads Scheme already approved to improve road connectivity.

Future Developments

A 33.32‑acre site on Glenamuck Road is on the market for €19 million (Savills, 2020). The land is zoned for residential development under the Kilternan/Glenamuck Local Area Plan, with potential for up to 500 new homes and a neighbourhood centre. Plans for a six‑storey apartment block have sparked local debate over preserving the village’s mountainous views.

Seasonal Highlights

• Winter (Sept‑Mar) – The Ski Club draws families and enthusiasts for snow sports.
• Spring & Summer – Walking the Dublin Mountain Way, forest‑bathing at The Healing Forest, and attending live music at The Golden Ball.
• Autumn – The surrounding woodlands display vibrant foliage, ideal for photography and gentle hikes.

Kilternan may be modest in size, but its blend of historic charm, outdoor adventure, schools and a welcoming community makes it a rewarding stop for any Irish itinerary.