Overview
Stepaside lies in the townland of Kilgobbin, just south‑east of Dublin city on the R117 and close to junction 14 of the M50. Framed by the foothills of Three Rock Mountain, the village is part of the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown council area. Once a quiet rural settlement, it has grown into a bustling commuter hub while retaining easy access to the Dublin Mountains and the newly opened Fernhill Park & Gardens.
History / Background
The village’s roots stretch back to the 18th‑century rerouting of the Enniskerry Road, which turned Stepaside into a staging post for stagecoaches. The old Kilgobbin Road fell out of use, but the 10th‑century Kilgobbin Cross and the 17th‑century Kilgobbin Church remain as tangible links to early Christian and rural life.
The surrounding estate that is now Fernhill Park began as a country house built in 1723 by the Darley family, laid out in the natural‑landscape style favoured by Lancelot “Capability” Brown. Around 1823 the Walker family enlarged the house and widened the avenues so three ladies could walk side‑by‑side without crushing their hooped skirts – a design feature still evident today. In 2014 Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council purchased the 34‑hectare site to protect it from housing development. A two‑phase restoration programme opened the park to the public in 2019; Phase 2, completed in 2025, added new car parks, a sports pitch, a 400 m running track, upgraded lighting and plans for a tearoom in the original coach house.
The historic Fernhill House itself remains closed to the public while further conservation work is undertaken. The council plans to convert the coach house into a tearoom and to provide visitor facilities such as toilets and a small exhibition space.
Recent residential projects such as Aikens Village and Belarmine have added thousands of homes, prompting the council to invest in community facilities, including the Samuel Beckett civic centre.
What to See & Do
Heritage and Architecture
- Kilgobbin Church – A modest 17th‑century parish church set in a tranquil graveyard.
- Kilgobbin Cross – A striking 10th‑century high cross, perfect for a quick contemplative stop.
Fernhill Park & Gardens
- Gardens – Mature rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias and early‑season snowdrops create a colourful tapestry from February to June. Towering sequoias and redwoods give the park a cathedral‑like canopy.
- Water Features – A gentle stream winds past a stone bridge, feeding small pools and waterfalls that provide a soothing soundtrack.
- Flora Highlights – The estate hosts a specialist collection of acid‑loving plants, including historic rhododendron groups and a range of camellias that reach peak colour in late spring.
- Recreation – Modern playground, on‑site coffee shop, a sports pitch for football or rugby, and a 400 m all‑weather running track.
- Walks – A 3 km network of well‑marked footpaths, wheelchair‑friendly in places, links the car parks, gardens and the park’s edge, which serves as a launch point for longer hikes into Ticknock, Carrickgollogan and Cruagh woods.
- Virtual Tour – A short online walk of the gardens is available via the council’s website (see the “Virtual Tour” link on the Fernhill Park page).
Outdoor Adventure Beyond the Park
- Ticknock Forest – A short drive away, offering marked hiking and mountain‑bike trails through Sitka spruce, Japanese larch and Scots pine.
- Three Rock Mountain – Provides panoramic views over Dublin, especially striking at night.
Sports and Leisure
- Stepaside Golf Centre – A nine‑hole public course designed by Eddie Hackett, with a 30‑bay driving range, automated pop‑up tees and a hi‑tech teaching bay. Junior lessons start from age 5. More details on the Visit Dublin page.
- Local Football – Stepaside F.C. and nearby Wayside Celtic F.C. host community fixtures throughout the season.
Getting There
- By Car – The R117 runs through the village and connects to the M50 at junction 14. Fernhill Park has three car parks (added in Phase 2, 2025) with ample spaces near the main entrance opposite the Belarmine development.
- Public Transport – Several Dublin Bus routes serve Stepaside village centre; the nearest DART station is Shankill (approximately 2 km away). Check the latest bus timetables on the Dublin Bus website.
- Cycling – The R117 is part of a low‑traffic cycle network linking Stepaside to the Dublin Mountains and the coastal trail at Dalkey.
Events & Seasonal Highlights
- Summer Music Sessions – Fernhill Park hosts informal acoustic performances on Saturday evenings from June to August, organised by the local community group.
- Family Nature Days – The park’s café runs weekend nature‑craft workshops for children during school holidays, using materials collected from the surrounding woodlands.
- Christmas Lights Trail – A modest light display is installed along the main footpath in December, creating a festive atmosphere for evening walks.
Nearby Attractions
- Ticknock Forest – Ideal for longer hill walks or mountain‑bike loops; the trailhead is a short drive from Fernhill Park.
- Three Rock Mountain – Offers a short, well‑marked ascent with city‑wide vistas; the summit is reachable via the same footpath network that starts in Fernhill Park.
- Balgriffin – A neighbouring suburb with a small coastal promenade and several cafés, perfect for a post‑walk coffee. See Balgriffin.
Practical Information
- Access – Stepaside is reachable via the R117 and the M50 (junction 14). Public‑bus routes serve the village centre; see the local bus operator for timetables.
- Parking – Fernhill Park offers three car parks (added in Phase 2, 2025) with ample spaces near the main entrance opposite the Belarmine development.
- Opening Times – Park car park opens daily at 08:15. Park closing times vary by season: Nov‑Jan 09:00‑17:00, Feb‑Mar 09:00‑18:00, Apr 09:00‑21:00, May‑Aug 09:00‑22:00, Sep 09:00‑20:00, Oct 09:00‑18:00. The café operates 08:00‑17:00 (subject to seasonal variation). Check the council website for any temporary changes.
- Facilities – Restrooms, picnic tables, wheelchair‑friendly paths, and a fully equipped sports pitch are available free of charge.
- Nearby Amenities – Stepaside village hosts a selection of cafés, pubs and shops within walking distance of the park and the civic centre.
Whether you are tracing medieval stonework, strolling through award‑winning gardens, or heading up to the mountains for a hike, Stepaside and Fernhill Park offer a compact yet diverse slice of Dublin’s south‑eastern charm.