Overview
Note: The current hero image does not depict Tibradden Wood and should be replaced with a photograph of the pine forest, cairn or zip‑line area.
Tibradden Wood, often called Pine Forest, sits on the southern slopes of Tibradden Mountain in the Dublin Mountains. Managed by Coillte, the 320 m‑high site is a mosaic of Scots pine, oak, beech, Japanese and European larch, and Sitka spruce. The forest floor is a carpet of ferns, mosses and wildflowers, while the higher ridges afford sweeping vistas of Dublin Bay, the city skyline and the Wicklow Mountains. Free parking, easy road access from the R116 and a range of outdoor activities make it a favourite escape for locals and tourists alike.
History & Archaeology
The existing image of Tully Castle is unrelated and should be replaced with a relevant photograph of the cairn or surrounding historic features.
The wood’s name, Teach Bruadain (the house of Bruadain), hints at its ancient past. At the summit lies a registered National Monument – a prehistoric cairn and kist burial site excavated in 1849. The central cist contained a Bronze‑Age pottery vessel and cremated human remains, linking the landscape to Ireland’s early inhabitants. A short hike north of the cairn reveals the Hell Fire Club, a 18th‑century hunting lodge built on an older passage grave and steeped in folklore. Both sites are easily reached from the main trail network and add a compelling historic layer to the natural setting.
What to See & Do
Zipit Forest Adventures
The flagship attraction is the Zipit high‑ropes course, nestled near the main entrance. Visitors can choose from:
- High Ropes – six circuits of varying difficulty, with up to three hours to complete each.
- Zip‑Trail – twelve zip‑lines totalling 500 m, delivering about 30 minutes of aerial fun.
- Climbing & Treetop Walks – rope ladders, cargo nets, suspension bridges and platforms that let you wander high above the canopy.
The cabin shop offers hot drinks, crisps and chocolate, while dry composting toilets sit nearby. The course is open to anyone aged seven years or older; children must be at least one metre tall. A safety notice advises that the magnetic fastenings can interfere with pacemakers, so guests with such devices should consult a doctor before booking.
Walking & Hiking
Tibradden Wood is a hub for walkers:
- Tibradden Mountain Trail – a 2.4 km out‑and‑back route (≈2 hrs) that climbs to the summit cairn, offering the best panoramic photo‑ops.
- Bohernabreena Reservoir Loop – an 8.7 km moderate circuit taking roughly two hours.
- Hell Fire Club & Massey Woods Loop – an 8.4 km loop that weaves through historic sites and mixed‑wood habitats.
- Two Rock & Tibradden Mountain – a 9.5 km out‑and‑back trek for those seeking a longer challenge.
All routes are marked and intersect with the Dublin Mountains Way, allowing extensions into Kilmashogue, Cruagh and Ticknock forests.
Birdwatching & Wildlife
The diverse canopy supports great spotted woodpecker, jay, kestrel, red grouse and sparrowhawk, while the understorey attracts kingfisher, dipper, grey wagtail and heron. Mammals such as Sika deer, red squirrels and foxes are regular sightings, especially in the early morning.
Picnic & Relaxation
Designated picnic spots line the trails, the most scenic being a stone cairn shelter just north of the summit. From here you can enjoy a packed lunch while gazing across Dublin Bay to Howth.
Mountain Biking
The surrounding trails are popular with mountain bikers. Nearby facilities include the Glencullen Adventure Park (The GAP) and the specialist shop Biking.ie in Ticknock, which offers rentals, lessons and a café.
Practical Information
Getting There
- By Car: Approximately 30 minutes from Dublin city centre via the R114 to R113, then R116 (Tibradden Road). The car park sits beside the main entrance and holds about 50 spaces (free).
- Public Transport: Dublin Bus routes 16 and 161 reach the vicinity; a short taxi ride or walk completes the journey. A Local Link Saturday service (SD4) runs between Tibradden Wood and Tallaght, stopping at Cruagh Wood and the Hell Fire Club.
Opening Hours & Facilities
| Facility | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| Car park (free) | Apr‑Sep 07:00‑21:00; Oct‑Mar 08:00‑17:00 |
| Zipit cabin & toilets | Open during booked sessions (see Zipit website) |
| Picnic areas | Open year‑round |
No parking fee is charged, but spaces fill quickly on weekends and public holidays, so early arrival is advisable. The site has composting toilets near the Zipit cabin; otherwise, visitors should use facilities in nearby cafés such as Timbertrove Café or Johnnie Fox’s Pub.
Contact & Booking
Adventure courses are booked online via the Zipit portal: Book Your Tickets. For general enquiries, use the Zipit contact page: https://zipit.ie/contact-us/.
Maps & Apps
A detailed trail map can be downloaded from Coillte (PDF) – https://www.coillte.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Dublin-Tibradden-Wood.Pine-Forest.pdf. The HiiKER app also provides GPS‑enabled routes and points of interest: https://hiiker.app/parks/ireland/dun-laoghaire-rathdown/tibradden-wood.
Safety & Conservation
Coillte’s sustainable‑forest policy underpins all activities. Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails, respect wildlife and follow Leave‑No‑Trace principles. During severe weather warnings (e.g., Met Éireann red‑wind alerts) the forest may be closed for safety.
Nearby Amenities
- Food & Drink: Timbertrove Café (near the entrance), Johnnie Fox’s Pub (Glencullen), The Hazel House Café, Four Star Pizza Nutgrove.
- Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Leopardstown, Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, Maldron Hotel Tallaght, among others.
- Other Attractions: Hell Fire Club, Gravity Climbing Centre (Inchicore), Dun Laoghaire Harbour paddle‑boarding, Airfield Estate.
Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline rush on the zip‑lines, tracing ancient cairns, or simply soaking up the forest’s quiet beauty, Tibradden Wood delivers a versatile, family‑friendly day out just a short drive from Dublin’s bustling centre.