Ticknock Forest | Various

Overview

Killykeen Forest Park, Co Cavan_Find your trail Courtesy Failte Ireland

Ticknock Forest sits on the northeastern foothills of the Dublin Mountains, just a half‑hour from the city centre. Managed by Coillte, the site combines a commercial conifer plantation with newly planted native deciduous trees (replanted in 2020) and a network of well‑marked trails. From the car‑park you can follow a tarmac road to the summit of Three Rock Mountain (444 m) and continue on to Two Rock Mountain (536 m), where the iconic Fairy Castle cairn crowns the ridge. The forest offers spectacular panoramas of Dublin City, Dublin Bay, Bray Head and the distant Wicklow Mountains, making it one of the most visited outdoor attractions in the capital region.

History & Background

The townland of Ticknock (Irish: Tigh an Chnoic, “house of the hill”) has long been a rural outpost at the foot of Three Rock Mountain. In the early 21st century housing developments appeared between the forest and the M50, but the woodland itself remained largely untouched. Coillte’s 2020 re‑planting programme introduced native oak, ash and birch to replace sections of commercial conifer, enhancing biodiversity and giving walkers a more varied woodland experience. The area is also part of the Dublin Mountains National Trail network and serves as a gateway to the longer Wicklow Way.

What to See & Do

Mountain Biking, Trail, Coolaney, Ox Mountains, Co Sligo Courtesy Tom Scott, Tom Scott_Atomcreates

Walking trails – The most popular route is the Fairy Castle Loop (5.5 km, ~1.5 h, moderate). It weaves through the Dublin Mountains Way, skirts the Three Rock summit and descends via an old rifle range back to the car‑park. Longer options include the Ticknock Hike from Kilmashogue (13 km, ~2.5 h) and sections of the Wicklow Way that start here.
Mountain biking – A purpose‑built single‑track network of approximately 15 km circles the forest, offering tight twists, fast descents and technical rocky sections. The trail is way‑marked in one direction; follow the green arrows for a safe ride.
Orienteering – Two permanent courses are available: a Short 1.1 km loop and a Medium 2.6 km loop, both with downloadable maps on the Coillte site.
Viewpoints – At the top of Three Rock you can enjoy sweeping views of Dublin Bay; a short walk further brings you to Two Rock’s Fairy Castle cairn, a Neolithic‑style cairn that frames the horizon over the Wicklow Mountains.
Café stop – Trails Café at Ticknock sits in the main car‑park, serving coffee, loose‑leaf tea, locally baked goods and hot sandwiches. Outdoor seating and bike racks make it a convenient refuel point for hikers and cyclists alike.
Art, culture & events – Ticknock hosts temporary installations under the DLR Nature and Place programme (e.g., works by Martin Healy, Méadhbh O’Connor and Robert Coleman). The audio‑walk podcast “Ticknock: What’s Going On?” (available on major podcast platforms) guides listeners through a moderate route from the upper car‑park to Fairy Castle, blending landscape soundscapes with spoken poetry. Recent pieces such as “Sky Walkers” and “Listen and Breath” add a meditative layer to the walk.

When to Visit

Ticknock is popular year‑round, but the experience varies with the season:

Clear days – On sunny days you can see as far as Howth Head, Dublin Port and even the Mourne Mountains across the sea.
Weekday mornings – Fewer visitors mean quieter trails and better chances of finding a parking space.
Golden hour (late afternoon) – The low light casts dramatic shadows on the granite tors, perfect for photography.
Autumn – The forest floor turns gold and amber, and the air is crisp – a great time for leaf‑watching.
Spring & summer – Wildflowers bloom along the paths and the higher elevations can be cooler, so bring an extra layer.

Getting There

By Car

From Dublin city centre, follow the R113 past Marlay Park, turn left at the Taylor’s Grange junction and take the second right to the forest entrance. The main car‑park offers about 145 free spaces on a one‑way system. The road to the car‑park can be narrow and slippery after rain; drive cautiously or consider parking a short distance down and walking up.

By Public Transport

Bus 47 to Stepaside, then a 700 m walk up Fernhill Park.
Bus 44 (as noted on some local guides) also stops near the forest entrance.
Bus 145 to the Blue Light Pub area provides an alternative route with less walking on the road.
Luas Green Line to The Gallops, followed by a 2 km walk up Kilgobbin Road (see the Dublin Mountains interactive map).
Luas to Glencairn plus a 20‑minute uphill walk is another option for cyclists.

By Bike

The Dublin Mountain Bike Centre routes cyclists directly to the forest; the bike‑friendly road network is highlighted on the Dublin Mountains interactive map.

Practical Information

Opening hours – Car‑park opens at 06:00 and closes at 22:00. The forest itself is open daylight hours; check local notices for temporary closures due to weather.
Parking – Approximately 145 free spaces; the road to the car‑park can be challenging after heavy rain.
Facilities – No permanent toilets or bins on site; visitors should take waste home (Leave No Trace). A small shelter at the car‑park provides seating.
Maps & Apps – Detailed trail maps are available for download:
- Walking routes PDF: https://www.coillte.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/kilmashogue_tiknock_all_routes.pdf
- Mountain‑bike map: https://www.coillte.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Ticknock_MTB_Phase3_PRINT.pdf
- Orienteering maps are linked on the Coillte site.
- The HiiKER app provides offline maps and route information for both walkers and cyclists.
- Biking.ie lists current trail conditions and any temporary closures.
Safety notes – The car‑park may close temporarily under Met Eireann snow/ice warnings or Red Wind alerts. Road to the car‑park can be slick; consider parking lower and walking up if conditions are poor.
Nearby amenities – After a hike, consider a meal at Johnnie Fox’s Pub in Glencullen, the Blue Light Pub at the foot of the mountains, The GAP Kitchen near the car‑park, or the Trails Café for a quick bite.
Dog friendly – Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be kept under control; no dedicated dog‑off‑lead areas are marked.
Accessibility – The tarmac road to the summit is suitable for children and visitors with lower fitness levels, but the forest trails are not wheelchair‑accessible.

Nearby Attractions

Marlay Park – A short drive or bus ride away, offering formal gardens and a playground.
The Gallops – A Luas stop with easy access to further Dublin Mountains Way sections.
Glencullen – Home to Johnnie Fox’s Pub and several historic stone walls.
Dublin Mountains Way – A long‑distance walking route that passes through Ticknock; see the dedicated page for the full trail.

Enjoy the blend of forest serenity, rugged mountain scenery and easy access that makes Ticknock Forest a rewarding day‑out for walkers, cyclists and families alike.