Overview
Two Rock (Irish: Cnoc na Dhá Charraig / Cnoc Dhá Charraig) rises to 536 m (1,759 ft), making it the highest point in the Dublin Mountains. The name comes from the two striking granite tors that dominate its south‑eastern slope. From the summit – locally known as Fairy Castle – walkers enjoy 360° vistas that stretch from Tallaght and Howth in the north to Bray Head, Killiney Hill, the Great Sugar Loaf and the Wicklow Mountains in the south. The hill is a patchwork of shallow bog, gorse‑covered lower slopes and upland heath that supports red grouse and a variety of native flora.
History & Background
The summit cairn is the remains of a Neolithic passage tomb, the easternmost of a chain that crowns the Dublin‑Wicklow ridge. The cairn measures roughly 27 m across and 3 m high and sits on a circular platform of granite and quartz blocks, now largely overgrown. Although never formally opened, archaeologists believe it encloses a small burial chamber.
On the south‑eastern forested slope lies the Ballyedmonduff wedge tomb, often called the “Giant’s Grave”. This Bronze‑Age monument, first opened in 1832 and re‑excavated in 1945, features a three‑chamber gallery framed by a horseshoe of standing stones; one stone bears seven cup‑marks, a hallmark of earlier Neolithic rock art. Antiquarian John O’Donovan described it as “the finest pagan grave in any county”.
Other lost monuments include the Greyhound’s Bed – a long stone cairn destroyed in the 19th century – and a triangular standing stone north‑northeast of Fairy Castle, which points toward Three Rock. Folklore is woven through the landscape: the cairn’s nickname, Fairy Castle, hints at its reputation as a portal for the sidhe, and 16th‑century legend tells of Red Hugh O’Donnell fleeing Dublin Castle by crossing Two Rock on his way to Powerscourt.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Description | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Fairy Castle cairn | Circular cairn covering a Neolithic passage tomb; offers 360° views and an Ordnance Survey trig pillar. | Summit via the Fairy Castle Loop (see Practical Information). |
| Ballyedmonduff wedge tomb | Bronze‑Age “Giant’s Grave” with three‑chamber gallery and cup‑marked stone. | Marked forest trail on the south‑eastern slope near the summit. |
| Standing stone | Triangular stone ~1 m high, north‑northeast of the cairn, pointing toward Three Rock. | Visible from the summit ridge. |
| Panoramic vistas | Views of Dublin city, Dublin Bay, the Wicklow Mountains and the Great Sugar Loaf. | Best on clear days from the cairn or trig pillar. |
| Wildlife spotting | Red grouse and a variety of upland plants. | Throughout the heath‑covered slopes. |
The Dublin Mountains Way traverses the hill, and the Wicklow Way runs just west of the summit. Popular walking routes include:
- Ticknock → Fairy Castle loop (≈6 km, moderate)
- Two Rock & Three Rock Loop (≈8 km, 3 h, 393 m ascent) Both loops combine forest tracks, board‑walked heather sections and open ridge walking.
Practical Information
Access – From Dublin city centre, head south via Marlay Park, follow signs to Ticknock Forest, turn right at Ballinteer St. John’s Clubhouse and continue on the R113 to the Ticknock car‑park (lat 53.253667, lon ‑6.246790). The car‑park opens at 06:00 and closes at night; a modest fee applies for Coillte‑managed parking.
Trailheads – In addition to Ticknock, the hill can be approached from the Coillte recreation areas of Kilmashogue and Tibradden. All main routes are well‑marked; sections on the summit ridge are board‑walked to protect the fragile bog.
Facilities – Ticknock offers parking, a visitor centre, toilets and a café. No facilities exist at the summit, so walkers should carry water and appropriate clothing.
Seasonal notes – The area is popular year‑round, but the boggy sections can be slippery after rain. Winter walkers should use sturdy boots and be prepared for reduced daylight.
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time, consider extending your visit to other points of interest in the area:
- Ballyboden – A suburban gateway to the Dublin Mountains with easy access to the Dublin Mountains Way.
- Ardgillan Castle – A historic house and parkland on the coast, reachable by a short bus ride from the city and offering pleasant walks along the shoreline.
Enjoy the blend of natural beauty, ancient mystery and sweeping city views that make Two Rock a standout destination in the Dublin Mountains.