Dublin Mountains Way

Rising directly from Dublin's southern suburbs, the Dublin Mountains offer instant wilderness. This route climbs through pine forests to heather moorland with views across the city to the sea and mountains beyond.

Why This Route?

The Dublin Mountains are remarkably accessible:

• Minutes from the city - Wilderness begins at the M50
• Managed forests - Excellent walking and cycling trails
• Viewpoints - City, bay, and Wicklow Mountains panoramas
• Adventure activities - Zip lines, segways, mountain biking
• History - Hell Fire Club, military road, ancient tombs

Where to Stay

This 55km half-day drive rises straight out of Dublin's southern suburbs, starting at Marlay Park and ending in the mountain village of Glencullen. There is no need for a separate base -- Dublin is where you will sleep, and the mountains are your afternoon escape. You can be at the Hell Fire Club within 30 minutes of leaving the city centre.

Dublin

Dublin accommodation puts you within easy reach of Marlay Park, the Wicklow Way trailhead, and the R116 Military Road that threads through the mountains. After a half-day exploring Ticknock, Three Rock, and Tibradden, you can wind down the hill to Glencullen's Johnnie Fox's pub and be back in the city for the evening.

The Route

Starting from Dublin (Rathfarnham)

Head south through the suburbs to where the city meets the mountains.

Marlay Park

A great starting point - 300 acres of parkland at the foot of the mountains. The 18th-century house hosts craft courtyard and farmers' market (Saturdays). This is the start of the Wicklow Way.

Ticknock Forest

Your first taste of the mountains. Well-maintained trails for walking, running, and mountain biking. The Fairy Castle (536m) viewpoint is accessible from here.

Three Rock Mountain

Named for the three granite tors on its summit, this mountain offers panoramic views and passage tomb remains. The walk from the car park is short but steep.

Hell Fire Club (Montpelier Hill)

The most famous Dublin Mountains landmark - a ruined hunting lodge reputedly used by a notorious 18th-century gentleman's club for debauchery and satanic rituals. The stories are mostly legend, but the atmosphere (and views) are genuine.

Kilakee Forest

Walking trails through mixed woodland with the Hell Fire Club visible above.

Cruagh Forest

Pine forest trails with views across south Dublin. The forest is recovering from clearance and replanting.

Glendoo Mountain

For a longer walk, this mountain (642m) offers genuine wilderness close to the city.

Tibradden

Another forest park with easy access and good facilities. The passage tomb on Tibradden Mountain dates from 2500-2000 BC.

Return via Glencullen

This mountain valley has a famous pub (Johnnie Fox's, claiming to be Ireland's highest) and traditional atmosphere.

Walking & Cycling

Dublin Mountains Way

• Distance: 43km (full route)
• Time: 2 days (or sections)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Connects all the peaks

Hell Fire Club Loop

• Distance: 4km
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Ruins, views, woodland

Fairy Castle (Two Rock)

• Distance: 7km return
• Time: 2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Granite tors, panoramic views

Tibradden Mountain

• Distance: 5km loop
• Time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Highlights: Forest, passage tomb

Adventure Activities

Zipit Forest Adventures

High ropes and zip lines through the forest canopy at Tibradden.

Dublin Mountains Bike Trails

Purpose-built mountain bike trails at Ticknock and Ballinastoe (Wicklow border).

Segway Tours

Guided forest tours at various locations.

History

The Hell Fire Club

The lodge was built in 1725 by Speaker William Conolly using stones from a neolithic passage tomb - which some blamed for the curse that followed. The Hell Fire Club, an elite drinking society, met here in the 1730s. The legends of devil worship are almost certainly exaggerated, but make good stories.

The Military Road

Built after the 1798 Rebellion to allow rapid troop movement into the Wicklow Mountains, this road opened the mountains to travellers.

Passage Tombs

The mountains preserve several Bronze Age tombs, testimony to settlement over 4,000 years ago.

Practical Tips

1. Hell Fire Club road is rough - Suitable for cars but take care
2. Johnnie Fox's needs booking - Very popular, especially weekends
3. Forests can be confusing - Download trail maps
4. Weather differs from city - Bring layers and waterproofs
5. Parking at popular spots - Can fill on sunny weekends

Before You Drive This Route

Plan on Half day for the Dublin Mountains Way: the 55km takes roughly 1.5 hours at the wheel, and the rest is why you came. If this is your first drive in Ireland, read driving on the left in Ireland before you collect the car — the first roundabout is not the moment to work it out. Anything routed through Dublin runs the risk of the barrier-free M50 toll, which must be paid by 8pm the following day — the Irish toll roads guide explains how. If you have not booked a car yet, our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers what to choose and what the desk will ask for, and car hire excess insurance explains the excess you will be asked to cover. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Dublin page, and the Dublin Bay & Howth Peninsula pairs naturally with this one.