Dublin Mountains Way
Dublin
About This Route
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
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
- Hell Fire Club road is rough - Suitable for cars but take care
- Johnnie Fox's needs booking - Very popular, especially weekends
- Forests can be confusing - Download trail maps
- Weather differs from city - Bring layers and waterproofs
- Parking at popular spots - Can fill on sunny weekends
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
