Ticknock Forest & Dublin Mountains Way Dublin
Explore the Dublin Mountains from Ticknock Forest, offering panoramic views and diverse trails for hikers and bikers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Ticknock Forest & Dublin Mountains Way Dublin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Dublin Mountains from Ticknock Forest, offering panoramic views and diverse trails for hikers and bikers.
"Stunning views of Dublin Bay and city from the Fairy Castle!"
🚌 Public Transport Access
Take bus 47 to Stepaside or Luas to Glencairn for trail access.
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Road to car park can be rough. Park lower if unsure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fairy Castle
Ticknock Forest
An ancient ring fort offering panoramic views of Dublin Bay and the city. A must-see for history buffs and view seekers.
Ticknock Forest Trails
Ticknock Forest
A network of well-maintained trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking, with routes for all skill levels.
Dublin Mountains Way
Extends through Ticknock Forest
A long-distance walking route offering diverse landscapes and stunning vistas across the Dublin Mountains.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There Without a Car
Parking & Road Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dublin mountains hike?
🚌 Public Transport Access
Take bus 47 to Stepaside or Luas to Glencairn for trail access. +1
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Road to car park can be rough. Park lower if unsure.
Hikes near Dublin accessible by public transport
Hiking spots near Dublin
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven and muddy.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Signal can be spotty in the mountains.
Anyone know if the road going up to ticknock car park is safe to drive?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚌 Public Transport Access
Take bus 47 to Stepaside or Luas to Glencairn for trail access. +1
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Road to car park can be rough. Park lower if unsure.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be uneven and muddy.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Signal can be spotty in the mountains.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited facilities on the trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ticknock Forest is a highly-rated natural escape offering stunning views and diverse trails for hiking and biking. Visitors praise the accessibility via public transport and the rewarding vistas from the Fairy Castle. However, some caution is advised regarding the road conditions to the car park and the limited facilities on-site.
"A beautiful location with stunning views. It has walks of every kind, easy, moderate and climbing. Good parking and when you get to the top you will not be disappointed with your effort, enjoy"
Michael Raj Groves
"Great hiking spot, lovely nature. Unfortunately the weather was foggy but in Ireland that is something expected, so I’m not disappointed at all. Walking in nature relaxing yourself and having the view of whole city is pretty good."
Emre Akcol
"So relaxing place. Sometimes too many people and hard to find a parking, but once you there quite and peaceful. Ticknock area is great for walk or MTB, for a big or small, for young or elderly, everyone can find their place."
Peter Urgas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Ticknock Forest using public transport. Take the 47 bus to Stepaside and walk uphill through Fernhill Park, or take the Luas to Glencairn and walk up to the trails. +1
The road can be challenging, especially after rain, with reports of cars getting stuck. Drive with extreme caution or consider parking further down and walking or cycling up.
The 47 bus to Stepaside is a common route. The 145 to Shankill can also be used, followed by a walk up the lead mines or Dublin Mountains Way.
Yes, taking the Luas to Glencairn is a viable option. From there, it's about a 20-minute walk uphill to reach the trails.
Some suggest taking the 49 bus to Old Bawn, Tallaght, and walking up the Bohernabreena Reservoir, or the Dart to Shankill for access to the Dublin Mountains Way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticknock Forest is a public area and does not have an entrance fee. You can explore the trails freely.
Ticknock Forest is generally accessible during daylight hours. The car park may have specific closing times, so it's best to check locally if you plan to stay late.
No, tickets are not required for entry into Ticknock Forest. It's a natural landscape open for public access.
While generally open, be mindful of weather conditions, especially if driving. Stick to marked trails to protect the environment and ensure safety.
Absolutely! Ticknock Forest offers several hours of exploration, with options for shorter walks or longer hikes to places like the Fairy Castle.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Ticknock offers a variety of trails, including routes leading to the Fairy Castle and sections of the Dublin Mountains Way. Many are popular with mountain bikers too.
Yes, Ticknock Forest is a very popular spot for mountain biking, with dedicated trails and features. Be aware of cyclists if you are hiking.
The Fairy Castle is an ancient ring fort located within Ticknock Forest, offering fantastic views over Dublin Bay and the city. It's a key landmark for visitors.
Facilities are very limited within the forest itself. It's advisable to use restrooms and purchase any food or drinks before you arrive.
You can expect stunning panoramic views of Dublin city, Dublin Bay, and the surrounding Wicklow Mountains. The Fairy Castle viewpoint is particularly spectacular.
📸 📸 Photography
The Fairy Castle offers iconic views of Dublin Bay. The higher points along the Dublin Mountains Way also provide breathtaking vistas, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, perfect for landscape photography. Early mornings can also be stunning with fewer crowds and soft light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Capture the ancient ring fort of the Fairy Castle, the sprawling cityscape of Dublin, and the rolling hills of the Dublin Mountains.
Be mindful of the weather, as conditions can change rapidly. Also, be aware of mountain bikers sharing some of the trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are scarce.
🚶 Hikers and Walkers
Visitors often recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots due to the varied terrain, which can be muddy and uneven.
🚴 Mountain Bikers
Cyclists should be aware that these trails are popular and can be busy, especially on weekends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ticknock Forest & Dublin Mountains Way
When planning your route, consider your fitness level and the time you have available. Some visitors recommend downloading offline maps as mobile signal can be unreliable in certain areas.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain.
Accessibility and Public Transport
Other suggestions include using the 145 bus to Shankill and then accessing the Dublin Mountains Way, or even the 49 bus to Old Bawn for a route via Bohernabreena Reservoir.
It's worth noting that the road leading directly to the Ticknock Forest Car Park can be challenging, and some visitors have encountered difficulties.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit