Explore a little piece of the Dublin Mountain Way..
Distance: 10km
Elevation: 283m
Time: 2 / 2.5 hours
Start Location: Park at Tibradden Wood Car Park
Walk from Tibradden Wood over to Two Rock Mountain (Fairy Hill) and return by the same route.
The Dublin Mountain Way is actually a 42km waymarked trail stretching across the Dublin Mountains. It goes from Tallaght west over to Shankill in the east (or vice versa, whichever start suits best). The highest point of this Trail is 536m (1,759ft) at Fairy Castle. If you are interested in doing the full route check here Dublin Mountain Way for further details.
This particular route I have written about is just a little slice of the Dublin Mountain Way. It is a beautiful route for visitors and native Irish to explore. A real hidden gem just 40 minutes outside from the hustle and bustle of Dublin’s busy city centre.
While travelling this route you will witness Spectacular views.
At high points along the trail you will witness the east coast of Ireland stretching both north and south of Dublin City. North of Dublin City you will see sights such as Dublin Bay, the 2 iconic chimneys , Howth Peninsula, Lambay Island and so much more. South of the city you will see Sandycove beach stretching along to Dun Laoghaire and its 2 iconic piers. Bringing the eye further south you will see sights such as Killiney Hill, Bray head, Greystones beach stretching all the way down south to Wicklow town.
When you turn your eye away from the east coastline you will be viewing spectacular views of the Dublin hills stretching out into the Wicklow mountains.
2 historic points along the route: Close to Tibradden top you will see a prehistoric site. A chambered Cairn. The burial Urn retrieved from this Cairn can be found at the National Museum of Ireland. On arrival to 2 Rock Mountain (Fairy Hill) you will see a Cairn and a Trig Pillar sitting on a raised mound covered with turf and heather. This mound is the remains of a Passage Tomb. (The entrance to this tomb can no longer be seen due to collapse)
The trail consists of forest paths, boardwalk and stoney paths. The land itself is of granite nature which can be noted along the route. You will pass through mixed woodland area’s of Scots pine, Japanese larch, European larch, Sitka spruce, oak and beech. The shrubby heather areas with no trees that you pass through are important breeding habitats for birds including the red grouse.
The walk is not hugely strenuous height wise, but a certain level of fitness is definitely required as its 10km in length.
You will be on track all the way so the walk can be done with good sturdy runners / walking shoes.
This route passes over the famous Wicklow Way (Another waymarked walking trail stretching over the Dublin & Wicklow mountains)
This is not a circular route. You return from Fairy Hill back the way you came. The views are just as stunning on the return route!
It’s Ireland so always bring a raincoat and other rain-gear if you have some. Hat, scarf and gloves if doing the walk out of summer time. A snack, sandwich and flask of tea is always nice to have! There are plenty of scenic spots along the way to stop and enjoy a cuppa and soak up the views.
Check out some photos from along the route…
