The Ticknock Walk: Experience Phenomenal Views of Dublin & Beyond
The Ticknock Walk is easily one of the most beautiful walks in Dublin. The trail offers outstanding views of Dublin City, Dublin Bay and even stretches as far a Wicklow. If you are looking for something fun to do on a summers evening then Ticknock is the place to be. It is also the perfect addition to a Dublin itinerary for those travelling to Ireland from abroad. If you are anything like me, you will be hoping to tick off some of those sweet hidden gems in Ireland’s Capital, and let me tell ya, Ticknock definitely is one of them. Today, I want to highlight everything you need to know before taking part in the Ticknock Hike. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.
Where is Ticknock? And How do I Get There?
Ticknock is located on the Dublin Mountains, just a 30 minute drive from the city centre. It is easy to access via car, and a little more complicated to reach by public transport.
If you are hoping to make it up to Ticknock but don’t have a car, there are two ways of getting there. Both routes leave you at Lamb Doyle’s Pub, from there you will have access to the trail. Just be mindful that it will take longer to walk the trail starting at Lamb Doyles compared to the designated car park.
The first option is to hop on the 44 bus route from Stephens Green, make sure it is the one heading towards Sandyford. You will ride the 44 bus all the way to Bearna Park, from there it is a 20 minute walk to Lamb Doyles pub (google maps directions).
The second option is to hop on the green line Luas to Stillorgan, from Stillorgan it is a 5 minute walk to the 144 bus stop, take the bus all the way to Rockview Road, from there it is a 4 minute walk to Lamb Doyle’s pub. I’ll leave a google maps link for more precise directions.
Is There Parking at Ticknock?
Yes, there are 2 places to park at Ticknock, the first being the main Ticknock car park(alongside the bike shed) although it is possible to continue on driving a little further up the road to the start off at the forest trail. It is common for the main car park to be quite full, I personally always find it easier to parallel park alongside the Forrest trail gates. It also makes the trail a little shorter 😉
What is the main hiking route at Ticknock?
Once you arrive at the forest, there are two route options in which will take you to the trails first main viewpoint, Three Rock Mountain.
The main walking route will take you down a well-made gravel path, that remains mostly flat for the duration of the walk. This is the best option for those with low fitness levels, who are walking with children or who are hoping to do a leisurely stroll. The path follows the shape of the forest and typically takes 20 minutes to reach the Three Rocks.
At Three Rock Mountain, you will be presented with some of the best views of Dublin city from the Mountains. You will be able to see, Dublin Bay, Wicklow, the Sugar Loaf and Dublin City in the distance. It’s nice to take a moment to admire the views. The rocks are also a nice place to sit for a bite to eat.
Then it is time to head towards the remains of the Fairy Castle…
At this point of the hike you will be walking at a slight incline, but nothing too major. It takes around 25 minutes to reach the Fairy Castle Remains.
The Fairy Castle sits on the highest point of the Dublin Mountains, beside the trig point of Two Rock Mountain. Legend has it that the rock formation was once a passage tomb for Fairy who once lived within the mountain. The tomb is still yet to be examined by archeologists so know one really knows what is inside the interior.
From that point, the trail is pretty much down hill, I personally love the views in this section of the walk. They are so scenic and you can just about see the sugar loaf peak over the hill in the distance. Just Breathtaking!
The trail will eventually loop around leading you back to Three Rock Mountain, from here you can descend the same way you came up.
Is there an Alternative route?
For those of you looking to dive a little bit off the beaten path, there is another trail to the left of the forest, here you will come across a small narrow pathway, made up of mostly uneven rocks and muddy trains. This walk is slightly more difficult than the main gravel path, but not by much, it is also a great way to escape the crowds on a particularly hot day. The beginning of the trail starts by heading towards Dublin bay with little or no incline. As the trail starts to turn slightly to the right, it will gradually incline until you reach Three Rock Mountain. It typically takes around 25 minutes to complete. Once you reach the Three Rocks the trail unites with the main route heading towards the Fairy Castle.
How Long Does it take to Hike Ticknock Moutain?
Altogether the Fairy Castle Loop Walk takes anywhere from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. This of course depends on where you began. If you started at Lamb Doyles, add a further 20 minutes onto your walking time.
What is there to do at Ticknock?
So, the reason for visiting Ticknock is to get out with nature and enjoy the fantastic views of Dublin and beyond. Nonetheless, Ticknock is a great spot to catch the sunset, in fact, it is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Dublin. It can also be a nice spot to bring a picnic too. Even if you only walk as far as Tree Rock Mountain. I personally love visiting the trail to clear my mind and relax.
Summary of the Ticknock Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 6Km to 16km (Depending on how far you walk)
Duration: 1 and a half Hours to 2 Hours
Terrain: Mostly Flat or Rocky Terrain
Footwear: Hiking boots are not needed but may definitely come in handy.
Some more Photos From the Ticknock Hill Walk
So, This brings us to the end of our Ticknock Walking Trail post. I hope you liked it and enjoy your walk. If you are travelling around Ireland, be sure to check out more of my Ireland posts for inpiration.
- FREE Things to do in Dublin
- Dublin Hidden Gems
- 2 day Dublin Itinerary
- One Day Dublin Itinerary
- Best Walks in Dublin
- The Best Place to Watch the Sunset in Dublin
- The Top Days Trips from Dublin
- Explore the hiking trails in Glendalough (Wicklow National Park)
- Visit the Hellfire Club – Dublin’s Spooky Building Ruins
- Ireland Packing List
- Guide to Hiking Ireland’s Stairway to Heaven
- All You Need to Know About the Cliffs of Moher
- A Self Guided Trip to the Giants Causeway
- Walking the Bray to Greystones Trail
- First Timers Guide to Travelling Ireland
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any further questions be sure to reach out to me on Facebook or Instagram. As Always, happy travels and see you in the next blog!
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