Barnaslingan Wood

Overview

Barnaslingan Wood & Carpark are closed until further notice following recent storm damage

As a result for Storm Darragh (December 2024), Barnaslingan Wood has suffered significant wind damage through parts of the wood with many trees down and trails blocked and as a result will be closed until further notice. Storm Darragh’s unusually severe north-westerly winds, along with its extended duration and gusting nature, has blown many trees in this lovely wood. Coillte is assessing and mapping the impact to determine what resources are required to clean up the site so that it can be safely reopened. We are working hard to return the woods to their recreational best. In the meantime, nearby forests at Ticknock and Carrickgollogan are available to visit until it is safe to use Barnaslingan again. We will update you as soon as possible.

Barnaslingan Wood is situated on the eastern slope of The Scalp (meaning crevice, chasm or cleft) one of the most spectacular natural features in the Dublin area. This narrow rocky pass through which runs the old Dublin to Enniskerry road was formed by an Ice Age glacial lake overflow. There are many granite outcrops and boulders to be seen, especially on the wooded eastern Barnaslingan side. The west side and the dense pine woods of the Killegar summit contrast sharply with the naked boulders of the steep slopes below. If you are lucky you might also spot a white goat or two who belong to a wild herd that lives in the area. The view from the north is particularly attractive and was one much beloved by the Victorian photographers who came here with their large and heavy tripods and pennyfarthing bicycles.

Off the R117 between Enniskerry and Kilternan on Barnaslingan Lane. Approx. 3 km from both.

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Things to do

Walk: There are two looped walking trails in the wood and the Dublin Mountains Way also has its route through Barnaslingan. The Pine Loop Trail (0.9kms, 20mins, easy) is a gentle stroll through the forest and even has a picnic brench and table half way to sit and relax and enjoy the forest surroundings; The Scalp Lookout Trail (1.5kms, 45mins, moderate) follows the pine Loop Trail for most of its route but takes a detour out to the breathtaking Scalp lookout where the view is something that one would not expect to see in Ireland.
Wheel-O: The Wheel-O course uses the Pine Loop Trail and has 10 control signs along its route, the object is then to select where you are at each control and record it on the downloadable map: Barnaslingan Wheel-O Map
Permanent Orienteering: Barnaslingan has 3 permanent orienteering courses, Short (1.5 km), Medium (1.5 km) and Advanced (2.5 km) maps available to download from this link: Barnaslingan POC