Ticknock
Overview
Ticknock offers up to 10 km of mountain and forest walks with some spectacular views of Dublin City, Dublin Bay, Bray Head and Wicklow Mountains. The forest has an extensive network of forest trails with pleasant moderate walks through the trees, it also has a tarmac road leading all the way to the top and is easily accessible for children and people with lower level of fitness.
There are three large rock formations (Three Rock Mountain) just after the end of the tarmac road great to climb on and sit and enjoy the picturesque views over the Wicklow mountains and the coast. Further up in the area, there is also a Two Rock Mountain (536 meters above the sea level) with romantic ruins of the Fairy Castle.
Coillte have partnered with HiiKER and you can download the app with detailed information on Ticknock forest at this link HiiKER App Ticknock Forest
From Marlay Park passing the main entrance to the Park on your right, turn right at Ballinteer St.Johns Clubhouse and, following the road around the edge of the Park, turn left at the Taylor's Grange junction onto the R113. Take the second turn on the right and this will bring you to the entrance to Ticknock forest.
Things to do
Walk: Walking trails in this forest include Fairy Castle Loop, Dublin Mountains Way and Wicklow Way; The Fairy Castle loop (5.5 kms, 1 ½ hrs, moderate) is a lovely looped walk taking in the wonderful views over Dublin from Three Rock Mountain and Fairy Castle, traversing sections of the Dublin Mountains Way and Wicklow Way, before returning via the old rifle range to the car park.
Mountain Biking: Ticknock Mountain Bike Trail is a network of purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads that are designated for use by mountain bikes on a waymarked circular route of approx 15km in length. The trails take the rider through beautiful forest and heathland with fantastic views over Dublin City and Bay and the Wicklow Mountains beyond. Forest road climbs lead you into tight twisty singletrack with loads of fast descents, ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits, guaranteed to leave you smiling! The trails are waymarked in one direction, please follow the arrows.
Permanent Orienteering: Tiknock has 2 permanent orienteering courses, Short (1.1 km) and Medium (2.6 km).
Don’t miss our hidden gem
The viewing point at the top of the tarmac road or journey further up to the cairn at the top of Fairy Castle, both offer the most fantastic views of Dublin below.
Visitors Facilities on site
Download the HiiKER Walking Guide here
Find maps, hiking routes, things to do and information on Coillte initiatives
Car Park 100 spaces
Car park opening times: 06:00 to 22:00 (6am to 10pm)