recommended route
Fairy Castle Loop Walk
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Hiking up out of DublinPhoto: Josiah Skeats, Macs Adventure
A nice walk to the summit of Two Rock Mountain (the Fairy Castle), with spectacular views stretching out over sprawling Dublin and Dublin Bay to the north, and Wicklow Hills to the south.
From the car park, it is a steady, continuous climb to the summit of Two Rock Mountain. Climbing initially through dark forest clutching at glimpses of Dublin through the trees, you eventually burst from the tree line onto the naked and exposed mountain slopes. From this vantage point, there are excellent views looking down on sprawling Dublin from above, stretching all the way to the Bay of Dublin, and in the other direction you can gaze over a panorama of the Wicklow Hills, known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’.
At the summit is a giant cairn which is believed to be a Bronze-Age tomb, though local mythology suggests it is home to fairies! It has never been uncovered so it is impossible to solve the mystery of what really lies beneath the mound of huge granite blocks. The Fairy Castle is the highest point in the Dublin Hills and on a clear day you can see all the way to North Ireland and even across the sea to Wales, over 100 kilometers away!
Author’s recommendation
Hidden 50 meters from the car park lies the Kilmashogue Tomb. Most people have no idea it is there, so dart off the path and chances are you’ll have this 4,000-year-old slice of Bronze-Age history all to yourself!
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Today’s path is quite rocky; bear in mind these rocks may be slippery when wet.
Mountain Biking is very popular through these forests. There are generally separate trails for bikers and walkers. Walkers have right of way but it is a good idea to stay alert for mountain bikers around you who may be crossing your path.
Tips and hints
Points of Interest
Kilmashogue Wedge Tomb
Hidden just 50 metres from the car park where you start and finish this walk is a 4,000 year old megalithic tomb. There is no sign or information so most people pass right beside it unaware it is there. From the top of the stone steps with the wooden handrail, continue straight on the faint path that climbs steeply into the woods. Quite unexpectedly you will arrive at a flat clearing in the woodland with big rocks littered about and the remains of a burial chamber. These stones would have formed a mound over the top, similar to how the Fairy Castle Cairn looks today.
Food and Drink
There are no opportunities to get food or drink during this hike, so be sure to bring everything you might need with you.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.00km - Start in the car park. Go up the steps with the wooden handrail. At the top TURN LEFT onto the gravel road. After 20 metres BEAR LEFT as this road forks to continue around the barricade. Continue straight for 1.1 kilometres ignoring a path joining from your right after 700 metres. On your left enjoy views to Dublin and out to sea through the trees.
1.10km – CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to stay on the gravel road as it makes several sharp turns.
2.40km – After two sharp bends TURN RIGHT off the gravel road and up the stone steps. There is a big boulder with a yellow arrow pointing right and also a wooden post directing you right saying ‘Wicklow Way’. Continue uphill on this gravel footpath for 1.1 kilometres. You will soon emerge from the trees with great views to the Wicklow Hills.
3.50km – The footpath plateaus and then begins heading slightly downhill. About 200 metres after it begins heading downhill, TURN LEFT at the fork ignoring the right option signposted for the Wicklow Way. Once you have turned left you will pass a green sign with small footprints to join the Dublin Mountains Way, and begin heading uphill.
4.10km – Congratulations you are at the summit of Fairy Castle! Can you see the big cairn (pile of rocks) for which this mountain earns its nickname? BEAR LEFT to head downhill on the path that goes in the direction of Dublin, the sea, and the tall radio antennas. After 400 metres CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON over the crossroads to hug the forest on your left and the antennas on your right.
5.00km – After the footpath joins the wide gravel road CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to pass the two antennas and buildings on your right.
5.20km – At the crossroads with fantastic views to Dublin directly ahead, TURN LEFT onto the paved section of road that heads downhill.
5.40km – After a sharp right-hand bend, with a lay-by on your right, TURN LEFT off the paved road and onto the gravel road to enter the forest between two stone pillars that may have a barricade between them to prevent vehicles passing.
6.60km – As the gravel road forks ignore the left option that heads uphill to a mountain bike trail. BEAR RIGHT to head downhill on a gravel path. After 50 metres you will reach the spot where you turned off earlier in the walk. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON downhill for 2.60 kilometres following the same route back to the car park.
9.20km – Finish at the Kilmashogue Car Park. Why not head 50 metres into the forest to discover the 4,000 year old Bronze-Age Tomb.
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes and a waterproof/wind-break layer are all required. The weather can change quickly so be sure to take all equipment even if the weather looks okay.
This walk is isolated with no opportunities to buy food or water so be sure to bring enough with you.
If you prefer a physical map, you can buy OS Map of Ireland Discovery 50.
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