Sunday Adventure: With Views Like These, You’ll Be Away With The Fairies…

Not only does Ticknock boast some of the best views of the city – bit it's also home to some super-interesting human heritage, if you're into that sort of thing.

If you’re going mountain biking make sure you know what you’re doing and you have the right gear. Walkers, make sure you don’t find yourself on a bike trail... that tends not to end well.

Shoes?

It’s a tough one to call as there’s a bit of road walking which can be a little sore in boots, but the top gets muddy so the old Converse are no good either. I did it in a pair of strong shoes.

Map?

Sheet 50 OSI again. Not essential as it’s way marked, but maps are fun.

Waterproofs?

Yup. It can change pretty fast and you might be an hour from your car when it does.

Distance?

Just under 6km if you do the full loop. Give it two hours.

Difficulty?

3/5. Vanilla levels of exertion.

Getting there

• M50 Southbound: Turn off at Exit 13 and take the first exit at the round about towards Marlay Park. At Balinteer GAA club take the sharp left turn. At Taylor’s Grange take the left turn signposted for Enniskerry. Just after this road runs over the M50 there’s a right turn. This is Ticknock Road. Ticknock car park is down the end of this.
• M50 Northbound: Turn off at Exit 14 and turn immediately left and up to the traffic lights. Turn right and continue through Lamb’s Cross and past Lamb Doyle’s. Just before you travel over the M50 again there is a left turn. This is Ticknock Road. Ticknock car park is down the end of this.
• Public Transport: 44b Bus goes from Dundrum Luas to Glencullen and it passes Lamb Doyle’s. Bit of a trek still from there... just get a car. It's time.

Parking

The car park has plenty of space. Pay attention to the signs there’s a one-way system in place. It’s actually quite a walk from the bottom of the car park to the top so if you want to save yourself a few minutes park at the top.

Route

Fairy Castle Loop is marked with green signposts and starts at the top of the car park. It brings you up to the masts at Three Rock using the paved access road. Mountain Bikers use this to go up so they can come down the fun way.

The masts have unrivalled views of Dublin city. They don’t get much better. Go on, wave at your house!

From the masts it’s straight up to the summit. You’re leaving the paved road behind. The next bit is well drained but it will get a little muckier later on.

The summit has a mound of stones that actually sits on a passage tomb from the Bronze Age. The entrance is no longer visible but still, awesome!

PIC: Summit-Joe King

The trail continues down off the summit and turns back towards the woods. Be careful to stick with the green markers. You don’t want to end up in Wicklow!

Keep an eye on the signposts as the trail brings you back towards the car park. There are newly created walking trails and mountain bike trails and they look pretty much the same. The difference is you’re less likely to be hit by a cyclist on the walking trails.

If you look above you to your right as you return to the car park you might be able to spot the old rifle range. There are some unofficial bike ramps too. Gnarly!

Fancy some food?

Well, it’d be rude to just drive past Lamb Doyles like that...