Tibradden Wood Walk: Parking & Walk (2026 Guide)
The Tibradden Wood Walk is a 3.5 km out-and-back hike in the Dublin Mountains, around 30 minutes from Dublin City Center. It is a relatively short and mostly straightforward walk that takes just over an hour to complete, making it a great option for anyone looking for an easy mountain walk close to the city.
The trail begins in a peaceful pine forest before climbing steadily towards the summit of Tibradden Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with wide views over Dublin Bay, parts of the Wicklow Mountains, and the surrounding Dublin Mountains landscape. Along the way, you’ll also pass the ancient Tibradden cairn, a fascinating prehistoric burial site near the summit.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet forest walk, an easy hike with rewarding views, or a short mountain escape near Dublin, the Tibradden Wood Walk is well worth adding to your list.
Explore the full guide below for the trail map, parking information, directions, and useful tips to help you make the most of your visit.
And if you’re looking for more nearby trails afterwards, be sure to check out some of the other great hikes near Dublin on the site.
Tibradden Wood Walk Snapshot
| Hike Distance | 3.5 km |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Total Ascent | 300 m |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Dog | allowed on leash |
| Hike Trail Map | Tibradden wood walk map |
| Dublin Drive | 30 min |
| Driving Directions | Tibradden Wood Carpark |
| Beauty | Forest trail, summit views, prehistoric cairn |
| Best for | Short hikes, scenic walks, photography, birdwatching |
Is the Tibradden Wood Walk Worth It?
Yes very much so! especially if you’re looking for a short, accessible mountain walk near Dublin that still feels rewarding.
Tibradden is not a long hike, but it packs a lot into a relatively small distance. You get a peaceful woodland start, a steady but manageable climb, excellent summit views, and the added interest of the ancient cairn near the top. It’s a good choice for beginners, casual walkers, or anyone who wants a quick escape into the Dublin Mountains without committing to a full-day hike.
If you’re after a long, challenging mountain route, this probably won’t be enough on its own. But if you want a short hike with a nice mix of scenery and history, it’s a very worthwhile walk.
Who Is This Walk Best For?
The Tibradden Wood Walk is best for:
- beginners looking for an easy mountain walk near Dublin
- walkers who want a short but scenic hike
- families with older children
- anyone looking for a peaceful forest trail with views
- people wanting to combine two walks in one day, such as Tibradden and Cruagh Wood
It’s less suitable for anyone looking for a flat woodland stroll, as there is a steady uphill climb towards the summit.
Tibradden Wood Walk: Directions and Trailhead
By car
The walk starts at Tibradden Wood Car Park, just off the R116 between Rathfarnham and Glencullen. It’s around a 30-minute drive from Dublin City Centre and is easy to find, as it is also the main car park for Zipit Forest Adventures.
There is free parking here, with space for roughly 50 cars, although it can fill up quickly on sunny weekends and during school holidays. If you want a quieter start, it’s best to arrive early.
One of the nice things about this location is that it also puts you very close to Cruagh Wood, making it easy to combine both walks in one trip.
Directions from Dublin
- Take the M50 southbound
- Leave at Junction 12 for Firhouse
- Follow the R113, then join the R116 towards Rockbrook and Glencullen
- Continue uphill for around 6 km
- You’ll pass The Merry Ploughboy Pub on the way
- Tibradden Wood Car Park will be on your left, signposted for Zipit Adventure
- Google Map direction to Tibradden Wood Car Park
Car park opening hours
April to September: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
October to March: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Getting to Tibradden by Public Transport
It is possible to reach Tibradden without a car, although it takes a little more planning.
From Dublin City Centre, take the Luas Green Line towards Brides Glen and get off at Balally.
From there, walk to the nearby Balally Park and Ride bus stop and take the Dublin Bus 16 towards Tibradden. The bus journey takes around 20 minutes.
Get off at the Tibradden Woods stop, which is close to the forest entrance. From there, it’s a short walk to the trailhead.
For a mountain walk so close to the city, Tibradden is surprisingly accessible by public transport.
The Tibradden Wood Walk Route
The walk begins at the car park shared with Zipit Treetop Adventure Park. Head to the far end of the car park and take the trail that climbs up to the right, following the yellow Dublin Mountains Way waymarker.
Almost immediately, the path leads you into the peaceful pine forest, with parts of the zipline course visible through the trees on your right.
After around 200 metres, you’ll reach another yellow way marker where the trail bends left. From here, the climb becomes a little steeper as you continue uphill through the woodland.
The path then meanders through a quiet stretch of pine and Sitka spruce before meeting a wider forestry road. Turn left here and continue following the yellow Dublin Mountains Way markers.
A short distance later, look out for a narrow path on your right between two granite boulders.
Follow this smaller trail for about 100 metres until you reach another forestry road. Turn left again.After around 50 metres, you’ll see another path climbing up to the right. This is the route that leads out of the forest and onto the more open hillside.
As you continue upwards, the trees begin to thin out and the trail opens onto the exposed mountainside. From here, the path becomes rockier underfoot, with large granite stones guiding the way towards the summit of Tibradden Mountain.
Not far beyond this, you’ll cross a short boardwalk over a boggy patch before rejoining the stony trail. As you gain height, the views start to open up behind you. On a clear day, you can look back across Dublin City, Dublin Bay, Howth Head, and even as far as the Mourne Mountains.
A little further on, you’ll reach a second short boardwalk near the summit and the prehistoric Tibradden Cairn, which stands at approximately 470 metres above sea level.
This is the highlight of the walk and a great place to stop for a few minutes, take in the views, and explore one of the most interesting ancient sites in the Dublin Mountains.
Once you’re ready, simply retrace your steps back down the same route to return to the car park.
Back at the trailhead, you can grab a coffee from the Zipit Adventure coffee shop. And if you’re still in the mood for another walk, Cruagh Wood is only a few minutes up the road and makes a great follow-up hike.
How Difficult Is the Tibradden Wood Walk?
The Tibradden Wood Walk is best described as easy, although there is a steady uphill climb for much of the route.
The walk is short and the trail is generally straightforward to follow, especially with the Dublin Mountains Way markers helping to guide the route. Most reasonably fit walkers should have no trouble with it.
That said, it is not completely flat. The final section near the summit is more exposed and rockier underfoot, so you’ll still want decent footwear, especially after wet weather.
If you’re new to hiking or just getting back into it, this is a good introductory mountain walk near Dublin.
Can Kids Do the Tibradden Wood Walk?
Yes, children should be able to do this walk without much difficulty.
Because the route is short and interesting, it works well for families with children who are comfortable walking uphill for around an hour. The forest section keeps things enjoyable at the start, while the summit views and cairn add a sense of adventure.
For very young children, it may feel a little steep in places.
Is the Tibradden Wood Walk Buggy Friendly?
No this is not a buggy-friendly walk.
Best Time to Do the Tibradden Wood Walk
This walk can be done year-round, but the best time to visit is on a clear, dry day when you’ll be able to make the most of the summit views.
Spring and summer are ideal if you want longer daylight hours and drier ground, although the trail can be busier at weekends. Autumn can also be lovely, especially in the forest section.
In winter, the walk is still enjoyable, and in fact I often do this walk just after Christmas when I want to get out of the house and meet up with family members to get some fresh air. It is an easy walk near Dublin that would suit everyone.
What to Bring
For a short walk like this, you won’t need much, but I’d still recommend bringing:
- sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
- a waterproof jacket
- water
- an extra layer on colder days
- a fully charged phone if you’re using it for navigation or photos
The route is short, but conditions in the Dublin Mountains can change quickly, especially on exposed sections near the summit.
Tibradden Cairn: Did You Know?
Tibradden Mountain stands at around 470 metres (1,540 feet) and is made up largely of granite, with glacial boulders scattered across its slopes. The upper part of the mountain is covered with blanket bog and heather, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot red grouse in the area.
The name Tibradden is thought to come from the Irish Tigh Brodain, meaning “Brodain’s House.”
Near the summit stands a prehistoric cairn, which was excavated in 1849. During the excavation, antiquarians uncovered a central cist containing cremated human remains and a Bronze Age pottery vessel inside a circular chamber around 3 metres in diameter.
Locally, the cairn is sometimes known as “Niall Dhú’s Grave”, after Niall Glúndub, who became High King of Ireland in 915 AD.
From the summit area, you can also spot other well-known landmarks in the Dublin Mountains, including Fairy Castle and the area around the Hell Fire Club.
Things to Do Near Tibradden Woods
Tibradden Wood is in a great location in the heart of the Dublin Mountains, with plenty nearby if you want to turn your walk into a longer day out.
1. Zipit Tibradden Forest Adventures
Located right beside the car park, Zipit offers treetop courses and zipline fun for both kids and adults. It’s a good add-on if you’re visiting with family.
2. Cruagh Wood Walk
Just a short drive up the R116, Cruagh Wood is another beautiful forest walk with lovely views and a quieter feel. It makes an excellent second hike if you want to extend your day in the Dublin Mountains.
3. Hell Fire Club and Montpelier Hill
Only around 10 minutes away by car, this is one of the best-known walks in the Dublin Mountains. It offers sweeping views over Dublin and the ruins of the historic Hell Fire Club.
4. Johnny Fox’s Pub
A short drive from Tibradden, Johnny Fox’s is one of the most famous pubs in the Dublin Mountains and a great place to stop for food after your walk.
5. The Merry Ploughboy Pub
Another excellent nearby option, The Merry Ploughboy is a long-time local favourite known for hearty food and traditional Irish atmosphere.
Final Thoughts on the Tibradden Wood Walk
If you’re looking for a short and scenic walk near Dublin, the Tibradden Wood Walk is a great choice.
It may not be one of the longest hikes in the Dublin Mountains, but it offers a lot for such a short route: a peaceful forest trail, a manageable climb, panoramic summit views, and the added interest of an ancient cairn near the top.
It’s best suited to walkers who want an easy mountain outing close to Dublin rather than a long or demanding hike. And because it’s so close to other trails like Cruagh Wood and Hell Fire Club, it also works really well as part of a full day exploring the Dublin Mountains.
For a quick mountain escape from the city, Tibradden is hard to beat.
FAQs About the Tibradden Wood Walk
How long is the Tibradden Wood Walk?
The walk is approximately 3.5 km in total.
How long does the Tibradden Wood Walk take?
Most people will complete it in around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
Is the Tibradden Wood Walk difficult?
No, it is generally considered an easy walk, although there is a steady uphill climb towards the summit.
Is there parking at Tibradden Wood?
Yes, there is free parking at Tibradden Wood Car Park, beside Zipit Forest Adventures.
Can you get to Tibradden by public transport?
Yes, although it takes a bit of planning. You can travel by Luas to Balally and then take the Dublin Bus 16 towards Tibradden.
Is the Tibradden Wood Walk suitable for kids?
Yes, it should suit older children who are comfortable walking uphill.
Is the Tibradden Wood Walk buggy friendly?
No, the route becomes too rough and uneven for buggies.
