Archaeological Guided Hike in the Dublin Mountains
Travel back in time on this archaeological hike in the Dublin Mountains alongside a qualified local guide!
Practical information
A leisurely 12km guided hike through Dublin Mountains fields and forests visiting ancient tombs, stone circle and scenic viewpoints.
- Learn about the flora and fauna of the Dublin Mountains, how the natural heathland is Ireland's rain forest
- Hear stories from Irish Mythology and learn how they connect with the landscape
- Visit 3 types of ancient megalithic tombs that are up to 5000 years old
Course of events
Please allow 7 hours in total for this activity (including stops for snacks, lunch and transport by bus to and from meeting location).
- Welcome & check-in (≈ 20 min) - Meeting point, welcome, identity check, introduction and overview.
- Journey by bus to the start of the hike (≈ 30 min) - Learn more about the locality, its culture and history while travelling along country roads and enjoying mountain and sea views
- Short walk to the start of the hike (≈ 15 min)
- Refreshment and comfort break (optional) (≈ 15 min) - Stop in mountain lodge cafe to fuel up and take a comfort break if desired
- First section of hike (≈ 45 min) - Pick up the Dublin Mountains Way through Glencullen through open space with views of the Wicklow Mountains, then a forest trail to the first megalithic tomb.
- Visit Ballyedmonduff Wedge Tomb (≈ 15 min) - Learn about the archaeology and significance of this monument
- Second section of hike (≈ 30 min) - Continue along forest trail and road to viewing point
- Short break (≈ 10 min) - Stop for a breather and have a snack, drink, take a photo or just sit on a picnic bench and take in the view overlooking Dublin city, suburbs and bay area
- Third Section of Hike (≈ 20 min) - Continue along the mountain road and pick up the flagstone trail to the hike's highest point
- Stop at highest point and Fairy Castle passage tomb (≈ 10 min)
- Fourth section of hike (≈ 45 min)
- Visit final megalithic site, Tibradden Burial Cist (≈ 10 min)
- Final section of hike (≈ 45 min)
- Stop for lunch (optional extra) (≈ 45-60 min)
- Walk to the bus stop (≈ 15 min)
- Return by bus to the meet point and end of experience (≈ 40 min)
Activity requirements
Being in good physical condition is required to take part in this activity.
All minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
You must not have any medical contraindications to take part in this activity.
All participants must sign an insurance waiver on-site.
A minimum number of 4 participants is required to run this activity.
Special terms
Please contact the instructor after booking to confirm meeting/pick-up time.
This activity is not recommended for pregnant women.
This activity is not accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Pets are not permitted to join in this activity.
Spoken languages:
EnglishIncluded
- Certified guide
- Transport to the start of the hike and back
Excluded
- Food & drinks
- Free parking
Do not forget to bring
- Weather adapted clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof over-trousers (recommended)
- Hiking shoes
- Change of socks
- Sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Picnic
- A spare bag / container to carry any rubbish
- Camera
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Practical information
Meeting point:
Spoken languages:
EnglishCancellation: Flexible
Weather guarantee:
Free rescheduling or refund if the activity must be cancelled due to bad weather.100% Secure payment:
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Here to assist you 7/7About the activity
The Dublin Mountains Way is a long-distance walking trail that begins in Shankill, in the county of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, and ends in Tallaght, in South Dublin. The full route stretches 42 km through the Dublin Mountains, passing Glencullen and offering sweeping views towards the Wicklow Mountains.
Of course, you don’t need to tackle all 42 km to enjoy this trail! On this archaeological hiking tour in the Dublin Mountains, you’ll cover around 12 km (about 4 hours) with a regional expert guide. Walk through fields and forests while discovering ancient monuments over 5,000 years old, including stone circles and prehistoric tombs. Highlights include Ballyedmonduff Wedge Tomb, Fairy Castle and Tibradden Burial Cist.
Your guide is a Dublin local who has spent most of their life in the area and offers knowledge that goes far beyond typical guidebooks or websites. Passionate about wildlife, plants and Irish mythology, they will share fascinating insights throughout your hike.
Easily reached by public transport from Dublin, this unique activity lets you enjoy nature, history and storytelling just outside the Irish capital. Book now and get your backpack ready for an unforgettable archaeological hike in the Dublin Mountains!