In Kilternan, the Dublin Mountains Way passes through the grounds of the former Kilternan Sports Hotel and by the ski slope. The waymarked long-distance trail is 42.6 kilometres in total. There are also shorter circular trails nearby, a dry ski slope and several golfing options. When planning your day, it is worth considering the different trail lengths and activities. Local diversions and access conditions on the long-distance trail may change; check official notices before setting out on a hike.

Hiking: a long-distance route and short circular trails

For a shorter outing, the nearby Lead Mines Way at Carrickgollogan is an easy 2.3-kilometre circular trail, with an approximate walking time of 40 minutes. There is also a rocky viewpoint at Carrickgollogan. A short climb leads to the top, where you can look out over South Dublin and North Wicklow. Check for any closure notices before your visit.

The Barnaslingan Pine Loop Trail is also an easy circular trail, but at 0.9 kilometres and a walking time of 20 minutes, it is considerably shorter. You can compare the two options by distance and time required. A footpath also runs from Kilternan along Enniskerry Road to Barnaslingan Wood. Routes and conditions may change; check current notices before setting out.

Dry ski slope and golf in Kilternan

The Ski Club of Ireland operates the only artificial or dry ski slope in the Republic of Ireland, in Kilternan. Skiing, snowboarding and tubing are available for all ability levels. Its status as the only facility may change if another one opens. If this distinction is important to your plans, check the latest information.

Stepaside Golf Centre has a driving range with 28 standard bays and 12 automatic pop-up bays, as well as a public par-3 golf course. Stepaside Golf Course is a public nine-hole course designed by Eddie Hackett. At Stepaside Golf Centre, three freelance PGA professionals teach golfers of all ages and abilities. If you are planning lessons, check the current offering in advance.

Church, food and music

The Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Wayside in Kilternan was built and consecrated in 1929. It is a significant part of the ecclesiastical heritage of early 20th-century southern County Dublin. Its date and dedication give the area a specific historical point of interest alongside its outdoor activities.

The Golden Ball Kilternan is situated in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. Food is served there seven days a week, and live music events featuring local musicians are held regularly. Serving times and the event programme may change. If a meal or a particular music night is important to your plans, check the latest information in advance.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown as the wider destination

In the wider destination of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, a substantial section of the Dublin Mountains Way runs from Shankill through Rathmichael, Kilternan and Glencullen to Ticknock; it is connected via Marlay Park. This places the Kilternan section in the context of a longer regional route.

Ticknock in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown has a 13-kilometre, waymarked mountain bike trail network of purpose-built singletrack routes and forest roads. For hiking, there are up to 10 kilometres of mountain and forest trails, with views of Dublin City, Dublin Bay, Bray Head and the Wicklow Mountains. Before mountain biking, check the difficulty and conditions.

Discover more destinations: Glasnevin, Oldtown, Loughlinstown, Foxrock, Rathmines, Donnybrook, Rathgar, Dublin

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