Trek Through Woodland Trails and Hear Historic Tales in the Dublin Mountains

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About

This full day excursion avails of one of the few bus services that takes you to the heart of the Dublin Mountains. Trek through native and pine forests and look down on Dublin City. Hear the stories of how one of Ireland's wealthiest families went bankrupt and the sordid tales of the Hell Fire Club and their 18th Century antics, and lots more, on location!

Duration

8 hours (including stops for snacks, lunch and bus transport)

Essential Details

• Distance: 14km / 9 miles
• Capacity: -- Public Tours from 5 (minimum) to 15 (maximum) people -- Private Group Tours from 2 (minimum) to 8 (maximum) people
• Availability: weekdays all year around
• Start times (am): 7:45, 9:30
• Efficient, clean and safe transport between meet location and hike start & finish points
• Suitable for ages 13+
• Must have reasonable level of fitness and be in good health

Inclusions

• Qualified local guide
• Bus Tickets

Exclusions

• Food & drink

Itinerary

Take local double decker bus from the meet location out through the suburbs and into the foothills.

Following a country road, pass a cemetery and church that date from the 5th Century AD before continuing through farmland and on through woodland trails. Now a rare habitat of native trees, it was once the grand estate of a wealthy family who fell on hard times through the profligacy of one of their members.

Continuing along the only remaining intact surface of the old military road, constructed by the crown forces at the beginning of the 19th century, follow an uphill trail to the top of Montpellier Hill. Here you can venture inside, if you are brave enough, the ruin that was built as a hunting lodge in the early 18th century and hear many of the haunting tales of the Hellfire Club and the antics they allegedly got up to here, back in the day.

Returning via an alternative route to the native woodland, the trek continues through a 19th century walled garden. Visit a rare megalithic wedge tomb before heading up along a tail through a coniferous forest. Pause to catch your breath and take in the stunning views of Dublin City, the bay area and beyond.

The rest of the hike is all down hill, along trails, forest roads and eventually a winding country road.

Choose to indulge in a well earned hearty lunch in a family run rustic cafe, or, if you prefer, tuck into a packed lunch al fresco!

Return to the bus stop after a short 15 minute walk, to return to the meet point.

We need a minimum of 5 people in order to run the public tour. We will be in touch if we don't meet the minimum to reschedule, or to agree an appropriate surcharge, or alternatively you can book a private group tour.