Kilternan: Walking Trails, Viewpoints and Unique Sports Activities

Kilternan combines marked walking trails and viewpoints in the Dublin Mountains area with an unusual sporting attraction: the Ski Club of Ireland operates an artificial, or dry, ski slope here. Golf, a route through the grounds of the former Kilternan Sports Hotel and a notable church building are also among the town’s distinctive features. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would prefer to focus on short walks, longer hikes, sporting activities or cultural discoveries.

Walking between a long-distance trail and short loops

The Dublin Mountains Way is a marked long-distance walking trail with a total length of 42.6 km. In Kilternan, it passes through the grounds of the former Kilternan Sports Hotel and by the ski slope. This makes it a different hiking option from the shorter loops in the immediate area. The total length refers to the long-distance trail; it should not be confused with the length of an individual section near Kilternan.

At Carrickgollogan, the Lead Mines Way is an easy 2.3 km circular trail. Its approximate walking time is listed as 40 minutes. A rocky viewpoint is also located at Carrickgollogan; it can be reached via a short ascent and offers views of South Dublin and North Wicklow. If you would like to combine your walk with a viewpoint, this provides a specific reference point for planning your day.

The nearby Barnaslingan Pine Loop Trail is a shorter route: it is easy, 0.9 km long and listed as taking 20 minutes to walk. From Kilternan, a footpath also runs along Enniskerry Road to Barnaslingan Wood. The Barnaslingan Scalp Lookout offers views of Tonduff, Maulin and the Great Sugar Loaf Mountains. A separate trail to the Scalp Lookout passes through quiet woodland and across an open area of rock and grass. The routes described therefore differ both in length and in landscape.

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. The club offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing for all ability levels. This also makes Kilternan interesting for travellers whose stay is not focused solely on hiking. The dry ski slope is a distinctive local addition to the trails and viewpoints in the area.

Golf is also represented by several specific options. Stepaside Golf Course is a public nine-hole course designed by Eddie Hackett. Stepaside Golf Centre has a public par-3 course and a driving range. It has 28 standard bays and 12 automatic pop-up bays. Three freelance PGA professionals provide lessons to golfers of all ages and ability levels. If you are planning to play golf during your trip, you can choose between a nine-hole course, a par-3 course and the driving range.

Church heritage and local character

The Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Wayside was built and consecrated in 1929. It is an important part of the early 20th-century ecclesiastical heritage of South County Dublin. Its specific construction date and historical significance add a cultural dimension to your stay alongside outdoor activities.

The Golden Ball Kilternan is located in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. Food is served there seven days a week, and live music featuring local musicians is held regularly. This adds a place for food and music to the destination’s sporting and scenic attractions. The range of activities can help you shape your trip around your interests without having to commit to just one type of outing.

Choose the right holiday rental for your trip

When looking for a holiday rental in Kilternan, it is worth deciding on your priorities first: would you like your trip to include mainly short, easy circular walks, are you interested in the marked long-distance trail, or would you like to include golf and the dry ski slope? The trails mentioned vary considerably in length and walking time; the sporting activities offer a different focus. For families looking to bring together a range of interests, this selection provides several possible ideas for a trip without letting any one activity define the stay.

More places to explore: Donnybrook, Rathmines, Carmanhall, Tallaght, Glasnevin, Oldtown, Loughlinstown, Rathgar.

For the broader travel guide: Dublin.