Parks & Outdoors · Sports & Fitness · Trails · Wicklow Mountains
Ticknock Mountain Bike Trails
Ticknock Mountain Bike Trails offer around 15 km of purpose-built off-road riding in the Dublin Mountains, with forest climbs, technical singletrack, fast descents and sweeping views over Dublin Bay. The route is best suited to mountain bikers with suitable equipment, fitness and off-road experience.
Category: Trails / Outdoor Activities
Location: Ticknock Forest, Dublin Mountains, County Dublin
Type: Purpose-built mountain bike trail network
Route length: Approximately 15 km
Trail grade: Red loop with black-grade options
Best for: Mountain biking, forest riding, Dublin Bay views and technical singletrack
Overview
Ticknock Mountain Bike Trails are a purpose-built mountain biking network in the Dublin Mountains, around 3 km south-west of Sandyford and within easy reach of Dublin city. The route combines forest roads, technical singletrack, climbs, descents and exposed mountain views across Dublin City, Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.
The main waymarked route is a circular trail of approximately 15 km, designed specifically for mountain bikes. It is one of Coillte’s designated mountain bike trail centres and is a popular choice for riders looking for a proper off-road experience close to the city.
What to expect
The Ticknock route follows forest roads before moving onto purpose-built singletrack sections. Riders climb through the forest towards higher ground, with a key junction known as The Fork, where riders can continue on the main route or branch towards more difficult black-grade trail options.
Expect a mix of:
Forest-road climbs
Narrow singletrack
Rocky and technical sections
Fast descents
Tight turns
Open views over Dublin and the coast
This is not a casual family cycle route. Riders should have a suitable mountain bike, helmet, appropriate fitness and enough skill for uneven off-road terrain. Sport Ireland advises that bikes should be in good working order and that riders should have the fitness and skill level required for the trails.
Trail difficulty
Ticknock is best suited to riders with some mountain biking experience. The main route is commonly treated as a red-grade trail, with optional black-grade sections for more advanced riders.
Beginners should take care, ride within their limits, and avoid black options until they are confident on technical terrain. Wet conditions can make roots, rocks and descents more difficult.
Facilities and bike hire
Ticknock has a trailhead and parking area, and Coillte notes that bike hire is available at Ticknock through trail-centre operators.
The wider Ticknock forest area also includes walking routes such as the Fairy Castle Loop, Dublin Mountains Way and Wicklow Way, so riders should be aware of other users near shared access points and forest roads.
Visiting information
Ticknock is located in the Dublin Mountains, about a half-hour journey from Dublin city by car or the 44B bus, and around 3 km south-west of Sandyford.
Visitors should check trail conditions before travelling, especially after storms, forestry works or bad weather. Follow all waymarkers, respect trail closures and avoid riding unofficial or restricted routes.
Safety
Mountain biking carries risk, especially on technical trails. Riders should wear a helmet, carry water, check brakes and tyres before setting off, and ride at a speed suitable for the trail and conditions.
Keep to marked mountain bike trails, slow down near junctions and shared areas, and give way where required. Do not ride walking-only trails.