Situated on the outskirts of Dublin city centre is one of Dublin’s best scenic walks, the marvelous Killiney Hill Walk. It’s a route that many Dubliners take during the week, offering one of the most jaw-dropping views in Ireland that is hard to beat.

This post will give you everything you need to know before taking on the Killiney Hill Walk, including the best routes, essential highlights that you shouldn’t miss, and other things to do nearby. It’s time to grab your jacket and hiking boots and get walking.

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Where Is Killiney Hill?

Killiney Hill is part of the public enclosure, Killiney Hill Park. And of course, it’s in the Dublin suburb of Killiney. The popular Dalkey Hill also forms part of the land. You can easily do both of the walks on the same day if you have enough time.

 

How Long Is The Killiney Hill Walk?

There are a couple of routes you can take on the Killiney Hill Walk, and later on, we’ll explain each of them in detail. The standard loop route is 2.9 km, and it takes around an hour to complete.

Getting to Killiney Hill is pretty easy. The suburb of Killiney is well connected to Dublin’s public transport system. See below for your transport options.

• Train/Dart

Every 10 to 20 minutes, trains to Killiney Dart station depart from Connolly Railway Station in the city. The train journey is about 40 minutes, depending on the time of day. From there, the walk to Killiney Hill Park is around 30 minutes, so it’s not too far.

• Bus

Killiney is served by Dublin Bus routes 7 and 7A. It departs every half hour from the south side of the city at Lansdowne Road and makes stops every couple of minutes at places like Ballsbridge and Merrion Road along the way. The journey takes 44 minutes. You’ll be dropped off at Church View Road in Killiney. From there, the walk to Killiney Hill Park takes 45 minutes.

• Car

Driving from Dublin city to Killiney Hill takes around 50 minutes; again, this will all depend on traffic. Free parking is readily available at the Killiney Hill Car Park 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can visit whatever time of the day you like.

 

The Killiney Hill Walk Routes Explained

Whatever way you decide to reach the top of Killiney Hill, the pathway is clearly laid out for you. There are a handful of ways you can get there, but for this post, we’ll keep it simple and stick to the three main ones. Let’s explain them.

The Killiney Hill Car Park Route

The Killiney Hill Car Park route is the most straightforward way of the three to reach the top of the hill.

Start your stroll at the Killiney Hill Car Park. There’s no doubt that there will be people walking in the area. That’s where a lot of them end up parking their cars. Once you’re set-up, look out for a pathway beside the parking lot, that’s where you’ll begin. Follow it for about ten minutes until you arrive in a forested area with some steps.

This is where the walk becomes a little challenging; make your way up them until you reach the summit. After you’ve caught your breath, take in a spectacular view of Dublin, and on a clear day, you might even be able to see the Wicklow Mountains.

• This route should only take you about 20 minutes to reach the top of Killiney Hill and then another 20 minutes downhill.

 

The Tower Tea Rooms Route

Start your journey by heading up Killiney Hill Road and take the Victoria Hill entrance, where you’ll see the Tower Tea Rooms. From there, you should be able to access a simple trail beside a life-size sculpture that leads you to the top of Killiney Hill. This route is a little easier on the legs, so if you have kids, it could be a handy option. The only problem is that if you need to park your car, you could run into a bit of trouble as the parking is limited.

• The Tower Tea Rooms route walk time for Killiney Hill is 15 minutes, one way.

 

The Loop Route

This route is for our readers who are looking for a little more than just stretching their legs. and want to make a day of their walk. Like the first route, you’ll start at the Killiney Hill Car Park and follow the trail we explained, but instead of turning around after reaching the peak, you’ll slide off down the trail towards the Tower Tea Rooms. Instead of walking back down Killiney Hill Road, you’ll stay on the trail, which follows through the woodlands for 20 minutes and will lead you back to the Killiney Hill Car Park. It’s that easy.

• All in all, the loop route takes about an hour to complete.

 

The Highlights Of Killiney Hill

The Obelisk

The Obelisk is one of Killiney Hill’s key sights and dates all the way back to 1742. It’s a magnificent cone-shaped monument that was built by John Mapas, the past local landlord, to provide employment for the less fortunate in society, as many genuine people lost their jobs due to a particularly harsh winter in Dublin that year.  Find yourself a nice place to sit by the Obelisk viewpoint and take in the fantastic, picturesque panorama of the Irish capital.

 

The Pyramid Of Dublin

Fancy climbing a little more? Killiney Hill has its very own stone pyramid made of limestone and granite named “The Pyramid of Dublin”, which was constructed in 1852 by a previous owner of the park, Robert Warren. Locals sometimes refer to the pyramid as “the wishing stone.” It’s said that if you walk around each level and stand at the top facing Dalkey Island, you can make a wish, and it’s guaranteed to come true. If you look hard enough, you may be able to see Bray Head.

 

Things To Do Near Killiney Hill

Take A Boat Out To Dalkey Island

Dalkey Island is a tiny island off the coast of south Dublin. To reach the island, your best option is to take a boat from Coliemore Harbour. There are a couple of companies that offer rides there at various times throughout the day. The uninhabited island has gained a lot of popularity among Dubliners in recent years since the discovery of the various interesting things to do there, like climbing up to the top of the mysterious Martello Tower and spotting the island’s wild goats.

 

Have A Ramble On Killiney Beach

Killiney Beach is no tropical paradise, but it’s still a lovely place for a coffee and a coastal saunter, especially when the weather is nice. I have to say, there’s nothing better than walking down this long, stony bay and taking in the views of the rugged Wicklow Mountains in the distance while the fresh Irish sea breeze hits your face.

 

The Vico Baths

The Vico Baths are a secluded spot for some seaside swimming and are not too far from Killiney Hill. The bathing place dates back to Victorian times and was used only by men due to laws back then that stated bathing areas between men and women were to be segregated. Today, it’s a hugely popular place for avid swimmers to have their sunrise swim.

If the weather is nice when you head down there, there are a couple of plunge pools right beside the changing area where you can jump in, kick back, and relax.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Anywhere Else To Park Other Than The Killiney Hill Car Park?

Public parking is available in various pockets of Killiney village if you struggle to find parking at the hill’s car park. Check these locations if you’re stuck.

• Vico Road
• Sorrento Park
• Killiney Beach
• Dalkey Hill

 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Killiney Hill?

Make it your mission to climb Killiney Hill on an evening when the sun has been out all day. The sunset you’ll be treated to will remain in your memory for a lifetime.

 

Is Killiney Hill A Difficult Climb?

Climbing Killiney Hill isn’t difficult. People of all levels of fitness tackle the hike every week. Once you bring plenty of water and give yourself plenty of breaks along the way, you’ll be fine.

 

Is Killiney Hill Buggy Friendly?

Unfortunately, Killiney Hill isn’t buggy friendly due to its steep, uphill nature. You’re better off waiting for your little ones to get more stretch in their stride before you bring them up to the peak.