The clocks go back and Winter is coming .. are you ready for one final challenge : 42 km across the Dublin Mountains, dawn to dusk, one day.

Dublin Mountains Way – The Autumn Challenge

Tallaght to Shankill | 42 km | One Day

Are you ready to cross the Dublin Mountains in a single day?

This October, we’re taking on the Dublin Mountains Way from Tallaght to Shankill – a journey of approximately 42 km across the hills, forests and open mountain landscapes that form the wild backdrop to Dublin.

Starting early in Tallaght, we'll leave the city behind and follow the Dublin Mountains Way eastwards through Bohernabreena, Tibradden, Glencullen and Barnaslingan, before making our final descent towards Shankill.

This isn't a race – but it is an endurance challenge.

Expect a long day on your feet, sustained walking over varied terrain and the possibility of completing the final section as the October light begins to fade.

The reward? Reaching Shankill knowing you've crossed the Dublin Mountains from one side to the other under your own steam.

The Challenge

🥾 Distance: Approx. 42 km

⛰️ Terrain: Mountain and woodland trails, forest tracks, country roads and some urban sections

⏱️ Duration: Approx. 9–10+ hours

📍 Start: Tallaght

🏁 Finish: Shankill

🌄 Start time: 07:30

💪 Difficulty: Moderate – a good level of hiking fitness is required

We'll walk as a group at a steady, sustainable pace with planned breaks along the route.

A well-earned stop at Glencullen

Around the latter half of our journey, we'll make a scheduled stop at Glencullen Adventure Park, where complimentary refreshments will be provided.

A chance to get off your feet for a little while, refuel, grab a hot drink and recharge before we take on the final stages towards Shankill.

Getting there – and getting home

One of the great advantages of this challenge is that you don't need to bring a car.

There are public transport options serving both Tallaght at the start and Shankill at the finish, making it possible to arrive by public transport, walk across the Dublin Mountains and travel home from the other side.

Early exit options

42 km is a serious day's walking, and sometimes the sensible decision is to call it a day early.

The route has several planned points where participants can leave the challenge if necessary:

Tibradden – Bus

A midway public transport exit option for anyone who decides not to continue further into the route.

Glencullen – Taxi

Our refreshment stop also provides an opportunity to arrange a taxi if you've had enough for the day.

Barnaslingan – Bus

A late public transport exit option before the final section towards Shankill.

These are exit options rather than alternative finishing targets – the challenge is still Tallaght to Shankill – but knowing they're available provides some reassurance when committing to a long-distance event.

Is this for me?

This event is aimed at walkers with some previous hiking experience who are comfortable with long days on their feet and want to push themselves beyond the typical weekend hike. There is nothing technically challenging on this route.

You should be capable of maintaining a steady walking pace for an extended period and arrive properly equipped for a full autumn day in the Dublin Mountains.

October conditions can change quickly, so participants must be prepared for rain, wind, cold conditions, wet or muddy ground and potentially some walking in fading light or darkness.

A headtorch is mandatory, spares available.

This is not suitable as a first hike or for anyone unsure of their ability to undertake a long-distance mountain walk.

Are you ready for it?

Summer is over.

The days are getting shorter.

Winter is coming.

But before it does, there's time for one big day in the mountains.

42 km. Tallaght to Shankill. One day.

Are you ready for the Dublin Mountains Way Challenge?

Before signing up please ensure you have read and are comfortable with the Land and Legend Trails terms: Terms & Conditions — Land & Legend Trails (https://www.landandlegendtrails.com/terms)

Description supplied by the event organiser.