Thanks to Mark for this post:
Yesterday, I revisited an old route, one that I have regularly enjoyed/endured (depending on my level of fitness) since moving to Dublin.
The route starts on Dartry Road heading through to Dundrum and then onward to Stepaside. Not the best of starts to a journey it has to be said, but then as you pass the madness that is Dundrum Shopping Centre, you are greeted by your first glimpse of the Dublin hills – a reminder of what is to come and that there are still places in Ireland that have escaped the cement lorry.
Travelling along the Sandyford Road, you hit a cycle path that takes you over the M50 and onto the Enniskerry road toward Stepaside (R117). At the intersection of Hillcrest Road and Blackglen Road (R113) the rider has two choices: turn right onto Blackglen Road, then 200m along take the left at the pub and take the steep climb up past The Blue Light pub, or travel another 500m along the R117 and take the small right just off the roundabout at Stepaside village – both roads eventually take you to Glencullen and to the intersection where Johnny Fox’s pub is just to your left.
The rider should then contemplate pints, before showing resolve and taking the right turn onto Pineforest Road (R116). This is, for me, some of the route’s most pleasant cycling; much of the hill work is behind you as you travel along one side of the valley. The bus route has ended and there is a sense that you are finally away from the hubbub. Following a steep descent onto Cruagh Rd, you turn left at the junction and climb up past the dappled woods of Cruagh to your left. The world returns unexpectedly as you reach the car park at Killakee on Stocking Lane. There you can gawp at the sprawling metropolis alongside the taxi drivers and tourists.
Climbing on up Stocking Lane you hit the old military road, ‘The Featherbed’ moorland and immediately on your right Piperstown hill, site of an ancient settlement and some recent archaeological activity. On the straight, just prior to the descent, there are good views of Kippure and Great Sugar loaf to be had. As you descend be careful not to overshoot a sharp left turn (the first left you encounter) that doglegs toward the Glencree Reconciliation Centre. If at this point you need a rest, the centre does a good line in refreshments. I’d also recommend a visit to the tranquil stream located at the bottom of some stone stairs, opposite the church.
From Glencree you descend through a number of small villages, before a very steep and exhilarating descent into Enniskerry. At this point I would urge you to stop at Poppies for some well earned cake. With a full belly, take the final hill out of Enniskerry (R117), back toward Stepaside, Dundrum and home.
