Dublin Mountains Way Trail Opens

The Dublin Mountains Way, a 43km trail from Shankill to Tallaght, has been officially opened, encouraging keen hikers to make the most of out the scenic views of the route. The long-awaited trail took over 20 years in planning, with help from more than 300 volunteers to see completion. Now the route is beckoning all kinds of people from trekkers to casual strollers to take in the breathtaking vistas from woodlands to open mountains as well as lakes and megalithic tombs. People can also go around the lakes and the Bohernabreena reservoir. According to the Dublin Mountains Partnership (DMP), the trail is suitable for all, from hikers and walkers to families on outings. The project has been a result of the partnership between Coillte, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Dublin Mountains Initiative to manage public lands on the mountains. The long-distance trail starts beside Brady's Pub in Shankill's main street and ends near the Luas at Sean Walsh Park in Tallaght. David Gunning, chief executive of Coillte, said that the proximity of the trail makes it ideal for people from all age groups. He said: "The Dublin Mountains Way provides a challenging long distance hike for the serious walker, and lovely, shorter, day walks for families and casual walkers."