Shankill to Scalp Loop is a 7.3 mile loop trail located near Shankill, County Dublin, Ireland that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Small Hills, Big Views in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. What the hills to the east of the main Dublin/Wicklow range may lack in height, they more than make up for in terms of views and ambience. This guide covers a half-day trip from the suburban village of Shankill out as far as The Scalp, a glacial outflow formed at the end of the last Ice Age and an important site of geological interest. Along the way it passes through a variety of woodland as well as the site of the former Ballycorus leadmines, an important industrial heritage site. The trip is topped off by a stop at the summit of Carrickgollogan, a mere 276 metres high but a hill that commands an incredible 360 degree panoramic view over Killiney Bay, Bray Head, the Little and Great Sugar Loaf mountains and the Dublin/Wicklow mountains. The trail makes use of part of the existing long-distance Dublin Mountains Way route along with local trails - the Rathmichael Walk, Scalp Lookout Trail and the Lead Mines Way, all of which are maintained by the Dublin Mountains Partnership.
The trails are well marked and maintained and can be walked with trail shoes, although some parts can be quite muddy depending on the weather. There are ample shops, pubs and restaurants/cafes in Shankill to stock up on supplies before you head out or for refreshments at the end.
There is limited on-street parking in Shankill and reaching the start of this trip is best done by public transport either by DART or Dublin Bus (Route 145).
January 3, 2021Good. Varied. Care needed with variable terrain
December 20, 2020
November 27, 2020November 7, 2020
October 25, 2020Did this on a Sunday, very heavily trafficked. Some nice views and a good distance but a little too busy, paths are narrow at points and a bit too much street walking involved. Some really nice short sections in it but more suited to walkers than hikers.
October 21, 2020Sweet!
October 18, 2020October 16, 2020It’s ok no scenery
October 10, 2020September 13, 2020Lovely walk, great views, recommend havin lunch at the end over the gorge before walking back. Moderately busy as it’s on the Dublin mountain way and the first loop is popular with local runners
September 13, 2020September 13, 2020Moderate, great weather
September 10, 2020September 6, 2020Interesting walk, covering different terrains with amazing views.
August 30, 2020August 29, 2020August 23, 2020Shakhill to Scalp - Really enjoyable and easily accessible and to follow. Could not be easier to access - from centre of Shankhill. perfect. Well marked trails.
July 12, 2020Lovely trail, we just did a 6k loop. You can park in the carpark of the pub on the Main Street and the trail starts from there. Gorgeous views!
February 2, 2020This trail is accessible car-free, from the DART (Shankil Station) or by bus. The start is by the right side of the pub in Shankil’s main street - not in front of the pub like the description says. Otherwise the trail is very easy to follow. Its path will guide you through splendid views and relics of past history. Highly recommended.
October 28, 2019Loved it. So close to Dublin and yet so far. I don’t mind the fact that first 15 minutes or so is by road. Route out of Shankill village is interesting. The walk over the pedestrian N11 Motorway bridge was a bit unpleasant for some of my height phobic friends. Otherwise getting into the country side is quite quick. Once in the trail it’s beautiful, peaceful and uninterrupted. Lots of off-track short cuts or long cuts for those who want more of a stretch. Really great views over Killiney and Dalkey, further north over the city and all the coastal views down south to Bray and the Sugar Loaf. The whole trail was immaculate. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2019September 22, 2019fantastic views and really easy to follow directions!
May 3, 2019I liked the walk, but like a lit of the comments said, there is a lot of asphalt in the beginning and the end. Bit it's a beautiful walk with beautiful views!
April 22, 2019I enjoyed the hike and agree with the comments I've read. Careful just following the markers in full faith. I put my phone in my bag and decided to just follow the yellow markers since they are very visible but there was a point where we should've turned back and not continued on. I wouldn't have known had we not checked our position on the phone.
March 31, 2019Very pleasant and short trail. Has some great views
