Killiney Hill

Killiney Hill

Killiney Hill is outdoor heaven right on Dublin’s doorstep.

The Hill itself is steep in history as it has played a prominent role in the local community over the past few decades. The is noted for its fantastic views of south Dublin, The Wicklow Mountains, and its overview of Dublin City. Featured in the park are a children’s playground, a looped walk, an old quarry that’s used for rock climbing, and many other features that give you a glimpse of the role Killiney Hill has had over the years.

How to Get to Killiney Hill from Fitzpatrick Castle

Just a short hike (1km) up a paved path to Killiney Hill, where you will be greeted with stunning panoramic views south over Killiney bay to Bray and Wicklow, the Sugarloaf mountain, and beyond and north over the Dublin skyline and the entire Dublin bay. Leaving the hotel head south on Killiney Road to Killiney Hill, at the roundabout take the 1st exit, Killiney Hill will be on your left. There are beautiful walks with some steps through a small forest, it's well signposted so you know where you are going. When you get to the viewing area you are rewarded with beautiful views of Killiney beach, bray head, and Dalkey Island. When you head to the top you'll find the obelisk and even more great views. A must-visit for anyone visiting the area.

How to Get to Killiney Hill from Dublin City

By Bus: The 59 runs from 6:30 weekdays and 9 am weekends right the way through to after 11 pm. If you are traveling from town you can get the number 7 from O’Connell Street to upper Georges street where you can get the 59 to Killiney Hill

By Train: From Pearse, Street Station get the dart southbound until Glenageary Dart Station where you can get the 59 bus to Killiney Hill (8 minutes) from upper Albert road or else you can walk to the park from the train station which takes about 30 minutes.

By Car: By car, it takes roughly 30 minutes with no traffic, take the R118 from town heading for Blackrock.

Parking at Killiney Hill

At Killiney Hill, there is a public car park which has ample space for cars. If you are going on a Sunny Sunday it might be full but that shouldn’t stop you as it can be relatively easy to find spots in the local area

Cafés/Restaurants at Killiney

A shameless self-plug - Fitzpatrick Castle is by far the most convenient restaurant for anyone visiting Killiney Hill Park. Located moments away from the Car Park and Playground we offer, Lunches for people who want a light snack or dinners for people who have attempted to climb to the top of Killiney Hill and are in need of re-energizing.

Fitzpatrick Castle features fantastic views of Killiney Hill Park and Killiney beach which make it an ideal place to sit back and relax after being out in the fresh air.

Killiney Hill Walks

There is a looped hill walk at Killiney Hill that takes around an hour to complete even for the novice hill walker. Paths have been built and there are many interesting sights and features that you will pass. The first of these sights on the Killiney Hill walk is the abandoned quarry which is now a popular rock-climbing location. On dry days there are generally a number of people attempting to conquer the steep walls making for an entertaining sight. The next stop that is of interest is a viewpoint that looks out over the Irish sea and Killiney Beach to the south while to the north you have a view that captures Dublin city in its entirety. As you continue to follow the path you will eventually come to the famous Obelisk. Continuing on the path will lead you back to the car park where you originally started from.

Other points of interest that you will encounter along the way include the telegraph tower and you may come across one of the many red squirrels that reside on the hill. 

Killiney Hill Playground

While the walk is relatively easy, for children it may be a bit too much. There is a playground located near the car park, ideal for children to get some fresh area away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Dublin. 

The playground has many wooden features and similarly to Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel a medieval theme has been used to design the park.

History of Killiney Hill

The Obelisk on Killiney Hill was erected in 1742 by John Mapas to provide employment for some of the locals after a hard winter, Killiney Hill used to be a former townland known as Mapas Mount sometimes referred to as Scalpwilliam. In 1840 the then owner of the Fitzpatrick Castle, Robert Warren restored the obelisk to its former glory. When the hill was acquired as a public park in 1887 it was renamed Victoria Hill to commemorate the queen's 50-year jubilee.