Moonlit Ridgewalks: A Guided Full‑Moon Stroll from Shankill Along Dublin’s Coastal Hills

DUBLIN WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Moonlit Ridgewalks: A Guided Full‑Moon Stroll from Shankill Along Dublin’s Coastal Hills

A 2.5‑hour guided Full Moon Walk from Brady’s Pub in Shankill that traces the Dublin Mountain Trail to ancient monastic sites and coastal viewpoints—this guide explains the route, what to bring, and who the walk suits.

Moonlit Ridgewalks: A Guided Full‑Moon Stroll from Shankill Along Dublin’s Coastal Hills.

Duration
2.5 Hours
Location
Dublin
Operator
Hilltoptreks
Category
Walking Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Experience the subtle drama of Wicklow and Dublin by moonlight on a short guided outing that moves from Shankill out along the Dublin Mountain Trail to historic and coastal vantage points; the walk is deliberately compact—about 2.5 hours—and designed to be accessible to most fitness levels.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Moonlit coastal ridgelines and rolling Wicklow sweep

Under a full moon the trail opens onto long views across the Dublin and Wicklow coastline; the route includes hilltop outlooks such as Carraickgollogan where the nighttime sweep of sea and shore becomes the walk’s visual anchor.

THE HISTORY

Rath Michael and the Rathdown slabs

The Shankill itinerary visits the early Christian monastic site at Rath Michael, notable for its antiquity and the Viking‑era gravestones known as the ‘Rathdown slabs’—a quiet, evocative stop under moonlight.

THE LANDMARKS

Industrial and woodland markers—Ballycorus chimney and forest trails

The walk threads a well‑made forest trail toward the Ballycorus lead‑mines chimney, linking the pastoral, coastal and industrial layers of the Dublin‑Wicklow landscape on a route that’s straightforward to follow by torchlight.

What the day feels like

What the walk feels like

You meet at Brady’s Pub in Shankill and set off along the Dublin Mountain Trail, crossing the motorway and following quiet lanes toward the ancient monastic site at Rath Michael before climbing toward Carraickgollogan for coastal views. The route then drops onto a pleasant forest track that leads past the Ballycorus lead‑mines chimney and returns on a slightly different trail to Brady’s Pub—an easily managed 2.5‑hour circuit with local guides offering history and folklore along the way.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this walk suits—and what to consider before you book.

1
Casual and first‑time walkersIdeal—these Full Moon Walks are short (2–3 hours) and require no previous walking experience, making them suitable for people new to guided hill or night walks.
2
People comfortable with a 2–3 hour outingA good match if you can manage a continuous 2.5‑hour walk on mostly track terrain; the route is described as easily manageable by most people.
3
Those curious about local historyWell suited—guides are local and fully qualified and will share history and folklore at stops such as Rath Michael along the route.
4
Advance plannersRecommended—these walks are very popular, so early booking is essential to confirm your place.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Walking boots or trainers, water, head torch or handheld torch, warm top, gloves and hat, waterproofs, a snack, and a backpack with spare warm top and socks.

Footwear & Lighting

Sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended; bring a head torch or handheld torch for night navigation and spare batteries if needed.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Full Moon Walk?

The walk will take approximately 2.5 hours.

Where do we meet?

Meeting point is Brady’s Pub in Shankill.

Do I need previous walking experience?

No previous walking experience is required; the walks are suitable for most levels of fitness.

What should I bring for a night walk?

Bring walking shoes or boots, water, a head torch or handheld torch, warm clothing, waterproofs, a snack, and a backpack with spare layers and socks.

What if the weather is poor on the night?

Another walk may be chosen on the night depending on weather, but it will be of the same length and time.

How do I get to Shankill from Dublin?

Options include driving via the N11 and R837 (about 30 minutes from the city centre), taking public buses (84/a from Blackrock; 145 or 155 from the city centre), or the southbound DART from the city centre.