Situated to the south of Dublin city Cruagh or Coill Na Craobhai is one of a number of three mountain summits (Kilakee, Glendoo) identified as such on OS maps though it differs little in altitude from its immediate surroundings. At its highest point it is some 522m above sea level and offers probably the best views (weather permitting) over Dublin city and surroundings which lies in the flat plain below.  The main rock formation is granite.

The earliest mention of Cruagh in historical records is in 1184 when Prince John, son of Henry 11 granted Creevagh or Cruagh with its churches to the See of Dublin, a gift successively confirmed by Edward 111 in 1337 and by Richard 11 during his visit to Dublin in 1395.

This area of south Dublin on the borderland of the Pale was known as the "the Harold's country" from the powerful family of that name that dominated the area and left their name on localities such as Harold's Grange and Harold's Cross.

There are a number of waymarked trails in Cruagh Wood, the Sli na Slainte loop of forest road does provide a very pleasant walk with some outstanding views of Dublin City and the surrounding mountains. The Dublin Mountains Way passes through here and there is a mountain access route up to the open mountain.  You can also access Tibradden (Pine) Forest and Massy's Wood from Cruagh Wood and eventually The Wicklow Way.

Walking Trails

• Cruagh Mountain Access Route (2.5 km / 45 min / Moderate) - White way marker

• Download Map - All Trails

• Cruagh Sli na Slainte  -  Cruagh Sli na Slainte (5 km / 1 hr / Moderate) - Sli way marker

• Coillte Cruagh Wood

Picnic Areas and benches

There are three picnic area in Cruagh Wood. One is located in the carpark, this is an accessible picnic area, it has beautiful views over the city and Dublin Bay. A second picnic area is located within 100m of the carpark in the woodland, to the right of the Slí na Slainte Trail. The third picnic area is located beside the river on the eastern side of the forest.

Benches are located in the native woodland area.

Coillte Recreation sites which you can access from Tibradden Wood are:
Massy's Estate 
Tibradden Wood (Pine Forest)

For more information on all Coillte's recreational sites visit http://www.coillte.ie/our-forests/explore/

A new Local Link Kildare South Dublin Saturday service between Tibradden Wood and Tallaght, serving Cruagh Wood has been operational since September 2024.

There are four services in each direction on Saturdays, see link to the timetable, the route name is SD4 Tibradden Wood to Tallaght. The bus also stops at Hell Fire Club/Massy's Estate.

Carpark Opening Hours

November to March: 07:00 to 17:00

April to October: 07:00 to 21:00

Car spaces: 44

Parking fee: None

Note: When Met Eireann forecast snow/ice condition warnings are in place the car-park may be closed at short notice. In a Met Eireann 'Red' Wind warning, you should not enter any forest area. Updates on car-park and recreation site closures will be posted on the News page.

The Hazel House

Timbertrove Café

Johnnie Fox’s Pub and Restaurant