Overview
The Featherbeds are a short drive from the centre of Dublin, yet this broad, windswept plateau of heather and blanket bog feels nowhere near a city. Upland blanket bog and scattered granite straddle the Dublin–Wicklow border, with few fences or buildings to break the sightlines, and cloud can hide the ridge quickly. It is a place to look at the moorland rather than to plan an unmarked route across it.
Marked walking routes nearby
For a walk in the area, choose a marked section of the Dublin Mountains Way or start at a signed forest trailhead such as Cruagh Wood. Follow the route signs, stay off fragile bog and keep private entrances clear.
History & Conservation
For decades the Featherbeds were in private hands, which sparked local concern when development proposals surfaced. A public campaign, including a petition that gathered more than 20,000 signatures, followed. The open ground has few fences, buildings or permanent structures, which keeps the unbroken sightlines that have defined this landscape for centuries. The nearby Wicklow Mountains are the wider upland context.
What to See & Do
The Featherbeds Bullaun Stone
On the plateau is a large, rounded granite boulder marked by three distinct, bowl-like depressions. Known as a bullaun stone, it sits at a rare quadripoint where the boundaries of a townland, parish, barony and county all converge. While bullaun stones are typically associated with early monastic sites and may have been used for grinding or ritual purposes, its isolated placement here suggests a different origin. Local historians believe it likely marked the boundary of the Archbishop of Dublin’s ecclesiastical lands during the 13th century, possibly adopting an even older territorial marker.
The Source of the River Dodder
The plateau acts as a natural watershed, and it is here that the River Dodder begins its long journey to the sea. Marked routes in the surrounding valleys and forests give a mountain-to-valley walking experience without crossing the bog itself.
Seasonal Highlights
- Late June – August: Heather dominates the landscape, painting the boglands in shades of purple and pink. The weather is typically most stable.
- September – October: The heather fades to russet and gold, while the blanket bog turns a rich, dark brown. Crisp air and dramatic cloud cover create striking conditions for landscape photography.
- November – February: The plateau frequently experiences frost, mist and occasional snow. Paths can become soft and waterlogged underfoot, so sturdy footwear and waterproof layers are essential. Daylight hours are short.
- March – May: Spring brings a surge of wildflowers, including bog asphodel and cottongrass. The ground remains damp, but the returning light and active birdlife make for rewarding walks.
Practical Information
- Access: Use signed, managed routes and keep private entrances and gates clear. Check the Dublin Mountains Partnership FAQs for the rules that apply on each route.
- Facilities: There are no buildings, toilets or refreshment stops on the open bog. Carry all water, food and waste out with you.
- Dogs: Rules vary by route and landowner, and ground-nesting birds and Irish hares use the bogland, so check the signs and the Dublin Mountains Partnership guidance before bringing a dog.
- Safety: Mobile phone coverage can be unreliable across the plateau. Carry a map or downloaded route, and tell someone your planned return time. Weather can change rapidly, so check forecasts before heading out.
- Entry: No admission charge.
Getting There
The Featherbeds are most easily reached by car from Dublin. Public transport is limited, so check current services before relying on them. Cyclists can use the Dublin–Wicklow trail network, though bog tracks are unsuitable for standard road bikes. Bohernabreena Reservoir lies to the north-west and offers complementary walking routes and birdwatching.
The Featherbeds do not offer curated experiences or signposted attractions. Pack for shifting weather, and choose a marked route that suits your navigation experience.