Decathlon's mission is to make sport accessible. We're making hiking accessible with guided hiking trips, including bus transfers in 2023! Our Deca Hikes are back by very popular demand after last year's successful Climb with Charlie hike in Howth, followed by fully booked hikes in both Glendalough & Bray, with bus transfers.
For 2023 we are bringing back Deca Hikes with one hike per month, from March to August. That’s 6 different hikes in Leinster for you to come and meet the team and like-minded people who love hiking or are trying something new.
Each hike is limited, to allow each hiker to get the best experience and even have the opportunity to chat 1-to-1 with our hiking experts for any questions you might have.
This is the perfect way to try hiking and discover more of Ireland, as not only will we be leading these guided hikes, but there will also be a bus transfer option available for 5 out of the 6 hikes in Leinster this Summer.
Get tickets to our next hike now. 13th of May - Ballinastoe Wood
Here’s our Hiking Calendar for 2023:
March 4th - Glendalough Spinc trail white
April 1st - Howth Cliff Loop
May 20th - Ballinastoe Wood
June 3rd - Scarr Mountain Loop
July -1st Cruagh Forest - Tibradden Mountain Trail
August 5th - Kilmashogue and Fairy Castle Loop
Find out more about the route, transport options and our recommendations for each route below:
1. Glendalough Spinc Trail
On March 4th, we are repeating a very popular DecaHike from last year as we return to Glendalough, Co. Wicklow for their famous Spinc Trail. A fabulously scenic hiking route in Ireland that is engulfed in history and of course, nature.
The hike is roughly 9km in length and is of moderate difficulty, requiring a moderate level of fitness to complete. Although the route itself is challenging, the views are most definitely rewarding as you climb the path up by Poulanass Waterfall and continue along the boardwalk which leads you to the amazing viewing point overlooking the Upper Lake of Glendalough, before descending through a rocky trail to the historical Miners Village and returning back to the Upper Lake shore.
We know that Glendalough can be difficult to access for hikers in Dublin that don’t have access to a car as transport options are limited, which is why we will once again be offering a return transfer via coach from Decathlon Ballymun to Glendalough for just €10, leaving from the store at 9:30 am. Bus tickets are limited so do not delay and book your seat today!
There are also a limited number of tickets available for those who wish to make their own way to our Glendalough guided hike, with the "Hike only" ticket, we will meet in the Upper Lake Car Park in Glendalough at 10:30 am to begin the hike. To park your car at Glendalough, it is €4 in the Upper Lake Car Park.
Recommendations:
For this hike, although it is Spring Time, we recommend being prepared for all weather conditions, rain jackets and SPF are always a good idea for any hike, to ensure you are prepared. But, of course, we will be hoping for another wonderful day’s weather for a fantastic hike.
Although this route has a boardwalk which is great for grip as you advance through the trail, there are areas that can be steep and slippery when wet. Hiking boots are not essential but we do recommend them.
Finally, lunch will not be provided, so do bring a packed lunch as we will take an interim break during the hike, light snacks and water for during the hike would also be a good idea.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us on social media or simply ask any of our teammates in-store if you happen to visit us beforehand for your hiking essentials.
2. Howth Cliff Loop
This is no April Fools Prank, on Saturday, April 1st we will return to Howth, Co. Dublin to go back where it all began, our first community Deca Hike successfully took place in collaboration with Climb for Charlie in 2022 and due to the popularity we are returning to Howth, rain, hail or shine (but hopefully shine) for our second DecaHike of 2023.
Howth Cliffs are worth a visit no matter the weather. Even on a wet day, this trail offers spectacular views of the ocean and the land's lovely meadows. The pathways are well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels. The are plenty of places to stop for a breather or a picnic, so be sure to bring a light lunch. The surrounding nature is breathtaking, with many opportunities to interact with local fauna and flora, enjoying the benefits of reconnecting with nature.
The hike is roughly 8km in length, making it the perfect hike for a first-time hiker or beginner hikers, even some children joined us on our last Howth Hike!
This hike will be a guided hike only, with no transfer option from our Ballymun store. However, Howth is widely accessible by bus and train, with free parking options.
3. Balilinastoe Wood
On Saturday May 13th, Decathlon Ireland is organsing a hiking trip with our in store hiking experts to bring 40 lucky people to Balilinastoe Wood , Co. Wicklow.
This path leads to a renowned Wicklow hilltop with views of Lough Tay. A bus (chargeable at €10.00 per person) will leave Decathlon at 9.30am for those who have booked €10.00 “Bus and Hike” tickets, there are also a limited number of tickets available for those who wish to make their own way to Balilinastoe Wood , with the "Hike only" ticket.
There is parking available on the R759 at the "swinging gate", we will meet here at 11am to begin the hike. This hike will require a moderate level of fitness and we recommend some hiking boots! We recommend bringing a packed lunch, plenty of fluids, sunscreen (incase we get some good weather) and some rainproof gear (incase we get some unfavourable weather). If you would like to join us for a hike and a chat make sure to get your ticket before they sell out, tickets are limited so you don't want to miss out. See you soon!
Tickets:
Tickets are almost sold out for this hike, which is ahike only event due to the great transport links in Howth.
Click to book your ticket here.
Don't miss out on future hikes. Be first to find out when tickets are released simply:
Add “Hiking” as your favourite sport
Log in on Decathlon.ie > Go to “My Sports Profile” > Go to “Sports” > Add your Favourites.
Opt-in for Marketing Emails and we will keep you up to date.
Log in on Decathlon.ie > Go to “My Sports Profile” > Go to “Communications” > Tick the box to receive emails.
4. Scarr Mountain Loop
On Saturday June 3rd, Decathlon Ireland is organsing a hiking trip with our in store hiking experts to bring 40 lucky people to Scarr Mountain, Co. Wicklow. We will hike the famous loop.
Located in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, this looped trail is a scenic treat. In the spring, bluebells line the lower pathways while in the autumn the bracken fronds turn a reddish-brown and the leaves of deciduous trees around Lough Dan turn golden-yellow.
A bus (chargeable at €10.00 per person) will leave Decathlon at 9.30am for those who have booked €10.00 “Bus and Hike” tickets, there are also a limited number of tickets available for those who wish to make their own way , with the "Hike only" ticket, we will meet lay-by in the hamlet of Oldbridge at 11am to begin the hike.
This hike will require a moderate level of fitness and we recommend some hiking boots! We recommend bringing a packed lunch, plenty of fluids, sunscreen (incase we get some good weather) and some rainproof gear (incase we get some unfavourable weather). If you would like to join us for a hike and a chat make sure to get your ticket before they sell out, tickets are limited so you don't want to miss out. See you soon!
Tickets:
We will launch ticket sales for this hike very soon, to be first to find out when tickets are released simply:
Add “Hiking” as your favourite sport
Log in on Decathlon.ie > Go to “My Sports Profile” > Go to “Sports” > Add your Favourites.
Opt-in for Marketing Emails and we will keep you up to date.
Log in on Decathlon.ie > Go to “My Sports Profile” > Go to “Communications” > Tick the box to receive emails.
5.Cruagh Forest - Tibradden Mountain Trail
July 1st - Details coming soon
6. Kilmashogue and Fairy Castle Loop
August 5th - Details coming soon
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Hiking Essentials - Top picks & advice from our hiking experts
The benefits of a Decathlon membership account
