BALLYMOYLE

FOREST

Ballymoyle Forest (often locally referred to as Ballymoyle Hill or Arklow Hill) offers a tranquil escape just a short drive north of Arklow town. Ballymoyle feels like a "local secret". It’s a working forest that balances dense, atmospheric conifer plantations with sweeping, open vistas. It serves as an excellent, unpretentious retreat for hikers seeking solitude and mountain bikers looking for technical thrills.

The Summit Views

Rising 240 meters above sea level, the forest’s main fire road loops gently toward a summit that punches well above its weight in terms of scenery. On a clear day, the views are expansive, stretching south to Tara Hill in County Wexford and east across the Irish Sea. It is famously said that under perfect conditions, you can spot the outline of the Welsh coastline on the horizon, though I am not sure how true this is. You will certainly get a really great view of Arklow when walking the route.

Mountain Biking Hub

While the main gravel roads are perfect for walkers, the forest floor is crisscrossed with a labyrinth of unofficial, high-quality mountain bike trails. Known by colorful local names (like "Sasquatch" or "Big Jonney"), these technical single-tracks weave through the trees, making Ballymoyle a beloved, adrenaline-fueled playground for the Irish off-road cycling community.

Watch Your Step

Because the forest is shared with mountain bikers who may be descending rapidly through the trees, stay alert if you venture off the main wide gravel roads onto the narrower dirt paths. The mountain bike paths cross the walking paths and are marked by small signs, so keep an eye out for them!