The Dublin Mountains Project is a proposal by Paul Keogh Architects, South Dublin County Council, Coillte and the Dublin Mountains Partnership to develop Montpelier Hill and Massy’s Wood sites as a key recreation site and a gateway to the heritage and recreation amenities of the Dublin Mountains.The project is intended to provide an improved walking experience for visitors to the Hellfire and Massy’s site and the wider Dublin Mountains.
The program of works looks to restore and enhance the landscape with development of the network of trails on Hellfire and Massy’s. The protection of the sensitive archaeological resources and historic architectural features is key within the scope of the project.The vision is for a multi-faceted development including measures for heritage conservation, landscape restoration, access improvement and provision of visitor facilities.
The facilities currently envisaged include a reception area, café, an audio-visual exhibition space, a small shop and kiosk, outdoor terraces, toilet and baby changing facilities and an education space.A feature tree canopy walk/bridge linking the lower ark of Montpelier Hill across the R115 to Massy’s Wood will be a promenade through the tree canopy providing a unique experience for visitors. This will address current safety issues traversing the road between the two forests.
Coniferous plantations on the east slope of Montpelier Hill, which are approaching end of life and due for felling, will be replaced with permanent, non-commercial mixed forest, as part of a wider landscape development that also includes protection and enhancement measures for the Massy’s beech woodland. Extension of the existing car park will cater for increased visitor numbers with pedestrian access from the parking area to the wider site being improved.
thejournal.ie reports:
"The visitor centre would have its own viewing terraces; an events and exhibition space; a rambler's lounge; cafe; and shop. The project is aiming to attract 300,000 visitors a year by the fifth year of operation"