My friends and I are competitive, ridiculously so. And Zipit Forest Adventure Park has always been our battleground. We’re always trying to one-up each other on the courses, comparing times and bragging about the most daring moves.
It’s become a yearly tradition. We love the bragging rights even more than the actual ziplining. So, after years of conquering (and sometimes getting conquered by) those treetop challenges, I’ve got the inside scoop.
Which courses are the best? What are the tips to avoid looking like a total newbie like I did on my first visit? Read on, and I’ll share all my secrets to conquering Zipit Forest Adventure Park like a pro.
What is the Zipit Forest Adventure Park known for?
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Zipit Forest Adventure Park is where you can take on some thrilling high ropes courses while soaking in the beauty of nature. You can climb high up among the trees, zip down zip lines, balance on swinging logs, and crawl through cargo nets.
They offer a range of circuits, from beginner to advanced. You can easily spend up to three hours navigating the treetops and tackling obstacles that can soar up to 20 meters high. It’s a thrill to challenge yourself and see what you can accomplish!
There’s something for everyone—no matter your age or skill level, you’ll find activities that will push your limits and let you have fun. It’s perfect for families, groups of friends, or even corporate outings if you’re looking to bond with your colleagues.
What I love most about Zipit is its commitment to safety and the environment. They’re all about making sure you stay secure, so each participant gets a full-body harness and a helmet before you head out.
The instructors are also super friendly and well-trained, ready to guide you every step of the way. Their focus on minimizing the impact on the forest means you can enjoy the treetop fun without harming the beautiful surroundings.
Best Time to Go to Zipit Forest Adventure Park
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The best time to visit Zipit Forest Adventure Park is late spring to early autumn. The weather during those months feels right—warm enough to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about getting caught in the rain.
If you can swing it, try visiting on weekdays or getting there early on weekends. Trust me, it makes a world of difference. You’ll dodge the crowds and reduce wait times, which is a bonus when you’re out on an adventure!
The park usually opens from February through November, mostly on weekends. However, if planning a midweek visit, be aware that the hours can shift slightly, especially around public and school holidays.
Weather is key, too! The best conditions happen between May and September. That’s when you’ll find warmer temperatures and fewer rainy days, perfect for soaking up everything the park offers.
Quick Tips to Enjoy Your Visit to Zipit Forest Adventure Park
Dress comfortably.
Get some good athletic wear that lets you move around easily. Since you’ll be trudging through different terrains and navigating climbing structures, sneakers or hiking shoes are the way to go—they offer support and traction.
Stay hydrated.
Grab a water bottle before you head out. Trust me, you’ll want to stay hydrated while you’re there. There are many spots where you can take a breather and sip on some water to recharge. It helps keep your focus sharp as you tackle each challenge.
Enjoy the post-adventure relaxation.
I recommend you check out Zipit’s café or one of their cozy picnic spots. Trust me, grabbing a hot drink or a little snack from their café is the perfect way to kick back and reflect on all the fun you just had.
How to Get to Zipit Forest Adventure Park
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1. Driving
To reach Tibradden, you’ll need to travel towards Cruagh, Dublin 16. This is a lovely area filled with gorgeous trees and trails.
The drive through the scenic Dublin countryside can be a delightful experience, especially as you approach the lush greenery of Tibradden Wood.
2. Bus
You can catch the 161 bus from Dundrum Luas to Rockbrook Road. This convenient route drops you off close to the park.
It’s about a 25-minute walk from the bus stop through the beautiful surroundings—perfect for warming up before your adventure!
What to Do at Zipit Forest Adventure Park
1. Try the cargo net climbing course.
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Address: Tibradden Wood, Tibradden, Dublin 16, Ireland
Phone: +35351858008
Website
Climbing cargo nets was a workout, but it was also incredibly rewarding. We started on this lower circuit to get the hang of things, and gripping those ropes and pulling ourselves up, one step at a time, felt like an accomplishment.
The nets even sway a bit as you climb, which adds this extra layer of excitement—and, let’s be real, a little challenge too! It’s not just about getting to the top. It’s about finding your rhythm and trusting your body to keep moving forward.
2. Ride a BMX bike across a suspended treetop bridge.
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Address: Tibradden Wood, Tibradden, Dublin 16, Ireland
Phone: +35351858008
Website
You won’t believe how awesome BMX Bridge Riding at Zipit Forest Adventure Park was! You’ll be sitting on a BMX bike, trying to balance on this narrow bridge that’s way up in the trees.
The instructors gave us a quick briefing before we hopped on, which helped me feel more secure. At the top, you can see this gorgeous lush forest sprawling out below, and the wind just rushes past your face.
3. Balance on a suspended surfboard high in the treetops.
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Address: Tibradden Wood, Tibradden, Dublin 16, Ireland
Phone: +35351858008
Website
The park also has a tree-surfing course. Once I stepped onto the board, I felt a rush of excitement and a bit of nerves. Although it wobbled under my feet initially, the instructors gave me handy tips on shifting my weight and maintaining balance.
Being up there, surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest, with sunlight streaming through the leaves—it felt like I had stepped right into my little adventure movie. It was just immersive and breathtaking!
4. Dash across swaying rope bridges in the treetops.
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Address: Tibradden Wood, Tibradden, Dublin 16, Ireland
Phone: +35351858008
Website
The rope bridges at Zipit Forest Adventure Park are so cool because they are not standalone challenges. Each bridge leads to a new platform or obstacle, so it’s more than just crossing over.
It felt like we were part of the forest, on our little adventure, completely away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The whole experience felt like a treasure hunt in the treetops.
5. Soar through the treetops through thrilling ziplines.
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Address: Tibradden Wood, Tibradden, Dublin 16, Ireland
Phone: +35351858008
Website
I also had an incredible experience ziplining at Zipit. Each zipline was different, which was cool. Some were super long and fast, and others slowed down just enough for us to take in those stunning forest views.
The ziplines are woven right into the beautiful landscape of the Coillte forests. It felt like flying through nature itself. If you’re worried about trying it for the first time, you don’t need to be! The instructors at Zipit are friendly and always nearby to guide you.
Where to Stay Near Zipit, Forest Adventure Park
1. Glashaus Hotel
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Address: Belgard Square W, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland
Phone: +35315381410
Pricing: €€
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The Glashaus Hotel is located in the heart of Belgard Square. With its big, bright windows and soothing blue decor, we instantly felt a wave of relaxation. The Hotel has 48 uniquely designed spaces that blend style with comfort.
The location was another big win for us. We were just a five-minute stroll from Tallaght Hospital and The Square Shopping Centre, which meant we had loads of dining and shopping options at our fingertips.
The Luas tram stop is right outside the hotel, making exploring Dublin’s city center easy on foot. After all the fun and energy we spent at Zipit, knowing we could return to such a comfy hotel was just what we needed.
2. The Plaza Hotel Tallaght
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Address: Belgard Rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 X2FC, Ireland
Phone: +35314624200
Pricing: €€€
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We loved our stay at The Plaza Hotel because they have 122 ensuite bedrooms, and trust me, the space is just perfect. Everything felt so fresh and new—it just added to the overall comfort of our stay.
Alder Café Bar had a tempting all-day dining menu. Their hearty breakfast options were fantastic, and it was such a treat to enjoy our meals while soaking in the views of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains from Mills Restaurant on the first floor.
The location is super convenient! It’s just off the M50 motorway, which made getting to Zipit a total breeze. We didn’t have to worry about parking, either—there’s complimentary parking available, including EV charging points.
3. Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
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Address: Clayton Hotel Leopardstown, Central Park, Sandyford Business Park, District, Co. Dublin, D18 K2P1, Ireland
Phone: +35312935000
Pricing: €€€
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Clayton Hotel Leopardstown’s not just these sleek, modern rooms. The location is perfect, too! Just a quick drive away from all the fun at the park and right at the foot of the Dublin mountains.
We visited the Atrium Bar and Restaurant for delicious meals that satisfied our cravings. And don’t even get me started on their Red Bean Roastery café—grabbing a freshly brewed coffee there every morning was the best way to start our day.
Thanks to the nearby Central Park Luas stop, exploring Dublin was a breeze. We hopped on the tram with no fuss at all. It felt like we had the best of both worlds—adventure by day and a comfy hotel to return to at night.
4. The Devlin Dublin
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Address: 117-119 Ranelagh, Dublin 6, D06 WY50, Ireland
Phone: +35314066550
Pricing: €€€
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The Devlin is a boutique hotel in the lively Ranelagh neighborhood. Its vibe is modern yet cozy. Our room had a comfy bed with crisp white linens that felt like clouds, a Smeg mini-fridge loaded with local treats, and even a Smart TV.
One of the standout moments of our stay was dining at Layla’s Rooftop Restaurant. We savored meals while soaking in panoramic views of the city skyline. I loved how the menu was the perfect blend of Italian fusion and casual tapas.
I have to mention the Americana Cocktail Bar downstairs. It was our go-to spot to chill out with a drink and share stories about our day at Zipit Forest Adventure Park. The atmosphere there was lively and welcoming.
5. Clayton Hotel Charlemont
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Address: Charlemont St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 H9C1, Ireland
Phone: +35319606700
Pricing: €€€
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The Clayton Hotel Charlemont, located along Dublin’s Grand Canal, felt like home, thanks to its stylish rooms and modern amenities.
One of the best things about this hotel is its location—it is just a short walk from all the lively shopping areas and cultural hotspots! This made it so easy for us to explore Dublin between all those thrilling tree-top adventures, and we took advantage of that.
Each room had free high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and ergonomic workspaces. But the real treat was the fitness suite. We loved sneaking in a quick workout before heading out for more adventures.
Where to Eat Near Zipit Forest Adventure Park
1. Timbertrove Café
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Address: Kilakee House, Bóthar Choill a Chaoich, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, Ireland
Phone: +35314931044
Pricing: €€
Website
Timbertrove Café is located at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. Its menu features a delightful mix of homemade treats and hearty meals. The café’s famous traditional scones are baked fresh every morning and served with clotted cream and jam.
We also enjoyed some gourmet sandwiches and a bowl of their homemade soup, which was just what we needed after a day of outdoor fun. They serve Bewley’s finest coffee, like the cherry on top—a much-needed pick-me-up!
There’s also this adorable country store attached where you can browse through home goods and little gifts. And if you’re bringing your furry friend along, they have this great “Doggie Deal” for pups!
2. Lakeside Café
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Address: Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 PY66, Ireland
Phone: +353719673122
Pricing: €€
Website
The Lakeside Café is another great place to refuel after an exciting Zipit day. PImagine is right by the lake, surrounded by natural beauty, and the café’s vibe fits right in.
The décor is so charming and inviting! I loved how the big windows let in all that natural light and gave us these stunning views of Lough Key. We gravitated towards the cozy seating areas, especially the outdoor terrace.
They’ve got a fantastic mix of homemade dishes. But let me tell you about one dish that stole the show: their famous caramel square. I’d heard it was one of the best in Ireland, and I can confirm that it lived up to the hype!
3. Johnnie Fox’s Pub
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Address: Glencullen, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Phone: +35312955647
Pricing: €€
Website
Johnnie Fox’s Pub is the highest in Ireland, which is pretty cool, and it’s been around since 1798! There are these rustic wooden beams, charming memorabilia on the walls, and the sound of traditional Irish music just wraps around you.
The menu is a delightful mash-up of classic Irish dishes and fresh seafood. I couldn’t help but try their famous Guinness pie—it was everything you’d hope for: rich, hearty, and perfect after our day of adventure at Zipit.
And if you’re up for something a little different, you’ve got to try the slow-cooked lamb shank. They also have an impressive selection of craft beers and Irish whiskeys that elevate the meal.
4. The Merry Ploughboy
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Address: Edmondstown Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, D16 HK02, Ireland
Phone: +35314931495
Pricing: €€
Website
The Merry Ploughboy is nestled in a gorgeous old building that has been around for over 200 years—just imagine the history! The vibe is warm and welcoming, with rustic wooden beams and cozy little corners filled with colorful Irish memorabilia.
The menu is a dream for anyone who loves hearty Irish cuisine with a modern twist. I still can’t get over the Guinness beef stew. It was rich and full of flavor. And the fluffy soda bread they served with it? We could’ve eaten a mountain of that!
After our meal, the real fun began. We were lucky to catch a lively traditional Irish music show at the pub. The musicians and dancers were talented and energetic, bringing the place to life!
5. Four Star Pizza Nutgrove
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Address: 14 Nutgrove Ave, Rathfarnham, Dublin, D14 H522, Ireland
Phone: +35314954402
Pricing: €
Website
Four Star Pizza Nutgrove has simple but modern decor, bright colors, and fun pizza-themed art on the walls. It felt like home, perfect if you’re there with family or just hanging out with friends.
The staff were friendly and eager to help us navigate their extensive menu. They know how to make authentic pizza. You can taste the difference because they make their dough fresh daily and only use the best ingredients.
We went for the “Four Star Special,” which did not disappoint! They also have a bunch of tasty sides and desserts. We couldn’t help but try the garlic bread and crispy potato wedges, perfect alongside our pizzas.