New ‘world class’ mountain bike trails open in South Dublin

ALL roads will lead Southside for Dublin’s mountain bike aficionados who crave an unforgettable, unique experience.

That’s because Glencullen Adventure Park (GAP) has opened six new ‘world-class’ mountain biking trails.

And the great news is they’ve already got the thumbs up from some of Ireland’s top mountain bikers.

Located in the Dublin Mountains, the family owned Glencullen Adventure Park is now a leading Mountain Biking Facility with over 300 acres of trails.

Following huge investment by owners Matt and Georgina Davy, supported by LEADER rural development programme funding of €90,000, the exciting new trails opened to the public last Saturday, September 4.

Launch of Glencullen Adventure Park’s 6 new Mountain Biking Trails
Pictured: Catherine Martin T.D. – Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Cllr.Lettie McCarthy, Cathaoirleach, DLR County Council (wearing chain of office) with staff of the GAP

Ahead of the big opening, GAP invited top Irish mountain bikers to try out the 6 new trails last week.

Here’s what they had to say:

World renowned enduro rider Dan Wolfe was very impressed after his first few runs down ‘Hard Shoulder’, the new triple black Jump line.

“It’s unreal, it’s actually quite strange riding something of this level in Ireland,” he said.

“We’ve never had something like this, but yeah, it’s a world class jump trail!’

Elite female racer Hannah Mullin was similarly impressed with the black tech track ‘Loam Neeson.’

“It was wild, it was just so like techy,” she said.

“There was a bit there I had to unclip and I didn’t get clipped back in until about half way down.

“It was just mad! Root, Root, Root, rock, rock, but it’s really fun at the same time.”

World Class rider Gavin Carroll had a truly unique experience.

“It’s absolutely insane I’ve never ridden anything like it in Ireland,” he said.

“The standard of jumps is just insane the speed and the way they’re built so safely and your jumping 40 odd foot literally bumping up the progression in Irish mountain biking!”

Over the last 4 years the GAP has become a breeding ground for talent. These new trails will continue to push the bar instilling confidence in young Irish racers and is sure to up the progression for Ireland whilst racing abroad.

These trails also greatly enhance GAP’s offering and will attract riders from overseas tapping into a very current and active adventure tourism marketing trend.

Covid-19 has proved to be a boon for the mountain bike industry as bike sales have rose up to five times during pandemic.

Adventure tourism is the fastest-growing tourism industry worldwide, and several countries are focusing on new mountain bike strategies aiming for an economic boost.

The worldwide mountain biking industry is valued at around 8.8 billion.

Speaking at the launch of the trails last week, Minister Catherine Martin said: “I would like to express my sincere congratulations to Matt and Georgina, and all involved with Glencullen Adventure Park, on the launch of their new mountain biking trails. Glencullen Adventure Park is a fantastic asset to our community, and it offers a unique attraction for those visiting the area. It is wonderful to see them expanding after what has been a very difficult 18 months or so for them and all of those in the sports and tourism sectors. I wish them every good wish with this endeavour.”

Owner Matthew Davy is looking forward to welcoming the public this week.

“We are a young park, by world standards,” he said.

“Yet, by using the right trail builders, and with Leader co-funding, we are thrilled to realise this dream, the second stage of our infrastructure development here at GAP.

“Investment is key for outdoor tourism in Ireland, to put us on that world stage!

“And certainly we could not have done it so fast, especially with Covid restrictions, if it had not been for the support of Leader.

“Watch this space for more developments into 2022 and 2023! We’re not finished building yet!“