Dublin is an ideal destination for walkers and hikers this weekend, with its various walking trails and paths.
From the Dublin Mountains to the Cliffs and Coastal Walks, and Forest Walks to the family-friendly options, there are plenty of routes to explore.
Highlights include the Howth Cliff Walk, the Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk, the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, and the Dalkey to Killiney Hill Walk.
So lace up your shoes and get ready to explore some of the best walks in Dublin this weekend!
Key Takeaways
- Dublin offers a variety of walks for every fitness level, including mountain walks, coastal walks, forest walks, and family-friendly walks.
- Some of the popular mountain walks in Dublin include Ticknock Fairy Castle Loop, Two Rock Mountain, and Fairy Castle.
- Cliffs and coastal walks in Dublin, such as Howth Cliff Walk and Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, offer stunning views and moderate difficulty.
- For those looking for a more relaxed walk, there are several family-friendly options, such as Phoenix Park, St. Anne’s Park, and Bull Island.
Dublin Mountains Walks
Numerous car parks provide parking options for the Dublin Mountains Walks, which vary in walking time, difficulty, and parking.
The Ticknock Fairy Castle Loop is a moderate walk that takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The Dublin Mountains Way has varying sections and difficulty levels, and parking is available along the route.
Two Rock Mountain is a moderate walk that takes around 2 hours, and parking is available at the start of the trail.
Fairy Castle is another moderate walk that takes approximately 2 hours, with parking available at the start.
Glendoo Mountain is moderate to difficult and takes around 3 hours, with parking available at the start.
Kilmashogue Mountain is easy to moderate and takes 1.5 hours, with parking available at the start.
All of these Dublin Mountains Walks offer stunning views and interesting terrain.
Cliffs and Coastal Walks in Dublin
The Cliffs and Coastal Walks in Dublin offer varying levels of difficulty and walking times for exploration.
Howth Cliff Walk is a popular option, with a walking time of 1.5 to 3 hours and a moderate difficulty level.
Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk, meanwhile, can be completed in 40 minutes to 2 hours, and is classified as easy.
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk is a moderate-level walk that lasts for approximately two hours.
Dalkey to Killiney Hill Walk is easy and takes about an hour to complete.
Sandycove to Dun Laoghaire Promenade Walk is also easy and takes around an hour to finish.
All of these walks offer spectacular views of Dublin’s coast and the Irish Sea.
Forest Walks in Dublin
Visitors to Dublin can explore the forests and woodlands in the area with a variety of walks available. From the Carrickgollogan Forest Walk with its 30 to 40 minute duration, to the 2-2.5 hour Tibradden Wood Walk of moderate difficulty, there is something for everyone.
Other options include:
- The Cruagh Woods Walk, approximately 1 hour long and easy difficulty.
- The Hellfire Club Walk, approximately 1 hour long and easy difficulty.
- The Kilmashogue Mountain, 1.5 hours long and easy to moderate difficulty.
Each of these walks offers an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Dublin countryside. From picturesque forests and woodlands to mountainous climbs, these walks are sure to delight and challenge visitors.
Make sure to bring along your camera to capture the stunning views!
Family-Friendly Walks in Dublin
Families looking for a stroll in and around Dublin can explore a range of parks and promenades.
Phoenix Park, the largest park in Dublin, is a great option for a family walk. With a variety of paths and trails, visitors can enjoy a leisurely ramble or a more strenuous hike.
St. Anne’s Park is another great family-friendly option with a lovely lake, meandering paths, and a rose garden.
Marlay Park provides a mix of formal gardens and wild woodland, and is home to the Marlay Park Run, a 5km, 10km and 15km running event held every Sunday.
Bull Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a great destination for a family day out. With its sand dunes and salt marshes, it’s a great place for picnics and beach strolls.
Other Walks Near Dublin
Popular walking trails located in the vicinity of Dublin offer a variety of routes and difficulty levels. Wicklow, Meath, and Louth counties are particularly popular for hikers and ramblers.
In Wicklow, favorites include:
1) Ballinastoe Woods
2) Djouce Mountain
3) Lough Ouler
Meath is known for its:
- Loughcrew Cairns
- Balrath Woods
- Mullaghmeen Forest
- Girley Bog
- Hill of Tara
Louth is home to:
- Carlingford to Omeath Greenway
- Slieve Foy in Carlingford
- Rathescar Lakeside Walk
- Clogherhead Cliff Walk
- Townley Hall Woods
- Annaloughan Loop Walk
All of these trails offer a unique and picturesque experience for the outdoor enthusiast.
Ticknock Fairy Castle Loop
The Ticknock Fairy Castle Loop is a moderate walking route that takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. It is located in Dublin and is suitable for people of all ages.
The walk takes you through a variety of landscapes, from woodland to open grasslands. The trail is well marked and the terrain is easy to navigate.
Along the route, you’ll come across many interesting and unique features, including a fairytale-like castle and a picturesque lake. There are numerous car parks located in the vicinity of the route, making it easy to access.
This is a great walk to explore the beauty of the Dublin Mountains and make the most of your weekend.
The Dublin Mountains Way
The Dublin Mountains Way is a popular long-distance walking route that traverses the Wicklow Mountains. It is a 180km route that passes through a variety of landscapes, from open moorland to deep forests and from steep mountains to tranquil valleys. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Irish countryside and take in the history and culture of the region.
The Dublin Mountains Way features three primary sections: the Wicklow Way National Trail, the Wicklow Gap Pass, and the Dublin Mountains Way. Each section has its own unique features and offers a range of difficulties, from easy to challenging. It is possible to complete the entire route in a single day, or hiker can choose to take their time over a few days or even weeks.
- Length: 180 km
- Difficulty: Varies depending on the section
- Parking: Various parking options along the route
Two Rock Mountain
Two Rock Mountain is a moderately challenging walk in the Dublin Mountains region, with an estimated walking time of approximately 2 hours.
Located just south-east of the Dublin city centre, this picturesque mountain walk gives stunning views of the Dublin cityscape.
The trail begins at the base of Two Rock Mountain, where there is ample parking, and winds its way up to the top of the peak.
Along the way, hikers will find a variety of flora and fauna, as well as historical sites, including an old graveyard and a ruined castle.
At the summit, hikers can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains, the Irish Sea, and the city of Dublin.
Hikers should wear appropriate hiking gear and bring plenty of water for the journey, as the trail can be quite strenuous at times.
With its breathtaking views and moderate difficulty, Two Rock Mountain is an ideal weekend walk for hikers of all levels.
Fairy Castle
Fairy Castle is an approximately 2-hour walk in the Dublin Mountains region that offers moderate difficulty. It begins in a parking lot, and features a winding trail that passes through lush greenery, with views of the surrounding mountain peaks. It is an ideal walk for those looking to explore the Dublin Mountains in a short amount of time.
Along the trail, hikers can enjoy:
- Sights of the nearby Fairy Castle mountain peak
- Views of the nearby Wicklow Mountains
- A historic ruin located at the peak of the mountain.
Fairy Castle is a great choice for those looking for a short, yet rewarding walk. It offers an ideal mix of terrain, scenery, and history for a memorable experience.
Glendoo Mountain
The next destination for a walker looking to explore the best of Dublin’s landscapes is Glendoo Mountain. This moderate to difficult walk offers an approximate 3-hour journey, and parking is available at the start of the trail.
The Glendoo Mountain walk is a great option for the more experienced hiker, with the path taking you up to a height of 730 feet, offering fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. The walk is full of surprises, with a variety of wildlife in the area and plenty of interesting sights and sounds to discover.
The path is well marked and relatively easy to follow, and you should also be prepared for a few steep inclines along the way. It’s a great choice for a weekend hike, offering a good balance of challenge and reward.
Kilmashogue Mountain
Kilmashogue Mountain offers a relatively easy hike of approximately 1.5 hours, with parking available at the start of the trail. This mountain trail is ideal for those who are looking for a moderate difficulty hike without having to venture too far from Dublin. Along the trail, hikers can expect to find stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Wicklow Mountains. The trail is also well-marked and provides a great opportunity to take in the beauty of nature.
Here are 3 key features of the Kilmashogue Mountain trail:
- Walking time: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Parking: Parking available at the start of the trail.
This trail is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and take in the outdoors. Whether it’s for a morning walk or an afternoon stroll, Kilmashogue Mountain is the perfect spot to do so.
The Howth Cliff Walk
The Howth Cliff Walk is a popular coastal walk in Dublin offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Located on the Howth Head peninsula, the walk stretches from the Howth Harbour to Sutton and takes 1.5 to 3 hours to complete.
The trail is of medium difficulty and features an array of wildlife, including seabirds, foxes, and rabbits. Along the way, there are spectacular views of Lambay Island, the Irish Sea, and the Dublin Mountains.
The trail can be started from several car parks located nearby. There are also plenty of places to stop and have a picnic or soak in the stunning scenery.
The Howth Cliff Walk is a great way to experience the beauty of Dublin, as well as the spectacular views of the surrounding area.
The Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk
The Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk is a popular coastal walk located just south of Dublin’s city center. Taking 40 minutes to two hours to complete, the walk is suitable for all fitness levels. Parking is available nearby the start of the walk.
Along the route, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Irish Sea, the Poolbeg chimneys, and Sandymount Strand. There are also plenty of interesting historical features to explore, such as the Martello tower, the Pigeon House, and the former Irish Lights Depot.
This picturesque walk is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy a unique view of Dublin.
Here are 3 highlights of the Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk:
- Spectacular views of the Irish Sea
- Historical features such as the Martello tower and the Pigeon House
- A unique view of Dublin
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk
The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk is a popular coastal walk located along Ireland’s east coast. It is a well-known walk that offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding countryside. The walk is approximately two hours long and is suitable for all fitness levels.
It begins in Bray and ends in Greystones, offering a variety of scenery along the way. The route follows an old railway line which offers spectacular views of the sea, the Wicklow Mountains, and the rolling hills of Kildare. Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views, as well as take a break.
The walk is especially popular during the summer months, when the weather is generally mild and pleasant. Parking is available at both Bray and Greystones, making it easily accessible for those looking to explore the area.
Dalkey to Killiney Hill Walk
Dalkey to Killiney Hill Walk is a popular walk located near Dublin which takes approximately one hour to complete. This walk offers a great overview of Dublin’s coastline and stunning views of Dublin Bay. It is an easy walk with various parking options along the route.
Here is a snapshot of the main features of this walk:
- Walking time – Approximately 1 hour
- Difficulty – Easy
- Parking – Various parking options
The starting point of the walk is in Dalkey and it follows the coast all the way to Killiney Hill. Along the way, visitors can take in the serene atmosphere of Bulloch Harbour and the rolling hills of the Wicklow Mountains. The route also passes by some of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks such as the Martello tower and the James Joyce Tower.
The walk ends with a spectacular view of Dublin Bay from the summit of Killiney Hill. It is a great way to explore the beauty of Dublin and its surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Walks Suitable for Families With Young Children?
Yes, there are several family-friendly walks in Dublin. Phoenix Park, St. Anne’s Park, Marlay Park, Bull Island and Bushy Park are all suitable for young children and offer a variety of routes to explore. Additionally, nearby Wicklow, Meath and Louth also offer plenty of easy walks to enjoy.
Are There Any Walks That Are Wheelchair Accessible?
Wheelchair accessible walks in Dublin include Phoenix Park, St. Anne’s Park, Marlay Park, Bull Island, and Bushy Park. All of these provide flat and even surfaces, allowing for an enjoyable experience for all.
Are There Any Guided Walks Available?
Yes, there are guided walks available in Dublin. Local tour companies often offer guided walks, allowing visitors to explore the city and its surroundings with the help of an expert. These tours may cover a variety of walking routes and provide insight into the history and culture of the area.
What Should I Wear/Bring on a Walk?
When taking a walk, it is important to wear comfortable, supportive shoes, and clothing appropriate for the weather. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water. A basic first aid kit and a map may also be useful. Consider bringing snacks, a phone, and a flashlight as well.
Are There Any Activities or Sights to See Along the Way?
Many of the walks offer scenic views of nature, wildlife, and historical sites. Along the way, visitors can explore ruins, monuments, and even castles. Depending on the walk, there are opportunities to spot birds, animals, and plants. Some trails offer chances to swim or fish in rivers and lakes.
