One of the wonderful things about being a student at Trinity is the easy access to the DART station on Pearse Street. This makes getting away for a day trip easier, whether you want to tackle rugged hills or stretches of brilliant beach. With the abundance of options just a short train ride away, why wouldn’t you?
Below we list our top five best hikes around Dublin.
1. Bray Cliff Walk
Head to Pearse Street station, hop on the DART, and head south for Bray. A little outside of town, halfway up Bray Head (which is worth a detour for the scenic vista), along the coast you will find a stunning 7km coastal path that winds its way to Greystones. The well-maintained paths offer stunning views of the sea, surrounding cliffs, and even marine life such as seals and whales.
You can take the Bray Head Loop walk which takes around two hours or hike up to the Bray Head Cross and come back down which takes about an hour.
2. Malahide to Portmarnock
For this hike, you can choose to start your journey from either Portmarnock Beach or the seaside village of Malahide. Either direction is generally flat and can be easily completed in around two hours, although I would recommend finishing in Malahide as there are more options for a hot coffee or a bit to eat afterwards! Along the way you can enjoy fantastic views of Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, and the Howth Peninsula. Did you know – Portmarnock Beach is one of the longest beaches in the whole of Ireland?
If you are interested in stopping along the way for a swim, we recommend the north side of Portmarnock Beach, although be sure to stay within authorised swimming areas. Check out High Rock too which is a popular jumping spot.
3. Great South Wall Walk
This is a great walk and one that is easily accessible from Dublin city centre. Going on this walk you will be able to see many of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks.
You can start from Irishtown, on the south east of the city centre, and follow the coast north to the Great South Wall. Built in the 18th century, the Great South Wall was the world’s longest sea wall at the time of its construction and remains one of Europe’s longest. It forms the southern part of Dublin Port. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views of the Dublin coast, but many undertake the walk simply to see the emblematic Poolbeg Lighthouse.
4. Howth Cliff Walk
Arguably one of the best walks in Dublin, the Howth Cliff Walk offers visitors different paths varying in length and difficulty. The walks are the Black Linn loop (moderate), the Bog of Frogs loop (hard), the Howth Cliff Path loop (moderate), the Tramline loop (moderate), and the Howth Summit walk (easy).
The walks last anywhere from 1.5 hours to up to three hours, but you will need to consult the maps for a better understanding of the time. If you are starting from the Howth DART station, be prepared for a steep uphill climb.
There is a lot to see on all the walks although the Bog of Frogs (aka Purple route) will allow to you to see everything from Howth Hill, Red Rock Beach, and the Bailey Lighthouse.
5. Ticknock Fairy Castle Walk
Last but not least is the beautiful Ticknock Fairy Castle Loop. Taking its name from an old tomb that’s now called the Fairy Castle, this walk will take you through the highest points in the Dublin mountains. It is recommended that you go here on a sunny day as you will not want to miss the breathtaking views. Along the way, you will be able to savour the sights of Dublin Bay, the Sugarloaf Mountain in County Wicklow, and the Mourne Mountains.
The Ticknock Fairy Castle Walk is trickier to get to than the other routes, is accessible by car. Best done on a long weekend when you can get a group of friends involved!
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