As I write this blog post, it has been raining pretty much nonstop since the start of the year… but the good news is: spring is almost here, and with it, hiking season is upon us!!
One of the main reasons I chose to study in Ireland was for its incredible landscapes. The variety here is amazing: lakes, cliffs, forests, mountains, sea views… and the best part is that so many beautiful hikes are easy to reach from Dublin! 🙂
I started hiking a few years ago with the bare essentials: a pair of sneakers, a reusable water bottle, and snacks in my backpack. Even though I have been hiking more locations in Italy, I prefer to keep things simple with comfortable clothing, a light backpack, and snacks to enjoy the day.
I know how intimidating it can feel when you want to start a new hobby. You start thinking:
“Maybe I need proper trekking shoes first…”
“Maybe I need expensive gear…”
“Maybe I’m not fit enough yet…”
I totally get it because I feel the same way about trying new things! But honestly, you don’t need to have your life together before you start something new. You will learn as you go! So if you’ve been thinking about starting hiking this spring, this is your sign.
Here are my top 3 hikes close to Dublin that I’d recommend (especially if you want beautiful views without planning a full weekend trip).
1) Glendalough
We’re starting strong with my favourite hiking area near Dublin: Glendalough in Wicklow Mountains National Park.
I visited in May, and the weather was perfect. Glendalough is one of those places that feels magical as soon as you step foot there: lakes, forest paths, and a lot of route options depending on your level of enthusiasm.
Why I love it
What I think is so great about Glendalough is that it’s perfect to all levels. There are nine official walks in the National Park, ranging from easy lake walks to more difficult hill walks, and they all start from near the Upper Lake/Information Office. This means you can choose what kind of walk you want to do on the day.
I decided to push myself, so I did the Spinc and Wicklow Way walk. It’s one of the longer hill walks, and the views are incredible. It’s listed as a hill walk in the official guide, so it’s definitely a great option if you want to feel like you’ve earned your lunch.
I took it slowly (about 4 to 5 hours), stopped to take photos, and simply enjoyed the whole experience. And I must say that one of the things I liked about the place was that you really see everybody there (families, seniors, casual hikers, serious hikers…).
My recommendations
- Bring your snacks or lunch (sandwiches are best eaten there).
- Wear appropriate shoes if you plan to do the Spinc because the trails are quite steep, uneven, and even muddy if there’s been rain recently.
- Start early if you can, especially on sunny weekends.
- If you are not yet ready to tackle the big hike, there are other walks that are easier, such as the Miners’ Road Walk or the Green Road Walk.
Don’t have a car?
If you want to hike Glendalough but don’t have a car, don’t stress! The St. Kevin’s Bus leaves from near Stephen’s Green (a short walk from Front Square).
Better yet, keep an eye on the Trinity Hiking Society—they often organise weekend trips with transport included, which is a brilliant way to meet people outside your course!
Useful links
2) Howth Cliff Walk
Howth Cliff Walk is definitely one of the easiest and most rewarding hikes you can do from Dublin, especially if you want to get some sea views without having to travel too far.
It’s very easy to get to the start of the walk. It’s the kind of hike that makes you feel like you’re on a little holiday – boats in the harbour, walking along the cliffs, views of the lighthouse… and fish and chips when you’re done.
Why I Love This Hike
It’s officially rated as a moderate hike (it’s about 7.8 km and takes about 2 hours). It’s not exactly a mountain hike, but it still feels kind of adventurous, as you’re walking along the cliffs the whole way. The path is normally not too difficult, and I’m very proud to say I managed it in high-heeled boots once (don’t try this at home!).
My recommendations
- Go on a clear day if possible (the sea views are the best part).
- Bring a light jacket (Howth can be windy even when Dublin city feels mild).
- Finish with fish and chips in the village!
- If you’re new to hiking, this is one of the best places to start.
Useful links
3) Bray Cliff Walk
Bray really surprised me the first time I went and it’s super accessible from Dublin. The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is the easiest way to get there.
The sea front is very pretty, and the walk up to the top of Bray Head offers the great combination of “okay, this is work” and “okay, this view is worth it.”
Why I love it
It’s definitely the toughest part of the walk to get to the top, as it’s mostly uphill. But once you’re at the top, it’s very relaxed.
The official Bray Head Looped Walk is described as a moderate loop walk of about 5.5 km, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes. At the top of the walk, you’ll see the famous stone cross. At this point, you’ll also enjoy fantastic views of Bray, Dublin Bay, and the Wicklow hills. The Bray tourism page also mentions that some sections can be muddy and there may be a bit of scrambling, which matches my experience (especially after rain).
Once you’re at the top of the walk, it’s worth taking the other way down. The loop makes the walk feel more scenic and relaxed.
My recommendations
- Don’t be discouraged by the first uphill section (it gets easier I promise).
- Take it slowly and stop for a rest.
- Avoid slippery shoes if it has recently rained.
- Reward yourself afterwards with a coffee, ice cream, or food on the seafront in Bray!
Useful links
Exploring the Irish landscape is a huge part of the Trinity experience. If you’re currently planning your move to Dublin and want to know more about what student life is really like on (and off) campus, Download our International Student Prospectus here or reach out to the Global Room team for advice on settling in!
