Top 5 best hikes near Dublin, ranked
Dublin is undoubtedly a European city worth adding to your bucket list, but what about making the most of the surrounding area’s impressive natural scenery? We’ve got you covered with some of the best hikes near Dublin.
Ireland offers some amazing coastal walks with dramatic coastlines tracing the Irish terrain. Venture inland, and you’re spoilt for choice there, too, with woodland trails, forest hikes, and wild, nature-filled expeditions through ancient lands.
While some locals (as well as tourists) think that Dublin is only about city vibes, they couldn’t be more wrong. The beauty of a trip to Dublin is that it marries city life and nature.
You could spend one day socializing in some of the capital’s coolest bars and shopping on the most prestigious high streets, and the next day you could be taking in bird’s-eye vistas over dramatic valleys and fresh-water lakes.
If you’re planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, Dublin should not be missed. And, more so, neither should these top five best hikes near Dublin.
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5. Killiney Hill Park, Co. Dublin – for a fun walk with friends
Killiney Hill Park is made up of two summits worth wandering: Killiney Hill and Dalkey Hill. Located on the southside of Dublin, not far from the city, this well-maintained park is perfect for an outing with friends and those who want to go solo.
It is well-managed, safe, and frequented heavily by locals and their four-legged furry friends. There are a few routes you can choose to take, and the trails are well laid out, too.
The routes are generally around 2 km (1.25 miles) and easy for those who are moderately fit. The summits offer the most unspoilt views of Dublin Bay, Killiney, and Dalkey villages.
These routes are definitely worth a visit when visiting Dublin, and a café and car park in the locale offer ease of accessibility.
Address: Killiney Hill, Scalpwilliam, Dublin, Ireland
4. Bray Head Cliff Walk, Co. Wicklow – for a DART-accessible coastline walk
Next up has got to be the Bray Head Cliff Walk, which winds and twists along the coastline of Wicklow, just past the border of Dublin.
The great thing about this walk is that there is a DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train station at both Bray and Greystones, the start and endpoints of this route, so accessibility is on point.
Both ends offer terrific amenities with restaurants, cafes, beaches, and entertainment options year-round, making both areas well worth a visit. This walk is 7 km (4.3 miles) in distance and takes around two and a half hours. It is not advisable for young children.
Address: Bray Head Cliff Walk, Newcourt, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
3. The Sugar Loaf Trail, Co. Wicklow – for breathtaking Wicklow views
This is a popular mountain trail of 2.5 km (1.6 miles) in County Wicklow, accessible by car within an hour of Dublin city.
The trail, although steep at the final ascent, is relatively easy and is one of the favourite hikes among families of moderately fit and active older children and adults.
The summit offers breathtaking views over County Wicklow and the neighbouring county of Dublin.
A car park at the base of the Sugar Loaf Trail offers ease of accessibility when parking in the locale. You don’t want to miss these fantastic views. Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times. Read More...
