Dublin's great location provides plenty of opportunities to explore Ireland's natural landscapes. If you prefer mountain hikes, try out the Dublin Mountains Way. It runs for 40 km of trails from Shankill in the east to Sean Walsh Park in Tallaght. The trail offers an easy hike and is marked with yellow signs, so it even suits inexperienced hikers. The route runs past mountains, valleys, lush woods, the Glenasmole Reservoir. Picturesque vistas over the Irish capital and the Wicklow Mountains are guaranteed!
To enjoy the coast, take Bray Cliff Walk—a short hike that is just 7 km long, between Bray and Greystones, some 40 km away from Dublin, easily accessible by public transport. The trail winds along the side of Bray Head and can be a bit muddy during the colder season. It takes around two hours to complete. If you climb the top of Bray Head, you'll be rewarded with the view of Dublin and Wicklow mountains.
Spinc Glendalough is a quite steep mountain trail from the monastery in Glendalough to Wicklow. You will pass a glacial valley, mountains and picturesque Glendalough lakes. The trail is a 9-km loop which can take up to four hours to complete.
The Howth Cliff Walk makes a full loop around Howth Head. With its 12-km loop, the trail passes picturesque rugged cliffs, the Baily Lighthouse, and a few nice beaches for swimming.
Hiking in Dublin area is best from April to October, because days are longer, there is a higher chance of nice weather, and it's a bit warmer. You can still go hiking in winter months, however the weather tends to not be so conducive in hiking these trails.
Practical info
When is the best time to go hiking in Dublin?
It is ideal to hike in Dublin from April to October, when the weather is often better. The temperature is sunnier and less humid, and the chances of rainfall are lower. Hiking in Dubin is possible in Winter months, however, be aware that the harsh weather in Dublin may make the hike to the trails a bit harder. Show more
Where can I find hiking trails with a view of the Wicklow mountains?
If you want to see the Wicklow Mountains, the towering mountains in Dublin can be seen from numerous hiking trails, including Spinc Glendalough and Bray Cliff Walk. At the top of Bray Head, located near the Cliff walk, you can observer the natural beauties of mountains in the farthest. Also hiking through Dublin Mountains Way could be a great option as it gives a perfect and gorgeous view of the mountains. Show more
How long does it take to complete Bray Cliff Walk?
When hiking with an easygoing pace, it should take about two hours to complete the Bray Cliff walk covering seven kilometers. This trail is easy for hikers to navigate along as the primary trail from Greystones to Bray, part of the cliff walk, is fairly smooth and well-placed. From the commence of the trail, the remarkable scenic beauty of coastal landscapes can be seen throughout the entire journey. Show more
What are some beaches along the Howth Cliff Walk loop?
If you are looking for beaches to relax and cool off, Balscadden Bay and Claremont Beach are two great beaches on the Howth Cliff Walk loop. The scenic surroundings of both beaches make it a perfect spot for tranquil and serene relaxation immersed in natural beauty. Claremont beach has a natural pool that allows swimmers to experience the peace and calm of the beach more intimately. Show more
Which hiking trail is suitable for inexperienced hikers?
Hikers with less experience levels should hike Dublin Mountains Way, which has a well-marked path with yellow signs, is easy to navigate and has less crowded passages. Dublin Mountains Way is around 40km through both mountains and woods so hikers can explore the nature and wildlife up close. Howth Cliff Walk is another suitable trail for inexperienced hikers as it has beautiful scenery along the way, despite being slightly more challenging than Dublin Mountains Way and being longer. Show more
