Top 10 Scenic Walk’s in Dublin | Clayton Hotel Charlemont

1. Howth Cliff

Howth Cliff in Dublin is a favourite walk for locals. You can start this walk from Howth Dart Station, or from the car park at Howth Summit. You will be treated to incredible coastal views during the entirety of the walk. If you are an early riser, and decide to embark on the Howth Cliff walk, you can expect one of the most breath-taking Dublin sunrises. This walk is perfect for those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin without actually leaving Dublin.

• Walk can take between 1.5 – 3 hours (Depending on your chosen route)
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2. Poolbeg Lighthouse

I present to you the Poolbeg Lighthouse walk is the ultimate coastal walk in Dublin, taking you to the 254-year-old Poolbeg Lighthouse. This exceptional walk with sweep you off your feet, with stunning views of Dublin Bay, Howth Head, Dun Laoghaire Harbour and the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Begin your journey from Sandymount village for a lengthy 2-hour walk.

• This walk gets very windy – make sure to wrap up!

3. The Hellfire Club

Montpelier Hill, better known as The Hellfire Club, is a lovely walk, including a variety of short forest trails and provides breath-taking views of Dublin City.  The walk begins moderately steep, taking you to the top where a large hunting lodge stands. Some very strange things are said to have happened at The Hellfire Club, so if you believe in the paranormal, this walk is one you won’t want to miss.

• There are two routes to tackle and they vary in length, lasting between 1-1.5 hours and varied difficulties with unbeatable views out over Dublin City.

4. Fernhill House and Gardens

Fernhill House and Gardens is a beautiful public park in Dublin and it’s hiding some exceptional walking trails, a playground and beautiful gardens. All of these amazing amenities are based on a large estate that dates back to the 1720’s, Fernhill house showcases beautifully kept gardens, a stream, mature rhododendrons and ancient oak trees. If you are looking for a short, family-friendly walk, you can’t go wrong with this magical spot.

• Similar to the other scenic walks mentioned above, Fernhill Park can become extremely overcrowded so you are best to arrive as early as possible!

5. Killiney Beach

Killiney beach is a long, stony beach located in the beautiful Dublin town known as Killiney. This stunning beach walk offers breath-taking views of the surrounding area, with sights of the rocky coastline including Dalkey Island, Sorrento Terrace, and Bray Head. Killiney Beach stretches approximately 2.5km, moderately easy walk, and can take from 30-45 minutes to undertake.

• Killiney beach has a small car park, that can be reached via a tunnel under the railway line from Strathmore Road, the beach can then be reached via a short flight of steps.

6. The Killiney Hill

Sticking in the surreal town of Killiney, the Killiney Hill walk is a popular destination for walkers and hikers in search of spectacular views, including; Killiney Beach, Dublin to the northwest, the Irish Sea, the mountain of Wales, Bray Head and the Wicklow Mountains. There are multiple ways to tackle this walk, whether that be the long versions, starting from the bottom of Killiney Hill, or two short ones, that start from the main Killiney Hill car park.

• Although Killiney and Dalkey Hill loop walk is a moderately easy trail, there are steps along the way, so the route may not be suitable for all!

7. The Phoenix Park

The Phoenix Park, originally formed as a royal hunting park in 1660s and was opened to the public in 1747. The park is home to a large herd of fallow deer, a Zoological Gardens, Áras an Uachtaráin, and a Victorian flower garden, Polo, cricket, hurling, and many more fun activities can be found at Phoenix Park, not only this but many walks and trails can also be found on the grounds of the park available to the public.

• The Phoenix Park Circular is approximately a 5km loop trail, featuring a beautiful lake, and is suitable for all skill levels.
• Dublin Zoo is just a 1-minute drive from Phoenix Park, a perfect day out with friends and family.

8. Malahide Castle

Seaside village Malahide is situated on the Northside of Dublin and has an impressive list of coastal and inland walking routes, whether you are looking for an easy, steady stroll or a more energetic walk, there is most definitely something for you in Malahide. Malahide Demesne Regional Park contains various wooded and grass areas, with paths crisscrossing the entire area. The perimeter walk is approximately a 4.5km walk, with beautiful scenery and the opportunity of spotting some woodland creatures, such as, rabbits, birds, squirrels and occasionally foxes. The park is home to the glorious Malahide Castle, where visitors can purchase tickets to gain access to Malahide Castle and Gardens (including the Butterfly House and Fairy Trail), or else you can enter for free and roam around the grounds taking in this 268-acre park.

• The park also boasts a large children’s playground, mature 9-hole par 3 golf course, 18-hole pitch & putt course, sports pitches, tennis courts, cricket pitch and exercise trail.

9. Ticknock – Fairy Castle Loop

Ticknock offers a selection of mountain and forest walks near Dublin, just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. Visitors have the option to embark on this trail with a tarmac road leading all the way to the top or opting for the adventurous route through the trees. The Fairy Castle Loop takes you up to the top of Fairy Castle, down to Three Rock and back to where you began via Ticknock Woods. 

• Ticknock – Fairy Castle Loop is moderate walk, approximately 5.5km, and should take you around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

10. Carrickgollogan

Carrickgollogan is a stone’s throw away from Ticknock, this is a short walk near Dublin and should take between 30 to 40 minutes to complete it, with two trails to try here. The Lead Mines Way is a loop which takes in the historic Lead Mines Chimney, or The Mountain Access Route takes you to the viewing rock where you will find unmissable scenery of Dublin and beyond.

• The car park is open seasonally so check the website before your visit.