Top 10 Scenic Walk’s in Dublin
Ireland is a country known for its astonishing beauty, and now, more than ever is it extremely important to get out, breathe in the Irish fresh air and take in the scenery of Dublin City. There are many scenic walks at your fingertips, taking you through Georgian Squares and city centre greens or on a revitalising seaside hike. Whether you want to take a self-guided walk or experience Dublin through a walking tour with a local, you will undoubtedly fall in love with our magical city. Below is a list of our favourite scenic walks, all a close distance to The Clayton Hotel Charlemont that we know you’re going to love.
1. Howth Cliff Walk
Howth Cliff walk 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. Howth Cliff Walk is approximately a 40-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Charlemont.
What To Expect
- Walk can take between 1.5 – 3 hours (Depending on your chosen route)
Source: Active Me Irelands Travel Guide – https://www.activeme.ie/guides/howth-circle-loop-walk/
2. Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk
I present to you 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. Poolbeg Lighthouse walk is approximately a 10-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Charlemont.
What to expect
- This walk gets very windy – make sure to wrap up!
Source: Little Adventure Travels- Print on Sale for €30- https://liveadventuretravel.com/product/dublin-prints-poolbeg-lighthouse/
3. The Hellfire Club Walk
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. The Hellfire Club walk is approximately a 20-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Charlemont.
What to expect
- 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.
Source: Dublin Outdoors- https://www.dublinsoutdoors.ie/visit/the-hellfire-club/
4. Fernhill Park 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. Fernhill Park and Gardens is approximately a 20-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Charlemont.
What to expect
- Similar to the other scenic walks mentioned above, Fernhill Park can become extremely overcrowded so you are best to arrive as early as possible!
Source: dlr County Council- https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/capital-programme/fernhill-park-and-gardens
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 is approximately a 30-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Charlemont.
What to expect
- 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.
Source: dlr County Council- https://www.dlrcoco.ie/ga/node/58244
6. The Killiney Hill Walk
Sticking in the surreal town of Killiney, 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. Killiney is approximately a 30-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Charlemont.
What to expect
- 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!
Source: Instagram / @happysnapperdublin
7. The Phoenix Park
The Phoenix Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round, 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 is approximately a 15-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Charlemont.
What to expect
- The Phoenix Park Circular is approximately a 5km loop trail, featuring a beautiful lake, and is suitable for all skill levels. Note; Dublin Zoo is just a 1-minute drive from Phoenix Park, a perfect day out with friends and family.
Source: Independent Newspaper https://www.independent.ie/irish-news
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. Malahide Castle is approximately a 35-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Charlemont.
What to expect
- 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.
Source: All Around Ireland https://www.allaroundireland.ie/malahide-castle/
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 is approximately a 30-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Charlemont.
What to expect
- Ticknock – Fairy Castle Loop is moderate walk, approximately 5.5km, and should take you around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Source: The Irish Road Trip https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/ticknock-walk/
10. Carrickgollogan
Just 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. Carrickgollogan is approximately a 30-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Charlemont.
What to expect
- The car park is open from April to September from 7am to 9pm, and then from October to March from 8am to 5pm.
Source: The Irish Road Trip https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/carrickgollogan-forest-walk/
No walk in Dublin is complete without a Red Bean Roastery coffee, energising you to take on these amazing trials available all over Dublin. Kick-start your next adventure at the Clayton Hotel Charlemont, and indulge in a selection of delicious treats and scrumptious coffee.
