No plans this weekend? Looking for that perfect Sunday stroll?Look no further as we have the perfect list of lesser-known walks to fill your day this weekend.
We cater to both our northside and southside inhabitants for this one, whether it’s that perfect insta-worthy shot you’re after or if you just want to make your colleagues jealous on Monday morning we have something on this list for you.
Have a scroll, we’re sure you’ll find something that takes your fancy.
We start our list off with a staple walk for you weekend warriors. What can possibly scream Dublin more than the view of the two iconic Poolbeg chimneys at sunset?
The Great South Wall caters to all, being smack bang in the middle of the city. Jetting out from Dublin Bay itself, you get panoramic views of
both the south and north coastline.
The walk brings you 4km off shore, finishing at the Poolbeg lighthouse, which is breath-taking in its own right. As you look back you can see all th
e way to Dun Laoghaire on your left and Howth head on your right.
If you hit it at the right time you may even get to stand at arms breath away from the many ships that use the corridor to enter the cities dock. This 8km all-round walk will take you up to 90 minutes.
For an added bonus for any thrill seekers there is a half way point, The Half Moon swim club, which is the perfect spot to take a plunge after a long walk!
Howth Cliff Walk
Difficulty level: Moderate
This is a walk which offers incredible views throughout, looping around the Howth peninsula, which offers incredible food and drink for wary feet after a long day.
You can start from either the Dart station or the cliff car park, catering to those who may want to stay for a drink, taking the Dart can be a great option for this one. Once you get out of the station, walk along the coast until you get to the cliff car park and the entrance to the walk.
The loop will take you around the coast, past the Baily Lighthouse and offering amazing views of Dublin bay. This is a 10km walk which loops you back down to the village of Howth, takes anywhere from 2-3 hours. The highlight of this walk has to be the lighthouse though, a great place to have a pit stop if you have brought a packed lunch.
For any adrenaline junkies, there is a secret diving spot along the walk which is called the lions head. You will often see people abseiling down to the diving spots on a summers day. People have been diving off this since the early 1900’s, although now it has been blocked off by the council, so risk takers do so at your own risk.
Donabate Portrane cliff walk
Difficulty level: Easy
This is a perfect walk for anyone looking to take the dog out this weekend. Connecting both Portrane and Donabate beach, you can loop around inland if you wanted a longer walk, which would make in 12km taking 3-4 hours. But for anyone looking for a quick stroll you can walk from beach to beach in less than an hour.
The walk hugs the coastline offering amazing views of the Irish Sea and Lambay Island. You are brought around the Portane tower, which can make for some pretty amazing photos, as well as some cosy secluded beaches, which may peak your interest as we get closer and close to summer.
You can start off at either point, Donabate or Portrane, which is a great place to let the dog loose on the beach as you take a breather.
Ticknock Forrest
Difficulty level: Moderate
Ticknock caters to all adventures, offering great walking trails as well as great mountain biking trails.
For this list we will stick to the walking trails, the main one being the walk up to the fairy castle. This is a 6km walk and will take roughly 2 hours. Starting off at the park car park you will quickly rise above the tree line, opening up to panoramic views of the city. This is hands down one of the best views of Dublin on a clear day.
There are plenty of little hidden gems in these trees, if you stay left when entering the woods, you will come across what looks like an abandoned fortress. There is remanence of old campfires and weathered graffiti on the slab walls. It was actually once an old army firing range, abandoned in the late 70’s. A great hidden treasure of the mountain... if you manage to find it.
Carrickgollogan – Lead mines
Difficulty Level: Easy
Last but certainly not least is the Carrickgollogan or Lead Mines way. Just a few minutes off the M50, close enough to our last location, it also offers tremendous views of the city. This is a short and surprisingly rewarding walk, with the full loop only coming in at 2km.
The marked trail doesn’t actually bring you up to the top, but it’s worth getting your feet a little muddy and ascending to the chimney. The chimneys, or what looks like a tower was actually once part of an old lead mine. It is perfect for those in search of a good Instagram photo, with its mesmerising spiral staircase on the exterior of the chimney. Which unfortunately does not start from the bottom as to avoid any fatal accidents.
From the chimney you can easily loop back to the carpark following the Lead Mines way, or if you’ve still got some energy you can continue along the outside of the woods to the road and loop back that way.