Discover every stop on the Dublin Coastal Trail
Right at the edge of Dublin city centre is the long and inviting coastline of Dublin Bay, dotted with medieval castles, scenic cliff walks, pretty parks and plenty of outdoor activities ready to fill a weekend with adventure.
Dublin Coastal Trail: Your Guide to the Perfect Day Out
Winding through 16 stops from Balbriggan in the north to Killiney in the south, the Dublin Coastal Trail is accessible by DART rail line and Irish Rail. This makes for an easy car-free day trip for those craving salt air and saltier seafood while based in the city.
On a good day, you can also hop on two wheels with the Bleeper Bike share scheme, available in several places along the Dublin Coastal Trail. Freewheel your way along the coast. The Dublin Coastal Trail presents an exciting opportunity to explore the beautiful coastline.
From fish and chips in Dún Laoghaire to seal-watching in Howth, here’s everything you can get up to along the Dublin Coastal Trail.
Along the Dublin Coastal Trail, you can also discover various local attractions and activities that enhance your experience.
- 1.Balbriggan
- 2.Skerries
- 3.Donabate
- 4.Malahide
- 5.Howth
- 6. Raheny & North Bull Island
- 7.Clontarf
- 8. Dublin Port
- 9. Grand Canal Dock
- 10.Sandymount
- 11.Blackrock
- 12. Salthill & Monkstown
- 13.Dún Laoghaire
- 14. Sandycove & Glasthule
- 15.Dalkey
- 16.Killiney
Balbriggan
The start of the Dublin Coastal Trail north of the city is the bustling town of Balbriggan. You’ll need to hop on a quick Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) train from the city centre as it’s one of the few stops on the trail that’s not accessible by DART.
The town was once the hub of Dublin’s thriving textile industry – which you can still explore at the Celtic Tweed Shop. Watch the pros craft handmade tweed and linen in their working factory and try your hand at wool spinning on a guided tour.
When the town’s textile mills were still booming in the 19th century, society balls were being held at nearby Ardgillan Castle and Gardens. Tour the grounds to learn all about the castle’s former residents and explore the Victorian-style rose and produce gardens.
The property is also home to Ardgillan Artists Collective, a studio space dedicated to artists living and working in the Fingal area.
Make the most of the grounds at Ardgillan Castle and Gardens.
Enjoy a stroll along Balbriggan Beach and breathe in the sea air until you reach the town’s very own Martello Tower. Alternatively, bring your dog for a walk along the pebbly shores of Hampton Cove Beach and spot Balbriggan Lighthouse in the distance.
If you want to walk and learn at the same time, the Balbriggan Heritage Trail is easy to follow and offers an immersive telling of the town’s history; all you have to do is download the app and be on your way.
Walk all the way out to Balbriggan Lighthouse and soak up the coastal views.
All that exploring calls for a hearty meal. Head to the Man O’War Pub and Restaurant for their beef and Guinness stew. Alternatively, treat yourself to the slow-braised featherblade of beef served with spring onion mash and red wine jus in Jack Doyle’s Bar at Bracken Court, where you can also stay overnight.
If you fancy dinner and a show, you can catch big names in comedy, music and theatre at the Lark Concert Hall at the Irish Institute of Music and Song, with La-La Café and Restaurant onsite for a bite.
A seaside town worth its salt all year round, Skerries is full of great activities for a day out. Just a short train ride from the city centre, the pretty harbour village is popular with visitors who come to ramble the coastal walk and the silvery strands of the North and South beaches.
Head out on a paddleboard tour with Skerries Watersports or Skerries Paddle Tours and follow it up with an award-winning ice cream at Storm in a Teacup on the pier.
Head to the beach in Skerries.
For local history with a view, take a leisurely stroll along the 5km stretch of St Patrick’s Way and Art Trail. Admire the public art sculptures dotted along the seafront and make pit stops at the information panels to learn more about the pieces and how they relate to Skerries history.
Or, take a dog-leg to Skerries Mills – a collection of historic windmills edged by ponds and crop fields with breathtaking coastal views. Get there on a Saturday and avail of some local produce at the mill’s farmers market. Alternatively, there’s delicious fishy fare at Blue Bar in the harbour, tapas with a twist at The Brick House and crowd-pleasers including chowder and sandwiches (with a side of pints) at Stoop Your Head.
As you explore the Dublin Coastal Trail, keep an eye out for local wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Explore the art installations along the Dublin Coastal Trail, which add a unique flair to the scenery.
As you travel along the Dublin Coastal Trail, be sure to visit the nearby attractions to enrich your journey.
Before you leave, grab a bite to eat in Stoop Your Head.
Donabate
Walking the Dublin Coastal Trail offers plenty of scenic views and historical sites to explore. It’s a perfect blend of nature and culture.
Donabate’s position along the Donabate-Portrane peninsula provides it with some of the best coastal views in all of Dublin. Set out on the Donabate Portrane Cliff Walk to see them all. The 4km there-and-back route takes in beautiful Portrane Beach, 19th-century Martello Towers and Lambay Island out in the distance.
Once you’ve reached Portrane, reward yourself with a session in one of three handcrafted barrel pods at the Sea Sauna.
Breathe in the sea air at Portrane Beach.
You can also explore Donabate on two wheels with East Coast Bike Hire. Pedal to the max and see all of the village’s best bits, or take a break wherever takes your fancy. They provide you with everything you might need, including standard and electric bikes, helmets, high-vis vests and bike attachments for kids.
Donabate and its nearest neighbour Portrane have their fair share of historical sights. Head out and explore the area’s rich heritage. Check out the delicate carvings and colourful stained glass windows of St Patrick’s Catholic Church, often referred to as one of the most ornate churches in Ireland.
Learn about the tragedy that led to the building of Evan’s Tower, before spending time at Newbridge House and Farm. The 18th-century Georgian mansion rests on 370 acres of lush parkland and has plenty to keep you occupied – tour the Red Drawing Room and Museum of Curiosities, say hello to the resident animals on the working farm or walk through the woodland.
They also host the Courtyard Kitchen, a cooking school for budding chefs, just in case you want to brush up your culinary skills.
While away at Newbridge House and Farm.
Malahide’s smart layout with pastel houses and a slick marina belies its breezy coastal vibe. Shouldering the 12th-century Malahide Castle on one side and the golden sands of Malahide Beach on the other, with buzzy restaurants and boutiques in between, it manages to have it all.
Tour the castle and its gardens and learn about the Talbot family who lived there (and the ghosts that apparently roam the grounds). Spot over 20 species of butterfly among tropical plants in the exotic Butterfly House, or bring the little ones to the Casino Model Railway Museum which is housed in the original hunting lodge near the castle gates.
Malahide’s smart layout with pastel houses and a slick marina belies its breezy coastal vibe. Shouldering the 12th-century Malahide Castle on one side and the golden sands of Malahide Beach on the other, with buzzy restaurants and boutiques in between, it manages to have it all. Tour the castle and its gardens and learn about the Talbot family who lived there (and the ghosts that apparently roam the grounds). Spot over 20 species of butterfly among tropical plants in the exotic Butterfly House, or bring the little ones to the Casino Model Railway Museum which is housed in the original hunting lodge near the castle gates.
The Dublin Coastal Trail is perfect for families, with plenty of activities for children to enjoy as well. Roam the grounds of Malahide Castle and Gardens, and spot the exotic butterflies.
Adventurous spirits can take to the water with SUP Dublin for a leisurely paddle boarding session along the Malahide Estuary. Or leave the mainland behind and organise a trip to Lambay Island to scope out the isolated island’s castle, chapel and coastguard station. Spot local wildlife including seals, puffins and even a troupe of wallabies.
Roam the grounds of Malahide Castle and Gardens, and spot the exotic butterflies.
Adventurous spirits can take to the water with SUP Dublin for a leisurely paddle boarding session along the Malahide Estuary. Or leave the mainland behind and organise a trip to Lambay Island to scope out the isolated island’s castle, chapel and coastguard station. Spot local wildlife including seals, puffins and even a troupe of wallabies.
Explore the culinary delights along the Dublin Coastal Trail, where local flavors shine.
Experience the breathtaking sights along the Dublin Coastal Trail, where each stop brings something unique.
For dinner with a view, try fresh fish at The Greedy Goose in the marina or grab some traditional nosh and live music at Gibney’s pub on the main street.
The vibrant community along the Dublin Coastal Trail welcomes visitors with open arms and fascinating stories.
Just 25 minutes from the city yet worlds away, Howth peninsula manages to straddle a busy fishing village feel with windswept coastal walks. Take in the village as you set off on the 7.8km Howth Cliff Path Loop from Howth Pier, taking in Ireland’s Eye, the Baily Lighthouse and dramatic sea cliffs. Or head for a guided hike of the peninsula with Howth Adventures, learning about coastal habitats and wildlife as you go.
Much of the town backs onto the extensive grounds of Howth Castle, built in 1564. The castle itself is open to the public with regular tours with their resident historian, Daniel Eglington- Carey, where you can take cooking classes with Howth Castle Cookery School. The gardens are worth a visit, most notably in summer when the rhododendron collections are in full bloom. You’ll find more beautiful species at Ardan Garden close to the summit, which is open from June to September.
Media caption-Lace up your hiking boots and take on the Howth Cliff Path Loop.
Embrace the spirit of adventure as you navigate the stunning routes of the Dublin Coastal Trail.
The Dublin Coastal Trail showcases the region’s natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-visit.
Consider joining a guided tour along the Dublin Coastal Trail to learn more about the area’s history.
Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, or relaxing by the sea, the Dublin Coastal Trail has something for everyone.
Make sure to take advantage of the amenities along the Dublin Coastal Trail for a complete experience.
For those seeking adventure, the Dublin Coastal Trail offers a variety of activities that cater to all interests.
Consider joining a guided tour along the Dublin Coastal Trail to learn more about the area’s history. Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, or relaxing by the sea, the Dublin Coastal Trail has something for everyone.
As you venture along the Dublin Coastal Trail, take the opportunity to engage with local artisans and their crafts.
As you venture along the Dublin Coastal Trail, take the opportunity to engage with local artisans and their crafts. End your day on the Dublin Coastal Trail with a delightful meal at one of the local eateries.
