5 new locations announced – Balbriggan, Donabate, Clontarf/Dollymount, Dublin Port, and Blackrock.
Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, and Iarnród Éireann, has announced the extension of the Dublin Coastal Trail. The trail, which originally launched in 2022 with 11 villages, will now extend its reach with the addition of five new locations in 2025: Balbriggan, Donabate, Clontarf/Dollymount, Dublin Port, and Blackrock.
Since its launch, the Dublin Coastal Trail has been instrumental in encouraging both domestic and international visitors to explore the towns, outdoor activities, and attractions that lie within easy reach of the city centre. The trail continues to promote sustainable, car-free travel options, utilising the DART and rail lines to showcase the UNESCO Biosphere bay and encouraging visitors to explore villages with unique stories to tell. This initiative not only enhances visitor experiences but also supports small to medium businesses by encouraging visitors to Dublin to explore beyond the city centre.
Commenting on the extension of the Dublin Coastal Trail, Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland said: “The launch of the Dublin Coastal Trail has been a fantastic addition to the Dublin portfolio. It not only adds to Dublin’s appeal as a vibrant city break but has also helped to open up Dublin’s coastline to allow visitors to better immerse themselves in local, unique destinations. The extension of the trail will build this momentum, helping to spread the benefits of tourism beyond the city centre. Each new location also brings its own unique charm and attractions, enriching the overall experience for both domestic and international visitors.”
Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: “Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to collaborate with Fáilte Ireland on this wonderful opportunity to include Blackrock village in the next phase of the Dublin Coastal Trail. Providing visitors with information about what they can see and do just a short distance from the city centre is a vital part of managing visitor flows and creating bespoke visitor experiences.”
Cllr Brian McDonagh, Mayor of Fingal said: “The addition of Donabate and Balbriggan to the Dublin Coastal Trail is great news for Fingal. We have a superb coastline to explore, and this expansion will further boost local economies and give visitors the opportunity to experience the warmth of our local communities.”
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain said: “I am delighted to see the extension of the Dublin Coastal Trail to the Clontarf/Dollymount and Dublin Port areas. Being by the coast is great for connecting with the natural world around us. Anything that encourages people to get out and explore their city and county is always very welcome.”
Jim Meade, CEO of Iarnród Éireann said: “We are delighted to support phase 2 of the Dublin Coastal Trail. This initiative brings tourists and locals alike to areas of great coastal beauty. Balbriggan, Donabate, Clontarf/Dollymount and Blackrock are all accessible by a short train journey from the city centre so we encourage everyone to get exploring.”
Barry O’Connell, Dublin Port said: “We were delighted to launch a really unique part of the Dublin Coastal Trail, the Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway, in 2024. This Greenway lets people see Dublin Bay, and indeed Dublin Port, like never before – whether they’re enjoying the Greenway in its own right, or cycling down to catch their ferry to Holyhead or Cherbourg. So far we’ve welcomed over 100,000 people to the Greenway and it’s a key part of our strategy to open up the port to the public and celebrate the rich historical links it shares with the city.”
