Home
HIKES NEAR DUBLIN
Discover the Best Hikes Near Dublin
Welcome to Hikes Near Dublin, your go-to guide for the best hiking and walking trails just a short trip from the beautiful city of Dublin, Ireland. Whether you’re a casual, an experienced walker, or someone simply looking to explore the beautiful mountains, coastal paths, or forest walks around the capital , you’ll find the perfect trail here.
Ireland is full of incredible places to explore, and the Dublin and Wicklow mountains are a bucket list destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. From cliff walks and hill loops to moderate hikes and easy-going paths, this site helps you find and plan the best routes for your next adventure.
Explore These Great Trails near Dublin
Here are some of the top hikes near Dublin already featured on our site:
Those hikes and walks are sorted by disance from Dublin city:
- Hikes and Walks about 30 minutes drivefrom Dublin
- Hikes and Walks about 45 Minutes drive from Dublin
- Hikes and walks about 60 minutes drive from Dublin
Hikes and Walks about 30 minutes drive from Dublin
1. Ticknock Forest – Fairy Castle Loop
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Located in the Dublin Mountains, just 30 minutes from Dublin, the Fairy Castle Loop is a stunning 6 km hike that offers adventure, history, and breathtaking views in one compact loop. Starting in the scenic Ticknock Forest, this moderate trail climbs to Three Rock Mountain and then to the summit of Two Rock Mountain, crowned by a mysterious prehistoric tomb known as Fairy Castle. With 360° views stretching from Dublin Bay to the Mourne Mountains, it’s the perfect family-friendly escape—buggy-accessible up to Three Rock and packed with natural beauty, forest paths,wildlife, and beattifull mountain views. Click below to explore the full trail guide, map, and tips for making the most of this unforgettable Dublin Mountains adventure!
2. Howth Cliff Walk
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Easy
The Howth Cliff walk is a breathtaking 7 km loop along the rugged coastline of the Howth Peninsula. The Howth Cliff walk is starting in the charming fishing village of Howth, located Just 30 minutes from Dublin. This is an easy-to-moderate hike that offers stunning views of Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, and Dublin Bay, with dramatic sea cliffs, wildflowers, and seabird colonies along the way.
The trail begins right at the Howth DART station and follows a scenic path past the harbour, Martello Tower, and Balscadden Bay before climbing to panoramic clifftop views and finishing with a descent via the old tramline path. You can choose from four waymarked loops depending on your time and energy, with the Blue (howth tramline loop) and Green loops (Howth Cliff path loop)being the most popular.
Easily accessible by public transport and packed with natural beauty, history, and photo-worthy moments, this is one of the best hikes near Dublin.
3. The Hellfire Club trail
Distance: 4 km
Difficulty: Easy
Looking for a short and esy, scenic hike near Dublin with a splash of folklore and a fantastic city view? The Hellfire Club walk is a 4 km loop trail that brings you up Montpelier Hill (383 m) to one of Dublin’s most notorious landmarks — the ruins of the 18th-century hunting lodge: The Hellfire Club.
Located just 25 minutes from the city centre, this walk is ideal for families, beginners, and anyone after a quick outdoor escape. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Dublin, Dublin Bay, and Howth Head — it’s most certainly the best Dublin city view in the Dublin Mountains.
Looking for a short but rewarding hike with stunning views and a dash of eerie folklore? The Hellfire Club walk in the Dublin Mountains is one of the most popular trails near Dublin.It offers panoramic views over Dublin Bay, a ruined 18th-century hunting lodge steeped in spooky legends, and a family-friendly trail through peaceful woodland. Read the full guide to discover trail tips, parking info, and the haunted history behind this iconic Dublin hike.
4. Dalkey and Killiney Hill walk
Distance: 4 km
Difficulty: Easy
The Dalkey and Killiney Hill Walk is a short and scenic walk near Dublin that offers some of the best views on the east coast. Just 15 km south of the city, this gentle loop through Killiney Hill Park rewards you with sweeping vistas of Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea, Bray Head, and even the mountains of Wales on a clear day—all in under an hour’s walking.
At only 1.5 km (or around 4 km if you’re arriving by DART), it’s a quick loop that punches well above its weight in terms of scenery. Wander through quiet woodlands, climb to rocky viewpoints, and take in the sights from the iconic obelisk at the summit. Whether you have an hour or a whole afternoon, it’s easy to lose track of time soaking in the atmosphere at the top.
Like the popular Howth Cliff Walk, this is a perfect escape and one of Dublin’s best coastal walks—easy to reach, stunning to experience, and perfect for all fitness levels. Explore the trail profile below and get informations about driving direction, car park, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to Dalkey and Killiney Hill.
Hikes and Walks about 45 Minutes drive from Dublin
5. Djouce Deerpark walk (Red Loop)
Distance: 9 km
Difficulty: Medium
Looking for a walk that combines lush forest paths, sweeping valley views, and a real sense of escape — all within an hour of Dublin?
The Djouce Deerpark Red Loop is a hidden gem in the Wicklow Mountains, perfect for anyone craving a longer, more immersive trail.
This 9 km loop winds through peaceful woodlands and open hillside with spectacular panoramas of Djouce, Maulin, and the Great Sugar Loaf. Along the way, you’ll catch stunning glimpses of the Powerscourt Valley and its iconic waterfall — the highest in Ireland. Whether you’re out for a Sunday afternoon adventure or introducing the family to Wicklow’s wild beauty, this trail offers just the right balance of effort and reward.
Expect a little bit of everything: forest tracks, riverside sounds, blooming heather in summer, and even a glimpse into local history with old estate roads and hidden ponds once used to power fountains. The trail is well-marked and feels like a proper hike without being too challenging — a great way to reconnect with nature and enjoy the best of Wicklow’s scenery.
Click here to read the full hike guide and get all the details you need to plan your Djouce Deerpark walk.
6. JB Malone to Djouce Walk
Distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Medium
If you’re chasing big views without needing to trek for hours, the hike from JB Malone Car Park to Djouce Mountain is a must-do in the Wicklow Mountains. This moderate 8 km trail rewards you quickly with sweeping panoramas over Lough Tay (the famous Guinness Lake), the Great Sugar Loaf, and the shimmering Irish Sea. From the moment you step onto the iconic boardwalk, you’re surrounded by open skies, wild heather, and the quiet magic of the Wicklow uplands.
This route blends natural beauty with a bit of Irish hillwalking history — named after the legendary J.B. Malone, who helped pioneer the Wicklow Way. Whether you climb all the way to Djouce’s summit or simply stroll to the JB Malone Memorial just 300m from the car park, this trail delivers one of the most scenic bang-for-your-buck walks near Dublin. It’s a perfect few hours in the hills — ideal for a crisp morning leg-stretcher or a golden-hour escape.
Click here to read the full hike guide with the trail map, driving directions, and plenty of tips to help you make the most of this stunning Wicklow walk.
7. Djouce Woods Blue Loop
Distance: 4 km
Difficulty: Easy
Looking for an easy, family-friendly forest walk with unforgettable views? The Djouce Woods Blue Loop is the perfect Sunday escape — a gentle 4.5 km loop through peaceful woodland, with stunning glimpses of Powerscourt Waterfall, the Deer Park, and the rolling Powerscourt Valley along the way. Just 45 minutes from Dublin, this walk offers a magical mix of shaded trails, gorse-covered hillsides, and dramatic open vistas — without needing hiking boots or serious stamina.
The loop is ideal for families with kids, casual walkers, or anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with nature. And with the sound of the River Dargle flowing in the distance and views of the mighty Sugarloaf peeking through the trees, it’s as scenic as it is soothing.
Click here to read the full Djouce Woods walk guide — complete with trail map, detail about car park, and local tips to help you enjoy one of Wicklow’s most rewarding short walks.
Hikes and Walks about 60 Minutes drive from Dublin
8. Glendalough Spink
Distance: 10 km
Difficulty: Medium
If you only have time for one hike near Dublin, make it this one. The Glendalough Spink walk (White Route) is a breathtaking 10 km loop that takes you high above the famous Glendalough Valley, along a dramatic boardwalk on the Spinc ridge, and down through the wild, open beauty of the Glenealo Valley — with waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient ruins along the way.
This is a moderate day hike packed with scenic rewards: shimmering lakes, panoramic mountain views, a glimpse of Ireland’s mining past, and the chance to spot deer or wild goats among the heather and stone. Whether you choose to start at the monastic ruins or head straight up via Poulanass Waterfall, every step brings something memorable.
Just an hour’s drive from Dublin, this is arguably the best hike in Wicklow — and a must-do for anyone craving a mix of nature, history, and soul-lifting views.
Click here to explore the full Glendalough Spink walk guide — with maps, tips, directions, and everything you need to plan this unforgettable adventure.
9. Bray to Greystone cliffwalk
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Easy
Looking for a scenic and easy escape from Dublin city? The Bray to Greystones Cliff walk is one of the best coastal walks near Dublin — a 7 km trail of sea views, wildflowers, seabirds, and fresh salty air, all just a short DART ride away. It’s the perfect Sunday stroll, whether you’re out with the kids, snapping photos, spotting wildlife, or just soaking up the views.
This linear route follows the cliffs south from Bray Head to Greystones Harbour, with the train line always just below and the Irish Sea stretching out to your left. It’s smooth underfoot, buggy-friendly, and dotted with places to pause, watch for dolphins, or enjoy a picnic on a sunny day.
No car? No problem. Hop on the DART from Dublin and make a day of it. Walk one way, stop for a coffee or bite to eat in Greystones, then take the train back — or walk the whole thing in reverse if you’re feeling energetic!
10. Derrybawn Ridge & Glendalough Spinc Hike
Distance: 13 km
Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re after a rewarding day hike near Dublin that combines breathtaking mountain views, peaceful forest trails, and a touch of history, the Derrybawn Ridge & Glendalough Spinc Loop is a brilliant choice. This 13 km moderate loop takes you away from the busier Spinc trails to explore the quieter southern part of Glendalough Valley, climbing up the stunning Derrybawn Ridge, across Mullacor summit, and finishing along the famous Spinc ridge above Glendalough Upper Lake.
With dramatic landscapes, sweeping panoramic views, and plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath, this route is ideal for hikers who want a bit of challenge without the crowds. Plus, it starts just about an hour’s drive from Dublin, making it a perfect day trip.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply looking to get off the beaten path in Wicklow, this hike offers an unforgettable experience. Scroll down for the full trail map, directions, and tips to make the most of your Glendalough adventure.