Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk: Easy Coastal Walk Near Dublin
The Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk is a short and scenic coastal walk in North County Dublin, linking Tower Bay in Portrane with Donabate Beach. This easy out-and-back route follows the coastline between the two villages, with cliff views, rocky coves, sandy beaches, and wide-open views across the Irish Sea.
You can start the walk from either end. If you start in Donabate, you can park at Donabate Beach Car Park beside the Shoreline Hotel and walk north towards Portrane. If you start in Portrane, you can park at Tower Bay Car Park and walk south towards Donabate.
I personally started in Portrane, parking at Tower Bay Car Park, and I think it is a lovely way to experience the route. You get sea views and cliff scenery almost straight away, before following the coastal path towards Lady’s Beach, Donabate Beach, and the Shoreline Hotel.
At around 3.65 km out and back, with almost no elevation gain, this is a short and easy coastal walk rather than a strenuous hike. It is a great option for beginners, casual walkers, families with older children, or anyone looking for an easy walk near Dublin with sea views.
The walk is straightforward, but it still has plenty of variety. Along the way, you will pass Tower Bay, views of Evan’s Tower, the coastal path near Lady’s Beach, views towards Ireland’s Eye and Howth, and eventually Donabate Beach. Donabate is a great place to stop for a coffee, an ice cream, or even a quick dip in the sea before walking back.
Bellow see the Hike Map I have done using Hiiker App.
Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk: Hike Snapshot
| Hike | Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk |
|---|---|
| Start / Finish Point | Tower Bay Car Park, Portrane or Donabate Beach Car Park |
| My Starting Point | Tower Bay Car Park, Portrane |
| Turnaround Point | Donabate Beach / Shoreline Hotel if starting in Portrane |
| Distance | Approx. 3.65 km out and back |
| Time | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Elevation Gain | Minimal / close to 0 m |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trail Type | Out and back |
| Terrain | Gravel path, coastal path, grassy sections, cliffside trail, beachside sections |
| Suitable For | Beginners, casual walkers, families with older children, sea views |
| Dogs | Suitable, but keep dogs under control near cliffs and beach areas |
| Parking in Portrane | Tower Bay Car Park |
| Parking in Donabate | Donabate Beach Car Park beside the Shoreline Hotel |
| Public Transport | Train to Donabate Station, then approx. 20-minute walk to the coast |
| Food / Treats | Coffee and ice cream options around Donabate Beach |
| Best Time to Visit | Clear, calm days with good visibility |
| Navigation | Straightforward out-and-back route |
How to Get to the Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk
You can start the Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk from either Portrane or Donabate. Both starting points work well, so the best option depends on where you are coming from and whether you want to begin beside Tower Bay or Donabate Beach.
Starting in Portrane by Car
If you are starting in Portrane, park at Tower Bay Car Park. This is where I started the walk, and it works really well because you are right beside the coast from the beginning.
From the car park, you can join the coastal path and walk south towards Donabate. One of the best things about starting here is that the walk begins with immediate sea and cliff views. You do not have to wait long for the scenery to open up.
Starting in Donabate by Car
If you prefer to start from Donabate, park at Donabate Beach Car Park, beside the Shoreline Hotel. From here, you can walk north along the coast towards Portrane and Tower Bay, before returning the same way.
This is a good option if you want to start and finish near Donabate Beach. There are usually more options around this side for coffee, ice cream, and beach time, especially on sunny days. When we visited, there were plenty of ice cream vans around Donabate, which made it a nice place to stop during the walk.
[Insert photo: Donabate Beach / Shoreline Hotel area]Getting There by Train
If travelling by public transport, take the train to Donabate Station. From the station, it takes around 20 minutes to walk to the coast and join the trail near Donabate Beach.
This makes the walk possible without a car, but remember that your total walking distance will be longer if you begin at the train station rather than directly at the beach.
The Trail: Portrane to Donabate and Back
Although this walk can be done in either direction, this trail description follows the route I personally took, starting from Tower Bay Car Park in Portrane and walking towards Donabate Beach, before returning the same way.
Starting at Tower Bay Car Park
The walk begins at Tower Bay Car Park in Portrane. From here, you are beside the sea almost immediately, with lovely coastal views from the start.
Tower Bay itself is a small and scenic beach, with a more rugged feel than the larger sandy beach at Donabate. Before you begin the walk, it is worth taking a moment to enjoy the views around the bay. This is also a good place to take your first photos of the route.
From the car park, follow the coastal path south towards Donabate. The trail is easy to pick up and begins by following the edge of the coastline, with the Irish Sea beside you as you walk.
Cliff Views and Evan’s Tower
One of the best things about starting in Portrane is that the cliff views begin almost straight away. The path follows the coastline above the rocky shore, giving you lovely views across the sea and along the rugged edge of the coast.
As you continue, you can see Evan’s Tower on your right. This distinctive tower was built in the 19th century by Sophie Evans in memory of her husband, and it adds an interesting historical landmark to the beginning of the walk.
This section of the walk is easy but scenic. The trail is generally good underfoot, but you are walking close to the coastline in places, so it is still worth taking care and keeping an eye on children or dogs.
Walking Towards Lady’s Beach
The route continues south along the coast towards the area around Lady’s Beach. This is one of the most scenic parts of the Donabate to Portrane walk, with open views across the water and down towards the rocky shoreline below.
A long stone wall runs beside the trail here, and you can walk on either side of it. On the way towards Donabate, we followed the narrower gravel path on the cliff side of the wall. This gives you the best coastal views, with the sea and rocky shoreline close by. It is a beautiful section of the walk, especially on a clear day, but you do need to take a little more care as the path is closer to the cliff edge.
On the way back towards Portrane, we walked on the other side of the wall. This trail is wider, well maintained, and set farther back from the cliffs, making it a more relaxed option. It is a good choice if you prefer to stay away from the edge or if you are walking with children or dogs.
On a clear day, you can see across towards Ireland’s Eye and Howth, which gives this section a lovely sense of space. The path itself is generally good underfoot, especially compared with rougher coastal trails, but walking shoes or trail runners are still a good idea for comfort and grip.
Coastal Views Towards Donabate
After the Lady’s Beach section, the trail continues along a beautiful stretch of coastline between Portrane and Donabate. This is where the walk really starts to feel like a proper coastal walk.
The route passes low cliffs, rocky shoreline, small inlets, and open sea views. The coastline changes as you walk, moving from exposed cliffside views to gentler sections closer to Donabate.
Although the elevation gain is minimal, the walk still feels varied because the trail follows the shape of the coast. It is an easy route overall, but it has enough interest to keep it enjoyable from start to finish.
This section is also one of the best parts of the walk for photos. The mix of sea, rocks, cliffs, stone walls, and coastal path gives you plenty of good views along the way.
Arriving at Donabate Beach
As you get closer to Donabate, the coastline opens out and you begin to see the long sandy stretch of Donabate Beach ahead.
You will also see the Martello Tower near the Shoreline Hotel, which is a useful landmark as you approach the beach area. After the quieter coastal path, Donabate feels more open and lively, especially on a sunny day.
This is the natural halfway point if you started in Portrane. Donabate Beach is a great place to stop before turning back. There are often ice cream vans around the beach area, and the Shoreline Hotel is nearby if you want a coffee or something to eat.
When I did the walk, we stopped here for a coffee and an ice cream, which made a lovely break before the return journey. If the weather is good and you have time, you could also have a quick dip in the sea at Donabate Beach.
Returning to Portrane
After your stop at Donabate Beach, return the same way along the coastal path back towards Portrane.
Because this is an out-and-back walk, you retrace your steps, but the return does not feel boring. The views are different in the opposite direction, and you get another chance to enjoy the cliffs, coves, sea views, and open coastline.
On the return, you can choose to walk on the wider gravel trail on the inland side of the stone wall. This path is set farther back from the cliff edge and feels more relaxed, especially if you want an easier return walk.
As you approach Portrane again, the route becomes more rugged and scenic, with Tower Bay gradually coming back into view. The walk finishes back at Tower Bay Car Park, where you started.
Overall, this is a simple, easy, and very enjoyable coastal walk. It is short enough for a relaxed morning or afternoon outing, but scenic enough to feel like a proper escape from the city.
Tips for Walking the Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk
Wear comfortable walking shoes or trail runners. The trail is generally good, especially along the gravel sections near the stone wall, but some parts are still narrow or close to the cliffs.
Take care near the cliff edges. If you prefer to stay farther away from the edge, use the wider path on the inland side of the stone wall where available.
Bring a light jacket, even on a sunny day. The route is exposed to the coast, and the wind can make it feel cooler than expected.
If you are walking with children or dogs, the wider inland path beside the wall may be the better option, especially on the return.
Give yourself time to stop at Donabate Beach. A coffee, ice cream, or quick swim makes a lovely addition to the walk.
FAQ: Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk
How long is the Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk?
This out-and-back version of the walk is approximately 3.65 km. The exact distance may vary slightly depending on where you park, how far you walk along Donabate Beach, and whether you explore around Tower Bay or Portrane.
How long does the walk take?
Allow around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for the walk itself. If you stop for photos, coffee, ice cream, or a swim at Donabate Beach, allow extra time.
Is the Donabate to Portrane walk difficult?
No, this is an easy walk with almost no elevation gain. The path is generally good underfoot, especially along the gravel sections near the stone wall. Some sections are narrower and closer to the cliff edge, but you can often choose the wider inland path if you prefer to stay farther back.
Can you start the walk in Donabate?
Yes. You can start at Donabate Beach Car Park, beside the Shoreline Hotel, and walk north towards Portrane and Tower Bay before returning the same way.
Can you start the walk in Portrane?
Yes. You can start at Tower Bay Car Park in Portrane and walk south towards Donabate Beach. This is the direction I personally walked, and it gives you lovely cliff views right from the beginning.
Where do you park for the Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk?
You can park at either Tower Bay Car Park in Portrane or Donabate Beach Car Park beside the Shoreline Hotel. Both work well for this out-and-back route.
Can you get there by train?
Yes. Take the train to Donabate Station. From there, it is around a 20-minute walk to the coast and the trail start near Donabate Beach.
Is the walk suitable for children?
The walk can be suitable for families with older children, but care is needed near the cliff sections. The wider inland path beside the stone wall is a better option if you want to stay farther away from the cliff edge.
Can you bring dogs?
Yes, dogs can do this walk, but they should be kept under control, especially near cliffs, other walkers, and beach areas. The wider inland path is a good option if walking with a dog.
Are there places to get coffee or ice cream?
Yes. Around Donabate Beach and the Shoreline Hotel area, you will usually find options for coffee, food, and ice cream. On good weather days, there are often ice cream vans near the beach.
Can you swim at Donabate Beach?
Yes, many people swim at Donabate Beach, and it can be a lovely way to finish or break up the walk in good weather. Always check sea conditions and use your own judgement before going in.
Is the route well marked?
The route is fairly straightforward because it follows the coastline between Portrane and Donabate. However, it is still useful to have a map or GPS route with you, especially if it is your first time walking it.
What is the best time to do the walk?
The walk is best on a clear, calm day when visibility is good and the wind is light. Avoid the route during very strong winds, heavy rain, or poor visibility because of the cliffside sections.
Final Thoughts on the Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk
The Donabate to Portrane Cliff Walk is one of the best short coastal walks in North Dublin. It is easy, scenic, and simple to follow, but still has enough variety to feel like a proper little adventure.
Starting from Tower Bay in Portrane, the walk begins with cliff views, passes Evan’s Tower and the coastline near Lady’s Beach, and continues along the coast towards Donabate. The stone wall section is a real highlight, giving you the option of walking close to the cliffside views or taking the wider inland gravel path.
Once you reach Donabate Beach, you can stop for a coffee, grab an ice cream, enjoy the beach, or even go for a quick dip before walking back.
At around 3.65 km out and back, this is a great option for beginners, casual walkers, or anyone looking for an easy walk near Dublin with sea views, rocky coves, and a relaxed coastal feel.
For more easy walks, coastal trails, and mountain hikes around the capital, visit my main guide to hikes near Dublin.
