Failte Ireland - Ireland Buyers Guide 2018

6 URBAN AND NATURE WALKS IN DUBLIN COASTWALK TO PORTANE (LOOPED) Take the train from Connolly station to Donabate. From Donabate enjoy a gentle walk along local roads with stunning cliff scenic views along north coast of Dublin out to Lambay Island. Winter time is best for bird life watchers here with cormorants, oyster catchers, scaups and bar-tailed godwits all available to be seen. www.activeme.ie/guides/walks/ donabate-to-portraine-loop-walk/ Donabate Martello Tower 5.5km – 3-4hrs (Easy) DUN LAOGHAIRE EAST PIER (LINEAR) Only 15mins southbound on the DART (train) from Dublin city to Dun Laoghaire There are two piers (East & West) to choose from although the East Pier at 1.3km is slightly shorter and closer to the DART station. This Victorian harbour was built to protect ships from storms and you can feel and taste the salt spray on blustery days here.Why not finish the walk with an ice-cream fromTeddy’s or a coffee and cake along the Pavilion promenade. www.dunlaoghaire.ie/ttd/stroll-dun- laoghaire-promenade Dun Laoighaire East Pier 1.3km – 25mins each way (Easy) DALKEYVILLAGE & KILLINEY HILL (LINEAR) This walk starts from Dalkey train station and follows Sorrento Road towards the sea and then uphill to Dalkey Hill via stone steps known locally as the Cat’s Ladder. Climb to the summit for stunning views of Killiney Bay (Dublin’s answer to the Bay of Naples). Pressing downward you will pass Dalkey Quarry, nowadays its sheer rock face makes it the abseiling and rock climbing hotspot for adrenalin junkies. www.ireland.com/en-gb/ destinations/republic-of-ireland/ dublin/articles/dublin-five-walks- outside-the-city Dalkey DART station 2km – 45mins (Moderate) HOWTHVILLAGE CLIFFWALK (LOOPED) The Howth Cliff Walk is one of four looped walks which starts at the DART (train) Station in the heart of the village. Climbing around the Nose of Howth and onto the clifftops take in the stunning views of Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye and the The Baily Lighthouse before you ascend towards the car park at the Summit Inn and press downwards to Howth Village. www.discoverireland.ie/Activities- Adventure/cliff-path-loop/71514 Howth East Pier 6km – 1hrs 10mins (Easy) NORTH BULL ISLAND (LOOPED) The North Bull IslandWalk is an UNESCO. Biosphere Reserve (only 1 of 10 in Europe).Take the Dublin Bus 130 to BullWall’sWooden Bridge to this amazing bird watching haven, a must see for nature lovers.There are high quality rare and threatened coastal habitats on the island, particularly significant given its location within a capital city! www.discoverireland.ie/Activities- Adventure/bull-island/52737 Bull Wall/Wooden Bridge 5.07km – 1hr 15mins (Easy) STORY OF DUBLIN – DUBLINE DISCOVERYTRAIL (LOOPED) Using the Dubline Discovery Trails app, you can take a free walking tour through Dublin’s colourful and storied past… Starting off at Dublin Castle the trail continues to the grounds of Trinity College and the Book of Kells and Leinster House (home to the Irish Parliament). Stroll up to St Stephen’s Green and St Patrick’s Cathedral before finishing at City Hall, once the Royal Exchange for the city’s Merchant class. www.visitdublin.com/see-do/dublin- discovery-trails Dublin Castle 7km – 1hr 30mins (Allow up to 4hrs if stopping at the various sites) (Easy) 116 Howth Coastal Walk, Co. Dublin Dun Laoghaire