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Best Coastal Hikes near Dublin

There are 5 hikes near Dublin in our database that fit. They average 5.9 km and 127 m (417 ft) of ascent.

That is 7 percent of the 71 routes we map near Dublin. They are shorter than the local average, 5.9 km against 8.1 km, which is what makes this a practical shortlist for a half day. They also climb less than the area average, 127 m (417 ft) against 187 m (614 ft), so they suit a recovery day or a group with mixed fitness.

Coastal walking is exposed, open and completely different in every wind direction. These routes keep the sea in view for most of their length. Most of these are on the gentler end, which makes the list a good starting point if you are new to the area.

Trails

Easy

Summer Walk

County Wicklow · Ireland

Distance
3.3 km
/ 2.0 mi
Elevation gain
72 m
Typical duration
47 min
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife watching
  • Waymarked route
Easy

Glen Beach Cliff Walk

County Wicklow · Ireland

Distance
3.6 km
/ 2.3 mi
Elevation gain
110 m
Typical duration
55 min
  • Coastal
  • Waymarked route
Moderate

Howth Cliff Path Loop

County Dublin · Ireland

Distance
7.8 km
/ 4.9 mi
Elevation gain
130 m
Typical duration
1 hr 50 min
  • Coastal
  • Waymarked route
Moderate

Howth Cliff Walk

County Dublin · Ireland

Distance
11.7 km
/ 7.3 mi
Elevation gain
258 m
Typical duration
2 hr 50 min
  • Coastal

The shortlist, side by side

The ten highest scoring routes on this page, so you can compare effort before opening any of them.

Distance, ascent, walking time and difficulty for the top routes
RouteDistanceAscentTimeDifficultyBest season
Summer WalkCounty Wicklow3.3 km72 m47 minEasyApril to October
Glen Beach Cliff WalkCounty Wicklow3.6 km110 m55 minEasyApril to October
Howth Cliff Path LoopCounty Dublin7.8 km130 m1 hr 50 minModerateApril to October
Bray Greystones Cliff WalkCounty Wicklow2.9 km63 m41 minEasyApril to October
Howth Cliff WalkCounty Dublin11.7 km258 m2 hr 50 minModerateApril to October

If you only have time for one, start with Summer Walk, Howth Cliff Path Loop, Glen Beach Cliff Walk. Those are the routes people come back to. Every route on this page links through to a full guide with the map, elevation profile, seasonal advice and what to bring.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

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