Home to some of the most stunning towns and villages, the Dublin Coastal Trail is a sight to behold. Stretching from Skerries in the north of the county right down to Killiney in South County Dublin, the trail is easily accessible by rail and ideal for a family day out.
These are some of the must-visit places to relax at during this current sunny spell:
Skerries
Dotted with traditional windmills, Skerries is home to a range of beautiful coastal walks with paths that loop around the headland of Red Island and connect its North and South beaches.
Howth
The iconic fishing village of Howth draws hundreds of daily visitors to its shores and is home to beautiful beaches including hidden gems such as Burrow Beach and Balscadden Bay Beach.
The breathtaking Howth Cliff Walk is a must for locals and day-trippers alike, with jaw-dropping views of Dublin Bay and iconic Dublin landmarks such as Poolbeg Chimneys and the Poolbeg Lighthouse.
Malahide
Low Rock can be found along Malahide’s Coast Road and is a beautiful natural cove encased by a boundary of rocks. It’s the perfect location to watch the sun set over the sea as the waves roll gently to shore. While here, visitors can also enjoy the stunning surroundings of Malahide Castle.
Bull Island, Clontarf
Bull Island is connected to Clontarf’s mainland by a bridge that offers sweeping views of Dublin Port and the surrounding bay. Visitors of the beach can stroll to the end of Bull Wall to see the Star of the Sea statue.
Dalkey
Just a 15-minute walk south of Dalkey DART station, Vico Baths has been given the A-list seal of approval by famous visitors such as Matt Damon, Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde. Visitors can also take a boat trip from Coliemore Harbour to Dalkey Island and say hello to the resident seals and wild goats.
Sandycove and Glasthule
The iconic Forty Foot, just a 30-minute DART journey south of the city centre, is the perfect place to unwind and take in the surrounding views of Dún Laoghaire and Howth. Popular for centuries this seaside location has featured in literature and television, ranging from James Joyce’s Ulysses to Sharon Horgan’s BAFTA-winning series Bad Sisters.