Dublin Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

1. 1

   Howth Cliff Walk

   8 km loop (~5 miles)2.5–3 hoursModerateMax 171m / 561ft at Ben of Howth summit; ~250m / 820ft total ascent (undulating cliff path)

   This is the Black Linn Loop, marked with red arrows the entire way, starting and finishing at Howth DART station. The path hugs sea cliffs above the Irish Sea, climbs past the Baily Lighthouse viewpoint, and can be extended with a short detour to the summit cairn on Ben of Howth for a 360-degree view over Dublin Bay, Ireland's Eye, and on clear days the Mourne Mountains to the north.

2. 2

   Glendalough Spinc Ridge Walk

   9 km loop (~5.6 miles)3.5–4 hoursChallengingMax ~500m / 1,640ft on the Spinc ridge; ~380m / 1,247ft total ascent

   Known locally as 'the Spinc' (Irish for 'pointed hill'), this is the Wicklow Mountains National Park's White Route: a timber boardwalk climbs steeply from the Upper Lake car park to a ridge overlooking both the Upper and Lower Lakes, then loops back down through the Glenealo Valley past the ruins of a 19th-century lead-mining village. The boardwalk was built to protect the underlying blanket bog and can be slick when wet.

3. 3

   Great Sugar Loaf Summit

   5 km return (~3.1 miles)1.5–2.5 hoursModerateSummit 501m / 1,644ft; ~380m / 1,247ft total ascent from car park

   Despite its name, the Great Sugar Loaf is a hill rather than a true mountain, but its distinctive conical shape and exposed quartzite cap make the final approach feel more like scrambling than walking. The path climbs steadily through gorse and heather before the last 100 metres crosses loose scree to a narrow summit ridge with views stretching from Dublin Bay to the Wicklow uplands.

4. 4

   Bull Island Nature Reserve Walk

   7 km return (~4.3 miles)1.5–2 hoursEasyFlat; maximum elevation 5m

   North Bull Island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve formed by sand accumulation after Dublin Port's Great South Wall was built in the 1800s. A wide sandy beach runs the length of the island, backed by dune grassland and mudflats that host tens of thousands of overwintering wading birds. The walk is entirely flat and can be done on the beach at low tide or the dune path at any tide.

5. 5

   Wicklow Way — Dublin Section (Marlay Park to Glencullen)

   12 km one-way to Glencullen (~7.5 miles)3.5–4.5 hours one-wayChallengingMax 536m at Fairy Castle, Two Rock Mountain; ~480m / 1,575ft total ascent from Marlay Park

   This section covers the opening 12km of the 127km Wicklow Way, Ireland's oldest long-distance walking trail. From Marlay Park's formal grounds the route climbs through Kilmashogue pine forest to open hillside, passing the Fairy Castle passage tomb on Two Rock Mountain — at 536m the high point of the day — before descending into the Glencullen Valley. Yellow arrow waymarkers (a walking figure on a yellow background) mark the entire Wicklow Way.

6. 6

   Dún Laoghaire East & West Pier Walk

   5 km round trip (both piers)1–1.5 hoursEasyFlat

   Built between 1817 and 1859 to shelter Dún Laoghaire's harbour, the East Pier (1.3km) and West Pier (1.55km) are wide, level granite promenades that locals walk year-round. The East Pier is the livelier of the two, ending at a lighthouse and bandstand and busy with walkers, while the West Pier is quieter and runs past the National Yacht Club and Irish Lights depot.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Dublin.

Spring (March–May)

Season Spring (March–May), Notes Best for wildflowers in Wicklow; trails can be muddy; long days increasing toward summer; avoid peaks if snowpack remains on Lugnaquilla in early March

Summer (June–August)

Season Summer (June–August), Notes Long daylight (up to 17 hours); warmest; popular trails (Glendalough, Howth) crowded at weekends; mountain weather can change rapidly even in summer

Autumn (September–November)

Season Autumn (September–November), Notes Excellent photography conditions; golden heather; fewer people; shorter days from October — start hikes early

Winter (December–February)

Season Winter (December–February), Notes Short days (7–9 hours light); mountain tops can have ice/snow; coastal walks enjoyable; waterproof and warm layers essential

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.