The 8 best nature walks in Dublin

Escape the rush of the city centre and go for a nature walk

As the leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, now is the perfect time to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle and enjoy the nature around Dublin!

Here are our top 8 picks of the best nature walks in Dublin...

1. St. Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green Park is conveniently located in the heart of Dublin City Centre. If you want to escape the busy Grafton Street, walk through the historic gates of the park and take a stroll through its bright flower beds and fountains.

You will find the park busy on most hours of the day, with people reading, doing yoga classes, and even busking. It’s the perfect place for a short city escape!

2. The Phoenix Park

If you’re looking for something bigger than St. Stephen’s Green Park, try the Phoenix Park. It is located close to Heuston Station and LUAS stops, making it easy to get there. Its 1,750 acres of land include the Dublin Zoo, the official residence of the President of Ireland, the Farmleigh House and the Victorian People’s Flower Garden. So, if you’re tired of walking or cycling, you can take a break at one of the many landmarks in the Phoenix Park.

There are also around 600 deer living in the park, a popular herd among tourists and residents alike. You might have to roam the park to find them, but the search is well worth it if you enjoy looking at these amazing creatures.

If you’re looking for something to do, bikes are available to rent from €5 an hour or €15 for the whole day. If you’re coming from Dublin Airport, our 782 coach has a stop right outside Heuston Station, a short walk to the park.

3. Howth Cliff Walk

For a walk that’s outside the busy Dublin City Centre, you can check out the popular Howth Cliff Walk. Howth’s cliffs rise up to 171 metres above the Irish Sea and give you the perfect view of the east coast of Ireland. It makes for a perfect day trip, especially when you catch a sunny day.

There are four different walk routes you can take depending on how long you want to walk.

From Dublin City Centre, you can take a bus or DART to Howth, a short 30-minute ride.

4. The Killiney Hill Walk

The Killiney Hill is one of the best to get amazing views of the south side of the Irish Sea. There are also several routes you can take, the most popular one being a 15-minute walk to the top that starts at the car park. However, if you’re daring, there are several longer routes you can take along the beautiful sea. In any case, the view on top is a must-see for any person travelling to Dublin or residents.

You can also find several things to do in Killiney, from historic sites to amazing places to eat.

To get to the Killiney Hill, take a 30-minute DART from Dublin Pearse.

5. North Bull Island Walk

North Bull Island is a 5km-long land in North Dublin that directly faces the sea, connected to the mainland via the Bull Wall. It’s just 10km from Dublin City Centre, so you can get there by a quick bus and then cross on foot to the island.

There you will find golf courses, coffee spots, and spectacular beaches. It’s also a short distance from many must-see places in Dublin, such as St. Anne’s Park, Howth, and Dublin City Centre.

6. Iveagh Gardens

The Iveagh Gardens are a hidden gem located in the heart of Dublin City. This beautifully landscaped park is a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The gardens are named after the Guinness family, who owned the land on which the park stands. One of the unique features of the Iveagh Gardens is the yew maze, which is one of the largest mazes in Europe.

The paths are well-maintained and provide easy access to all areas of the garden. Whether you are a local or a visitor, the Iveagh Gardens are a must-see attraction in Dublin. To get there, just take our 784 service to the Harcourt Luas stop which will drop you off right outside the gardens.

7. Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens in Dublin is a must-visit for anyone interested in nature and plants.

The gardens house over 20,000 living plants and numerous exhibits showcasing the diversity of plant life. Walking around the gardens, visitors can enjoy the stunning architecture of historical wrought iron glasshouses, as well as beautifully manicured lawns.

The gardens offer a serene and peaceful environment, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Whether you're an avid botanist or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, the National Botanic Gardens are definitely worth a visit.

8. Merrion Square Park

Merrion Square Park is a beautiful urban park located in the heart of Dublin, it is known for its stunning gardens, colourful flowers, and beautiful sculptures.

Merrion Square Park is not only home to beautiful flowers, but also to a variety of wildlife.

It's also a popular spot for locals and tourists to go and enjoy the views and history of the park. Plus, our 784 service picks up and drops off right outside the park.

If you’re visiting Dublin soon and want to save one day of your trip for a nature walk, try taking our coach from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre. It’s the most cost-efficient way to travel and offers a great deal of possibilities to get anywhere in the Dublin area!

You can check out all of our Dublin stops on our Stop Map page to find the best way to get to the walks. We have also compiled a list of the best Dublin hotels for visitors.

Whether it’s to escape the busy Dublin City Centre for a while or go on a family day out, these nature walks offer the best views of the Irish East Coast!