5 Stunning Walks in and Around Dublin

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, I paid for this trip myself. All recommendations are my own.

There is an excellent range of walks available in and around Dublin and these are my top 5 favourite walks which also include family friendly trails. Whether you live in Dublin or your holidaying there, take the time to enjoy these stunning walks to really appreciate Ireland’s natural beauty. And for those of you without a car, these walks can easily be reached by public transport.

1. Phoenix Park

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Flexible

Duration: Flexible

Phoenix Park is located only 2km from Dublin city centre making it very easy to get to by bus, the Luas tram, and car (parking is available throughout the park). This is no ordinary city park, its perimeter is a huge 11km and you can easily spend several hours walking around enjoying it. The parks 707 hectares (1,750 acres) encompass large areas of grassland, woodland, tree lined avenues and formal gardens. It also includes a range of sports fields where, depending on the season, you can often watch a game of cricket, Gaelic football, Hurling and many other sports. There’s even a Polo field. One of Phoenix Park’s best features are the herd of wild Fellow deer that roam the park and the beautiful views of the surrounding hills. As you walk around Phoenix Park, you will find it hard to believe that you are so close to the city.

The park sights also include:

• • Aras an Uachtaráin – the Irish President’s house. There are free tours on Saturdays.

• • Deerfield Residence – Originally built as the Park Bailiff’s lodge in 1776, it later became the residence of the Chief Secretary for Ireland. Since February 1927 its been the official residence of the United States Ambassador to Ireland.

• • The Papel Cross – The Papal Cross is a simple large white cross that was erected for the Papal visit of Pope John Paul II in 1979.

• • The Magazine Fort – This fort marks the location where Phoenix Lodge was built by Sir Edward Fisher in 1611. In 1734 the house was knocked when the Duke of Dorset directed that a powder magazine be provided for Dublin. An additional wing was added to the fort in 1801 for troops.

• • The Wellington Testimonial – The tallest obelisk in Europe at just over 62 meters tall, it was created as a testimonial to Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington (reputed to have been born in Dublin). Completed in 1861, it features four bronze plaques cast from cannons captured at Waterloo.

Admission to this park is free. There’s also a café at the main entrance and a larger one at the Visitor Information Centre located in the heart of the park.