I always say that Dublin has so much to offer. If you prefer nature and gorgeous panoramas over pubs and tourist attractions, then grab your comfy shoes and let’s go for a walk or hike to reconnect with nature. The best part? You don’t even need a car. All the walks and hikes in Dublin listed here are accessible by public transport, making them perfect for easy half-day or day trips from the city.

Whether you’re looking for easy walks in Dublin city, scenic coastal routes, or more adventurous trails in the Dublin Mountains, there’s something here for every level. From coastal walks like Poolbeg Lighthouse, to peaceful nature walks in Dublin forest trails, these routes offer some of the best walks and hikes in Dublin city and nearby.

So if you’ve been searching for Dublin hikes without a car or hikes near Dublin by public transport, you’re in the right place. 

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The best walks and hikes in Dublin accessible by public transport

On the Wanderlog map below, “Best Dublin Walks & Hikes  Without a Car”, you can see the best walks and hikes in Dublin accessible by public transport, including rail starting points and a few coffee shops to stop by (completely optional, of course…). It’s a real time-saver, especially if you don’t want to plan everything from scratch.

The map shows the exact locations and lets you turn layers on and off, so you can easily focus on what matters most to you. It’s also great for saving spots before your trip and following the route on the day without constantly checking different apps.

Here are the top walks and hikes in Dublin without a car

Phoenix Park

As one of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe, Phoenix Park is a true natural escape in the city. Here, you can roam freely and explore at your own pace. As you enter the park, you’ll come across a charming garden with colourful flower beds and plenty of benches to sit and relax.

The park offers endless easy walking and cycling routes, leading to its many monuments and sights. You can visit the obelisk, the historic Áras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the President of Ireland), and Dublin Zoo, while enjoying the park’s rich flora and fauna. In quieter areas, you might even spot deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

If you want to explore more, you can rent a bike, I recommend using Dublin Bikes.

For more details, check out my A nature lover’s guide to the best parks and gardens in Dublin blog post.

How to get to Phoenix Park?

As the park is so large, you can access it from several areas, including Chapelizod, Kilmainham, Stoneybatter and Smithfield. There are plenty of bus routes, and LUAS stops nearby.

North Bull Island

Bull Island is a National Nature Reserve in North Dublin and a great spot for an easy coastal walk. It’s especially popular for walking and birdwatching, and it has been Ireland’s first official bird sanctuary since the 1930s.

Fun fact!

The island is man-made. The sand dunes formed after the construction of the North Bull Wall around 200 years ago, and they continue to grow seaward. The beach stretches for 5 km and offers beautiful views of Howth, the Poolbeg Chimneys and the Dublin Mountains.

There’s a 10 km circular route around the island (see below), but we opted for a shorter walk starting from Raheny. We visited on a grey October day, so we kept it flexible. We walked along the beach towards the Bull Wall, stopped by the Statue of Our Lady overlooking Dublin Bay, then continued along the Bull Wall and crossed the Dollymount Wooden Bridge towards Clontarf Road. The whole walk took us about 1,5 hours.

You can also stop for coffee at Happy Out on the Bull Wall.

About the Bull Island Loop

• Location: Bull Island, Dublin Bay
• Length: 10 km
• Duration: 2-2,5 hours
• Difficulty: easy
• Elevation gain: 127 m
• Trail suggestion: check it on AllTrails
• There’s a public toilet behind the Happy Out coffee shop on the Bull Wall. You’ll need a contactless card to access it.

How to get to North Bull Island?

Only a few buses run directly along Clontarf Road, but you can also take the DART or a bus to Raheny and walk a bit further. From Raheny station, the start of Bull Island Causeway Road is less than a 20-minute walk.On the way, you can stop at Bread Naturally Artisan Bakery for coffee and a bite.

Poolbeg Lighthouse & Great South Wall walk

Start your walk at Sandymount Beach, where you’ll already get beautiful coastal views. After passing Irishtown Nature Park, you’ll reach the iconic Poolbeg Chimneys, visible from many parts of Dublin. And this is the closest you’ll get to them.

The Great South Wall leads all the way to the bright red Poolbeg Lighthouse. The wall itself is almost 2 km long, and the full walk from the beach is around 5 km one way. The views are incredible throughout, and seeing the lighthouse up close is an experience in itself.

Local tip!

Wear layers. It can get extremely windy out there! Also, bring sturdy shoes, as the seawall is uneven and has gaps.

About the Poolbeg Lighthouse walk

• Location: Great South Wall and Sandymount
• Length: 10 km (out-and-back)
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: easy
• Elevation gain: 73 m
• Trail suggestion: check it on AllTrails
• No public toilets along the route.

How to get to Poolbeg Lighthouse?

You have several options to reach Sandymount. Take the DART to Sandymount station or choose from multiple bus routes.

Killiney & Dalkey Hill 

Killiney Hill might still be within the city, but it feels like a proper escape into nature. It’s easy to reach, and you don’t need to walk far to get to the panorama terrace and the obelisk, where you can take in stunning views of Dublin, the Irish Sea, Killiney Beach, and Bray.

You can also wander through the woodlands, where the trails are peaceful and surrounded by lush greenery.

This is a low-effort hike with a big reward. If you’re short on time but still want forest vibes and gorgeous views, this is the perfect walk.

This area has a lot to offer, so you can easily turn it into a full day out:

• Grab a coffee at Mister Magpie
• Stroll along the seaside and admire the beautiful houses
• Try the hot box sauna and a sea dip at Killiney Beach 
• Relax at White Rock Beach or take another dip at Vico Baths
• Take a look at Éire Sign 7
• Explore Sorrento Park and stroll through the charming Dalkey
• Have a Guinness and seafood chowder at The Coliemore in Dalkey

About the Dalkey and Killiney Hill Loop

• Location: Dalkey, South Dublin
• Length: 2,9 km
• Duration: 1-1,5 hour
• Difficulty: easy
• Elevation gain: 120 m
• Trail suggestion: check it on AllTrails
• There’s a toilet at Mister Magpie Coffee. There’s another public toilet along Vico Road near White Rock Beach, although the last time I visited, it wasn’t in great condition. 

How to get to Killiney Hill?

Located in South Dublin, it’s easily accessible from Dalkey or Killiney DART stations. We walked from Killiney station and reached the trail in about 15 minutes. The surrounding streets and houses are already magical. 

It might be a bit of an exaggeration to call it a “hike”… It’s more of a short walk, but the views make it absolutely worth it.

Check out my short video on Killiney Hill and more

Fernhill Park and Gardens

Fernhill Park and Gardens is a beautiful public park located in the Dublin Mountains’ foothills. It combines landscaped gardens, natural woodlands, and heritage buildings, including the original Fernhill House. The cutest spot is definitely the fairy house with the magical tree-lined path.

The park is home to an exotic plant collection from around the world. We visited in March and saw stunning magnolia and cherry blossoms, colourful flowers, and even giant pink rose trees. I’ve also read that the autumn colours here are incredible. So really, just pick your favourite season.

There are plenty of walking paths, and you can easily spend hours exploring. Some trails feel almost hidden, and we even “got lost” a couple of times (in a good way). The park also has a playground and a dedicated dog area. From the running track, you can enjoy views over Dublin.

About Fernhill Park walking path

• Location: Stepaside, South Dublin
• Length: 1,9 km
• Duration: 1 hour
• Difficulty: easy
• Elevation gain: 81 m
• Trail suggestion: check it on AllTrails
• There are public toilets in the park, one near the car park and another near Treo Coffee Co.

How to get to Fernhill Park and Gardens?

You can take several buses from the city centre, then walk about 10 minutes to the entrance. Alternatively, take the LUAS Green Line and walk 20 minutes.

Keep in mind that buses don’t run very frequently on weekends.

The Scalp Loop with Ballycorus Lead Mines and Carrickgollogan Hill

This is easily one of the best hikes in and around Dublin that doesn’t require a car. And my favourite on this list 🙂

It’s easy, scenic, and perfect for a half-day escape into nature. I’d highly recommend going during gorse season (February–June and August–November), when the yellow bushes make the whole trail feel magical, especially around the Ballycorus Lead Mines chimney. You can’t go to its top, but you can step inside it.

We skipped the Scalp viewing point because Barnaslingan Woods was temporarily closed (check AllTrails for updates), but we still got an unforgettable view from Carrickgollogan Hill. The 360° panorama is next level. You can see Howth, Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea, the Sugarloaf Mountains, and the Wicklow Hills. Absolutely out of this world.

The trail isn’t steep, but it can get slippery after rain, so wear proper shoes.

About the Scalp Loop

• Location: Dublin Mountains
• Length: 12 km
• Duration: 3,5 hours
• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Elevation gain: 410 m
• Trail suggestion: check it on AllTrails
• No public toilets along the trail.

How to get to the Scalp Loop?

It’s easily accessible by public transport from Shankill DART or bus station. The full loop from there is around 12 km.

The route starts in the city, following signs toward the Dublin Mountains. At first, you’ll walk along roads and through neighbourhoods, but soon you’ll be surrounded by nature: gravel paths, forest trails, and fresh mountain air.

Watch my short video for a quick review: 

Ticknock – Fairy Castle Loop (Dublin Mountain Way)

Ticknock Forest is located in South Dublin and is part of the Three Rock Woods and the Dublin Mountains. From the top, you’ll get breathtaking views over Dublin Bay, the Howth Peninsula, and the city itself.

This mix of natural beauty, history, and accessibility makes Ticknock one of Dublin’s most popular hiking spots. For a good reason! Even though it’s right on the edge of the city, it feels remote and offers a proper escape into nature.

The trail starts at Ticknock Forest Car Park, where you can also grab a coffee at Trails Café. The views along the way are beautiful, but the best panorama is at the top, where you’ll find the remains of the Fairy Castle. Don’t expect an actual castle, it’s a prehistoric burial mound dating back thousands of years, surrounded by myths and folklore.

The summit is quite exposed, so it can get windy. Make sure to bring extra layers.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also rent a mountain bike and explore the dedicated MTB trails.

About the Ticknock – Fairy Castle Loop Trail

• Location: South Dublin, Dublin Mountains
• Length: 5,8 km
• Duration: 2,5 hours (including a sandwich break)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Elevation gain: 237 m
• Trail suggestion: check it on AllTrails
• There’s a public toilet at the car park, at the starting point.

How to get to Ticknock?

The trail starts at Ticknock Forest Car Park. (It’s easily reached by car.)

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, PLAN EXTRA TIME FOR THE PRE-HIKE FROM THE BUS STATION. We walked over 2 km from Ballinteer, and since it’s uphill, it took around 40 minutes (don’t forget about the walk back…). It’s definitely a solid warm-up before the actual hike.

Howth Cliff Walk

The Howth Cliff Walk is one of my favourite hikes in the Dublin area and easily one of the best things to do in Howth. It’s also one of the most popular hiking trails in Ireland.

The views are breathtaking, the walk is relatively easy, and it’s not too long. The path is mostly even, with just a few uneven sections, so hiking boots aren’t essential. Comfortable shoes are usually enough, but after rain, the trail can get muddy, so waterproof and sturdy shoes are a good idea.

In spring and autumn, the bright yellow gorse bushes are in bloom. In summer, ferns and purple flowers take over the hills. Honestly, it looks stunning in every season.

For more insights, check out my other post about the Howth Cliff Walk and the best things to do in Howth.

About Howth Cliff Walk (half loop – easier version)

• Location: Howth
• Length: around 5 km
• Duration: 1,5-2 hours
• Difficulty: easy
• Elevation gain: 270 m
• Public toilets are available at Howth Summit and near the start/end point of the trail, close to Howth village.
• You can also do the Howth and Bailey Lighthouse Loop (on AllTrails), which is 7,2 km long, starts and ends in Howth village, and includes the lighthouse.

How to get to Howth Cliffs?

Howth is easily accessible from Dublin city centre by both train and bus. I personally prefer the bus because of the views. And if you want to start directly with the Cliff Walk, it can take you straight to Howth Summit.

• By train (DART): Around 30 minutes from Connolly Station to Howth Harbour. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes.
• By bus: The bus takes about 40–50 minutes and drops you off at Howth Summit. Bus H3 goes through Howth village, while bus 6 approaches the summit from the other side of the peninsula. This route takes a bit longer, but the views are better.

Everything you need to know about Howth Cliff Walk

I’ve also filmed a YouTube video showing how to spend a full day in Howth, including the Cliff Walk.

In one day, you can enjoy coastal walks, beaches, seafood, and a boat trip, all within walking distance. It’s ideal if you want nature and sea views without spending hours travelling.

The Hell Fire Club

This is a short and relatively easy hike with beautiful panoramic views. There are a few different trail options, but getting here by public transport can be a bit tricky…

The trails start from the car park. We combined parts of the Hell Fire Wood Loop and the Montpelier Hill Loop. The Hell Fire Wood Loop is easier, with gentle inclines, while the steepest section is the direct path from the car park up to the Hell Fire Club (part of the Montpelier Hill Loop).

Both trails lead to the ruins of the old hunting lodge, built by Connolly in the 18th century. Later, it became linked to stories of black magic and secret gatherings (at least according to local legends…).

The views from the top are stunning, looking out over Dublin, Dublin Bay, and the Irish Sea.

We visited in May, when the trail through Hell Fire Wood was lined with blooming yellow gorse bushes. You could even smell their coconut-like scent, such a unique experience. If you can, try to time your visit during gorse season (February–June and August–November).

Before or after your hike, stop by Timbertrove Café for coffee or a bite. It’s cosy and has a large outdoor area.

About the Hell Fire Club trails

• Location: Montpelier Hill, South Dublin
• Length: 3-4 km
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: easy-moderate
• Elevation gain: 130 m
• Trail suggestions: check the Hell Fire Wood Loop and Montpelier Hill Loop on AllTrails
• No public toilets along the route.

How to get to The Hell Fire Club?

I’ll be honest, we got a lift by car for this one. It is possible by public transport, but it takes time and some planning.

From Dublin city centre, it can take around 1,5 hours and may require a few changes.

THERE IS ONLY ONE BUS THAT BRINGS YOU CLOSE TO THE TRAILHEAD, THE SD4, AND IT ONLY OPERATES ON SATURDAYS. It also doesn’t run very frequently, so make sure to check the timetable on the TFI Local Link website.

On other days, you can take a bus to Rockbrook and then walk about 45 minutes to the start of the trail. Not ideal, I know… I really loved this hike for the views and the gorse bushes, but it’s definitely one of the harder ones to reach without a car.

Dublin has so many options for walks and hikes, and you don’t even need to leave the city to find them. From coastal to forest trails and mountain views, there’s no shortage of easy walks around Dublin and scenic routes to explore.

As you’ve seen, all of these Dublin hikes are accessible by public transport, so you can easily plan a day out without a car. Whether you’re after a relaxed stroll or a longer hike, these are some of the best walks and hikes in Dublin for a nature escape.

Now it’s your turn, which one will you try first?

And tell me, which one is your favourite Dublin walk or hike?

For more travel tips about Dublin and Ireland, read the following posts:

• Dublin Bucket List – 26 Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland – A Local’s Picks
• 4-day Wicklow travel itinerary – Best places to stay, eat & explore
• How to spend a day in Kilkenny, Ireland? – Perfect day trip from Dublin
• Top 5 things to do in Co. Mayo, Ireland – From Downpatrick Head to coastal hikes

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