5 nature walks to do around Dublin this weekend

With a large number of us still working from home, it can be easy to fall into the habit of spending all day indoors. If you’re fed up with looking at the same four walls, there’s no harm in getting out for a quick walk and some fresh air when you need a break.

Here we’ve compiled our five favourite nature walks around Dublin to help clear the mind this weekend.

Howth Cliff Path Loop

When it comes to clearing your head, sometimes sea air is all you need. Visited not too long ago by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their tour of Ireland, the walkway moves along Howth Harbour, away from the village around the Nose of Howth and onto the clifftops. On a clear day, see Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye off the coast, and the Baily Lighthouse before you ascend towards the summit.

Hell Fire

Hell Fire is located in the Dublin Mountains, overlooking the city from the South West. It’s a beautiful spot for a day out with the kids, or for a relaxing walk with your best friend, with over 4.5 km of forest tracks to explore. While it’s usually a gorgeous spot for a picnic, perhaps that will have to wait until the weather is a little less chilly.

The People’s Gardens at Phoenix Park

The flower gardens in Dublin’s Phoenix Park comprise of 22 acres and show off Victorian horticulture at its best. Enjoy a stroll around the large ornamental lake, children’s playground and various picnic areas. Whether the sun is shining or it’s grey and drizzly, this is a colourful place to spend a spring day. Mere minutes from the city centre, it’s easy to get to too.

St Catherine’s Park

Spanning across Fingal, Kildare and South Dublin, St Catherine’s Park boasts 200 acres of woodland and grassland, with the River Liffey running through. A popular spot for dog walkers and joggers (not to mention an array of sports teams), the park has numerous loops and trails ranging from 2 km – 5 km in distance. An enjoyable escape from the confines of home.

Carrickgollogan Forest Walk

Here you can choose between two walking trails in the woods. The first is Lead Mines Way, which stretches just 2 km and takes 40 minutes to complete. The gentle stroll will lead you to the old lead mines chimney (which makes for a nice backdrop on Instagram). Alternatively, you can take the Mountain Access Route, which is shorter in distance but more tasking on the body. The trail takes you to the top of Carrickgollogan Hill, where you can enjoy beautiful views over Dublin, Wicklow and the Irish sea.

Featured image: Ireland’s Content Pool