If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors near Dublin but don’t have access to a car, don’t worry! There are plenty of scenic woodland and nature walks you can reach using public transport. This article will introduce you to some fantastic hikes near Dublin that are accessible by bus or train.
Glendalough – Wicklow Mountains National Park
The Glendalough hike is perfect for beginners and experienced hikers alike. To get there, take the Glendalough bus from Dublin city center, which drops you right at the entrance to the national park. From there, you can choose from several hiking trails that cater to different levels of experience.
Boyne River Walk – Slane to Navan
The Boyne River Walk is a picturesque 10-12 km trail that takes you from Slane to Navan. To access this hike, catch a bus to Slane in County Meath. Keep in mind that the trail might not be well-marked and could be flooded after heavy rain, so it’s best to attempt this walk on a clear day. After your hike, you can enjoy some food or a pint in Navan before taking the bus back to Dublin.
Townley Hall Woods
Townley Hall Woods is a beautiful forest walk, accessible by bus to Slane or Navan. The trail may be marshy during the winter, so it’s a good idea to bring wellies. Find more information on this hike at the Coillte website: https://www.coillte.ie/site/townley-hall/.
Knocksink Woods – Enniskerry
Knocksink Woods is a gorgeous forest located in Enniskerry. To get there, take the 44 bus, and then it’s just a 15-20 minute walk to the car park. The loop itself takes around half an hour to complete, followed by a 15-20 minute walk back to the bus stop. You can also explore nearby attractions like Glen of the Downs or Delgany.
Dublin Mountains Way
The Dublin Mountains Way is a scenic hiking trail that starts in Shankill and goes through Rathmichael Woods. Along the way, you can explore an old church, graveyard, and ring fort. To access this hike, take the Enniskerry bus, which serves several starting points for hikes in Marley Park, Ballinteer, and White Church.
Ticknock Forest
Ticknock Forest offers a variety of trails and can be accessed via the nearest bus stop at Rockview. Simply catch a bus to Rockview and start exploring the numerous walking paths in the area.
Howth and Bray Head
Howth and Bray Head can be reached by DART or bus and offer stunning coastal walks. For an extended walk, you can travel from Bray Head along the coast to Greystones and then take the DART back to Dublin.
Devil’s Glen
Nestled near the village of Ashford, Devil’s Glen is a hidden gem perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a mix of dense woodland and beautiful waterfalls, the area provides an idyllic setting for a peaceful walk. To get there, take a bus to Ashford from either Naas or Ashford and then enjoy the picturesque 1 to 1.5-hour walk to the glen. The tranquility and beauty of Devil’s Glen make it well worth the journey.
St Anne’s Park
Located in Clontarf, St Anne’s Park offers some of the best “forest” walks in Dublin. It’s easily accessible by bus or cycling from the city center.
Belmont Demesne
Belmont Demesne is a lovely woodland walk close to Killruddery. To access this walk, you can take the 161 Bus to Rockbrook, which is a 5-minute walk to the back gate of Massey’s Wood. From there, you can explore the beautiful native forest with many specimen trees. This area also provides good access to Cruagh Wood and Hellfire Club.
Marley Park
Marley Park, located in South Dublin, offers a decent forest walk. You can access this park by bus and explore the lush greenery and woodland areas.
Three Rock Mountain and Ticknock
To access Three Rock Mountain and Ticknock, take a 48A or 16 bus to Ballinteer. From there, walk up past the Three Rock Bar, and after about a 30-minute walk, you’ll reach Ticknock, which leads to Three Rock Mountain. Alternatively, you can walk to Lord Masseys and then up to the Hellfire Club. These areas offer great walking opportunities.
Bray Head to Greystones
For those who prefer coastal adventures, the walk from Bray Head to Greystones is an excellent choice. Begin by taking a train to Bray, then make your way to the top of Bray Head, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. From there, follow the path along the coast to the charming town of Greystones. Keep in mind that the cliff walk may occasionally be closed, but Bray Head remains an enjoyable walk with stunning vistas on clear days.
Bohernabreena Reservoir
Located near Firhouse, the Bohernabreena Reservoir is a serene haven that provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of Dublin. To reach this peaceful destination, take either a 49 or 75 bus to Firhouse and then walk to the reservoir. As you stroll along the water’s edge, take in the calming atmosphere and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you. The Bohernabreena Reservoir is the perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a quiet moment of reflection in the great outdoors.
