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
Glendalough is an beautiful glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. There's a few different routes that you can do, from toddler friendly up to more challenging hikes.
How to get to Glenadalough by Bus
A private bus company, St. Kevin's Bus Services, runs daily shuttles Dublin and Bray to Glendalough which drop you off at the Glendalough visitor centre. It's around 1 and half hours from Dublin or 45 minutes from Bray. As of March 8th 2025, tickets cost €23 return from Dublin or €16 return from Bray. Buses are infrequent though, you can check the latest times here.
Glendalough Route Details
There are 9 different routes you can do:
| Trail Name | Grade | Distance | Time | Elevation Gain | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miners' Road Walk | Easy | 5 km | 1 hr 10 min | 20 m | Skirts the Upper Lake, passes a miners' village, and offers views of St. Kevin's Bed. |
| Poulanass and St. Kevin's Cell | Moderate | 1 km | 30 min | 85 m | Ascends alongside a waterfall to a viewpoint over the Upper Lake. |
| Spinc and Glenealo Valley | Hillwalk | 9.5 km | 3 hr 15 min | 380 m | Includes a steep ascent with wooden steps and a scenic valley descent. |
| Green Road Walk | Easy | 3 km | 50 min | 20 m | Flat woodland walk with views of the Lower Lake. |
| Derrybawn Woodland Trail | Ramble | 8 km | 2 hr | 160 m | Steep climb with panoramic valley views. |
| Spinc and the Wicklow Way | Hillwalk | 11.5 km | 4 hr 15 min | 490 m | Boardwalk section with stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities. |
| Poulanass | Moderate | 1.6 km | 40 min | 100 m | Steep climb alongside the Poulanass Waterfall. |
| Woodland Road | Easy | 4 km | 1 hr 15 min | 90 m | Leads through mixed woodlands with mountain views. |
| Spinc | Hillwalk | 5.5 km | 2hr 15 margin | Varies | Shorter than the other Spinc routs but still leads into mountainous areas where navigational experience is required. |
You can print out a map of the routes from this pdf.
Howth Cliff Hike
Howth Cliff Hike is a popular route that you can reach on the DART from many stations in Dublin. Routes range from 6km to 12km and pass stunning views of the coastline, the village of Howth and the islands of Lambay and Ireland's Eye.
How to get to Howth Cliff Hike by Train
Take the DART from any of the main DART stations in Dublin city center (Tara, Pearse, Connolly, Grand Canal) and get off at Howth station. The DART is a rail line that runs through Dubin, from Greystones in the South up to Malahide in the North of Dublin. It would take around 30 minutes to get to Howth station from Dublin city center.
Howth Cliff Hike Route Details
| Trail Name | Distance | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Howth Cliff Path Loop (Green Route) | 6 km | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Tramline Loop (Blue Route) | 7 km | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Black Linn Loop (Red Route) | 8 km | 2 - 2.5 hours |
| Bog of Frogs Loop (Purple Route) | 12 km | 2.5 - 3 hours |
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard, depending on the loop.
Townley Hall Woods
Townley Hall Woods is a great forest walk close to Boyne River and the site of Battle of the Boyne. As of March 2025, it was damaged by the recent storms, access is open but restricted. The trail may be marshy during the winter, so it's a good idea to bring waterproof footwear. Getting there is possible but not easy by public transport: first a train from Dublin to Drogheda and then a taxi from Drogheda to Townley Hall, around €15 - €20.
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.
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.
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.
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.