Walk In Ireland – The One With The Best Views Of Dublin Bay.

Ireland and Dublin boasts beautiful surrounding landscapes and offers a lot of options for walkers, whether you’re super-fit or a leisurely stroller, and interested in scenery, nature or heritage trails.

Walk this way for the One with the Best Views of Dublin Bay and you might even see an Irish Celebrity along the way. 

Discover the interesting local history and the stunning views of South County Dublin. Killiney Hill is a popular destination for walkers and hikers availing of the spectacular views, over the surrounding areas: Dublin to the northwest, the Irish Sea and the mountains of Wales (on a clear day) to the east and southeast, and Bray Head and the Wicklow Mountains to the south.

To sample the scenery in advance of your walk, watch Sky Cam Ireland’s gorgeous video of the stunning views surrounding Dalkey and Killiney in Dublin, Ireland.

Dalkey Town, County Dublin. 

If travelling from Dublin City Centre by Dart (Local Train) then get out at Dalkey Dart Station. Before you set off on your walk, you might decide to walk down to Castle Street in Dalkey Town to visit Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre where history comes to life quite literally, as costumed actors act out live theatre performances. If literature is your thing, explore the Writer’s Gallery for everything from Samuel Beckett to Maeve Binchy.

From Dalkey follow Sorrento Road southeast towards Sorrento Terrace. Track the edge of the sea along the Vico Road and then climb the steep hillside to Dalkey Hill, via a small gate at the bottom of a concertina of very steep stone steps, locally known as the Cat’s Ladder.

The Oscar and Nobel Prize winner, George Bernard Shaw, lived at Torca Cottage between 1866 and 1874, with his family and mother’s close friend, George John Lee. Continue up a dusty walled lane-way to the old signal tower on Dalkey Hill.

From the summit, experience beautiful serene scenes of Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea – Look out over Dublin’s answer to the Bay of Naples – as well as the Wicklow Mountains, the Sugar Loaf Mountain, and Dalkey Island, with its grey stone Martello Tower.

Make your way downwards over the hill, and pass the quarry from where the granite was extracted to build Dun Laoghaire’s mighty piers. Nowadays, its sheer sides make it the abseiling and rock-climbing hotspot for adventure-sports lovers.

Through the car park, you’ll spot a number of pathways, veer left towards the sea again, with the next climb up easy steps bringing you to the top of Killiney Hill.

Killiney Hill Park

Killiney Hill and Dalkey Hill form part of Killiney Hill Park, a small public park overlooking both Dalkey and Killiney villages. The Park was dedicated to public use in 1887 by Prince Albert Victor of Wales, in memory of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, and called Victoria Hill.

Killiney Obelisk

Killiney Obelisk was built in 1742 to commemorate a sad event in Irish history which was described as ‘the Year of the Slaughter’.   A small number of rich landlords like John Malpas of Killiney Hill commissioned famine relief projects like this one at Killiney Obelisk to provide employment to destitute families. Ironically this monument is now located in the wealthiest part of Dublin and Ireland.

Turn left and it’s downhill to the Vico Road again, this time taking a right to bring you on a view-laden stroll right back to sea level and Killiney Dart Station (Train Station) – the beautiful homes and gardens along the way will enhance this picturesque ending to your walk.

Keep an eye out for famous locals on this walk in Ireland. Bono, The Edge, Enya and Van Morrison all live nearby (and Matt Damon and his family even temporarily took up residence in this area of South County Dublin).

Level: 

Easy Walk – This is an excellent short loop that has breathtaking views at the top. Although there are some inclines, this route is great for all ages. You will have beautiful views of the sea, mountains, and city throughout this walk. There is the possibility to extend the distance of this walk and to include other coastal areas of South County Dublin.

Distance/Duration: 

2.9KM/1.8 miles/1 hour to 3 hours depending on the photo stops and rests made along the way.

Start at/Finish at:

You can start the ascent either from the Dalkey Dart Station or Killiney Dart Station.

How to get there: 

Dalkey Town is a very pleasant coastal suburb located 13km (8 miles) from Dublin City Centre. It is accessible by DART (Suburban Train) which runs every 10-15 minutes to/from the city depending on weekday or weekend (approximately 25 minute train journey).

Walking Check-List: 

Check the weather and pack smart – Have a fully charged cell phone; Water; Snacks; Wear layers of appropriate clothing, waterproof jacket and correct footwear/waterproof hiking boots.Bring a camera for the fabulous views.

Leave word with someone about where you are going and approximately what time you expect to be back.

Never leave any items or valuables visible inside your parked vehicle.

Refuel: 

Located right near the brow of Killiney Hill, The Druid’s Chair is a family-run pub that provides the perfect stop off point to refuel after an enjoyable walk around Dalkey and Killiney.

Suggested Walking Guide Book: 

Tracks and Trails have a lovely scenic video of a longer version of this walk from Monkstown County Dublin to Killiney County Dublin – 12KM/7.45 miles.  It can also be broken down into shorter walks.

All Trails have a map of the Dalkey and Killiney Hill Loop walk.

Emergency:

Phone 999 or 112 and advise the emergency crew whether you need an Ambulance, the Gardaí (police), Fire Brigade or Mountain Rescue.

The Killiney & Dalkey Walk “Leave No Trace” principles are:

1. Plan ahead and Prepare
2. Be Considerate of Others
3. Respect all Animals and Wildlife
4. Travel on Durable Ground
5. Leave What You Find
6. Dispose of Waste Properly
7. Minimize the effects of fire.

Remember:

Minimize your impact on the environment. Leave nothing but footprints & take nothing but photographs.

Explore South County Dublin. 

Dublin City and County have plenty of treasure in store for you, from beautiful cityscapes to breathtaking coastal walks overlooking Dublin Bay.

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Note: Featured image at the top of the blog is of Dublin Bay © M.Cronin