The 9 Best Hikes & Cliff Walks from Dublin

1.Game of Thrones Winterfell Locations Trek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 814 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $95Our pick

Leave Dublin at 7:45 am for an 11-hour trip to Tollymore Forest, Castle Ward and Inch Abbey. Walk filming locations in Northern Ireland with a guide who worked as a Game of Thrones extra, and use the supplied cloaks, swords, shields and banners for photos. Lunch in Strangford is at your own expense. Expect a brisk, active day outdoors.

“Had a lot of fun Recommend adding the KM and terrain to be walked in the website description. This would better assist those that may not be able to handle the distance. We had a couple struggle in our group. Bus Driver was a bit scary at times.”

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2.Dublin Coastal Hike, Pints & Puppies Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 647 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $56

Walk from Howth village to the cliffs with guides such as Patrick or Mark, hearing local history and folklore on the way. Expect uneven paths, uphill stretches, sea views, and a pint at The Bloody Stream. A small group of up to 15 keeps the outing sociable; a dog may join, but its presence on the hike is not guaranteed.

“Patrick and Tilly were the best part of our trip to Ireland. It’s a very easy trip from Dublin. We learned a lot of history of Howth and laughed the whole time. You’re missing out if you pass this up. Howth is also such a quaint place and way slower paced than Dublin. The views of the sea were indescribable.”

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3.Dublin Coastal Hike with Howth Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 289 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $47

Meet your guide at Howth Market for a three-hour coastal hike through the fishing village, past St Mary’s Abbey and up to Howth Summit. Expect steep, sometimes muddy paths, wide views of Dublin Bay and local stories along the way. Guides such as Zach and Rob lead small groups of up to 10; Loki the dog has joined some outings.

“Rob was very friendly and knowledgeable and took great care to make sure that everyone was ok. People need to be aware that there are some very steep hiking sections at the beginning.”

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4.Howth Safari Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 279 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $71

Meet your guide in Howth for fresh scones, tea or coffee, then hike roughly 6 to 9 miles over heathland, cliff paths and rocky ground. You’ll pass Martello Tower Sutton and Baily Lighthouse, with sea caves on the route when tides allow. Guides such as Zack, Shane and Dee share local stories along the way.

“The meeting spot is very easy to find. Zach was our guide and Loki, the dog, came with us. Zach gave us information about the history of Howth and Ireland itself. Loki is very cute and well trained and she even knew when she had to pose for a picture. The level of walking/hiking in our group was very different but Zach really tried his best to let everyone feel included and gave some easier en more difficult options along the route. I really liked the local feeling. It was a very relaxing day, beautiful nature, nice talks and we tried a local beer at the end.”

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5.Wicklow Mountains Horse Trekking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 118 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Set out from Hollywood Horse and Pony Trekking near Ballymore Eustace for an 80-minute ride through the Wicklow Mountains and Kings River valley. Guides including Ray, Lisa, Nicole, and Jack help match horses to riders and give beginners a short lesson before the trek. Some rides include time near or in a lake, and experienced riders may have a chance to canter.

“The horses were very cooperative, even in the rain and wind! We had Jack as our guide who was friendly and provided good advice for a safe ride.”

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6.Howth Coastal Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 116 reviews · from $44Best value

Join a local guide for a three-hour hike through Howth village, heathland and cliff paths. You’ll pass St Mary’s Abbey, climb to the Ben of Howth and take in views of Baily Lighthouse, Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains. Guides including Zack, Dee, Charlie and Sean have led outings; dogs have joined some, but aren’t guaranteed.

“Dee and Afrik were so lovely. This was the best hiking tour I’ve ever been on, Dee’s enthusiasm and passion for teaching was a delight. Such beautiful views.”

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7.Howth Hiking Trail from Dublin: Mythology and Legend

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · from $46

Leave Dublin by train for a guided, roughly 11 km walk around Howth. A Spanish-speaking guide leads you through woodland, past Howth Castle and a dolmen, and up to views of Dublin Bay and Baily Lighthouse. Expect Irish legends, nature stops, and a forest picnic break. Bring food and sturdy shoes; the train ticket costs about €6 extra.

“He's just the best guide I've ever met. And the tour is just beautiful, he show us the best places in there. I really recomend to do his tours because I'm gonna do them all. Just perfect, everything so friendly and carefully chose.”

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8.Dublin Coastal Hike and Pints & Puppies

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $53

Meet your English-speaking guide and their dog at Howth train station for a 3.5-hour coastal walk. Follow local paths past cliff views, possible seal-spotting spots, and historic ruins while hearing stories of Viking and Norman Ireland. Finish with a complimentary pint in a local pub. Guides named in past outings include Mark and Paddy, with dogs Tilly and Missy.

“Wonderful! The breathtaking views, well organized incredibly professional guide who added a personal touch to the tour and adorable Missy will make this three hour tour fly by. I highly recommend this tour.”

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9.Howth Safari Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · from $67

Spend about five hours hiking 10 to 15 km around Howth, from Shielmartin Hill to cliff viewpoints, coves and Baily Lighthouse. A local guide leads you over uneven coastal paths, with scones, tea and coffee at the start and a video memento afterward. Guides who have led the walk include Shane, Isaac, Dee and Conor.

“It was such a wonderful experience with good people! Our guide, Shane was very knowledgable, kind and warm. We feel so lucky to join this tour.”

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