Overview
The Dublin Coastal Trail is a 40‑mile (64 km) ribbon of shoreline that hugs the UNESCO‑designated Dublin Bay Biosphere. Starting at the fishing village of Skerries and winding south through eleven historic stops – Skerries, Malahide, Howth, Raheny & North Bull Island, Grand Canal Dock, Sandymount, Salthill & Monkstown, Dún Laoghaire, Sandycove & Glasthule, Dalkey and Killiney – the trail blends natural beauty, built heritage and contemporary culture. Because the route follows the DART and Irish Rail lines, visitors can hop on and off at any stop, making a car‑free day‑trip from Dublin city centre effortless.
History & Background
The concept was launched in 2022 by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council and Iarnród Éireann. Its purpose was to showcase the lesser‑known coastal settlements that lie minutes from the capital, encouraging sustainable travel and supporting local economies. In 2025 the trail was extended to include five new locations – Balbriggan, Donabate, Clontarf/Dollymount, Dublin Port and Blackrock – bringing the total to sixteen stops, although the original eleven‑village core remains the most‑visited segment.
Recent Extensions (2025)
The 2025 expansion added:
- Balbriggan – a historic fishing town with a bustling harbour and a popular weekend market.
- Donabate – home to the scenic Donabate‑Portmarnock Greenway and a thriving sailing community.
- Clontarf/Dollymount – famous for the iconic Dollymount Strand and the historic Wooden Bridge to Bull Island.
- Dublin Port – the historic heart of Ireland’s maritime trade, now featuring interpretive signage and a small visitor centre.
- Blackrock – a leafy suburb with a promenade, the historic Blackrock Village, and easy access to the coastal cycle route.
Way‑finding signs in six languages (English, Irish, French, German, Spanish and Italian) now mark each of these new stops, helping visitors navigate the trail confidently.
What to See & Do
| Stop | Highlights | Typical Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Skerries | Skerries Mills (working windmills, watermill, café), Martello Tower, North & South beaches | Paddle‑boarding with Skerries Watersports, kite‑surfing, boat trips to Rockabill Lighthouse, ice‑cream at Storm in a Teacup, walk the 5 km St Patrick’s Way & Art Trail, Saturday farmers market at the mills |
| Malahide | Malahide Castle & Gardens (800‑year‑old estate, Butterfly House, Fairy Trail), Casino Model Railway Museum | Guided castle tours, butterfly spotting, SUP on the estuary, food‑truck lunch at the marina, day‑trip to Lambay Island |
| Howth | Howth Cliff Path Loop, Howth Castle, Baily Lighthouse, Ireland’s Eye island | Guided hikes with Howth Adventures, boat trips with Ireland’s Eye Ferries, seafood at Beshoffs, cooking classes at Howth Castle Cookery School, wildlife spotting (puffins, seals) |
| Raheny & North Bull Island | St Anne’s Park, Bull Island National Nature Reserve, Rose Gardens, two links golf courses | Bird‑watching (light‑bellied brent geese, waders), dune walks, Saturday market at St Anne’s, golf at Royal Dublin Golf Club |
| Grand Canal Dock | EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum, Jeanie Johnston famine ship, modern tech‑hub skyline | Interactive museum tours, waterfront walks, evening performances at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, kayak tours on the Liffey (Surfdock Watersports) |
| Sandymount | Sandymount Strand, Great South Wall walk, Poolbeg Lighthouse, iconic Poolbeg Chimneys, Aviva Stadium | Long beach strolls, photography, catching a match at Aviva Stadium, coffee at Arty Baker |
| Salthill & Monkstown | Seapoint Beach, Victorian‑Georgian architecture, Lobstar lobster & steak bistro | Sea‑swimming at Seapoint, cycling the coastal track, boutique shopping in Monkstown |
| Dún Laoghaire | Marina, Dublin Bay Cruises, National Maritime Museum, CoCo Market (Sunday) | Boat cruises to Howth & Dalkey Island, fish‑and‑chips on the pier, market browsing |
| Sandycove & Glasthule | James Joyce Tower & Museum (Martello Tower), Forty Foot swimming spot, Cavistons seafood restaurant | Museum visit (free entry), sea‑swim at the Forty Foot, dinner on fresh local seafood |
| Dalkey | Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, Dalkey Book Festival (June), Dalkey Lobster Festival (August), kayaking with Kayaking.ie | Living‑history tours, literary events, kayaking around Dalkey Island, dining at Finnegan’s |
| Killiney | Killiney Hill (panoramic views of Dublin, Wales and Wicklow Mountains), Killiney Beach, Vico Baths, Killiney Golf Club | Hilltop walks, swimming, golf with sea views |
Wildlife Watching
Bull Island is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve renowned for its birdlife – puffins, gulls, terns and the occasional harbour porpoise can be seen from the dunes. Seals are a regular sight around Howth, Ireland’s Eye and Dalkey Island. Early‑morning walks on the dunes increase the chance of spotting migratory birds such as light‑bellied brent geese.
Practical Information
Getting There
- Rail – The DART runs from Connolly through all southern stops (Malahide to Killiney). The northernmost stop, Skerries, is served by Irish Rail’s Iarnród Éireann service from Connolly. Trains run at 15‑minute intervals during peak times.
- Leap Visitor Card – Unlimited travel on DART, Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and the Bleeper bike‑share scheme. Purchase at any DART station or online.
- Bleeper Bike Share – Docked in Malahide, Dún Laoghaire and Killiney (plus new docks at Donabate and Blackrock after the 2025 extension).
- Ferry Links – Ireland’s Eye Ferries operate from Howth Pier to the island, a prime spot for seal‑watching.
Opening Hours & Fees
- The trail itself is open 24 hours year‑round and free to walk or cycle.
- Individual attractions keep their own opening times (e.g., EPIC 10:00‑17:00, last entry 16:30; James Joyce Tower free entry, €1 donation suggested).
- Most beaches, parks and public spaces are accessible at any time.
Facilities
- Restrooms – Available at major villages (Malahide, Howth, Dún Laoghaire) and at the Grand Canal Dock visitor centre.
- Food & Drink – From fish‑and‑chips in Howth to upscale lobster bistros in Dalkey; vegetarian and vegan options are common.
- Parking – Limited free on‑street parking in Malahide and Dún Laoghaire; larger car parks (e.g., at Sandymount, Dalkey) operate on a pay‑and‑display basis.
- Accessibility – All DART stations are wheelchair‑accessible. Promenade sections (Sandymount Strand, Seapoint) are level and suitable for strollers and mobility aids. Some cliff‑top paths (Howth Cliff Walk) involve uneven terrain and may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Maps & Resources
- A downloadable PDF map of all stops is available from Fingal County Council’s website.
- Fáilte Ireland provides a brand‑toolkit and promotional video for businesses along the trail.
Sample Itinerary
A popular day‑trip starts on the DART at Connolly, alighting at Skerries for a morning paddle‑board session, then continuing to Malahide for a castle tour and lunch at The Greedy Goose. A quick hop to Howth provides the cliff walk and a seafood lunch, followed by an afternoon at EPIC in Grand Canal Dock. The journey finishes with a sunset stroll along the Great South Wall in Sandymount before the DART returns you to the city centre.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Dalkey Book Festival – early June, literary talks and author signings at Dalkey Castle.
- Dalkey Lobster Festival – mid‑August, fresh lobster dishes, live music and cooking demonstrations.
- Salthill & Monkstown Summer Series – July–August, outdoor concerts and food markets along the promenade.
- St Anne’s Park Saturday Market – weekly, local produce, crafts and street food.
- Skerries Mills Farmers Market – Saturdays, fresh bakery goods and artisanal products.
Tips for Families & Dogs
- Most beaches (e.g., Skerries South Strand, Sandymount) allow dogs on leashes year‑round, but check seasonal restrictions during the summer months.
- St Anne’s Park has a large playground and a dedicated dog‑run area.
- The trail’s flat promenade sections are stroller‑friendly; bring a picnic to enjoy at any of the many parkland stops.