The Great South Wall Walk

Dublin has walking trails to rival those of any rural Irish county: beautiful cliff path trails, mountainous hikes and relaxing nature walks are all easily accessible from the city centre. That’s why we’ve put together some of the best walks – from Killiney Hill to the Dublin Mountains Way – to try the next time you’re in the area.
In 2015, the Dublin Mountains Way was included in Australian travel writer Barry Stone’s book 1001 Walks You Must Experience Before You Die. This scenic trail connecting the suburbs of Shankill and Tallaght through the Dublin Mountains opened in 2010, and it has quickly become a favourite with walkers of all ability levels. The Scalp, a 12,000-year-old glacial valley on the Barnaslingan hill, is one of the many features along this scenic walk.
The two man-made reservoirs in the picturesque Glenasmole Valley near Tallaght date back to the 1880s, when they were built to supply water to the Dublin suburb of Rathmines. This figure-eight walking trail circles both reservoirs, bounded by spectacular Scots pine, Douglas fir and larch trees. Walking here, you will see plenty of wild birds, such as kingfishers, dippers and herons.
Taking you along Ireland’s most famous river, the Liffey, this city walk takes you through the heart of the city. If you begin at the Heuston Station and walk along the riverfront, you’ll be greeted by a collection of wonderful views across the city. The short walk is roughly 5km (3mi), and if you’re looking for somewhere to stop for a spot of lunch, plenty of picturesque pubs and cafes line the route.
This moderate loop walk features the summit of both the Three Rock mountain and the Two Rock mountain and has several interesting stops along the way. Getting its name from a former tomb, now known as the Fairy Castle, the walk takes guests along to the highest point in the Dublin mountains. From its summit, you can catch sights of the city, Dublin Bay, the Sugarloaf and Mournes Mountains. Found just south of the city, the hike is a great way to take advantage of a sunny clear day.
Additional reporting by Nicholas Grantham