November 10, 2018

5 Beautiful Places You Can Visit This Weekend

I love finding new places to explore, and things to do over the weekend. I’m definitely not the kind of girl to sit on the couch all weekend, and really love spending some quality time in the fresh air. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country, and I don’t think we appreciate it (especially when the weather takes a turn!). For those of us living in Dublin, there are so many beautiful places from one end of the city to the other.

If you’re visiting, or not living too far from Dublin, I hope this summary of beautiful day trips will inspire you to get outside and enjoy some of my favourite spots scattered around the city.

Howth & The Cliff Walk

Howth, located in north county Dublin, is just a short journey from Dublin City Centre and you can reach it easily by DART, car, or bus (31/31b).

The cliff walk loop is approximately 10km long. It can take about 3 hours to complete it, and although I wouldn’t say that it is easy, it is definitely worth every second. With views of the sea and amazing cliffs along the coast, you’re bound to get a photo that is good enough to make it onto the gram, and get a decent walk in while you’re at it!

One of my favourite things about visiting Howth at the weekend is the market. Stocked with local, Irish, and International artisan produce, it’s worth heading out on a Saturday or Sunday to check it out. While you’re there, treat yourself to fresh fish and chips on the pier for the perfect ending to the day. If fish and chips aren’t your thing I can also recommend The House and The Grind.

The Guinness Lake & Djouce Mountain

One of the last places we visited before we headed away last year was The Guinness Lake – you can read all about our little adventure here. It is such a beautiful viewpoint and if you haven’t already been, I would seriously recommend it. It is located in the Wicklow Mountains approximately an hour from Dublin. While you need a car to reach this area, there are some lovely walks nearby that will make the trip worthwhile.

I would recommend the Djouce Mountain Trail. There are a few different walks you can do, some easier than others. The views are spectacular. Depending on which walk you do, you will catch sight of The Guinness Lake, Powerscourt Waterfall, and Dublin City. My advice would be to head there on a bright, clear day to really take advantage of the sights on offer. If you can’t see them, you will definitely feel a little hard done by at the end!

On the journey home stop off in Avoca, Kilmacanogue for a coffee and well-deserved lunch before heading home.

Bull Island Beach

If you don’t have all day but are looking to get out of the house for a few hours, why not head to Clontarf and visit Bull Island beach. It’s a great spot for a casual stroll alone or with company. It is my favourite spot in all of Dublin, and you can be sure to bump into me there most weekends! There’s just something about it that instantly makes me happy, no matter how I felt when I left the house.

Afterwards, pop into the guys in Happy Out for one of the best coffee’s in Dublin. Their toasties are known to be pretty delicious too!

Bray to greystones walk

Another favourite of mine is the cliff walk from Bray to Greystones. This walk really reminds me of our time in Sydney, as it has a lot of similarities to the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. All in all, it is around 8km and will take about two hours to complete, you honestly don’t notice the time go by.  The views, wildlife, and crowds (if you are visiting over the weekend!) will be sure to keep you preoccupied. While the paths are pretty well established, there are a few rocky points so be sure to watch where you step.

 

The walk finishes at Greystones harbour, where you will meet crowds of other individuals rushing to grab a bite at The Happy Pear before taking the DART back to Bray or elsewhere.

Skerries Mill & Town

A less well-known but equally beautiful day out is to Skerries Mills. Located less than an hour from Dublin City Centre, this spot is a little off the beaten track but a really nice way to spend a Sunday. Here you can check out two fully functioning mills, and beautiful views across Skerries and the nearby islands. There are guided tours running on a daily basis which last about 40 mins. Throughout, you will learn about the history of the mill, be shown how to stone grind flour, and also see it all in action.  Afterward, head to Blue Bar in Skerries village for the best chicken wings in all of Dublin!