With restrictions finally starting to ease, we are excited to welcome back leisure guests to Aspect Hotel Park West. Even though we are allowed to visit museums, galleries and restaurants, we are still advised that the outdoors is the safest place to be. Lucky for us, Dublin’s great outdoors is just as impressive as any of our tourist attractions.
One of the best things about Dublin is our close proximity to both mountains and coastline. You could be sitting in your office and within 30-minutes you’re halfway up a mountain or dipping your toes in the Irish Sea. Here are some of the highlights of the exciting Dublin Coast.
Dublin South Coast
Start close to the city, heading toward Ringsend and following the Great South Wall to the Poolbeg Lighthouse. What was once overlooked and dilapidated, the lighthouse has been repainted and restored to its former glory and is now a popular destination for coastal walkers. Along the way, you’ll also pass the iconic red & white chimneys of Pigeon House, an important and recognisable feature of the Dublin skyline.
While not technically within the Dublin border, we have adopted Bray (co. Wicklow) as our own. The location of many childhood outings and bags of chips eaten in the car before the seagulls notice, Bray is a charming fishing village along the DART line and just a 20-minute drive from our hotel. Enjoy a ramble up Bray Head to enjoy beautiful views across the sea, ending with a trip to the amusements and a walk along the promenade with an ice cream.
Dublin Sea Swimming
One of the most popular outdoor activities in the past year has been sea swimming, with an influx of bathers in many coastal towns throughout the year. You’ll find swimmers braving the freezing Irish sea in Salthill, Killiney, Portmarnock, Skerries and Malahide but by far the most popular spot for sea swimming is the 40ft in Sandycove. Sea swimming has many benefits including burning calories, mental clarity and a reduction of stress – possibly because your body can’t focus on anything but staying alive in the freezing temperatures! Enjoy the fresh sea air and warm up afterward with a hot drink from a local coffee shop and fish & chips in our Restaurant & Bar in our Dublin Hotel. Between our comfortable bed and your tired body, it’s a guaranteed great night’s sleep.
Dublin North Coast
The coast of Dublin has two distinct sides to explore, both with something beautiful to offer. The North Wall walk brings you through the city, past the affluent suburb of Clontarf, and out toward Bull Island pier and beach. You can drive & park almost on Bull Island Beach, stretch your legs with a walk down the pier or dip your toes in the sea. You can also enjoy one of the most picturesque 18-holes on Bull Island Golf course.
Venture further north to the gem of North Dublin, Howth. There you can enjoy a walk on the promenade, a drink in one of the many bars along the seafront, or the freshest fish supper you’ve ever tried. If you’re feeling active, take on the Howth Head walk, leading around the cliff edge of the peninsula to the picturesque lighthouse, looping around the village of Sutton, and returning to the Howth Train Station. The loop walk takes approximately 3 hours and offers some of the most memorable views across Dublin Bay. You could also enjoy a Dublin Bay Cruise from Dún Laoghaire City Centre and Howth with five crossings each day.
Outdoor Activities in Dublin City
If you love life on the waves but can’t reach the sea, why not try some activities on the River Liffey or Grand Canal Docks in the heart of the city. There are many companies offering exciting activities on the water, from kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and everything in between, ideal for an active lunch break or a team-building exercise. You can also take a Dublin sightseeing tour on a Viking Splash Tour which takes you across the city by road before the amphibious vehicle enters the sea for a water-based tour.
If you’re looking forward to a Dublin break and enjoying the best of our coastline this summer, make sure to book great value accommodation as soon as possible. We are expecting a busy summer with a mixture of leisure and corporate guests making the most of Dublin’s grand reopening. Book your stay on our official website for our best available rate and special offers you won’t find anywhere else.
