Dublin’s coastline is closer than most visitors realise and a newly expanded Dublin Coastal Trail makes it simple to explore the city’s shoreline by train. The self‑guided route links 16 seaside communities over more than 65km, letting travellers hop off for cliff walks, fishing villages, wildlife reserves and fresh seafood within easy reach of Temple Bar.
The northbound rail ride from the city moves quickly from urban high‑rises to pastures, wildflowers and open sea. In under an hour you can be on Balbriggan’s pale sands; slightly longer takes you to Malahide and the Dart‑linked peninsula of Howth, where dramatic cliff paths and harbour porpoises feel far from the city bustle.
Highlights along the trail
The Dublin Coastal Trail showcases varied seaside experiences close to the centre.
- Howth: Four circular cliff walks, historic abbey ruins and a busy fishing port ideal for seafood at Kish Fish and seal‑spotting.
- Bull Island & North Bull Wall: Built in 1820, the wall helped form Bull Island’s dunes and salt marshes, a key reason Dublin is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.
- Blackrock: A short Dart ride from the city, home to Booterstown Marsh bird reserve and the weekend Blackrock Market in an 18th‑century building.
- Killiney: A pebble beach with sweeping views and distinctive sandstone cliffs, set beside elegant Victorian and Georgian homes.
Why go by rail
Riding the rails lets you cover distance quickly while reducing car use and parking stress. Trains run frequently, and the trail is designed for flexible day trips: ride the full 90‑minute route or disembark at a few stops to hike, swim or explore local cafés and markets. The biosphere status means coastal wildlife and human communities coexist visitors can see seals, migratory birds and unique coastal plants just minutes from urban streets.
