Our favourite hikes near UCD for international students

Ireland is famous for its breathtaking scenery and dramatic landscapes, and you don’t have to travel far from Dublin to see them. 

In this post, we’ve compiled our favourite hikes for international students, which are all easily accessible by public transport from UCD. They combine stunning views with nearby villages or towns for energy-boosting snacks and coffee. Perfect for the seasoned walkers and the not-so-outdoorsy alike!

Howth Cliff Walk Loop in North Dublin

The Howth Cliff Walk Loop starts and ends in the charming fishing village of Howth in the northern suburbs of Dublin. It is approximately 8 km in length and takes around 2-2.5 hours to complete. The route offers panoramic views of nature-rich Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye and Dublin Bay, with frequent sightings of seabirds and coastal wildlife along the way.

Once complete, there’s no shortage of friendly cafés and restaurants for you to enjoy, with the area especially well known for its fresh seafood.

The Route

Take a northbound DART towards Howth and ride it to the end of the line. From the station, pass the harbour and keep an eye out for the curious seals bobbing in the water. 

Follow the road up the steep Cunningham Path, then turn left and continue for approximately 500 metres, where the road gives way to a dirt track marking the start of the cliff walk. This is where the views really open up and the rugged island coastline can be seen in all its glory.

Towards the end of the cliff section, you’ll see the Baily Lighthouse, built in 1667, before descending back into Howth village via the upper car park.

Find out more on the (opens in a new window)Discover Ireland website. 

Killiney Hill and Dalkey Village

On a clear day, Killiney Hill offers 360-degree views of Dublin city and the Wicklow mountains. The views from the top are particularly striking and a reminder that even a relatively short walk can offer surprisingly big rewards.

The hike begins in the beautiful village of Dalkey, originally a Viking settlement and later a key Medieval port. Dalkey Village is well worth exploring either before or after your hike, with excellent restaurants, the unique Gutter Bookshop and plenty of exquisite cafés to choose from.

The Route

Take a southbound DART towards Bray or Greystones and get off at Dalkey Station. 

From the station, turn left and cross the bridge over the tracks. Continue uphill along Cunningham Road, then take the Metals path on your left, which was once an old quarry tramline. 

The Metals path climbs to a quiet residential road leading to one of the entrances to Killiney Hill Park. From here, a short uphill section with winding steps brings you to the Summit Obelisk, built in 1742. The obelisk was built as part of a famine relief project, providing employment to local people during the Great Famine in Ireland. 

Follow the path in the opposite direction, as it winds down the hill to the Mister Magpie at Killiney Hill Café. Perfect for a well-earned cake and coffee break! As you carry on through the forest, you come into a clearing where you can follow the road back down the hill to Dalkey Village. 

Learn more on the (opens in a new window)Discover Ireland website. 

Poolbeg Lighthouse and Nature Reserve

The Poolbeg Lighthouse hike is proof that elevation isn’t everything. The vibrant red lighthouse stands on the early 19th-century Great South Wall, designed to prevent the River Liffey from silting up Dublin port. This entirely flat route is very popular with joggers and locals walking their dogs. It takes about 2 hours and is easily reached by a short bus or DART journey from the city centre.

At the end of your hike, you’ll be rewarded with the bright red Poolbeg Lighthouse as you stand surrounded by water in the middle of Dublin Bay. A very special way to experience Dublin!

We recommend visiting Sandymount Village after your hike, an ideal spot to stop for food or coffee. 

The Route

The route begins at Seán Moore Park, just north of the main Sandymount beachfront. From here, follow the coastal path through Irishtown Nature Reserve towards Dublin’s iconic Poolbeg chimneys. The route passes through an industrial area by the seaside before the start of the granite peninsula, which extends out to Dublin Bay.

Once you’ve captured a few photos and a lungful of sea air, return the way you came.

Explore more on the (opens in a new window)Discover Ireland website. 

Bray Head and Seaside Promenade, Co. Wicklow

Bray is a lively seaside town, popular year-round for its promenade, cafés and arcades, and makes an invigorating starting point for this short but steep hill hike. The route typically takes 1-1.5 hours, depending on your pace.

From the summit, views stretch across the Wicklow countryside, with the popular Great Sugar Loaf hill particularly prominent on clear days. After the descent, Bray’s seafront is an ideal place to refuel before the DART journey back to Dublin.

The Route

From the southern end of Bray’s seafront, a clearly marked path leads uphill towards Bray Head. The hike rises quickly through woodland before opening onto exposed hillside and rocky paths near the summit. 

You’ll know you’re in the right place when a large cross comes into view on the summit. Erected in 1950, it is one of many crosses placed on Irish hilltops during a Catholic jubilee. It can be very windy at the top, so extra layers are recommended.

Find out more on the (opens in a new window)Bray.ie page. 

Continue Exploring

Dublin and Ireland have so much to offer beyond beautiful scenery.

With museums, restaurants and a rich history, there’s genuinely something for everyone. If you’re not sure where to start, visit our Discover Dublin and Ireland page to learn more.