Explore Dublin’s Scenic Autumn Walking Routes This Season

As autumn settles over Dublin, many residents and visitors are seeking outdoor activities to enjoy the crisp weather and stunning fall foliage. The city offers a variety of scenic walking routes, each with unique views and convenient stops for warm beverages. Here are some of the best walking paths to explore in Dublin this season.

Popular Scenic Routes

One of the standout locations is the Bull Wall, situated on Dublin’s north side. This picturesque stretch of sand allows walkers to meander through extensive dunes and along the shoreline. At the end of the island, Happy Out Cafe serves coffee and hot toasties, making it an ideal stop for a warming treat before or after your stroll.

Another excellent option is the Royal Canal, which runs from the city centre through Drumcondra, Phibsborough, and Ashtown. This route provides a pleasant walking experience, regardless of where you start. Beginning in Drumcondra and heading towards Phibsborough, walkers can discover a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs along the way.

The River Dodder is another beautiful walking destination. It diverges from the River Liffey near the Grand Canal and extends to Ballsbridge and Rathfarnham. The riverbanks offer scenic views of Dublin’s charming south side. A notable spot along this route is Bushy Park, where weekend visitors can find a market featuring delicious food and drinks.

Coastal and Urban Walks

A dedicated coastal pathway starting at Velvet Strand in Portmarnock leads towards Malahide, offering one of Dublin’s finest winter walks. Once you reach the village, numerous cafes and restaurants await, serving everything from coffee to meals.

The Grand Canal transforms into a cozy destination for evening strolls as the weather cools. During the day, popular cafes such as Grove Road Cafe and Noshington Cafe provide hot beverages to warm up chilly hands.

In St Anne’s Park, located in Clontarf, visitors can enjoy a variety of walking trails that weave through woodlands and open green spaces. Some trails even provide stunning coastal views. For lunch and coffee, Olive’s Room in The Red Stables is a highly recommended stop.

The iconic Phoenix Park, known as Europe’s largest urban park, offers numerous walking routes. Here, visitors might spot deer and even the country’s president. For a hot drink during your visit, consider stopping at Nakuru Coffee House or the Phoenix Park Tea Rooms.

Howth is another delightful destination for autumn walks. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll along the promenade or a more challenging cliff walk, establishments like Doghouse Blues and Bodega Coffee are available to serve hot beverages.

The Great South Wall walk leads to the Poolbeg Lighthouse, providing stunning views of the city. This walk is particularly unique, offering one of the best viewpoints available in Dublin. A stroll along Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier is also recommended, where visitors can admire the Victorian bandstand and yachts bobbing in the water. Local cafes like Shoe Lane Coffee and Gourmet Food Parlour are perfect for a warming treat.

Lastly, Swords Estuary is an often-overlooked gem for winter walks. Starting at Malahide Marina, the route continues past Seabury to the Motorway Bridge. From there, visitors can make their way to Swords Village, where cafes like The Cottage and Tartan Larder Café offer hot drinks and snacks.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, Dublin’s autumn walking routes provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the season’s beauty while staying active. Grab your warm jackets, gloves, and hats, and set out to explore these stunning paths.