Each year, Ireland receives around 9.5 million tourists. The majority of these tourists come to visit Irelands largest city, Dublin. During the busy Summer months, Dublin can sometimes feel a bit like London or Paris because of the large crowds of tourists. For a capital city, Dublin is relatively small. Most of the tourist attractions are located in the city center, which can sometimes cause huge bottlenecks along the already busy streets. Since nobody likes brushing shoulders with one and another, a trip to the countryside may just be what’s needed.
Getting from Dublin to Killiney Hill Park
Connelly Station is just a 10-minute walk from Dublin City Centre. From here, you need to take a train (DART) towards Bray Daly. This scenic train journey travels along Ireland’s east coast and takes around 30 minutes. Exit at Dalkey Station, and after a short 10-minute walk, you’ll be at the beginning of Killiney Hill Park.
Dalkey Town
Before ascending into nature, you should spend some time discovering this little seaside town. Dalkey is a historical place with many beautiful buildings scattered throughout the town. It was founded by Vikings and was an active port in the Middle Ages. Today, locals flock to the area for its charming cafés, its outdoor activities, or for Sunday lunch. It’s also a good idea to pick up some food and drink here, to take up to the hills that lay ahead.
The Journey Through The Park
From the moment you get here you’re blessed with the smell of fresh air and the sound of the birds chirping. The start of the walk is the most photogenic section of the park. Adrenaline junkies climb up the exposed rocks from the towering cliffs’ sides while you remain surrounded by Ireland’s rugged nature. As you look out to sea, you can spot boats and ferries crossing the Irish Sea. In the foreground, you can see Dublins sprawling city, along with Dun Laoghaire’s famous harbor.
Luckily, the steepest part of the climb comes while you still have your energy. Step by step you begin to see more and more of Dublin’s landscape. After a few minutes of hard work, you’ll reach the summit. You’ll know you’re here when you come across what seems to be an abandoned lookout tower. Now at one of the highest peaks of the journey, from just a swivel of the neck, you can see the contrast of Dublin’s urban sprawl and Wicklow’s rural countryside.
As you make your way through winding paths, sheltered by trees, you eventually come to the point that everyone has come to see, The Obelisk. At this point, you are standing around 150 meters above sea level. As you look to the south you can see Bray’s Head. If you look straight out to sea on a clear day, you can even see the mountains of Wales. This is a perfect setting for a picnic, as there is plenty of space to lay on the grass, and numerous benches are facing out towards the sea. Then, it’s just downhill to complete a loop and finish up where you began.
More Info
Ireland is known for its craggy coastline and lush green landscape. So if you want to experience Ireland as local and not a tourist, step out of the cities, avoid the tourist traps, and get yourself to Killiney Hill Park. For more information on visiting Ireland, you can click on the link down below.
https://www.discoverireland.ie/
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthly
looks like a lovely place for a sunday walk!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s great any day of the week!
LikeLike