Olan & Danielle’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Howth Cliff Walk offers stunning views across Dublin Bay and it takes my breath away every time we visit. You can park at the Summit carpark, walk into Howth along the cliff walk for lunch, then walk/get the bus back. We frequently see seals on our walk too. There are some secluded beaches along the route for swimming, but they are not suitable for young kids.
The Summit car park is around 30-40 min drive depending on traffic.
42 locals recommend
Howth Cliff Walk (Green Route)
Howth Cliff Walk offers stunning views across Dublin Bay and it takes my breath away every time we visit. You can park at the Summit carpark, walk into Howth along the cliff walk for lunch, then walk/get the bus back. We frequently see seals on our walk too. There are some secluded beaches along the route for swimming, but they are not suitable for young kids.
The Summit car park is around 30-40 min drive depending on traffic.
One of our favourites, you can easily spend the whole day here. They have a fantastic playground, one of the best in Dublin, forest walks, restaurants and some shops, fairy trail walk, butterfly house and gardens.
187 locals recommend
Malahide Castle & Gardens
Back RoadOne of our favourites, you can easily spend the whole day here. They have a fantastic playground, one of the best in Dublin, forest walks, restaurants and some shops, fairy trail walk, butterfly house and gardens.
Great place to go for a walk and blow off the cobwebs! There is a bird and wildlife sanctuary at the north entrance (take a right after St. Anne's Park). Great views of the city and port.
29 locals recommend
Dollymount Strand
Great place to go for a walk and blow off the cobwebs! There is a bird and wildlife sanctuary at the north entrance (take a right after St. Anne's Park). Great views of the city and port.
A short distance away, the Botanic Gardens are a nice option for a stroll around. If you are with kids, there is a good playground in Griffith Park and a walk way along the Tolka river over to the Botanic Gardens, with lots of nice coffee shops along the way.
79 locals recommend
National Botanic Gardens
A short distance away, the Botanic Gardens are a nice option for a stroll around. If you are with kids, there is a good playground in Griffith Park and a walk way along the Tolka river over to the Botanic Gardens, with lots of nice coffee shops along the way.
This is around a 20 min drive away and is a great day out for a family, or going solo! The House itself has lots of grounds, so it's great for walks, and there are lots of animals for the kids to interact with.
18 locals recommend
Newbridge House & Farm
Hearse RoadThis is around a 20 min drive away and is a great day out for a family, or going solo! The House itself has lots of grounds, so it's great for walks, and there are lots of animals for the kids to interact with.
One of our favourites, Dublin Zoo is great! There are large animal enclosures and it's well landscaped. It's a great day out.
351 locals recommend
Dublin Zoo
Zoo RoadOne of our favourites, Dublin Zoo is great! There are large animal enclosures and it's well landscaped. It's a great day out.
Dalkey is a beautiful suburb in the outskirts of Dublin. Rather than drive, we would get the DART from Clontarf to Dalkey. Have a late breakfast/lunch there and walk along the coast to Dun Laoghaire and then walk the peer there. Get the train back to the house from Dun Laoghaire to Clontarf.
71 locals recommend
Dalkey
Dalkey is a beautiful suburb in the outskirts of Dublin. Rather than drive, we would get the DART from Clontarf to Dalkey. Have a late breakfast/lunch there and walk along the coast to Dun Laoghaire and then walk the peer there. Get the train back to the house from Dun Laoghaire to Clontarf.
We love Dun Laoghaire, it's one of our favourite places in Dublin. you can walk the peer or the seafront, go for a swim at the famous Forty Foot, or go to the People's Park for the markets, playground, or just sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by. It's easier to take the train there from Clontarf.
103 locals recommend
Dún Laoghaire
We love Dun Laoghaire, it's one of our favourite places in Dublin. you can walk the peer or the seafront, go for a swim at the famous Forty Foot, or go to the People's Park for the markets, playground, or just sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by. It's easier to take the train there from Clontarf.
Great for walks for mountain biking which we love. There is a bike rental company there, where you can easily hire bikes.
11 locals recommend
Tiknock
Great for walks for mountain biking which we love. There is a bike rental company there, where you can easily hire bikes.
Shopping
We're not huge shopping fans but some people are! If you are looking for the best shopping area in Dublin, go to Dundrum.
143 locals recommend
Dundrum Town Centre
Sandyford RoadWe're not huge shopping fans but some people are! If you are looking for the best shopping area in Dublin, go to Dundrum.
Food scene
Shouk
40 Drumcondra Rd LowerOne of our favourite restaurants with Middle Eastern food. Great food!
Really nice food here and specialist grocer. It's only take away though.
50 locals recommend
Lotts & Co.
7 S Lotts RdReally nice food here and specialist grocer. It's only take away though.
Hidden away in a quiet neighbourhood, this is one of our local favourites. Great food and staff.
Brass Onion Bistro
22 Sion Hill RoadHidden away in a quiet neighbourhood, this is one of our local favourites. Great food and staff.
Great place to come to for food, or a drink or ice-cream sitting outside looking over Dublin Bay. The service isn't fantastic, but the location makes up for it!
10 locals recommend
The Baths at Clontarf
123a Clontarf RdGreat place to come to for food, or a drink or ice-cream sitting outside looking over Dublin Bay. The service isn't fantastic, but the location makes up for it!
Sporting
Home of Ireland's GAA, if you can get tickets for any matches, we would recommend it to experience what it is like.
302 locals recommend
Croke Park
Jones' RoadHome of Ireland's GAA, if you can get tickets for any matches, we would recommend it to experience what it is like.