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A trip around North Co Dublin
North County Dublin is one of my favourite parts of the county. Once you get north of Swords, it feels much more rural and coastal than most people expect, with quiet beaches, working harbours, castles, and tiny villages.
Malahide Castle & Gardens (beyond the castle)
Most people visit the castle, but the real gem is exploring the 260-acre demesne. Wander through the walled garden, Fairy Trail, and woodland paths, then continue to the marina and beach. Early morning or late afternoon is especially peaceful.
Skerries
Skerries has managed to stay a proper seaside town rather than a tourist hotspot.
Don't miss:
The harbour at sunrise
Skerries Mills
Red Island coastal walk
Fish and chips by the harbour
A pint overlooking the sea
It's also one of the best places in Dublin for photography.
Ardgillan Castle
Often overshadowed by Malahide, Ardgillan has:
spectacular sea views
Victorian gardens
woodland walks
almost no crowds compared with Dublin's better-known attractions.
Donabate Portrane Cliff Walk
One of the finest coastal walks near Dublin.
It follows low cliffs with views towards:
Lambay Island
Howth
the Irish Sea
It's only about 2.5 km one way, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon
Loughshinny
A tiny fishing village that many Dubliners have never visited.
It has:
a sheltered swimming cove
colourful boats
a Martello tower
dramatic cliffs
It feels more like the west coast than somewhere 40 minutes from the city.
Portmarnock is often overlooked because people head straight to Malahide or Howth, but it's one of the best places in Dublin if you enjoy long beach walks, sea views, and a quieter atmosphere.
The main attraction is the Velvet Strand, a 5 km stretch of sandy beach that's one of Dublin's finest.
From the beach you can see:
- Ireland's Eye to the northeast.
- Lambay Island farther north.
- Howth across the bay.
You can easily combine Portmarnock with nearby towns:
- North to Malahide via the beach and coastal paths.
- South toward North Bull Island and Sutton.
The Naul
Hidden in the rolling countryside, this little village has:
beautiful views over the Delvin Valley
riverside walks
traditional pubs
the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre for traditional Irish music
The surrounding landscape is among the most scenic in Fingal.
Rush
Less polished than Malahide but wonderfully authentic.
Try:
South Beach
the harbour
quiet coastal paths
local cafés
If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins offshore.
Lusk
Often overlooked because people drive straight through.
Visit:
St MacCullin's Church
its rare medieval round tower
the remains of the medieval monastery
It's a fascinating glimpse into early Christian Ireland.
Balbriggan
While not usually on tourist itineraries, it has:
a lovely harbour
the restored lighthouse
excellent cliff walks north towards Bremore
surprisingly good seafood.
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