The long languorous days of summer may be over, but there’s no reason to hibernate just yet! Autumn is a wonderful month to get out and explore the beauty Dublin has to offer. Take to some of these inviting autumn trails around the city & county and admire the subtle change in the greenery. From scenic forest and seaside walks to culturally and historically significant routes, here is a curated list of the best autumn trails sure to inspire you to get into the great outdoors this season.
A staple in Dublin’s nature walking trails - Phoenix Park should be top of your list if you’re looking for an easy way to get a breath of fresh air and can accommodate walks of almost any length. As one of the biggest enclosed parks in any European city, many visitors and locals flock to Phoenix Park to get some valuable time in nature and explore a historic Dublin landmark. Whether you’re looking for an hours long trail around the perimeter of the park or a more contained stroll, you’re sure to find a suitable path within the park. Spotting the deer, visiting Farmleigh House and seeing where the President lives are just some of the ways to top off your visit.
Another great option in Dublin 8 are the gardens on the grounds of Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). Free to enter and open during the museum opening hours, this is a scenic walk that’s particularly enjoyable during the fall as the leaves begin to change color and the beauty of the season unfolds. Enjoy the wide-open space as a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city and soak up the tranquility on offer.
A unique and insightful look into the Liberties past, this trail is suited to those eager to get a sense of the area’s rich history. This specifically designed trail is the result of five years dedicated work by The Liberties Weavers along with DCC Historian in Residence Cathy Scuffil. While enjoying one of the many bakeries and coffee spots along the way, spend a Saturday or Sunday this month exploring the textile history of the area and learning something new.
This 270-acre public park was once part of the 500 acre estate developed by the Guinness family. Beginning in 1835 the estate was bought and built up by the grandsons of Arthur Guinness - brothers Arthur and Benjamin Lee Guinness. Today, visitors can still see the remains of the masonry and stone follies that formed part of the estate. Along with a historic walk through this Northside gem, you can enjoy the Farmer’s Market held every Saturday in the Red Stables, along with the beautiful rose garden.
This nature reserve is a rare natural occurrence in Dublin’s landscape, created 200 years ago during the construction of the north bull wall to Dublin Port. Currently it’s approximately 5 km long by 1 km wide but continues to grow towards the sea. This is a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers given the sheer variety of species to be seen on any given day. The island became the country's first official bird sanctuary in the 1930s and in 1981 was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its unique and endangered habitats and species.