The Walking Trails of Glendalough are part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Located 50 km south of Dublin, it’s a great spot for a destination run. The gorgeous glacial valley features buildings dating back to the 10th century and an early Christian monastery. There are many km of wonderful road and trail running opportunities in this area. The area is also home to numerous trail races and events.
Flickr: Vladimir Zhakarov
For running, this map & brochure is very helpful. There are nine designated ‘walks’, which range from easier roads & trails to more challenging hiking/hill running. The trails are categorized easy-ramble-hillwalk. Some of the easier trail running opportunities include the Miner’s Road Walk, part of which is along one side of Upper Lake, and the Green Road Walk, mainly flat along part of Lower Lake.
The Walking Trails of Glendalough are part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Located 50 km south of Dublin, it’s a great spot for a destination run. The gorgeous glacial valley features buildings dating back to the 10th century and an early Christian monastery. There are many km of wonderful road and trail running opportunities in this area. The area is also home to numerous trail races and events.
Flickr: Vladimir Zhakarov
For running, this map & brochure is very helpful. There are nine designated ‘walks’, which range from easier roads & trails to more challenging hiking/hill running. The trails are categorized easy-ramble-hillwalk. Some of the easier trail running opportunities include the Miner’s Road Walk, part of which is along one side of Upper Lake, and the Green Road Walk, mainly flat along part of Lower Lake.
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Essentials
Depends on trail chosen
Depends on trail chosen. There are some flat areas around the lakes, but generally hilly
50 km south of Dublin. Access: car, or St. Kevin’s Bus Service runs two buses a day to Glendalough
A 144 km waymarked long-distance trail that follows the towpath of the canal from Ashtown, Dublin to Cloondara, County Longford. Run some sections and return to your starting point by public transport.
At 1,750 acres, Phoenix Park is one of the largest walled parks in Europe. The signature green space to run in Dublin, a wonderful mix of fields, tree-lined paths, and interesting sites.
A tour of the the largest park in central Dublin and one of three Georgian garden squares designed by William Shepard. Longer tour includes Temple Bar, Trinity College by the Book of Kells, several museums, and Bride St.
This is another 'runseeing' tour of Dublin, with an emphasis on the city's famed street art in the Portobello, Liberties, and Smithfield areas. The route was designed by Nick Alexander, who also leads this as a guided tour.
This route runs from Dublin’s Docklands to Phoenix Park. Landmarks include Famine Memorial, Ha’penny Bridge, Parliament, Temple Bar, National Museum, and the Court of Justice.
The Grand Canal path runs for 80 miles from the Grand Canal Basin to Shannon Harbor. You can run anywhere along the canal. We've mapped out a 5.5 mile route from Grand Canal Docklands to the M50.
In the eastern part of Dublin, nice running at Fairvew Park, and then on the Clontarf Promenade along Dublin Bay. Options to run to Bull Island. St. Anne's Park, with several km of lovely paths, can be part of this or done separately!
A peninsula northeast of Dublin that makes for a wonderful trail running destination. There's a hilly, fairly rugged coastal headland path, with spectacular views. The perimeter loop is 2/3 trail, 1/3 road. The coastal run from Dublin to Howth is also a favorite.
A pleasant 200-acre park for running in the Lucan area of western Dublin. North-south paths through a combination of woods & open space. Can make a 5.5 km loop, with add-on possible in Vesey Park. Site of parkrun & nearby running track.
Dodder Valley Park has nice paths along the River Dodder. For a longer loop, combine with Tymon Park. Marlay Park has nice paths around woods & sports pitches. Bushy Park has more paved paths along the Dodder, & adjacent Rathfarnham Castle.
A 120-hectare park in the southwestern outskirts of Dublin, with lovely trails around woods, landscaped gardens, and some small lakes. A loop of the perimeter is 2.6 miles, with another ~1 mile of paths. Site of weekly parkrun.
A wonderful seaside running opportunity not far from Dublin. It's possible to run from Dún Laoghaire to Killiney on a seaside walkway most of the way. Great views and numerous interesting waypoints. Can be windy!
A great opportunity to do a long seaside run. Run along the lovely long beach or continue on the coast road into Pontmarnock with good views of the water.
Several km of lovely waterfront running in coastal town of Skerries, located 30 km north of Dublin & easily reachable by train. Just north of Skerries, gorgeous running on 4-5 km of paths around Ardgillan Castle and Gardens.
A spectacular coastal run/walk near Dublin. It’s a modestly hilly 5.1 miles one-way from Bray to Greystones, nearly all of it right along the water or just above.
Looking for some fun and friendly competition? Dublin is one of the leading cities for Parkruns. Among the favorites: Griffith Park, St. Anne's, Fairview, Bushy, Sean Moore, Brickfields.
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Essentials
Depends on trail chosen
Depends on trail chosen. There are some flat areas around the lakes, but generally hilly
50 km south of Dublin. Access: car, or St. Kevin’s Bus Service runs two buses a day to Glendalough
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!