In the southern part of Dublin just off the M50 beltway, there are several parks that are terrific for running.
Dodder Valley Park & Tymon Park. Dodder Valley Park is a pleasant park with paths along the narrow River Dodder. It’s ~1.6 miles through the park. For a longer run, there’s a connector path to Tymon Park. Our mapped route is a 6.6 mile loop, with the Tymon Park paths on either side of the M50, including around Tymon Lake.
Marlay Park. CC: Joe King
Add-Ons: Additional paths in both parks.
Marlay Park. This park in Clarkstown just north of the M50 has paths around woodlands & sports pitches. It’s also a popular spot for outdoor concerts. We’ve mapped a 5k loop around the park’s perimeter, including the small Pine Valley Park.
Bushy Park & Rathfarnham Castle. In the southside suburb of Rathfarnham, there’s nice running along the River Dodder in Bushy Park. There are pleasant paved paths on either bank, with additional paths around two small lakes on the western end. Even more to add with paths around sports pitches on the western side. Our 3.8 mile mapped loop includes a jaunt around Rathfarnham Castle. Located just east of the Bushy Park car park, it’s an Elizabethan Castle remodelled in the Georgian period.
Rathfarnham Castle. CC: Iarla Byrne
In the southern part of Dublin just off the M50 beltway, there are several parks that are terrific for running.
Dodder Valley Park & Tymon Park. Dodder Valley Park is a pleasant park with paths along the narrow River Dodder. It’s ~1.6 miles through the park. For a longer run, there’s a connector path to Tymon Park. Our mapped route is a 6.6 mile loop, with the Tymon Park paths on either side of the M50, including around Tymon Lake.
Marlay Park. CC: Joe King
Add-Ons: Additional paths in both parks.
Marlay Park. This park in Clarkstown just north of the M50 has paths around woodlands & sports pitches. It’s also a popular spot for outdoor concerts. We’ve mapped a 5k loop around the park’s perimeter, including the small Pine Valley Park.
Bushy Park & Rathfarnham Castle. In the southside suburb of Rathfarnham, there’s nice running along the River Dodder in Bushy Park. There are pleasant paved paths on either bank, with additional paths around two small lakes on the western end. Even more to add with paths around sports pitches on the western side. Our 3.8 mile mapped loop includes a jaunt around Rathfarnham Castle. Located just east of the Bushy Park car park, it’s an Elizabethan Castle remodelled in the Georgian period.
Rathfarnham Castle. CC: Iarla Byrne
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Essentials
~3.2 mile loop if just in Dodder Valley Park. ~6.6 mile (10.6 km) loop including Tymon Park. Marlay Park is a ~5k perimeter loop
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.
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.
National Park 50 km south of Dublin is a great spot for a destination run. Gorgeous glacial valley with buildings dating back to the 10th century features many km of trail running opportunities, from easier to more challenging. Beautiful scenery.
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
~3.2 mile loop if just in Dodder Valley Park. ~6.6 mile (10.6 km) loop including Tymon Park. Marlay Park is a ~5k perimeter loop
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