There’s some nice running in Skerries, a coastal resort town located 30 km north of Dublin. Well-served by train, the area from Skerries to Balbriggan have become suburbs of Dublin.
Red Island, Skerries. Google Street View
Skerries Waterfront: It’s a scenic 5 km out & back route on a promenade along the waterfront in Skerries. The paved path runs along the South Strand Skerries Beach from Holmpatrick Rd. to Skerries Harbor on Red Island. There are lovely views to the Irish Sea, and as you reach the point, landmarks such as Martello Tower & Sea Memorial. Wind around to the North Strand, where the route ends at the Sculpture of Cormorant. Note: Beach is runnable but can be pebbly.
For a longer run, it’s possible to continue north along Balbriggan Road. While there’s not a dedicated pedestrian path, there’s a decent sidewalk/pedestrian accommodation for ~2.7 km north to the Barnageeragh Cove View Point. There are water views most of the way. So, overall, it’s possible to do a ~10 km out & back waterfront run!
Ardgillan Castle and Gardens. Running the park & grounds around Argillan Castle is a special treat. The castle estate, dating back to 1738, now features 194-acres of gorgeous parkland overlooking the Irish Sea. There are wide gravel paths around lovely landscaped gardens, big open fields, and some woodland. A really nice variety. Overall, there are 4-5 km of paths that can be explored. Website
Logistics: There is no charge to explore the castle grounds. The park opens at 9am and has closing times that vary by season. Access is via a parking lot off Baltrasna Rd. The grounds can also be accessed via The Lady’s Stairs off Balbriggan Road.
There’s some nice running in Skerries, a coastal resort town located 30 km north of Dublin. Well-served by train, the area from Skerries to Balbriggan have become suburbs of Dublin.
Red Island, Skerries. Google Street View
Skerries Waterfront: It’s a scenic 5 km out & back route on a promenade along the waterfront in Skerries. The paved path runs along the South Strand Skerries Beach from Holmpatrick Rd. to Skerries Harbor on Red Island. There are lovely views to the Irish Sea, and as you reach the point, landmarks such as Martello Tower & Sea Memorial. Wind around to the North Strand, where the route ends at the Sculpture of Cormorant. Note: Beach is runnable but can be pebbly.
For a longer run, it’s possible to continue north along Balbriggan Road. While there’s not a dedicated pedestrian path, there’s a decent sidewalk/pedestrian accommodation for ~2.7 km north to the Barnageeragh Cove View Point. There are water views most of the way. So, overall, it’s possible to do a ~10 km out & back waterfront run!
Ardgillan Castle and Gardens. Running the park & grounds around Argillan Castle is a special treat. The castle estate, dating back to 1738, now features 194-acres of gorgeous parkland overlooking the Irish Sea. There are wide gravel paths around lovely landscaped gardens, big open fields, and some woodland. A really nice variety. Overall, there are 4-5 km of paths that can be explored. Website
Logistics: There is no charge to explore the castle grounds. The park opens at 9am and has closing times that vary by season. Access is via a parking lot off Baltrasna Rd. The grounds can also be accessed via The Lady’s Stairs off Balbriggan Road.
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Essentials
Skerries: Waterfont path is 2.5 km one-way; can continue forr ~2.7 km north along Balbriggan Rd; Castle: 4-5 km of paths
Waterfront is flat; Castle paths are rolling hills
Skerries: Red Island Car Park. There's also a train station
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.
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
Skerries: Waterfont path is 2.5 km one-way; can continue forr ~2.7 km north along Balbriggan Rd; Castle: 4-5 km of paths
Waterfront is flat; Castle paths are rolling hills
Skerries: Red Island Car Park. There's also a train station
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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!