Dublin is more than an urban city. It’s surrounded by beach- and countryside and offers many possibilities for exploration. Bring your walking shoes, a country map and visit as much as you can. Here are some of our favourite green spaces to visit this Summer when the sun is out:
Killiney Hill
This place is perfect for people who like hiking and fresh air. Located at Dublin bay, the 153-metre-high hill overlooks the sea, Dalkey Island, Bray Head and even the mountains of Wales. It’s a perfect day-trip into the country-side of Dublin for both locals and tourists. Just catch the Dart and take a ride towards Greystones, hopping of at Killiney beach. The top of the hill carries an obelisk, risen in 1742.
National Botanic Gardens
Located a short bus drive from the city centre, the National Botanic Gardens are a must see. The beautiful green space is inviting for picnics, long walks and exploring of the exotic plants and glasshouses growing bananas and all kinds of fruits and flowers. The garden aims to conserve more than 300 extinct in the wildlife plants. Admission is free so bring your hamper and relax.
Iveagh Gardens
Hidden in the centre of Dublin city, the Iveagh gardens are a real little paradise. Featuring a maze to entertain the kids, a waterfall for the wow-factor, fountains for the hot days and lots of exotic plants, these gardens are definitely the most distinct ones in the city and perfect for a relaxing day in the green. Bring your rackets and balls along with your hamper and relax in the grass while getting a little tan.
People’s Garden
Situated in Dun Laoghaire, this park is a 30-minute Dart ride away from Dublin city but it’s well worth it, if it’s only to see the lovely piers in the sea or the Martello Tower used as the James Joyce Museum. The park features a bandstand, fountains, a playground and a garden for the blind. Every Sunday it comes alive as a food and crafts market. Cosy tea rooms contribute enormously to the popularity of the garden as they’re perfect after a stroll along the beach-side. Next to that, the park is also a concert and festival venue.
Airfield
Escape to the farm. It’s the only farm open to the public in Dublin. The place is located in Dundrum and really unusual to visit but it’s great. Learn about food, farming and natural work in an urban city like Dublin. The mission of the Overend family is education, recreation and to bring visitors closer to the importance of knowledge about where your food comes from. Excited and enthusiastic kids are not rare to see here. Experience education, a working farm, kitchen gardens and ornamental gardens.
