With the weather slowly warming up and plenty of brighter days ahead, it’s a great time to explore outdoor attractions in North Dublin. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing so make sure to dress appropriately for your day in the great outdoors. DCU accommodation, spread across three campuses’ is the ideal accommodation for some R&R after a long day of exploring. Our conveniently situated accommodation in Dublin is ideal for tours groups, hen & stag parties, and family & friend groups who need affordable accommodation on Dublin’s Northside.
Explore Howth
Howth is a gem of the North side of the city. It’s a popular spot for walkers, joggers, hikers, dog walkers, families and anyone with a love for the sea. There are lots of surprises in Howth including an 800-year-old medieval castle, an ancient dolmen, Martello towers and giant rhododendron gardens. You can enjoy a moderately challenging walk to Howth Head which should take between 2-3 hours with stunning views of the Irish Sea. You can also enjoy a one-hour boat trip to the nearby Ireland Eye island where you might be lucky enough to spot wild seals. You’ll see all sorts of native flora and fauna in Howth and end the day with delicious fish & chips by the sea. It’s one of the best things to do in Dublin.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
While you’re on Ireland’s Eye, you might feel adventurous enough to try Stand-Up Paddle boarding in one of Ireland’s most incredible paddle boarding spots. The small uninhabited island is home to seals and lots of birdlife, giving visitors a very unique vantage point. This paddle is challenging for beginners as there is a strong tidal current between the coast and the island, so it’s best left to those with a little experience. Companies can take you on guided tours by paddleboard and give you a little history of the area while you’re on the water. Pack a picnic as a mid-way snack so you can admire the view.
Gaelic Games
If you’ve never tried any Gaelic games, either as a local or a visitor, this could be a really exciting day of learning. Experience Gaelic Games is a company based close to our Dublin accommodation in Drumcondra that explores the cultural experience that is GAA. Enjoy an educational, cultural and fun day both indoors and outdoors for individuals, families, and all group sizes. The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and sessions are flexible depending on our needs from playing the sport to learning more about this history and impact. It’s a uniquely Irish experience and one that can’t be rivalled anywhere in the world. Games are played on all-weather pitches and facilities include showers and hot water on site.
Sea Swimming
Since the many lockdowns and pandemic restrictions, sea swimming has become a popular, all-weather activity for all ages. Brave swimmers – or more accurately dippers – turn up in all conditions to strip off and dip into the Irish sea along the North Coast of Dublin for as long as they can bear. More experienced swimmers stay in the sea and enjoy longer swims between buoys. Skerries North Beach is one of Dublin’s best spots for sea swimming and is only 30 minutes north of the DCU campus. Portmarnock is another popular spot not just for swimming but dog walking, jogging and when the weather is fine, picnics.
Parks in North Dublin
There are an abundance of parks in North Dublin to enjoy all year round free of charge. We even have a park right beside the DCU campus! Albert College Park has a playground, soccer and GAA pitches, tennis courts, a boules green, a cricket crease and an outdoor gym. It’s a great place to relax or play games, enjoy an evening stroll or a place for team-building activities or exercise. Another extensive green space in North Dublin is Saint Anne’s Park, a 240 acres public park situated between Raheny and Clontarf, a short distance from DCU. Enjoy extensive green space and rose gardens as well as lots of little features like playgrounds and sports areas. Don’t forget that Phoenix Park, the largest walled park in Europe is also in North Dublin, but just barely!
Make the most of the good weather by enjoying some outdoor attractions and activities in Dublin. Our team are happy to recommend tried and trusted things to do in North Dublin too. Contact us or book on our website for the best available rates.
