From the bustle and buzz of Dublin itself to some beautiful, unspoiled shores north of the city, this drive offers a wealth of choice in just a small number of miles. Along its route you can visit elegant castles and stately homes, wander along a dune-backed beach and admire panoramic views of the city, bay and mountains from rugged Howth Head.
Start/finish: Dublin to Ardgillan Demesne
Number of days: 2, allowing half a day to explore Dublin
Distance: 72 km (45 miles)
For more inspiring ideas, practical information and detailed maps for driving tours across the country check out Road Trips Ireland:
Start/finish: Dublin to Ardgillan Demesne
Number of days: 2, allowing half a day to explore Dublin
Distance: 72 km (45 miles)
For more inspiring ideas, practical information and detailed maps for driving tours across the country check out Road Trips Ireland:
DK Road Trips Ireland
View BookDublin
Dublin is a compact city and easy to explore on foot, ideal for wandering around the cobbled streets of Temple Bar or admiring the grandeur of elegant Georgian squares and parks. From its fine museums, majestic cathedrals and beautiful university buildings, redolent of Dublin’s history, to modern art galleries and shopping arcades, there is plenty to see and do.
Howth
The views from Howth Summit across Dublin Bay to the city and the Wicklow Mountains are unrivalled in the whole county. From the car park a cliff walk to the right leads to the Baily lighthouse, pictured above.
Dominated by a harbour with a large marina and yacht club, Howth is a pretty village with a thriving fishing industry. Climb its hilly streets to the abbey ruins for views over the harbour and nearby islands, or take a boat trip out to Ireland’s Eye, a bird sanctuary where a colony of puffins nests.
Dominated by a harbour with a large marina and yacht club, Howth is a pretty village with a thriving fishing industry. Climb its hilly streets to the abbey ruins for views over the harbour and nearby islands, or take a boat trip out to Ireland’s Eye, a bird sanctuary where a colony of puffins nests.
Portmarnock Beach
Portmarnock Beach, also known as The Velvet Strand, is 5 km (3 miles) long, backed by sand dunes, with sweeping views of Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island and Howth Head. To the north, a striking limestone sculpture of a globe marks Australian aviator Charles Kingsford Smith’s departure from the beach to fly the Atlantic in 1930.
Malahide
Malahide is a pretty heritage town with interesting shops and cafes. Both this and its large, ultra modern marina village are perfect for a stroll.
One of the main attractions of the area, Malahide Castle and Demesne, lies just outside the village. Home to the Talbot family from 1185 until 1973, the castle features an oak-beamed Great Hall, 18th-century Irish furniture and an impressive portrait collection. Within the landscaped grounds of the Demesne are walks, picnic areas and the Talbot Botanic Gardens.
One of the main attractions of the area, Malahide Castle and Demesne, lies just outside the village. Home to the Talbot family from 1185 until 1973, the castle features an oak-beamed Great Hall, 18th-century Irish furniture and an impressive portrait collection. Within the landscaped grounds of the Demesne are walks, picnic areas and the Talbot Botanic Gardens.
Newbridge Demesne
The elegant Georgian Newbridge House is set within the 145 ha (360 acres) of Newbridge Demesne. The tour includes the striking Red Drawing Room, one of the best-preserved Georgian rooms in the country, the huge kitchen, full of antique utensils; and a quaint Cabinet of Curiosities.
Outside the house, the cobbled courtyard features a museum of country life including an 18th-century blacksmith’s forge and carpenter’s workshop. Within the Demesne is a traditional farm with vintage machinery and rare-breed animals, as well as a walled garden sheltering traditional Irish apple varieties and two 19th-century glasshouses.
Outside the house, the cobbled courtyard features a museum of country life including an 18th-century blacksmith’s forge and carpenter’s workshop. Within the Demesne is a traditional farm with vintage machinery and rare-breed animals, as well as a walled garden sheltering traditional Irish apple varieties and two 19th-century glasshouses.
Skerries
The fishing town of Skerries, with its long golden beach on one side and harbour dotted with yachts on one side and harbour dotted with yachts on the other, culminates in the peninsula of Red Island. Walk up past the Martello Tower for panoramic views as far as Northern Ireland’s Mountains of Mourne. A colony of seals resides nearby, and they can often be seen accompanying fishing boats back to the harbour.
Ardgillan Demesne
The name Ardgillan means “high wooded area,” and the Demesne enjoys magnificent views of Drogheda Bay and the north Dublin coastline. Its 78 ha (195 acres) of parklands, woods and formal gardens include a rose garden, walled kitchen garden, haunted yew walk and Ice House. In the grounds stands Ardgillan Castle, a large, castellated house built in 1738 and lovingly restored. The guided tour takes visitors through Georgian and Victorian styled rooms.
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