Of course, I love Scotland, but I do enjoy a bit of away time. I prefer to be active when I visit new places so I am always on the look out for destinations that offer something outdoorsy.
So how about Dublin, the capital city in the Republic of Ireland? It’s a great city in itself, with lots to see and do. Check out the video.
And there is also a surprising range of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Dublin’s location close to coast and mountains reminds me of my home city of Glasgow. Dublin has rugged yet easily accessible landscapes to the south, boasting the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, which can be easily explored on foot, mountain bikes or road bikes.
The coast is also close by with stunning Dublin Bay and miles of beach stretching north and south.
Then there’s the River Liffey, which starts in the hills above Dublin, flows through the city and heads on to the sea.
7 activities to try in and around Dublin
Mountain biking
Mountain biking at Ballinastoe. Pic credit: Christopher Murray on Flickr
Hire mountain bikes and head off on a wide network of paths and trails in the countryside close to Dublin. Alternatively, enjoy the graded routes at purpose-built MTB centres at Ticknock, Co Dublin and Ballinastoe, Co Wicklow.
Running
You can run a few miles or dozens of miles on the banks of the River Liffey, which heads from it source in the hills to the sea. And don’t forget to look in wonder at – and run across – a few of the many historic bridges that span the river.
River Liffey runs through Dublin.
Open water swimming
A highlight of the open sea swimming season is the Dublin City Liffey Swim. It was first run in 1920 and has become one of the world’s most famous
open sea races. It is unique in that Dublin is the only capital country in Europe to have a swimming race through the middle of the city.
Powerboating
If swimming seems a little chilly, take a powerboat trip on the River Liffey. The two-hour trip, suitable for those aged 16 and over, and up, explores Dublin city centre, travelling under wonderfully named bridges, such as O’Connell, Rosie Hackett Bridge and the Ha’penny, through Dublin’s working port into Dublin Bay.
White water rafting
Head to outdoor provider Rafting.ie for fun-filled white water trips on the River Liffey. The 2.5 hour trips head down some thrilling weirs on the River Liffey. Participants need to be water-confident and aged eight and over.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing at Dollier. Pic credit: Eoin Gardiner
Dollymount Strand, known locally as Dollier, is a strip of golden sand, backed by dunes, around 30 minutes from Dublin city centre by car or bus. Here you’ll find a kitesurfing school, Pure Magic, with lessons for beginners through to expert. You can try kitesuring from March to November.
Play golf
Close to Dublin you’ll discover some of Europe’s best links courses, including Royal Dublin Golf Course. Check out Golf Dublin for more details.
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