When you think of Dublin, What’s the first thing you think of? Chances are as a visitor, you’ll be excited about our vibrant nightlife, the plethora of bars, restaurants, cafes with many different cuisines, and of course, world-class shopping. It’s likely you won’t look to Dublin as an adventure destination but there are so many excellent and exciting activities here to make you look twice.
Best of all DCU rooms offers better value accommodation for your adventure trip than any other Dublin Hotel. Here are some exhilarating adventures to enjoy in Dublin.
1. Water Sports in Dublin
Whether you’re happy to stay in the city and explore the River Liffey or want to escape to the coast, there are lots of water-based activities in and around Dublin.
Enjoy an urban kayaking trip to see the city from a different angle. Enjoy an afternoon on the river, paddling straight through the heart of Dublin City Centre down to the docklands. It’s a safe and exciting adventure activity for families, groups, and couples and a day out you won’t forget.
Sea dipping is a pastime that has grown in popularity throughout the past few years with many people enjoying a dip in the freezing ocean to reset their minds and bodies. If you love the idea of swimming in the Irish Sea, a great place to start is the pier or 40-foot near Dun Laoghaire. The 40-foot (which isn’t 40-foot high!) is a fantastic jumping-off point for swimmers who can’t endure the painful walk from low tide.
2. Walking and Hiking in Dublin
If you love the idea of adventure but also like to stay warm and dry, there are many ‘safe’ walking and hiking options around Dublin.
Head to the Dublin coastline (North toward Howth, South toward Bray) and enjoy a scenic walk on one of the coastal cliff walks. You can make many of these walks easier or harder depending on the route and most of the treks are well-marked. Stunning mountain views, sandy beaches, and breathtaking coastal scenery will make walking and hiking in Dublin the highlight of your trip.
If you prefer mountains to coastline, plan a trip to the Dublin Mountains and explore the rugged forest areas. There are many routes and trails to choose from.
Ticknock is a challenging but rewarding walk that is close to the city. Nestled in the hills just beyond Sandyford in south Dublin, there is around 10km of walking trails through forests and mountains with incredible views of the greater Dublin area from the top of Three Rock Mountain. You can see the city centre from the top but you still feel like you’re lost in the wilderness.
3. Cycling in Dublin
Whether you’re travelling by bike or want to hire one while you’re here, Dublin has become a cyclist-friendly city in the past few years. With more and more protected cycle lanes and traffic lights to make cyclists safer, even more people are using cycling as more than a means to commute to work.
If you love a city cycle, head out from DCU rooms to the Canal Way Cycle Route, a 3.6km main cycle route linking historic Portobello’s Georgian past with the tech hubs of Grand Canal Dock and Spencer Dock. There are plenty of places to stop for a caffeine hit or a bite to eat on the way too.
Many of the coastal walking routes and sea walls have cycle lanes and it’s a great way to explore the city without public transport. Head to Bull Wall/Bull Island for a flat and scenic cycle along the coast ending with a picturesque wooden bridge leading to a lighthouse and a beautiful sandy beach. Make sure to bring your camera or GoPro to capture the wonderful views.
Find a Great Value Accommodation in Dublin
Adventure is great but it can take it out of you! You’ll need to book somewhere comfortable, safe, and quiet for a great night’s sleep after a day of exploring – ideally somewhere that won’t break the bank.
Forget overpriced Dublin hotels and book great value accommodation in DCU Rooms. We offer a variety of rooms types to accommodate solo travellers, groups, stag & hen parties, and families of all sizes. The campus offers more than just a place to sleep with a restaurant, bars, shops, a gym, and more on-site for you to explore.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is one of the passionate writers for DCU Rooms, a cheap accommodation in Dublin for frugal travelers who’d love to experience the astonishing beauty of the city on a budget. This travel buff enjoys writing and sharing articles about money-saving hacks on accommodation, airfare, dining, and getting around the city.
