The seafaring villages of the Dublin Coastal Trail—in pictures

Running between the towns of Skerries and Killiney, passing the Irish capital en route, the Dublin coastal trail introduces visitors to the nature, gastronomy and seafaring communities on the city’s doorstep.

A harbour-site scene with nearly a dozen sailing boats anchored in the shallow waters, as a stone lighthouse towers in the background.
County Dublin’s coastline offers cliff walks, protected wildlife, historic harbours and a bounty of seafood restaurants and traditional pubs. The 40-mile Dublin Coastal Trail connects them all and lies just a few miles from Dublin city centre.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
Story and photographs byRichard James Taylor
October 14, 2025
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
A desolate coastal scene with a group of visitors pulling a simple wooden boat ashore.
Starting in Skerries, to the north of the city, the trail runs to Killiney, some 30 miles south, and can be followed by rail, road or via the walking trails that link its seaside towns and villages. Most hikers set off from the bustling community of Skerries, with its two sandy beaches and busy port filled with fishing boats that provide much of Dublin’s seafood.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
A focused shot onto a wet and stoney shipyard, with one man doing maintenance on the side of a leaning fishing boat.
The town retains an authentic feel, with people hard at work repairing boats or heading down to the beach for a rowing work out.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
A close-up shot of a succulent-like bush with soft, round flowers and a bumblebee feeding.
Hardy coastal plants, such as the Hebe Veronica, line the sand dunes along the seafront; their ability to withstand the salt-laden winds helps them to thrive all along the coastline.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
A row of colourful houses on a quiet street with a man cycling past.
A network of rocky headlands, secluded coves and wide sandy beaches connects Skerries with the popular commuter village of Malahide, with its rows of colourful houses.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
A focused shot of an old stone house parade decorated with flowers and quirky pub signs mentioning various beers and liquors.
A rectangular wooden plate with fish and chips alongside a pint of Guinness.
Most walkers on the trail make a pit stop at one of the town’s restaurants for fish and chips and a pint of Guinness.
Photographs by Richard James Taylor
A small motorised fishing boat with visitors passing by the rocky pier with a lighthouse fort overlooking the quiet, cold waters.
The path continues to the harbour town of Howth, seven miles south, from where visitors can take boat trips out to sea.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
A coastal cliffside with a sloping walking path running along the plateau; a woman walking towards the camera.
A hike around the headlands rewards with beautiful views over Dublin Bay. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s home to many rare species of wildlife, such as light-bellied brent geese and harbour porpoises.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
A friendly local man in simple t-shirt and fishing shorts in the middle of using his hands to explain a topic on a fishing boat.
Skipper-guide Shane O’Doherty has led boat tours out to Ireland’s Eye in Dublin Bay for almost a decade.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
A tiered rock like an island in the calm waters with a swarm of birds perched along the top.
The tiny square-shaped sea stack is situated about a mile out from Howth Harbour and is home to thousands of seabirds, including brown and white guillemots, puffins and black cormorants, which hold out their wings to dry in the breeze after landing.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
A plate of fresh oysters on a bed of kelp with a slice of lemon and a smaller dish with vinegared, diced shallots.
Howth is also famous for its seafood restaurants, which line the harbour and tempt passersby with locally sourced produce such as whole Dublin Bay prawns and freshly shucked native oysters.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
A rocky coast line enclave with a group of visitors getting ready for a canoe tour.
A few miles to the south, kayaking trips to Dalkey Island are a surefire way to spot the resident grey seals — the animals lounge on the rocky coastline or, if they’re feeling inquisitive, swim over and pop up beside passing vessels to investigate.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
A grey seal popping its head out of the water with shiny, wet skin and a curious expression.
At the southernmost point of the trail, the affluent residential district of Killiney is home to legendary Irish musicians such as Bono and The Edge from U2 and singer Enya. Grey seals can be spotted in its bay, too.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
An epic landscape shot of a sickle-shaped coastline at late dusk, low bushes and a couple enjoying the view over the sea stretched before them.
A steep walk takes hikers to the summit of Killiney Hill, which offers panoramic views of the Irish Sea, Dublin city and, on a clear day, the Wicklow Mountains further south. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset before making the 10-mile trip back to the capital.
Photograph by Richard James Taylor
Published in the October 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

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