Walking and Running Routes

This 10km route brings you along the north side of the River Liffey before heading across the Tom Clarke Bridge. From there you meander the streets of Irishtown before reaching Sandymount Strand, one of Dublin’s busiest walking and running beaches.  Following the promenade as far as it goes, you then reach Merrion Gates, where the DART line crosses the road network. Please be extra careful, follow directions and never cross the train line when the gates are closed.  After crossing Merrion Gates you continue along leafy Merrion Road before reaching Ballsbridge, one of Dublin’s prestigious suburbs and home to many embassies from around the world. From here you will take a turn off and follow the River Dodder coming back out at Ringsend, where you’ll continue along the river before reaching Grand Canal and joining the south side of the River Liffey once again towards The CCD.

This 10km route takes you out towards Clontarf, a suburb north of Dublin city located on the sea front.  You will start on the north side of the River Liffey heading east towards Dublin Port and in to East Wall, before turning on to Alfie Byrne Road when the sea will start to come into view.  From there you’re following the designated walking / running path until you have reached 5km, then returning the same route back to The CCD.

This 5km route brings you south-east from The CCD, crossing the Tom Clarke Bridge in to Irishtown and Ringsend, taking in Grand Canal Quay, crossing back over the Samuel Beckett Bridge to The CCD.

This 3km route takes in much of Dublin city on the river, walking west passing 7 bridges – Sean O’Casey Bridge, Talbot Memorial Bridge, Loopline Bridge, Butt Bridge, the newly built Rosie Hackett Bridge, O’Connell Bridge and the famous Ha’penny Bridge. Crossing back over the Liffey on the Ha’penny Bridge, you are taking in the city from the south quays, heading east back towards the Samuel Beckett Bridge where you cross back over to Spencer Dock and The CCD.

This 3K route starts by crossing the Samuel Beckett Bridge and travelling along the canal basin towards Ringsend, crossing three pedestrian bridges, continuing on to Irishtown village before returning via the Tom Clarke Bridge and back up the north quays to The CCD.

DiscoverIreland.ie offers some great walks to consider if you want to get out of the city centre and explore more of Dublin and its surroundings. These are our top three:

1. The Dublin mountains offer something for every level of fitness – from easy strolls to challenging hikes. The Dublin Mountains Way is one of the most scenic walks in the world where you can enjoy outstanding views of the city and lush green countryside.

2. Explore some of Dublin’s most spectacular coastline along the 6km Howth Head clifftop walk. The trail starts from the pretty harbour village of Howth, renowned for it’s fresh seafood restaurants. From there the route climbs up the cliff where idyllic island views can be enjoyed, leads around the Nose of Howth and back down to the village again.

3. The picturesque 6km Bray to Greystones walk showcases some incredible vistas and expanses of the Irish Sea. Starting at the seaside town of Bray, the route takes walkers around Bray head before following the cliff paths down to Greystones Harbour.

1. Identification: Carry or wear an ID whenever you run alone. Road IDs are great. They’re inexpensive bracelets and shoe tags that you can engrave with emergency phone numbers and medical information.
2. Headphones: While you may enjoy listening to music while you run, headphones can be quite dangerous since they limit your ability to hear what is going on in your surroundings.  At night, try to avoid wearing headphones while you are running. If you do want to wear headphones, turn the volume down so that you can still hear what is going on around you or only wear them in one ear.
3. Run facing traffic: If running on a road, always run facing traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles in the lane closest to you.
4. Leave word:  Tell a friend, partner, work colleague or the hotel concierge/reception that you are going for a run or walk. Share the route with them and let them know roughly what time you expect to be back. That way, should something happen to you, someone will know to look for you if you are late and know where to look.
5. Be visible: A lot of bright and reflecting shoes and clothing are available these days, so you don’t have excuses to use dark clothes at night. A headlamp or a lighted vest can also be good options for you. Wear bright, reflective clothing so you can be easily seen by drivers, cyclists and other pedestrians.
6. Stay aware: Always be observant and aware of your surroundings.
7. Run with a mobile phone: This can be really useful, not only to call if something goes wrong but also to use special tracking apps.
8. Try to never run alone: You should avoid running alone at night or early mornings. Look for a buddy or local running group that runs at the same time as you. If you run alone, try to use some tracking app or let someone know your route and how long you will be out.
9. Watch for early birds and night owls: At odd hours be extra careful. Early in the morning and very late at night, people may be overtired and not as attentive.
10. Mind your manners: At a stop sign or light, wait for the driver to wave you through—then acknowledge them with a wave. That acknowledgement will make the driver feel more inclined to do it again for the next walker or runner. Use hand signals (as you would on a bicycle) to show which way you plan to turn.
11. Carry cash: Stick money or a credit card into your pocket or shoe. You might need a bottle of water or taxi fare.
12. Know your route before you start out: If you’re new to the city, routes will bring you to areas you’re not familiar with.  Have an idea of your route before you set out. There is nothing worse than getting half way through your run or walk and realise you have gone off track or you’re not sure how to get back. Should that happen, hopefully you have your mobile phone with you to phone a colleague or the hotel to help you get back.
13. Don’t fear the crowds: Run in populated areas. If there are other runners around there is good chance that the area is safe and a good place to run.
14. Look both ways before you cross the street: Crossing streets can be dangerous for runners and walkers, especially if you are used to traffic that drives on the other side of the road to Ireland. In Ireland, vehicles and cyclists travel on the left hand side of the road. Look both ways when you’re crossing the street and remember to expect the unexpected.
15. Assume you’re invisible: Drivers can pull out in front of a stop sign looking for cars, but often will look right beyond runners. Unless you make eye contact with the driver assume they haven’t seen you and stay on the footpath.