Top places to visit along Dublin Bay

Dublin Bay Cruises

The 75 minute cruise takes in a variety of landmarks along the way, including the James Joyce Tower, a Martello tower where James Joyce once spent six nights, and the idyllic Dalkey island, which is home to, among other things, colonies of adorable grey seals. Other landmarks include the gloriously untouched Ireland’s Eye and Howth Head. A chilled, relaxing way to experience Dublin from an entirely new vantage point. Your 75 min trip you not only around the beautiful vista of Dublin Bay, but it also helps you to travel through time and to understand how and why the modern city of Dublin developed to become the capital city of Ireland.

Take a trip on the DART

Locals take the DART for granted, but the 53 km suburban rail service offers some of the best views in the city for less than the price of a drink. From the cliffs of Howth to the River Liffey’s bridges and coastal villages crammed with heritage gems and delicious seafood, this is Dublin Bay’s hottest ticket. Ride the railway right around Killiney Bay and make it a day trip by continuing all the way to Bray, Co. Wicklow.

James Joyce Tower & Museum

The James Joyce Tower, in Sandycove, was one of a series of Martello towers built to withstand an invasion by Napoleon and now holds a museum devoted to the life and works of James Joyce, who made the tower the setting for the first chapter of his masterpiece, Ulysses. Beautifully located 13 km south of Dublin on the coast road, this tower is the perfect setting for a museum dedicated to Joyce, a writer of international renown who remains, world-wide, the writer most associated with Dublin. Joyce’s brief stay here inspired the opening of his great novel Ulysses. The gun platform with its panoramic view and the living room inside the tower are much as he described them in his book. The museum’s collection includes letters, photographs, first and rare editions and personal possessions of Joyce, as well as items associated with the Dublin of Ulysses.

Outdoor climbing

Giddy Gally Adventures offer a range of Half & Full Day activities. Experience the thrill of Rock Climbing and Abseiling in Dalkey Quarry, just a short train ride from Dublin City. Take to the water with us on one of Kayaking trips in variety of locations throughout Dublin & Wicklow. Join in as we paddle with the seals of Dalkey Island. Maybe you would prefer Hill Walking in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Offering guided walks for all levels. All the Instructors are Fully Qualified, Fully Insured and bursting with Enthusiasm. So come on and unleash your inner adventurer and let your Irish Adventure begin with Giddy Gally Adventures.

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre

Dalkey Castle is situated in the picturesque, coastal, heritage town of Dalkey, half an hour south of Dublin. The visitor experience is enhanced by costumed actors who bring the history to colourful life. Try your strength on the Archer’s longbow and sit in the Barber Surgeon’s cart to hear his special offers. The Cook will tempt you with hedgehog pie! Dalkey Castle (1390) and has all the features of the larger Irish castles. Climb to battlements for panoramic views of sea and mountains.

Cliff walks in Howth

Just a 28-minute DART ride from Dublin lies the fishing village of Howth – home to a castle, several sizzling seafood restaurants and a series of looped walks. The Cliff Path is a local favourite, taking walkers exhilaratingly close to the edge before reaching a summit that moved The New York Times to evoke H.G. Wells’s description of “one of the most beautiful views in the world.”