OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

1

RIDE TO THE END OF THE LINE

IN THE SPACE OF A HALF-HOUR,THE TRAIN SERVING DUBLIN AND ITS SUBURBS (the DART – Dublin Area Rapid Transit) takes you to the charming little port of Howth, a world of trawlers, seagulls, a few seals frolicking in the bay, long walks along the sea wall and a battery of pubs in which to warm yourself afterwards. In the early Eighties, when the fishing industry began to decline, the village gradually became part of the Dublin suburbs and rents climbed. But the town is still bursting with character and, today, those lucky enough to live here say they wouldn’t go anywhere else. The market, held Saturday and Sunday, is also worth the excursion. > The port of Howth, County Dublin

2

GO ON A (PHOTO) SAFARI IN PHOENIX PARK

THEY FROLIC BETWEEN PICNICKING FAMILIES AND CLUSTERS OF SPORTY SOULS practicing hurling, Ireland’s national sport. Phoenix Park’s antlered animals gambol in this green lung of Dublin, twice the size of New York City’s Central Park. The deer were introduced in the 1660s by the Duke of Ormond, so that King Charles II could hunt without leaving the city. Today, however, they no longer fear approaching humans. Try to spot them on the vast, verdant expanses of the park for a wildlife photo. Here’s a tip: stay on the lookout near the Papal Cross, they’re likely to be nearby! > Phoenix Park in Dublin. Entrances on Parkgate Street and Castleknock Gate. www.phoenixpark.ie

3

SHIVER AT THE HELL FIRE CLUB

LEAVING THE SAFETY OF YOUR VEHICLE IN AN ISOLATED CARPARK, YOU MUST SCALE THE 383 METRES OF MONTPELIER HILL, a half-hour’s drive south of Dublin. After a steep, 20-minute trek, the ruins of the Hell Fire Club loom into view. This former hunting lodge, built around 1725, has been tied to many paranormal episodes since the members of a secret club used it for occult gatherings in the mid-18th century. There are neither ghosts nor goblins inside, but a disquieting atmosphere reigns, making the panoramic view it offers of Dublin quite memorable. Sunsets here are sublime, but, come nightfall, be on your guard. > The Hell Fire Club is a member of The Dublin Mountains Partnership. www.dublinmountains.ie

4

DIVE INTO A LAKE OF GUINNESS

A BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPE: LOUGH TAY IS ONLY 45 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN DUBLIN, but this otherworldly lake has water as dark a pint of Guinness. You’ll need a car to reach the Wicklow Mountains National Park by the mountain pass known as Sally Gap. Here, Mother Nature is immense, raw and wild. The lakeshore is off limits, as it belongs to the Guinness family, who wisely built a home there. Hollywood has captured this rugged countryside in many productions, as well. Some of the Irish-Canadian historical drama series Vikings is shot in this magnificent setting. From the top of the mountain, which plunges steeply into the lake, one can watch the film crews at work. > Lough Tay is near the village of Roundwood, County Wicklow. www.visitwicklow.ie