Where Can You Find The Best Views In Dublin? (A Local’s Guide)
Everybody loves a great view. What better way to spend a summer evening than taking in some lovely Dublin views while the sun goes down?
With its distinctive blend of thriving metropolitan areas and outstanding landscapes, Dublin offers some amazing locations where you can take in spectacular views.
In this post, we are going to show you exactly where you can find the best views in Dublin. From well-known places to go on a clear day like Howth to hidden gems only Dubliners know with views over Dublin city such as Hellfire Club, you’re about to hit new heights.
This webpage contains some links that may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no added cost to you.
The Best Views In Dublin
The Gravity Bar, Guinness Storehouse
When you hear of the Guinness Storehouse, the first thing that comes to mind is that it’s the place in the heart of Dublin where the tastiest stout in the world is brewed, but little did you know that it has one of the best views in Dublin city.
After experiencing the Guinness Storehouse, you’re given a ticket for a complimentary pint in the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor of the building. It’s a state-of-the-art rooftop bar that offers you a clear view of the city of Dublin from all angles. From the Aviva Stadium in the south of the city to the Phoenix Park in the north, you’ll be able to see a 360-degree view.
The Hellfire Club
The Hellfire Club is a breathtaking viewpoint situated in the Dublin Mountains, and it’s said that there has been some suspicious paranormal activity in the area in the past.
The viewing point itself is on top of Montpelier Hill, where there’s an abandoned house. At first, you would think it’s just some old ruins, but there are some frightening stories that have been revealed about it in recent years, which would nearly turn you off making your way up to it. One story that’s made its way around Dublin in recent years is the one of a man who was invited into the building by a group called ‘The Hellfire Club’ who were known for their shady activities. The day after, that same man was found wandering around the area, not able to string a sentence together. Frightening stuff altogether.
To get up to the top of Montpelier Hill, you must park at the Hellfire Club car park; it’s about a 15-minute walk from there. After completing the trek, you’ll realise why people say it’s one of the best views of Dublin. Just be careful going inside the house itself, as the spirits may come after you if you’re not careful.
The Great South Wall
A seaside stroll along the Great South Wall offers some scenic views of the likes of Dublin Bay and the docklands. The 4km trail brings you out onto the Irish Sea where you can see the likes of the red facade of Poolbeg Lighthouse (a famous landmark in the Dublin area) and then follow on to the Poolbeg Chimneys.
The Great South Wall, built in 1731, was once the world’s longest sea wall, but times have changed and others have grown much larger.
There are two routes to choose from when going to catch the nice views of Dublin Bay. You have the option of the 4km loop which we mentioned above, or there’s an even longer one that’s an 11km loop, ideal if you want to spend the day out and about.
Killiney Hill Viewpoint
Killiney Hill is a popular Dublin viewpoint that’s frequently visited by people at all times of the day and is an ideal place to go for a walk. There are a couple of routes which can be taken up to the top, where the best views are. There are three, to be exact, but the most popular one where you can enjoy the view is from the Killiney Hill car park, which takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Once you make it to the top, you’ll be treated to some amazing panoramic views of south Dublin. When you’re done, begin your search for the pyramid of Dublin. It’s a structure that’s been on top of Killiney Hill since 1852 and is often circled by walkers while they make a wish. As the legend says, if you do so, you’re guaranteed it will come true. It’s worth a shot.
The Howth Peninsula
The Howth peninsula is one of the most beautiful scenic places in Dublin, offering some of the best walks in the county and coastal views that you won’t find anywhere else in the country. It’s about 35 minutes from the city centre and can be accessed by car, bus, train, or bike.
Although there are tonnes of great spots to soak up the view around the peninsula, one area you need to check out is the Howth Head Cliff Walk, which brings you along the town’s sea cliffs and enjoys a view of Howth itself. The trail is about 6 km in total and can easily be completed by people of all levels of fitness.
Ticknock, The Dublin Mountains
Another place for some amazing views from the top when you’re visiting Dublin is Ticknock. It’s an area of 10 km of mountain and forest walks close to where the Dublin and Wicklow mountains meet.
Trails up to the area where you can get a panoramic view of the city are of moderate difficulty, but most fitness levels will be fine taking them on. For the easiest way up, we’d recommend you start at Tibradden Wood Carpark because it’s not so difficult.
Once you get yourself up in the mountainous area, you’ll come across a wooden boardwalk which you must follow in order to catch a glimpse of the stellar views of Dublin City.
The Ha’Penny Bridge
The quintessential Ha’penny Bridge in the middle of Dublin is a great vantage point for those looking to see some nice views of the river Liffey.
The name ‘Ha’penny Bridge’ comes from the price it used to cost to cross it, half a penny. Nowadays, you can cross it for free like thousands of other people every day heading there also to take in the views.
Don’t forget to bring a padlock with you. Many tourists have in the past put a padlock on the bridge with a nice message to somebody special in their lives. You can see them along the bridge when you walk across it.
Croke Park Skyline
Could you ever imagine yourself at the top of a world-renowned stadium like Croke Park?
The Croke Park Skyline Tour takes visitors up a whopping 17 stories high, around a rooftop walkway on the outside of the stadium, to take in some breathtaking views of County Dublin. Where else would you get the likes of it?
From the top, you’ll be able to spot some of the special landmarks across Dublin, such as the Spire. It’s easily one of the best viewpoints in Dublin.
Dún Laoghaire Harbour
Dún Laoghaire is a small seaside village in Dublin, which is lovely to take in the scenery in the evenings. It’s only 12 km from the city centre and a handy spot to see the best of Dublin Bay.
Dún Laoghaire’s harbour is one of the busiest in Ireland, seeing lots of ships coming and going and also having routes to the likes of Holyhead in Wales. There’s something special about the view of seeing a ship departing off into the ocean.
Other Posts You May Like
Written By Adam
Where In Dublin is owned, controlled and run by Adam Ryan. He’s a one-man army who knows Dublin like the back of his hand and strives to help anybody planning on visiting Dublin enjoy themselves.