Distance: 6km one way, time: 1.5 – 2 hours

If you fancy a short walk that takes in wonderful views of the city and the sea, head to the Dublin Mountains Way and start your trek in Shankill village. Hike through the leafy forests at Rathmichael Wood and Carrickgollogan Wood, see the old Lead Mines Tower and take a trip down the orange marked path to enjoy the peace of Barnaslingan Woods. You'll emerge at the stunning 'Scalp' viewing point, where you can take a moment to drink in the incredible views.

Keep an eye out for badgers, rabbits and birds along your way and spot magnificent trees including the Noble Fir, Scot Pine, Birch and Larch. To return, you can walk back the way you came, or take the 44 bus (weekdays only) from the Enniskerry Road.

Getting there: It takes about 40 minutes to get to the starting point from the city centre. Hop on the DART at Connolly Station to Shankill and start your hike from Brady’s of Shankill, a pub in the village. 

Distance: 8km, time: 2 – 2.5 hours

For a more challenging hike, take on the trail at Ticknock Forest. Start from the car park off the R113, or if you're arriving by bus, begin at Carthy’s Green just off the Ballyedmonduff Road in Ballinteer. Hike through a stunning forest of Japanese Larch, Sitka Spruce, Scots, Monterey, and Lodgepole Pine and spot the wonderful fauna along the way.  

Soak up the spectacular views as you climb Three Rock Mountain and spot the triple rock formations that give the mountain its name. Once thought to be man-made, these formations are actually the result of natural weathering. Continue on to the Two Rock moorland and discover the romantic Fairy Castle ruins. At 537m, this cairn is the highest point of the Dublin Mountains Way – look out at the dramatic views of the city below.

Get back on the trail and head north-west towards Tibradden Mountain to find another cairn before walking a further 30 minutes to complete the trail.

Getting there: Jump on the green Luas line to Dundrum and catch a 44b bus (weekdays only) straight to Ballinteer.

Distance: 6km, time: 1.5 - 2 hours

This route is considered the final stage of the Dublin Mountains Way. Start at Cruagh Wood and head on to Featherbed Forest, where you’ll emerge at Piperstown Hill. Admire the gorgeous Glenasmole Valley, an area of conservation along the River Dodder. 

Here you'll note the Bohernabreena Waterworks, which were built in 1887 to supply water for the mills along the river. Spot the whooper swans, moorhens and little grebes that call the river home and follow the path to Kiltipper Park. From here, look back and check out the incredible views of the Dublin Mountains. Continue on to Sean Walsh Park in Tallaght where a map board marks the end of the Dublin Mountains Way.

Getting there: If you want to start at Cruagh Wood, you'll need to drive and park at the Cruagh Wood car park. If travelling by public transport, you'll need to reverse and double the walk by starting at Sean Walsh Park, a five minute walk from the Tallaght Luas stop. 

From forest-covered mountains to long stretches of coastline, there's plenty more of Dublin’s nature and wildlife to explore.