Dublin

South Dublin Coastal Walk: Where Our Rich Live

Darragh

26 Jun 2025 — 4 min read

This is a walk along the coast and through the villages of Dublin where our rich and famous live. We'll see the same views that they paid millions for.

You’ll pass through swimming spots, castles, beaches, mansions, islands and the best views in all of Dublin. And it's all just 20 minutes from the city by train.

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Glasthule

We meet in the small village of Glasthule. I like to bring visitors here because it's not a tourist spot, it's just a local Dublin village going about their day. Cavistons Food Emporium is fabulous.

Dun Laoghaire

Dún Laoghaire (say “Done Leary”) is a harbour town where Dubliners used to holiday in Victorian times. The People's Park market on Sundays has a lovely local atmosphere. But leave room for the Irish traditional 99 ice cream at legendary Teddy's Ice Cream around the corner.

A special mention for the Goat Boat in Dún Laoghaire. It is the best experience I have done in all of Dublin! See incredible scenery, wildlife, jaw dropping houses of Dublin Bay. It's fast. 45 km/h! Do this after my walking tour, we'll arrange times around it!

I think Dún Laoghaire is an excellent place to base yourself while in Dublin. Close to the city but with a more relaxed seaside vibe.

Sandycove

Sandycove is our third village and where we get close to the sea. You'll see the sandy cove that it is named after and the views back to Dún Laoghaire from here are excellent. It's the first spot we keep our eye out for seals.

The Forty Foot

The Forty Foot is Dublin's most famous swimming area. If you've seen the Bad Sisters tv show, you'll recognize it. Just like in the show, it's a social hub as much as a swimming spot. Dubliners have been swimming here for 250 years. It's one my guests favorite stops.

James Joyce Museum

The James Joyce Museum is run by enthusiastic elderly volunteers who aren't nearly as docile as they look, they guilted me into buying a Joyce book before I left the 'free' museum. The view from the top of the tower was worth it though!

Dalkey Village

Dalkey is Dublin's wealthiest village. It used to have 7 castles protecting it. Today one and half remain! The main street is even home to Goat Castle, which you can tour. Being a wealthy spot, it's a lovely village to stroll through and is a major foodie spot. We usually pick up a snack and coffee here and eat it at the next stop.

Dalkey Island

Dalkey Island is the kind of thing that I love about Dublin. You're in a capital city, but looking out at an island with a 7th century church on it!

Everyone going to Colliemore Harbor to look across at the island but I'll bring you to an even better and closer place with better photos.

Killiney Bay

We keep the best for last on this tour. The hills of Killiney are like Beverly Hills & Sorrento combined. Ireland's most expensive houses are here and you'll understand why when you see the most glorious views over Killiney Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.

We'll walk along Vico Road, the most expensive road in Ireland. We peer down at the most spectacular garden in all of Dublin. The house it belongs to, was just listed for €10M.

You'll pass Bono's house and see the vacant house that U2's The Edge just got planning permission for after a 20-year fight.

Follow the road down and keep enjoying the sea views and the multi-million Euro homes. Dip your toes in the water before walking along the beach to Killiney train station where the tour ends.