When the weather starts to get colder, it’s windy and rainy out, it’s so tempting to stop spending time outdoors. But Autumn is a wonderful time to get outdoors in Ireland, go for a walk and catch all its beautiful colours. And it’s especially rewarding when you can reach your walk by public transport, which helps reduce car-use and lighten our footprint on the planet.
So, here are ten walks accessible from Dublin by bus or train, each offering beautiful autumn colours and with a range of difficulty levels so you can pick something gentle or more challenging.
Before you head out, remember to dress in layers and pack a waterproof gear, even if the sun is shining. Dublin’s weather can change its mind in minutes!
1. Phoenix Park (easy)
Right in the city and very easy to reach. Phoenix Park is perfect for walking, cycling, or admiring the season’s beautiful foliage. Do you know you can spot deer here too?
Getting there: Use Dublin Bus or Luas to the city centre then walk or cycle in; alternatively use the many bike-share options.
Why it works: Flat, family-friendly, plenty of benches and cafés nearby. Great for a shorter outing.
2. Ticknock Forest / Three Rock Mountain in the Dublin Mountains (moderate)
For a taste of the uplands without heading too far: Ticknock and the Three Rock area give you forest tracks, higher viewpoints and autumn colours in the woods.
Getting there: From Dublin city centre take the Luas (Green Line) to Dundrum then Dublin Bus 44B to the “Blue Light Pub / Ticknock” stop.
Why it works: Upland feel, good autumn foliage, terrific views. But more effort, so suitable if you’re up for a bit of hill walking.
3. Killiney Hill & Beach Loop (easy-moderate)
Perfect for those who love the sea even when summer is over! A gentle climb with sweeping views over Dublin Bay, sea and the hills beyond. The wooded slopes and hilltop has lovely autumn tones.
Getting there: Take the DART train south from Dublin to Killiney station (or nearby Dalkey) then walk up the hill.
Why it works: Moderate incline, paved paths, and you’re rewarded with both hillside trees and sea views: a nice mix of land and coastal scenery.
4. Dublin Mountains Way (moderate-hard)
A more ambitious route for those wanting depth and distance: The Dublin Mountains Way (DMW) is a well-waymarked trail with public-transport access at several points. You can find out more and plan your trip here: dublinmountains.ie
Getting there: Key public-transport connection points include Barnaslingan (bus route 44), Glencullen (44B, weekdays) and Tallaght (bus/LUAS) as per the DMW FAQ.
Why it works: Forest, ridge-walking, dramatic views across Dublin and Wicklow. Great for a full morning or afternoon outing when you have energy.
5. Glendalough Valley in the Wicklow Mountains (varied difficulty)
One of Ireland’s best loved nature-and-heritage walks: The monastic ruins, two lakes, valley setting and surrounding forest really shine in November.
Getting there: Use the dedicated bus service St Kevin’s Bus Service from St Stephen’s Green in Dublin direct to Glendalough Visitor Centre (approx 1h20)
Difficulty choices: The Lower-level trail with lake-loop and ruin site is an easy walk (~1-2 hrs). If you are looking for something more challenging, the Spinc or Upper Lake trails climb higher, steeper under-foot (allow half-day).
Why it works: When you have the time, it’s a destination walk.
6. Howth Cliff Walk & Hill (easy-moderate)
A coastal alternative that combines sea-air, cliffs and woodland. While coastal rather than deep forest, the walks around Howth peninsula offer hillside mixed woodland that
Getting there: Take the DART train from Dublin Connolly Station to Howth (~40 mins) then follow the signed trail loops around the peninsula.
Why it works: Excellent for combining sea-views + land-walk, accessible yet still feeling like an escape.
7. The Hellfire Club (moderate)
On the southern edge of the city, the Hellfire Club walk is one of the most famous in Dublin. It combines local legend, woodland trails, and great views over Dublin Bay. The path includes mixed forest before opening onto Montpelier Hill and the eerie stone ruin of the 18th-century hunting lodge. On clear November days, you can see all the way across the city to Howth and the sea.
Getting there: Take Dublin Bus route 15 or 15B to Stocking Lane (get off near the junction with Montpelier Hill). From there, it’s a 10–15 minute uphill walk to the car park and trailhead.
Why it works: A short, satisfying climb with rich forest colour, a bit of history and myth, and an unbeatable panorama at the top. Perfect for a crisp afternoon outing before sunset.
8. Malahide Castle & Demesne (easy)
A charming, tree-filled parkland with 250 acres of forest trails, open lawns, and ornamental gardens. This is one of the easiest and most colourful autumn walks near Dublin. You can loop through the wooded paths, visit the fairy trail, or stroll towards the coast for a full half-day outing.
Getting there: Take the DART train from Dublin city centre to Malahide Station (about 30 minutes). The castle entrance is a short 10-minute walk from the station.
Why it works: Gentle terrain, accessible paths, cafés and facilities, perfect for families or an easy Sunday walk with friends.
8. Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk (moderate)
This coastal trail is a classic. Though not a forest walk, the combination of bracken, heather and changing sea light makes it stunning in November. The 7 km cliff path runs along the coastline, offering views of the Irish Sea on one side and hillside vegetation on the other.
Getting there: DART to Bray (40 minutes from city centre). Start near Bray Seafront and follow the waymarked trail to Greystones; from there, take the DART back to Dublin.
Why it works: Linear route, moderate effort, and an easy public-transport loop. Bring layers: the sea breeze can be cool in November!
9. Rathfarnham to Marlay Park River Walk (easy-moderate)
For a quiet, local escape, follow the Dodder Greenway, a riverside path leading through suburban woodlands from Rathfarnham to Marlay Park. Marlay Park has sweeping tree-lined avenues, a walled garden, and even the starting point of the Wicklow Way if you want to extend your walk.
Getting there: Dublin Bus routes 15B, 16, or 61 stop near Rathfarnham Village. From there, pick up the Dodder path heading south towards Marlay Park. Return the same way or catch the 16/61 back to town.
Why it works: Peaceful urban green corridor that feels far removed from city bustle, great for a two-hour nature fix after work or on a Saturday morning.
Bonus idea: Bohernabreena Reservoir (moderate)
If you’d like a quieter mountain-edge experience, this walk in the Glenasmole Valley is a hidden gem. You can follow forested lanes and lakeside paths with stunning reflections of autumn trees in the reservoir water.
Getting there: Dublin Bus 65 from the city centre to Bohernabreena Road (Stop 2969). The reservoir entrance is a 10–15 minute walk from there.
Why it works: Lovely mix of water, woodland, and hillside and fewer crowds than Glendalough or Ticknock.
Tips for choosing your walk
- If you have just a couple of hours: Phoenix Park or Howth.
- If you want moderate effort: Killiney Hill or Ticknock.
- If you have half a day: Dublin Mountains Way or Glendalough.
- Always check daylight hours (in November daylight is shorter) and weather/footing (wet leaves and fallen branches can make paths slippery)
- Dress in layers, bring waterproofs, wear good footwear.
How to make your walk more sustainable
- Bring your own reusable water-bottle or flask instead of disposable cups or bottles.
- Carry a reusable cup if you plan a café stop afterwards.
- Don’t leave rubbish behind,pack out what you pack in.
- If you spot any litter on the ground, bring a small bag and pick it up on your way (if safe to do so).
- Stay on the designated trails: this protects vegetation and avoids erosion of forest/peatland.
- Use public-transport to get there and back (as all these walks allow) rather than driving.
- Consider car-pooling or using public transport apps (Leap Card, TFI Live) to plan your journey efficiently.
- Respect wildlife and seasonal habitats: in autumn some birds and animals prepare for winter, so keep noise to a minimum and dogs under control.
Enjoy exploring the golden and russet hues of November just outside Dublin and knowing you’re doing it in a way that’s friendlier to the planet too.
