Local Attractions

Dublin is the vibrant capital city bursting with a variety of surprising experiences—where city living thrives side by side with the natural outdoors.

The Dublin Skylon Hotel is delighted to be supporting Failte Ireland to showcase Dublin as we are located within reach of many natures inspired havens that are a must-see in Dublin.

Dublin Zoo: 

• Dublin Zoo, located in the Phoenix Park in the heart of Dublin city, is Ireland’s most popular family attraction and welcomed over one million visitors last year.
• Opened in 1831, it is one of the world’s oldest and most popular zoos, home to some 400+ animals on 70 acres.
• Animals at Dublin Zoo live enriched lives in natural social groups, they are fit and healthy, able to breed and raise their own young.
• They can be observed in naturalistic spaces with vegetation, substrate and water features that reflect their native habitat.

National Botanic Gardens:

• The National Botanic Gardens is a botanical garden located in Glasnevin only a 15-minute walk from the Dublin Skylon Hotel.
• The 19.5 hectares are situated between Glasnevin Cemetery and the River Tolka.  
• The gardens were founded in 1795 and currently the Botanic Gardens house approximately 20,000 living plants and many millions of dried plant specimens.
• There are several architecturally notable greenhouses.
• The gardens participate in national and international initiatives for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. It is Ireland's seventh most visited attraction, and the second most visited free attraction.

Glasnevin Cemetery:

• Ireland's National Cemetery invite local, national and international visitors of all ages and identities to explore and connect with the special past - through the stories of those buried here.
• The cemetery has been beautifully restored and sympathetically designed, including state-of-the-art exhibition and education facilities, a visitor centre and interactive tours.

Phoenix Park:

• The Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed urban park in Europe and contains a number of stately homes, including the official residence of the President of Ireland, Áras an Uachtaráin (the "Irish White House" open on Saturdays), Farmleigh House (open for tours daily) and the US Ambassador's residence.
• The Park is also home to the Dublin Zoo (est 1831) and the 22-acre Victorian People's Flower Gardens (est 1864).

 

Howth Cliff Walk & Howth Harbour:

• The trail leads walkers along the charming harbour before climbing away from the village around the Nose of Howth and onto the breathtaking clifftops.
• The terrain may be rough in parts so walking boots are recommended.
• The aggregate ascent over this loop is 130m. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye and embrace the great expanses of Dublin Bay too.
• The Baily Lighthouse comes into view before you ascend towards the car park at ‘The Summit’ and return to Howth Village along a path running parallel to your outward route.
• Back in the village, you’ll find plenty of cafés, pubs and restaurants to reward yourself in after this satisfying trial. Try the Fish & Chips, Calamari & Chowder. 

 

Albert College Park:

• Albert College Park is a public park owned by Dublin City Council and managed by the council's Parks and Landscape Services division. It is located on the Ballymun Road in Glasnevin next to Dublin City University and has been called an "oasis" in the area.

Portmarnock Beach:

• The Velvet Strand is a wide strand of sandy beach located in Portmarnock, North Dublin.
• It is five miles long and stretches all the way to Baldoyle and adjoins Malahide Beach. It has a lovely view of the Dublin Mountains and Howth Harbour.

Clontarf/Dollymount Strand:

• Dollymount Strand is the closest large beach to Dublin city centre.
• It is situated on Bull Island which was created in the 19th century in Dublin Bay to deal with silting problems.
• The sandy beach here runs along the full 5k length of the island.
• Today, it is an important nature reserve, being a breeding site for many bird species and one of the most protected areas in Ireland.

Griffith Park:

• Situated on the Tolka River between Glasnevin and Drumcondra and just downstream from the National Botanic Gardens, in Dublin City, Griffith Park extends to 7.5 hectares.
• The last section of the park at the Mobhi Road end was developed in the mid-1950 and today the park with its fine trees, flower garden, pleasant riverside walks and well-used modern playground is one of the premier north city parks.

• As you can see there are SO many fun nature activities to do while staying at the Dublin Skylon Hotel.
• Dublin city centre is a lovely place to wander through the historic campus of Trinity and soak up the heritage or saunter down to the Docklands and discover the Irish Emigration Museum, EPIC, in every sense.
• Listen to live music from the comfort of snug or travel back in time and encounter the medieval city’s rich past at Dublinia.
• Dublin has a vast array of experiences with so much to savour in the iconic city or just on the outskirts you won’t know where to go next.
• The Dublin Skylon Hotel has many special summers offers that would go very fitting with Discovering Nature in Dublin. 
• For more information please click here