While tourists often flock to famous landmarks like The Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College, Dublin has a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Just north of the city, a picturesque hidden beach called Red Rock Beach awaits those willing to embark on a delightful hike. This serene haven, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin City, offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Red Rock Beach is a breathtaking destination that can be reached after a roughly two-and-a-half-hour hike around Howth Head. This stunning beach serves as both a perfect spot to watch the sunset and a refreshing swimming location when the weather permits.
Upon discovering Red Rock Beach, visitors often express surprise at its existence, wondering why more people don’t venture to this hidden paradise in Dublin. Despite its reputation as an exciting urban center, Dublin offers an abundance of natural beauty for those willing to explore. The Howth Head Cliff Walk, where the journey begins, is nestled in the charming town of Howth, replete with picturesque restaurants, pubs, and shops.
The adventure begins with an ascent to the summit of Howth Head, treating hikers to incredible views of the town below and the Irish Sea. Continuing along the trail, one arrives at the Bailey Lighthouse, offering breathtaking coastal vistas and sweeping views across Dublin Bay to the southern part of the city.
For many, this is the point at which they consider turning back and returning to the town. However, those seeking more adventure can follow a narrow track just past the lighthouse. This path allows for an additional hour of walking, providing serene coastal views and culminating in the discovery of the hidden treasure, Red Rock Beach.
As you reach the beach, you’ll be rewarded for your hiking efforts with a tranquil setting that seems worlds away from Dublin’s urban buzz. The trail guides you off the cliff path into the village of Sutton, offering a change of scenery and the chance to immerse yourself in local life.
From Sutton, you have options for returning to Howth or the city center. You can catch the DART back to Howth, where a well-deserved meal and a pint of Guinness await. Alternatively, take the train directly back to Dublin’s city center, ensuring a seamless end to your adventure.
Dublin may be known for its vibrant cityscape, but hidden treasures like Red Rock Beach remind us that there’s an abundance of natural beauty to be explored just beyond the city limits. So, the next time you visit Dublin, venture north, take on the Howth Head Cliff Walk, and uncover the serene paradise that is Red Rock Beach—a hidden gem worth every step of the journey.