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Brian Dillon & Rayana Zapryanova

The best and most underrated walks in Dublin

We are heading into summer and so Dubs will be out and about more as the weather improves.

One of the best ways to receive a new lease of life after a busy working week is one of the city's many beautiful walks, whether that's through woodland, open fields or even manicured bushes.

While St Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park are wonderful places to go for a walk, we decided to take a look at some of the rather underrated strolls in Dublin that you might not have experienced yet.

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Here are some of the best walks to add to your list of things to do this summer.

Ticknock Hill

Cycling in Ticknock (Instagram: maruda.lifestyle)

Ranging from 6km to 18km depending on the route you take, Ticknock Hill is one of the best forest routes in Dublin. It's far enough away from the city centre that you feel like you're in the countryside but close enough that you know you're not far from home.

St Catherine's

St Catherine's Park in Dublin (Colin Keegan, Collins Agency)

Located in Blanchardstown and consisting of 200 acres of woodland and grass land with the Liffey flowing through the middle, St Catherine's is a wonderful park you should have on your list. The park has plenty of parking, walking trails and even canoeing facilities.

The Dodder Walk

The River Dodder in Bushy Park, Rathfarnham/Terenure (Getty)

One of the best walks that takes you through several parts of Dublin, the Dodder Walk heads from Bushy Park through to Milltown. Along the way, you'll be able to take in the ebbs and flows of one of Dublin's most beautiful suburban rivers.

Portmarnock to Malahide

Portmarnock Beach, Dublin (© Kerry Kissane/Getty Images)

Malahide Castle and Gardens is beautiful as is Velvet Strand in Portmarnock. But arguably the best walk to do in this neck of the woods is the trail from Portmarnock to Malahide or vice versa. With views of the beach, joyous swimmers and the Irish sea, it's a wonderfully refreshing stroll along the coast.

Killiney Hill

Views of Dublin Bay from Killiney Hill (Irishmirror.ie)

This is a more leisurely stroll that you can take from the nearby car park or from Killiney station - and it should take less than an hour. And the arrival is the best part, with stunning views across the coastline and the obelisk atop Killiney Hill.

Baldoyle to Howth

Walking from Baldoyle to Howth is another lovely coastal stroll and it lets you have a goo at some of the loveliest (albeit ultra pricey) houses on the north side of the city.

Royal Canal Walk

Royal Canal Bank Park in Dublin (Wanderson Pinto via Getty Images)

The Royal Canal stretches all the way from the city centre, under Croke Park, through Drumcondra and Phibsborough to Cabra, Ashtown and beyond, meaning there is plenty of opportunity to make this walk as short or as long as you like. You will find some lovely spots in Drumcondra and Phibsborough for coffee and treats while on your adventure.

Royal Hospital Kilmainham

While IMMA is a major attraction for visitors to this spot, the walled gardens as well as the surrounding parkland at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham make for the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Botanic Gardens

Glasshouse at National Botanic Gardens in Dublin (Alberto Pezzali/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Perhaps one of the most colourful entries on the list with plants from climates all over the world, the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin is by no means one to be missed.

Irishtown Nature Park

Poolbeg Power Station (Getty Images)

Irishtown Nature Park is deserving of the title 'hidden gem' as it doesn't make the list for a lot of people's regular strolling spots. But this place is filled with quaint walking trails, hidden beaches and access to the Great South Wall and Poolbeg Lighthosue.

Tolka Valley Park

Tolka Valley Park in Dublin (Wanderson Pinto via Getty Images)

Tolka Valley Park is located in Buzzardstown and is comprised of 300 acres including wetlands, wildflower meadows, woodland and pedestrian paths. It is also the habitat for a wide range of fauna, meaning you're likely to bump into some cute little creatures when you visit.

Ardgillan

Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan (Wikimedia Commons)

Ardgillan Castle and Demesne in Blabriggan is another lovely relaxed day out for all of the family with a playground, plenty of green space for activities and views of the sea.

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