We are blessed in Dublin to have so many pretty little villages within arms reach. Many of the villages within this list are in Dublin itself, just outside of the hustle and bustle of the city centre and most are on Dublin’s beautiful coast, offering the chance to swim and admire breathtaking views.
All are easily accessible by public transport and stunning in any season but, when the sun comes out, you can really soak it in at these lovely spots. Here are our favourite pretty villages in and around Dublin.
1. Malahide
Back in 2021, Malahide was named one of the best places to live in Ireland. We weren’t surprised then and we’re not surprised now.
Malahide Castle has to be one of the prettiest in Ireland, if not the world. In every season it’s stunning and still going strong 800 years after it was built.
There are often events at the castle, where the likes of Radiohead, Neil Young and Lana Del Rey have played. Plus, the gardens at Malahide Castle are home to Ireland’s only butterfly house. There’s also an enchanting fairy trail for kids to follow and it’s the perfect place to make lovely memories while they’re little.
The castle isn’t the only reason to visit Malahide though. Head down to the shore and you’ll find a beautiful, sandy beach. From there you can head over to Lambay Island where is a group of wild wallabies. You can also see puffins, seals and deer.
2. Howth
Castles: Ireland is full of them. Drive 20 miles in any direction and you’re bound to bump into a castle. However, Howth Castle is one of the most famous ones.
It was once owned by the St. Lawrence family and it was referenced a few times by James Joyce in Finnegan’s Wake and Ulysses. It’s another of the beautiful coastal villages near Dublin and everybody should visit at least once.
In the warmer months, the cliffs of Howth are covered in thousands of gorgeous wildflowers. Hikers can appreciate the view from the Howth cliff trail, which starts and ends at Howth Station, conveniently.
You can explore the coast by boat, too, or even go kayaking if you’re feeling adventurous. Howth Rhododendron Gardens, behind the Deer Park Hotel, are the perfect place for a springtime stroll, with the scent of those fragrant flowers wafting through the air.
3. Dalkey
Dalkey Island is home to a lovely lot of seals and you can kayak with them! This has to be one of the cutest things to do in Dublin and it will cost you €69.00 for a couple of hours on the water.
The beautiful coastline in Dalkey is the perfect place for a walk. Dalkey Hill sits within Killiney Hill Park and offer stunning views out over the sea. Make your way around the park and you’ll find another beautiful viewpoint: Killiney Hill.
Then it’s time to head to the Cat’s Ladder steps where you can see more breathtaking views, before a dip in the sea at Vico Bathing Place. This spot is very popular with swimmers, with steps leading directly down into the water. Perfect on a summer’s day.
Sorrento Park is another beautiful spot in Dalkey and from there you can see Dalkey Island. Take a boat tour from Colliemore Harbour to really appreciate this lovely part of the coast.
4. Sandymount
On a warm weekend, Sandymount Strand is packed with visitors that come to enjoy the long beach and swim in the sea. Sandymount used to be called Brickfields because of the huge brickworks there but now it’s full of little boutique shops and cafes. You might even see some famous faces because plenty of celebrities live there.
Sandymount is very close to the centre of Dublin but it still has the distinct feel of a village and it’s certainly one of the prettiest villages in Dublin. The beach is beautiful and so is the green at the centre of the village. Visiting takes you back to the 1800s when it was built and it’s a glimpse into old Dublin.
5. Kells
Kells is a little further away from Dublin than the others on this list but it is one of Dublin’s many commuter villages so getting there by public transport is very easy. Just outside of this lovely little village, you can see the stunning Spire of Lloyd.
This iconic tower was designed in 1791 by Henry Aaron Baker in memory of his father and it used to be open to visitors. Unfortunately, it isn’t anymore but it’s quite the sight to behold, built on the site of an Iron Age ring fort.
King Robert Bruce of Scotland’s brother, Edward Bruce, also set up camp here following their victory at the Battle of Kells in 1314 so this place is a very important historical site. Taking a walk around the park and the Pauper’s Graveyard afterwards is the perfect way to enjoy a sunny day. Then, a trip to one of the village’s tearooms is a must.