04 Oct Seven Breath-Taking Spots To Watch The Sunset In Dublin

Dublin is renowned the world over as a city overflowing with attractions that attract millions of visitors each year. Vibrant and friendly, Dublin is known for its bars, nightlife, architecture, Guinness, a castle that dates from the 13th century and a cathedral that was founded in the 12th century.

And of course, it’s sunsets!

Okay, perhaps this isn’t mentioned much in the tour guides, but with the clear northern air and a summer sun that lingers in the sky, sunsets over the city are truly a sight to behold.

To appreciate the beauty of the city with the sun setting far to the west, it is worthwhile making a bit of effort and finding the best viewpoint. Here are seven spots where the beauty of the sunset over Dublin will leave you speechless.

1.    Killiney Hill

There is both a long and short walk to the summit of Killiney Hill. No matter which one you take, the reward is a breath-taking panorama that gives you a 360° view of Dublin and the surrounding area.

The short walk is perfect for all fitness levels and takes about 20 minutes. The long walk is a bit more strenuous and can take around 45 minutes.

The summit has a small watchtower in the shape of an obelisk, but it’s the views that are the real draw. On clear days the views over the city and the Irish Sea are stunning, and the highlands of Wales can also be seen. Watching the sunset from this beautiful spot will create memories that last forever.

2.    Poolbeg Lighthouse – The Great Southwall

Combining watching a stunning sunset with a stroll along one of Dublin’s most popular coastal walks is the perfect combination. If you are looking for the perfect evening stroll, then look no further.

The walk takes in the dockyards and ends up at the iconic Poolbeg Lighthouse, which has safely guided ships in and out of Dublin since 1767. The walk is about 8 kilometres in total, and to truly appreciate the sunset, it is best to set out in plenty of time so you can catch the splendour on your walk back.

There are also plenty of cafés and bars for some refreshments along the way.

3.    The Hellfire Club

Make your way to the summit of Montpelier Hill for some stunning views of the sunset over Dublin. The hill is 1,257 feet high (383 metres), and there are several routes to the summit.

The main route is suitable for most fitness levels and, at a leisurely pace, should take around an hour to reach the summit. Once there, you are rewarded with a vista and can also take in the spooky ruins known as the Hellfire Club. The ruins are believed to be one of the first freemason lodges in Ireland and provide an atmospheric backdrop to watch the setting sun from.

4.    Dun Laoghaire Pier

For those short on time but still looking to catch sight of a spectacular sunset, then Dun Laoghaire Pier is a great option. Dun Laoghaire is situated a short distance from Dublin and is a vibrant town with excellent restaurants, stunning sea views and a pier that offers fantastic views of the setting sun.

The walk along the pier will take about 15 minutes, and at sunset, the view is something very special. Lit by the blazing sky of an Irish sunset, the town of Dun Laoghaire and its harbour is the perfect destination for a romantic evening stroll.

5.    Howth Pier

Not to be outdone by Dun Laoghaire, the fishing village of Howth located to the north of Dublin and within easy travel distance of the city is another town that boasts a pier offering stunning views of the sunset over Ireland’s capital.

Howth is a picturesque fishing village that offers a distinct contrast from the hustle and bustle of Dublin despite their proximity. The pier is just under half a mile long, so it is an easy walk for all fitness levels, and the vista it offers over Howth and Dublin at sunset is truly spectacular.

6.    Grand Canal Dock

There is no need to venture outside the city to appreciate the wonder of a sunset over Dublin. Grand canal dock is a hubbub of activity where the old and new blend together on the banks of the River Liffey.

Grand Canal Dock offers plenty of bars and restaurants to watch from, or simply perch yourself on a bench and watch the wonder of the sunset in the cosmopolitan surroundings of the city’s refurbished docklands.

7.    Ticknock

The Ticknock Walk is beautiful at any time of day, but at sunset, the views over Dublin are simply stunning.

It can take a bit of effort to get there, but if you have the time, then it is well worth the while. The walk is situated about 30 minutes’ drive from the city in the Dublin mountains, and the walk to the summit will take around 20 minutes to reach the summit of Three Rock Mountain.

Once you reach the summit, you will be able to take in a stunning sunset with a view of Dublin and the surrounding area, even as far as Wicklow. Another option on the Ticknock walk is to venture a little further and take in the views from Fairy Castle, the highest point in the Dublin Mountains.

Sunset in the clean and crisp air of Ireland is something very special. And when the backdrop is the beautiful city of Dublin, then the views will make memories that last a lifetime. We hope this guide gives you some great ideas of places to truly absorb the beauty of sunset over Dublin.