Every week we’ll look at a village along the Dart line and see what there is to do there for the day.
This is a review for Shankill and Killiney, but it’s mostly about Killiney.
However, if you’re in the Shankill area, make sure to head to Brady’s Pub, a proper old-man pub that is a good ten-minute walk from the Dart station.
Killiney is definitely worth a half-day trip, if only for the beautiful scenery. There’s a reason that celebrities like Van Morrison, Bono, The Edge and Enya have all settled here. Even the Dart ride to Killiney station takes you around the coast, giving you GORGEOUS sea views.
Save this one for a sunny day.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat nearby, check out Dalkey. There are a ton of great places to eat there, like the Magpie Inn, the Tramyard and Benitos (more details to follow next week!).
The main reason to head to Killiney is to take a nice long walk up Killiney Hill. It’s hard going at parts, but it’s definitely worth it for the spectacular views of Dublin and the bay that you just won’t get anywhere else.
Dublin, you babe.
Killiney Hill is a favourite for local dog-walkers, so you’ll also see some cute doggos.
Despite being located in Killiney, you’re better off getting off the Dart at Dalkey, walking to the main entrance to the hill, where the carpark is located and following the one of the three trails, rather than trying to figure out where the entrance is at the Killiney end.
At the end of the trails, there is a cute coffee shop (at the bottom of the hill) that sells hot drinks, cold drinks, cakes, sandwiches and ice cream. They also have dog bowls outside so that puppies can have a refreshment too.
You can exit out the gate beside it and on to the road. Head down the hill which will bring you along tree-lined roads and past beautiful mansions (#futureplans).
You should eventually end up down by the Dart station. If you go on a little further, you’ll see an archway, which is the entrance to Killiney Beach.
The beach itself is stony, so not great if you want to go sun bathing. But it’s perfect for walking on or sitting on to relax while watching the waves.
You can chill out here, then head back up to the station and get an ice-cream in the shop beside it, Café De La Gare.
They do a proper old school ‘99 – the best way to end a delightful day.
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