The Journal is partnering with Allianz Insurance for this series that showcases the most beautiful drives in Ireland. For this instalment, we’re making sure that we’ve got our leads, our harnesses, our treats and our tennis balls backed — because we’re looking at the best doggy-drives in the Dublin area.
The old adage goes that dog’s are man’s best friend, but on a scenic drive en route to a wide-open park or a glistening seaside vista, they also make a mighty fine passenger.
Setting off from the Saggart Hill Loop on Dublin’s western border is the ideal way to start this drive, as the route boasts easy walkability without sacrificing any of the tranquility you’ll experience from gazing out over open fields and taking in the fresh elevated air. Your four-legged friend can be taken off-lead in some areas, making it the ideal way to kick off the drive and letting the dog get all that early-morning energy out.
If your dog is a born adventurer and you’re interested in the more rugged path, you can head for the top of the hill where there are two monuments, one of which is a megalithic burial from 3500-3000 BC. If you’ve got an older or indeed lazier dog, you can avail of a short loop starting from Lynch Park Road, where there is space for a few cars on the lay-by.
Having worked up an appetite, you should hop back in your car and go on a leisurely drive through the Dublin mountains, soaking in the greenery and making your way to the Timbertrove Cafe – a beautiful and rustic restaurant with a craft store included and obscenely pretty views. This cafe is only an eight-minute drive from your next stop, the foot of the Tirbradden Mountain Loop.
From there you can access the Owendoher River and Pine Forest Road and challenge yourself to a tougher hike, but you could also simply try the Cruagh Wood Loop, which clocks in at 4km and offers a flat forest trail for you and your companion.
Naturally, you’ll want to finish your day by the sea – giving your dog the opportunity to run along the beach and possibly chasing a ball out into the waves if your pet is that way inclined. You’ll have done plenty of walking yourself and nobody could blame you for dipping your toes.
For this we recommend completing a full cross-country drive across Dublin and watching the sun set from Killiney Hill. One of Dublin’s most scenic areas, Killiney Hill offers an unstrenuous walking route where you can take the dog off the lead in some areas before heading down to the beach to wash off the day. Views of Dublin, Bray, Killiney Bay, and the surrounding hills will give you no shortage of spots to watch the sun go down with furry best friend.
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