Introducing guest columnist, Sam McAllister. Sam was born and raised 20 minutes south of Dublin in Dun Laoghaire. He loves to travel (see his excellent website) and has an eye for beautiful scenery. Here he picks out five local insights from in and around his hometown.
Take a stunning coastal cliff walk from Bray to Greystones, covering just over 7km of varied terrain. Begin early in the morning to whet your appetite as you walk, before eating a delicious lunch at The Happy Pear in Greystones. Bring your camera as there are stunning views all year round!
Glendalough (Valley of Two Lakes in Irish), is a glacial valley with two stunning lakes. There are nine colour-coded nature walks through the valley itself, all offering varying degrees of difficulty (light strolls to demanding mountain hikes) and more beautiful wildlife.
You need to rent a boat (or be ferried across in one) to get to the magnificent Dalkey Island. The journey across from the mainland is great fun and really adds to the occasion. An ideal location for fishing, make sure to keep an eye out for wild rabbits. Amazing to think that Dublin's bustle is only half an hour north.
Take a relaxed stroll around this suburban seaside town, once a major port of entry from Britain. Make sure to grab an ice cream from local's favourite Teddy’s (stick with the queue, they're worth the wait), before a walk along Dun Laoghaire’s crown jewel, the East Pier.
Okay so this is actually in County Cork but it's well worth the drive! Make sure to locate the Mizen Head Signal Station down the famous 99 steps. Head over the Arched Bridge amid stunning scenery and look out for seals, kittiwakes, gannets and choughs. It is a little-known fact that Mizen Head also boasts minke, humpback whales and dolphins!
Words by Sam, for WeSwap, the clever new way to get travel money that’s up to 10 times cheaper than banks, bureaux or airports. Sign up free today.
