Trail puts spotlight on Dublin's coast

It's perhaps better known for its Guinness brewery tours, pub crawls and literary pilgrimages, but now Dublin wants tourists to drink in the scenery and history along its largely unheralded coastline. Running 44 km and costing €700,000 ($950,000), the Dublin Coastal Trail is a joint scheme by local government, Irish Rail and the national tourism board, Fáilte Ireland. Medieval castles, scenic cliff walks and lighthouses will be featured along the route, which stretches from the town of Skerries to the seaside resort of Killiney, with signs installed to help tourists navigate the experiences and attractions along the way. The pandemic has driven demand for outdoor experiences, the tourism agency said, and the trail is aimed at increasing “dwell time” in the city and to get people to explore beyond the core of Ireland's capital and largest city. “The launch of the Dublin Coastal Trail is a fantastic addition to the Dublin portfolio and adds to its appeal as a vibrant city-break destination, where city living thrives side by side with nature,” said Paul Kelly, chief executive of Fáilte Ireland. Dublin Mayor Alison Gilliland said the trail would spotlight the capital's “bountiful coastal amenities” including Poolbeg Lighthouse, St. Anne's Park and the Bull Island nature reserve.

Tourism Minister Catherine Martin said the trail will boost the city's appeal both to domestic and international visitors as Irish tourism recovers from the devastating effects of the pandemic. Barry Kenny, of Irish Rail, said the trek will highlight the “wealth of attractions and activities” in the region. He added: “The fact they are accessible to everyone by our commuter services means they don't just belong to those who live close by — they belong to all of us.”