Is northside Dublin the best day out in Ireland?

The Irish Times is on the hunt for Ireland’s greatest visitor attractions, and we’ve asked our readers to help, by recommending great ways to spend a day in Ireland. Dara Farrelly reckons you can’t beat the north Dublin coastline . . .

Rise early on any sunny summer morning, when there is a morning tide in Dublin Bay. Cycle, drive or take the Dart to Malahide and its high rock. (Too far for two wheels? Just take your bike on the Dart.)

If you’re not feeling brave, climb slowly down the steel ladder into the crystal clear, swollen water. Fall back into the sea, and you’ll experience a sharp intake of breath from the shock of icy cold water. For a moment, you may think your heart has stopped.

When your breathing returns to normal, swim out to sea and observe this great space from a different viewpoint in the heavy swell, with Lambay and Ireland’s Eye as backdrop. Watch teenagers leap and crash into the sea, force on force.

Then out and pummel yourself with a towel. Lie on the rocks or sand and let the sun seep into your bones. Enjoy the warmth, peace, calm and even breathing. Afterwards, read the paper over a coffee in one of the cafes in the village.

Then get on your bike, for a ride through Portmarnock, past Baldoyle, hugging the coast road, to Burrow Road and on to the Hole in the Wall Beach. If the tide has fallen, walk the bike along the sand into Howth village (you can get though on the road too).

In Howth, you’ll be ready for some of the great tapas at The Oar House: oysters, calamari, crab, Dublin bay prawns are specialities. Or, alternatively, hit Beshoff Bros for mini fish and chips soaked in salt and vinegar, eaten on the pier, and topped off with an ice cream from Mauds or some hot, bitter coffee from Il Panorama.

Back on the bike and over the headland, career down the other side of the peninsula, through Sutton cross and along the coastal cycle lane to Clontarf and home. Tired, sated and happy.

“De Nort Side” is not only cool but beautiful too. And you can do it all for under €50 for four, or – even better – free if you bring a flask and a picnic. Welcome to my city; loads to do.

Dara Farrelly

[ www.irishtimes.com/bestdayout ]