10 of the best adventure activities in Dublin

From peaceful canals to mighty rivers, Dublin’s waterways are a great way to experience the city from a different perspective. Get to know the River Liffey aboard a ‘sit on top’ kayak with City Kayaking. Adventurers of any skill level are welcome – don a wetsuit before paddling past local sights like The Jeanie Johnston and gliding under the Ha’penny and O’Connell bridges. 

Alternatively, go further afield with Kayaking.ie on a tour of Dublin Bay. Suitable for complete beginners, join a guided paddling tour to Dalkey Island where you can say hello to the area's resident seals. For something extra special, try a sunset outing and watch as the sky fades from blue to orange. 

Media captionLearn to kayak in Dublin.

Between the buzzing theatres and modern restaurants of Dublin’s Docklands, you'll find a bit of adventure at Surfdock Watersports. Just a short stroll from Trinity College and Temple Bar, it's the perfect place to try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) in the heart of the city. With their SUP equipment rentals and expert lessons, you’ll have everything you need to quickly find your balance on the capital’s waters.

Media captionEnjoy stand-up paddle boarding at Dublin’s Docklands.

Learn your lines and what knot to do on a sailboat in Dublin Bay. The Start Sailing Course at the Irish National Sailing and Powerboat School in Dún Laoghaire covers all the basics, from what to wear and setting the sails to negotiating all kinds of wind. If you'd like to dive deeper, the school also runs more advanced courses at the marina in Malahide, including a one-day crash course in how to crew a modern yacht and a five-day programme on how to skipper a boat. 

With plenty of breezes to catch and many long stretches of beach to choose from, Dublin is made for kitesurfing. Make your way to Pure Magic in Clontarf for tuition and equipment hire. Their home base at Dollymount Strand is the ideal sheltered spot for beginners tackling the basics and more seasoned kiters brushing up on their skills. With fun for everyone from total newbie to advanced freestyler, surf’s up on the Northside.

Media captionTake advantage of the breeze with a round of kitesurfing.

Fancy getting the blood pumping on two wheels? Spend the day at Glencullen Adventure Park (the GAP) – a gravity bike park with trails most suitable for intermediate to expert bikers. Visitors can rent a bike and pre-book a 'pedal up pass' before taking on the park's variety of trails, each varying in length and difficulty. 

Meanwhile, Biking.ie – Ticknock Mountain Bike Trail takes you on guided tours through the Dublin Mountains where you can soak up incredible views of the city and bay below. The shortest route takes about an hour and requires a basic level of fitness, but if you’re looking for a bigger challenge, you can extend your route by continuing on one of the extra loops available. Along the way, spot the unique rock formations that give Three Rock Mountain its name.

Media captionTraverse the Dublin Mountains on two wheels.

It's hard to match the feel-good factor of a brisk trek through nature. You can get your fix of panoramic views while giving your legs a proper stretch on the Cliff Path Loop in Howth, a 30-minute DART ride north of the city centre. The 7.8km loop takes roughly two hours to complete and takes in stunning views of Baily Lighthouse, Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island in the distance. 

For those looking to venture a little further out of the city, Hilltoptreks offer tours and walking holidays that explore the Dublin Mountains. Hit the heights of Dublin at your own pace and spot some of the capital's landmarks, including the chimneys of Poolbeg and Howth Harbour.

Media captionSee a beautiful sunset as you hike the Dublin Mountains.

While you’re in the mountains, why not up the ante by ziplining through the canopy of Tibradden Wood? Zipit has over 650 metres of zip lines spread across five circuits, each reaching up to 20 metres in height. Suitable for adventurers of all ages and abilities, you can bring the whole family along to clamber up the pines, swing into cargo nets and glide through the trees at their Treetop Ropes Adventure Course.  

Media captionZipline through the Tibradden Wood canopy.

You can't talk about Irish culture without mentioning Gaelic Games. Dublin is home to Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and where some of the biggest matches in the sport are played in front of thousands. Fans can delve into the history of the sport at the GAA Museum onsite, but if you want to get hands-on then check out Experience Gaelic Games in Glasnevin. Start with a quick intro to the history of the sport and Irish culture before testing your skills at hurling, Gaelic football and Gaelic handball in a lively group session. 

Media captionCelebrate the history of Gaelic games at Croke Park.

Make a splash with some river rafting on the capital’s doorstep. Just 15 minutes outside the city centre, Rafting.ie welcomes people of all skill levels to enjoy an afternoon on the River Liffey. Get suited in a wetsuit, buoyancy jacket and helmet, and take on the route's four weirs as a team. Then float downriver through the Strawberry Beds (named after the fruit that once grew here), keeping an eye out for the local herons, swans and otters.

Media captionRaft down the River Liffey.

Saddle up and seize the reins at the Paddocks Riding Centre in Sandyford. Set at the base of the Dublin Mountains, the centre spans roughly 3,000 acres into the mountain range. Opt for either the one-hour or two-hour walkouts and follow an experienced trek leader on horseback through forests and waymarked trails. Don't worry if it's your first time horseriding – a member of their team will walk alongside you to help you make the most of the experience. 

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If you’re craving your next thrill, unlock all the Dublin adventures that are yet to be discovered.