Looking for a spontaneous micro-escape and want to avoid crowds? Here are a few outings accessible from the city centreJamie Cannon, James Rhein, Isaac Stanley, Abbie Cannon, Lisa Cannon and Céire Rhein making the journey to Donabate Beach. Photograph: Alan Betson Tue May 26 2026 - 16:36 • 4 MIN READNo sooner does the weather dial reach north of 20 degrees and our beaches are swamped, beer gardens jam-packed and people are lashing on the sunscreen with gusto. If you are Dublin-based and looking for a spontaneous micro-escape but want to avoid crowds, here are a few outings accessible from the city centre via public transport for a quick, feel-good holiday vibe.Wood-fired pizza at Portrane-Donabate cliff walkMilo, Brian Óg and Ellie with parents Brian and Sara Moroney from Inchicore on Donabate Beach. Photograph: Alan Betson A 2.5km stretch of vast white sandy beach, a cliff walk book ended by Martello towers and delicious pizza? Say no more. Day trippers using public transport can take the 20-30 minute train to Donabate from Connolly Station. Once you land in the town, take the 33B bus from the station to Portrane. If you’re itching for a swim, Portrane Beach offers a quiet bathing spot, even on busy days, but note there are no lifeguards on duty. On the Portrane end of the cliff walk is Nino’s by Doughbox, a wood-fired pizza joint at The Brook pub which deals in delicious thin-crust pizza and home-made pasta.For a good stretch, hit the 2km Portrane-Donabate cliff walk where you will arrive at the expansive Donabate Beach, which is manned by lifeguards. Before heading home, soak in views of Lambay Island on the terrace of the Shoreline hotel before the 2.5km stroll back to Donabate train station, making for a loop. Tolka Greenway to Clontarf bathsDublin Port’s Tolka Estuary Greenway This relatively new Dublin Bay cycle route not only provides cyclists with safe, segregated access to ferry terminals, but also public access to the lesser visited Dublin Port. The port can be accessed either via the 151 bus from city centre or by a 20 minute walk from Clontarf Dart station. With a cooling sea breeze beneath their pedals, cyclists (or pedestrians) can work their way from Dublin Port on a path that hugs the coastline, along the Alfie Byrne Road to Clontarf Baths – an outdoor lightly chlorinated saltwater swimming pool. Once you have completed your cycle and swim, you’ve probably worked up a hefty appetite, and Chubbys in Clontarf is one of the hottest reservations to snag in the city right now. White Rock Beach, Killiney, followed by a pint in DalkeyWhite Rock beach at Killiney Bay, Dublin Any beach along a Dart line is thronged on a hot day, and Killiney beach (accessible by Killiney Dart station) is no exception. However, for those looking for a more secluded spot they need only walk a few minutes along Vico Road toward Dalkey before crossing a railway footbridge to access White Rock Beach. It is advisable to pack a picnic for this beach as there aren’t many dining spots around, or else you can pick up a coffee and a sandwich at Fred and Nancy’s food truck on Killiney Beach. Once you’ve soaked in the views and gone for a dip, it’s a 25-minute walk to Dalkey village, and you can squeeze in a trip to Sorrento Park en route with its views of Dalkey Island. Before catching the Dart home, it’s well worth enjoying a pint and fish and chips at the long established Finnegan’s pub. Cycle along the Royal Canal to Howth 20/01/2015 - NEWS - The West Pier in Howth Harbour for Howth Planning story. There are plans that could see a major land fill in the sea at the back of the pier. Mark Hilliard piece