The Vista Tour: The Most Scenic Walk in Dublin

It's called the Vista Tour because you will not believe that you're in Dublin when you see the views in Ireland's version of the Amalfi Coast.

This is my favorite of all my Dublin walking tours. I love seeing the shock on people's faces when they turn the corner and see the outrageously beautiful Killiney Bay with the Wicklow Mountains behind it.

This is the wealthiest part of Ireland, even the Wall Street Journal wrote about it. Bono and Enya are some of the residents on our walk.

If you want to see real Dublin beyond the tourist area, this is your tour.

What You'll See

Stops on The Vista Tour

1. Dalkey Train Station
   Take the 30 minute train to Dalkey where we will meet to begin the tour.
   
2. Dalkey Village
   Dalkey is Dublin's wealthiest village and is a major foodie spot. Pick up a coffee & scone for the walk. You'll hear the story of the cattle repelling tree in the tiny 1000 year old graveyard in the grounds of Dalkey Castle.
   
3. Dalkey Island
   Dalkey Island is the kind of thing that I love about Dublin. You're in a capital city, but there's an island that was Viking slave market with 1000 year old church on it! You can even take a boat over to it if you want (not included in tour)
   
4. Dillon's Park
   This hidden park has a holy well and the best photo point across to the island.
   
5. Sorrento Park
   More spectacular sea & mountains views from this small park high above Killiney Bay.
   
6. The World War 2 Eire Sign
   During the war, Ireland built stones signs into the cliffs saying "Eire" to let German bombers know they were lost and not to bomb neutral Ireland.
   
7. The Vico Baths
   Dubliners have been swimming here for more than 100 years and come here every day no matter the weather. Absolutely no tourists here, just locals chatting amongst old friends and new ones.
   
8. The Vico Road
   A short walk brings us to most expensive road in Ireland, Vico Road. This is the Beverly Hills meets Sorrento of Dublin. When you see the glorious views, you'll understand why houses here cost €10M.
   
9. Killiney Beach
   We finish the walk on the beach and take the train back to the city from Killiney Train station.
10. Celebrity Houses
    Bono, The Edge, Enya, Jim Sheridan are some of the homeowners here. Matt Damon famously stayed here during Covid and Brad Pitt was seen here this year when filming in Ireland.

Tour Details

- Duration: 2 hours
- Walking Tour Distance: 3k. Some of it is uphill.
- Cost: €175 for up to 4 people. €25/additional person.
- Private tours only
- Have Questions? Email

Cruise Ship Excursion

This walk is available as a cruise ship excursion. I'll meet you in Dun Laoghaire where your ship docks. Then we take a 10 minute train ride to Dalkey to start the walk. Afterwards, we'll take the train back to your ship. Or you can continue on the train to Dublin City for more sightseeing.

This cruise excursion takes 2.5 hours and is €200 including train tickets.
Email me with your cruise details to arrange.

More From The Vista Tour

On Tour Day

• We will meet at Dalkey Train Station. Google Maps Link.
• Take any DART train from Dublin that is going southbound.
• There are trains every 15 minutes. They take 30 minutes to get to Dalkey.
• Be sure to get on a DART light rail electric train and not the big Intercity trains!
• Buy a roundtrip ticket to Killiney (not Dalkey) since we will return from Killiney.