Best Picnic Spots near Dublin

There’s something special about packing up the car with a delicious picnic and heading out into the gorgeous countryside. Once you’ve picked up your hire car, you’re free to explore all the hidden corners of County Dublin – from clifftop views to peaceful parks – and find the perfect place to roll out a blanket. Here are some of the best picnic spots around the county to enjoy fresh air, great food, and a little escape from routine.

Malahide Castle & Gardens

If you’re after a picnic spot that feels straight out of a postcard, Malahide Castle is the one. It’s only about a 30-minute drive from Dublin city, but it feels a world away.

Park up, grab your picnic blanket, and set yourself up on the massive lawn with the castle as your backdrop (yes, it’s as impressive as it sounds). If you’ve forgotten anything, the little food hall and coffee shop on site have you covered.

After you’ve eaten, you can wander the walled gardens or even join a castle tour if you’re feeling nosy about what’s inside. It’s the perfect mix of relaxing and exploring—and there’s loads of space if you’re bringing kids.

Killiney Hill Park

This one’s for the “let’s have lunch with a view” crowd. Pack up your picnic and drive out to Killiney—it’s about 40 minutes from the city centre. Park at the base of the hill and take the short (but slightly steep!) walk to the top.

Your reward? Panoramic views over Dublin Bay, Bray Head, and even as far as the Wicklow Mountains on a clear day. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger, snack slowly, and snap a few photos while you’re at it.

Oh, and if you don’t fancy climbing, there are plenty of grassy spots lower down that still feel miles away from the bustle.

Phoenix Park

If you don’t fancy going too far, Phoenix Park is a classic—and for good reason. It’s one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe, and there’s so much space to spread out your picnic blanket without feeling crowded.

You can park up and drive around to find your ideal spot—by the lake, under the big trees, or even near the Wellington Monument for a bit of history with your sandwiches.

And keep your eyes peeled… you might spot the famous herd of wild deer wandering through. Trust us, it’s pretty magical when they stroll past mid-picnic.

Howth Cliff Walk

For a picnic with sea air and stunning views, Howth is hard to beat. Drive out to this pretty fishing village (about 40 minutes from Dublin City Centre), park up, and take the cliff path for jaw-dropping views over Dublin Bay.

You’ll find plenty of grassy spots along the way to stop, eat, and soak up the scenery. Bonus: the sound of waves crashing below is a great soundtrack for your lunch.

If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, there are benches down near the harbour too—perfect for people-watching and seagull-dodging while you tuck in.

Portmarnock Beach (Velvet Strand)

If a picnic on soft sand sounds like your ideal afternoon, Portmarnock Beach—aka the Velvet Strand—is the spot. It’s got miles of golden sand, gentle waves, and plenty of space to set up without feeling like you’re on top of anyone else.

It’s only about 25 minutes from Dublin City, so you can be out of the car and barefoot in the sand in no time. Pack a football or a frisbee if you’re feeling energetic—or just sit back and watch the kite surfers while you snack.

There’s nothing better than packing up the car with your favourite foods and heading off in search of the perfect picnic spot. And with our Easirent Dublin branch conveniently located just off Swords Road, you’re only minutes away from hitting the open road. From coastal drives to countryside escapes, a hire car gives you the freedom to explore places you’ve never been and turn an ordinary summer afternoon into something memorable. Trust us – once you’ve spread out your blanket and taken that first bite with a view, you’ll be planning your next trip before the day’s even over.