There’s nothing like a refreshing walk (with coffee and treats for good measure) to clear your head over Twixmas. Here’s our top ten favourites from around Ireland …
River Liffey Quays, Co Dublin
If you’re strolling around Dublin city centre this Christmas-time, make a stop at Gerard’s Deli at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Docklands.
Gerard’s Deli, Sir Rogerson’s Quay, Docklands
Serving coffee, homemade sausage rolls and fresh sandwiches made on-site, it is sure to keep you going until your next stop-off. @gerardsdeli
St Anne’s Park, Raheny, Clontarf, Co Dublin
To get a taste of greenery in a city scape, step in to St Anne’s Park just outside Dublin city centre. Walk around the former home of the Guinness family and enjoy the rose gardens, and also the playing pitches, golf course, tennis courts and more. Close to Dollymount Strand, it’s possible to pop out for a seafront walk afterwards.
Olive’s Tea Room, The Red Stables
This tea room is a perfect stop-off after a crisp walk around St. Anne’s Park. Depending on the weather, sit in the courtyard or enjoy a coffee and pastry inside the café. Also available are freshly made focaccia sandwiches, scones, pancakes with berry compote and brunch. @olivesroomtearoom
Cruagh Wood, Co Dublin
A walk through Cruagh Wood is a wonderful, wintery experience. It is a looped trail leading to a summit with stunning views of Dublin City. Depending on how enthusiastic a climber you are, you can take a more challenging route a little further across to Tibradden via Cruagh.
Timbertrove Country Store and Café, Co Dublin
Stop by Timbertrove Country Store and Café either on the way to Cruagh for a takeaway coffee or head there after your jaunt for a festive sandwich (they do a great Christmas sandwich) and a perch in one of their outdoor seating sheds. @timbertrovecafe
Bull Island, Clontarf, Co Dublin
A second Happy Out takes residency at the end of the Bull Wall in a shipping container. The ideal location at the end of a blustery walk by the sea in Clontarf.
Happy Out, Bull Island
Much like their Dun Laoghaire haunt, find great coffee, breakfast and toasties. @happyoutcafe
Howth Cliff Walk, Co Dublin
Howth’s various cliff walk routes are some of the most popular in Dublin, whether you’re a native or just visiting. Starting in Howth Village, follow the green arrows towards the Howth Cliff Path loop to see picturesque views of Dublin Bay while traversing the flora-filled pathways.
The House, Howth Village
If you’re feeling peckish after this 6km venture, drop into this award-winning café or book lunch at the divine Mamó. @thehousehowth
Greystones Seafront, Co Wicklow
A stroll through Greystones village and along the seafront makes for a wonderful outing on a crisp winter day. Take in all of the passersby, beautiful buildings, boats in the marina and expansive views of the sea.
Scéal Bakery, Greystones
This stop is non-negotiable! Pick up a speciality coffee and pastry … or two. For savoury lovers, we recommend the everything croissant, while the almond croissant, morning bun or something you have never tried before are all good choices. @scealbakery
Knocknarea, Strandhill, Sligo
Knocknarea Mountain is a beautiful hike with a stunning viewpoint to take in over the Christmas break. The mountain overlooks the main drag of Strandhill and the coastline beyond, even going as far as Donegal on a clear day. From the peak, you can also get a closer look at Queen Maeve’s Grave, the megalithic tomb. There is a wooden boardwalk which makes this climb that bit easier and faster, with the whole walk taking about 45 minutes in total.
Shells Sea Side Café, Strandhill
After your walk, grab a coffee or some brunch at Shells Café on the sea front which serves moreish pastries, gourmet sandwiches and delicious brunches – with chips and/or soup on the side if you like. Perfect for a well-earned bite after braving the top of Knocknarea Mountain. @shellscafe
Diamond Hill, Connemara National Park, Co Galway
Take a windy walk up Diamond Hill to truly clear away the cobwebs over Twixmas. The views are mesmerising on a clear day and, even if the weather’s not on your side, the sense of achivement from climbing the summit is reward in itself. A hot beverage and large slice of cake is well deserved after such an excursion.
Kabo Coffee, Letterfrack
After the hike or if you’re passing through Letterfrack, we highly recommend Kabo Coffee beside Veldons Pub (great food and ambiance here too). Kabo offers takeaway speciality coffee with freshly made cakes and treats daily. The brownies and chocolate covered oat bars are so filling, but Aileen’s homemade lemon cake has to be tried. The coffee shop stocks products from Irish businesses like jewellery, cards and gifts, so you can browse while you’re there. Enjoy your treats at the tables outside or park up by Renvyle Beach for some sea air. @kabocoffee
The Kerry Way, Co Kerry
One of Ireland’s longest, signposted walking trail, this breathtaking walk guides you through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. Those willing to put their physical endurance to the test can embark on the 200km loop which begins and ends in Killarney. However, the trail is broken down into sections for those who prefer to wander through parts, with the maiden section from Killarney to Torc Waterfall. At a distance of 6km, this will take just under two hours to complete, followed by a much-needed refuel at the end.
Petit Delice, Killarney
To recoup your energy, visit this gorgeous French café tucked away in bustling Killarney. @petitdelice_kerry
Warren Strand, Co Cork
If you’re visiting Cork this Christmas and around Roscarbery at Warren Strand, there is a coffee-stop ready for you at Drip Coffee.
Drip Coffee, Roscarberry
A must-visit for extraordinarily good gourmet sweet bites, advises THE GLOSS Fashion Editor Aislinn Coffey, who is a regular visitor! @dripcoffeerosscarbery
