One of Dublin’s most popular trails has been ranked as one of the world’s “most thrilling” jogging routes.
Rugged Howth Head in north Co. Dublin has been name-checked in ‘Epic Runs of the World’, the latest release from travel bible Lonely Planet.
The travel guide features in-depth descriptions of the “50 greatest running routes” across the globe, including the North Pole, an African safari course and a trail along the Great Wall of China.
But closer to home, the 12km looped route round Howth Head has been praised as a “glorious retreat” from the city for health-conscious Dubliners.
Described as “Dublin’s wild and windswept peninsula”, the Lonely Planet’s impressed reviewer states: “A little slice of wilderness in Ireland’s capital, Howth Head’s coastal cliffs and sweeping views offer urban trail runners an easy escape.
“The rugged terrain, steep cliffs and sense of isolation give it an undeniable allure for runners looking to get off road without having to travel miles beyond the city.”
He continues: “It’s the sense of isolation that I love most here. Dun Laoghaire and Killiney on the south side of the city are also top Dublin runs, often crowded with weekend warriors but still very urban.
Howth is a surprise and it makes the city-based trail-runner’s heart soar.”
The reviewer also advises runners to set off early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and to run in a clockwise direction to enjoy the best views.
But he also warns joggers to be on the lookout for slower-moving hikers, adding: “Weekend afternoons can be busy with walkers and the trail is narrow, so it’s frustrating trying to get past.”
Three more off-road runs in the island of Ireland were also singled out for praise in the travel guide, namely the 20km Cliffs of Moher trail in Co. Clare, the 16km Old Kenmare Rd route in Co. Kerry and the 9km Causeway Loop in Co. Antrim.
The latest accolade from Lonely Planet comes just days after theleading travel media company named Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway as the UK’s third most incredible attraction.
Described as both “timeless” and “unrepeatable”, the popular Co. Antrim tourist destination was beaten only by the top-placed Edinburgh Festival Fringe and London’s British Museum.
