The journey begins at Rush Harbour, where colourful fishing boats bob gently in the water, their masts swaying against a backdrop of salty air and distant waves. This bustling hub of the town’s maritime heritage is an ideal starting point, inviting visitors to pause and soak in the atmosphere. A quick stop at The Harbour Bar, nestled nearby, offers the chance to sample a steaming bowl of seafood chowder, a local delicacy that warms the soul before setting off.
From the harbour, a five-minute amble south along the coastal path, part of the developing Fingal Coastal Way, leads to Rush South Beach. This sandy stretch, beloved by kite-surfers for its lively winds, unfurls beneath the open sky, with views stretching towards Ireland’s Eye and, on clear days, the faint outline of Dublin’s Poolbeg Towers. The beach’s dunes add a touch of wild beauty, encouraging a leisurely wander along the shore, perhaps with toes dipped in the chilly surf or eyes peeled for darting seabirds.
Continuing north for another ten minutes, the path arrives at Rush North Beach, a quieter haven where conservation efforts protect a rich array of sea life and birds. The tranquil setting, dotted with traditional caravans that nod to Rush’s history as a summer retreat for Dublin families, offers sweeping views towards Lambay Island, home to Ireland’s only wild wallabies. Here, the gentle rhythm of the waves and the chance to spot protected species make for a serene interlude.
The tour then ventures slightly further north, a 15-minute walk along the coastal path to Drumanagh Headland, where history whispers through the salty breeze. Crowned by one of Rush’s two Martello Towers, built in the early 19th century as part of Dublin’s coastal defences, this site is a treasure trove of archaeological significance. Ongoing excavations have unearthed Iron Age artefacts and traces of Roman influence, including intricately decorated antler combs from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. The headland’s panoramic vistas, encompassing the coastline and distant Lambay Island, reward those who tread its slightly uneven paths, though sturdy shoes are advised.
Retracing steps towards the town centre, a 12-minute stroll inland along Main Street brings visitors to St Maur’s Catholic Church, a picturesque landmark that glows with festive charm during winter months. Behind it stands the old church, now repurposed as the town’s library, its stone walls a testament to Rush’s enduring heritage. A moment here, admiring the architecture or stepping inside the library if open, offers a glimpse into the town’s blend of past and present.
The tour concludes with a short return to Rush Harbour, a seven-minute walk back along Main Street, completing the loop. Back at the starting point, the harbour’s lively charm invites one final pause, perhaps with a whiskey by the fire at The Harbour Bar or a browse through the nearby shops and cafes. Covering just three to four kilometres, this walk captures Rush’s essence, its windswept beaches, ancient history, and welcoming spirit. For those with extra time, a detour to Rogerstown Park, a reclaimed landfill offering stunning coastal views, adds a modern note of environmental pride to this timeless Irish town. With comfortable shoes and a light jacket to fend off the coastal breeze, this walking tour promises a memorable journey through Rush’s heart and heritage.
Ireland county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Largest town walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Towns
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Villages
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
