One of the very best things about living in Dublin is the easy access to beautiful nature spots not too far from the city. There are plenty of resources you can look through for inspiration if you’re looking to take a trip outdoors. In order to save you a step in organising the trip, here’s our checklist of things to prepare before heading out.
There Will Be Mud
Your shoes can make or break a hiking trip. Wet socks and painful blisters are nobody’s idea of fun. When hiking, you will often veer off the beaten path. It is almost guaranteed that these trails will be wet and muddy in places. If you don’t own a pair of hiking shoes, make sure to wear a pair of runners with thick soles, or a pair of boots that can handle rough terrain.
On that note, dress for all kinds of weather. It may be sunny in Dublin on the day you set out, but never underestimate the changeable Irish weather. As a minimum, pack a waterproof outer layer and a change of socks. You may want to leave the umbrella at home, however, since it is unwieldy to carry out in the natural landscape.
Rush Hour
There are many advantages to going by car, but unfortunately, week-end traffic is not one of them. If you’re going out to a popular trail, it’s highly advisable to set out early to get a parking spot in the area. If you’re planning to stop by a popular pub afterwards, or if you’re a company of several people and want to make sure there’s space for all of you at lunch, it’s a good idea to book a table in advance in the place you’re planning to go.
Natural Foodie
Hunger is usually not an issue when you venture outdoors. No matter how far into nature you go, there’s bound to be a pub or an ice cream truck within a short distance. Just in case you want to enjoy the wilderness without having to scout for civilization around lunchtime, there’s plenty of delicious food like wraps and sandwiches that you can bring along for the day. The most important thing to remember is plenty of water, and some snacks, in case you need refreshments far into your hike. Don’t forget to bring a bag to put your trash in, until you find a bin. Nothing ruins a hike quite like a trail of litter along with the scenery.
If you are looking for a place to camp out for a while, check out this handy map of wild camping sites around Ireland.
To find out more about how to store outdoor equipment, see this article on sports equipment storage.
