Sports & Activities in North County Dublin

Discover North County Dublin from Roganstown Hotel

Set in the heart of North County Dublin, Roganstown Hotel & Country Club is the perfect base for exploring the region’s wide range of outdoor activities and sporting attractions. From scenic coastal cycling routes and championship golf courses to watersports, walking trails and charming seaside towns, many of North Dublin’s best experiences are just a short drive away.

Guests can also enjoy the convenience of staying on-site with access to Roganstown’s two golf courses, making it an ideal choice for both active getaways and relaxing countryside escapes.

Whether you’re planning a cycling adventure along the coast, a round of golf with friends or a weekend exploring the area’s natural beauty, Roganstown offers the perfect starting point. 

Golf at Roganstown Hotel

Roganstown Hotel & Country Club is a real hidden gem for golfers in North County Dublin, with two 18-hole championship courses on site.

The Roganstown Championship Course, designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr., winds through beautiful parkland with water coming into play on several holes, making every round both scenic and challenging.

Next door, the Swords Open Golf Course offers a more open parkland layout, with the Broadmeadow River adding natural hazards and character throughout.

Between them, the two courses offer plenty of variety – whether you’re after a challenge or a more relaxed round – all in one peaceful countryside setting just outside Dublin City.

Highly Acclaimed East Coast Links  

If you’re looking for a different golfing challenge, explore some of Ireland’s renowned East Coast links courses in North County Dublin and the surrounding area. If you’re staying a little longer, it’s well worth experiencing classic seaside golf along this spectacular stretch of coastline.

Here are some highly regarded courses nearby:

Cycling in North County Dublin

North County Dublin is one of the best areas around Dublin for relaxed road cycling and mixed-surface riding. You can link long coastal sections with minimal climbing, and combine estuary paths, beaches and village routes.

For coastal views, cycle towards Clontarf, explore Dublin Docklands, or take in the Dublin Port Greenway with views over Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea.

For bike rentals

The rides locals keep coming back to

Clontarf → Sutton → Howth → Portmarnock → Malahide

This is the classic Northside cycling route.

Start on Clontarf Promenade, follow the coastal cycle path past Bull Island, continue through Sutton, climb around Howth Head, then descend towards Portmarnock and Malahide. A typical loop is around 40 km and almost entirely paved.

Why people love it:

  • Constant sea views
  • Plenty of coffee stops
  • Easy to shorten or extend
  • Mix of casual and club riders

The Howth section is the highlight—especially on calm summer mornings.

Guided Bike Tours

If you prefer a guided experience, the Panoramic E-Bike Tour of Howth and Coastal Dublin is a great option. Based around Howth, it combines easy e-bike cycling with coastal scenery, Dublin Bay views and local history.

Best Coastal Walks Near Roganstown

Staying at Roganstown Hotel & Country Club gives you access to some of the best coastal walking in North County Dublin, from dramatic cliff paths to relaxed beach walks.

  1. Howth Cliff Walk

The most famous coastal walk in Dublin, with rugged cliffs, sea views and panoramic loops around Dublin Bay.

Wildlife, seals and seabirds are commonly spotted along the route.

  1. Donabate Cliff Walk

A scenic coastal route linking Donabate Beach to Tower Bay in Portrane, with clifftop paths and views over Lambay Island. A hidden gem for visitors.

  1. Malahide to Portmarnock Coastal Walk

A flat, accessible coastal walk connecting Malahide and Portmarnock with continuous views over Dublin Bay.

  1. Loughshinny Cliff Walk

A quieter coastal walk north of Skerries with rugged cliff scenery, a historic Martello Tower and excellent sea views.

Best Fishing Spots in North County Dublin

Staying at Roganstown Hotel & Country Club puts you close to a wide variety of sea fishing locations—from estuaries to surf beaches and pier fishing.

  1. Malahide Estuary

A reliable tidal fishing spot that changes constantly with the flow of the water. Sheltered and productive year-round.

What you might catch:

  • European seabass
  • Flounder
  • Mullet
  • Sea trout (occasional)
  1. Donabate Beach & Tower Bay

A long sandy beach that fishes well in surf conditions, especially around the Tower Bay and Portrane end.

What you might catch:

  • European seabass
  • Flounder
  • Codling (seasonal, mainly colder months)
  • Whiting
  1. Skerries Pier & Shore Marks

A traditional fishing town with pier, rock and beach fishing, offering variety and a strong local fishing culture.

What you might catch:

  • Mackerel (summer months)
  • Pollock
  • Bass
  • Flounder
  • Whiting

Sailing in North County Dublin

Staying at Roganstown Hotel & Country Club gives easy access to some of the best watersports in Dublin, including sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

In Howth, sailing is energetic and open with direct access to Dublin Bay:

In Skerries, conditions are calmer and more scenic:

In Malahide, the Broadmeadow Estuary is ideal for beginners:

Other activities include kayaking, paddle boarding and surf sports along the coast.

Boat Tours 

One of the best boat tours in North County Dublin is with Ireland’s Eye Ferries. Journeying out from Howth to the rugged Ireland’s Eye is one of the best ways to take in the breathtaking Dublin coastline. With guided tours, leisurely cruises and private events, these tours are some of the most memorable and enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon. Whether you are a wildlife lover, a sailing-enthusiast or simply want an adventure, these tours are sure not to disappoint. 

Horse Riding Near Roganstown

Dymphna’s Equestrian Centre is located on an idyllic site, just minutes from the hotel. Their team of qualified instructors offers lessons for riders of all abilities. Dymphna’s Equestrian 

For beach and forest trekking Corballis Farm & Horse Trekking is located on Malahide Estuary and will provide an amazing experience with all the family. Corballis Farm

Clay Pigeon Shooting 

Clay pigeon shooting is a great way to try something different during your stay near Roganstown Hotel & Country Club. Set in the surrounding North County Dublin countryside, it’s a fun, hands-on activity that works just as well for complete beginners as it does for more experienced groups. With expert guidance and a relaxed setting, it’s an easy-going but memorable way to spend a few hours outdoors.

Family Day Out at Flynn Park

Flynn Park is one of the best family adventure parks in North County Dublin and a great day out for guests staying at Roganstown Hotel & Country Club. Just a short drive away, it offers a wide range of outdoor activities including paintball, laser tag, high ropes, climbing challenges, archery and seasonal water-based inflatables.

With options for all ages, younger children can enjoy fun, low-impact activities while older kids and adults take on more adventurous obstacle and aerial courses. The variety means you can move between activities throughout the day, making it flexible, active and easy to enjoy at your own pace.

It’s a popular choice for families looking for an energetic outdoor experience and one of the top adventure attractions near North County Dublin.

North County Dublin is made for exploring – coastal walks, golf, watersports and family adventures all on the doorstep. With so much to see and do just minutes from Roganstown Hotel & Country Club, it’s the perfect base for an active getaway.

Book your stay and start discovering it for yourself.

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