Fairy Castle, Co Dublin

Difficulty: Hard Time: 2.5 hours Distance: 6.5km with 260m ascent

This out-and-back walk begins at Johnnie Fox’s, renowned as Ireland’s highest pub. It follows Dublin Mountains Way signposts through The Gap, later meandering through Ticknock Forest before a final pull up to Fairy Castle. Views are splendid throughout and there’s so much to take in, from the surrounding countryside to the sea, mixed in with bird’s-eye views of Dublin and the Wicklow hills. It’s the perfect walk to enjoy winter’s early sunsets.

Afters: Reward yourself with a creamy pint of Guinness and enjoy a speciality seafood dish or slow-cooked pork ribs at Johnnie Fox’s; johnniefoxs.com