If you have never made it north of the city, then you are surely missing out on one of Dublin’s true seaside treasures: Rush Co. Dublin. The very name itself, An Ros, means ‘Peninsula of the Yew Trees’, and that name tells you immediately that this isn’t just another commuter suburb; it is steeped in history and coastal beauty.
Picture going for a stroll along the quiet headland, uncovering archaeological sites such as Drumanagh Fort. It is thought to be an Iron Age coastal trading post with Roman connections-yes, Roman coins have been found here! And was during the 19th century that the railway made this humble fishing hamlet turn into a popular seaside resort.
It is that dual identity-both ancient past and seaside leisure combined-which gives Rush its undeniable charm today. And if you’re already planning a trip to explore this side of Dublin, you can easily pair it with some of the best beaches of Dublin for a full coastal escape.
Here’s the story of how you can explore its unique history, sun-drenched beaches, and incredible food that make Rush a must-visit:
- First, walk through the must-knows of finding your way around this coastal escape.
- From Neolithic settlements to the famous “Market Garden” legacy, explore it all next.
- Lastly, the best seafood places, good places to go sailing, and those wallabies!
Location and Connectivity: Finding Your Way to Rush
One of the major reasons people love Rush so much is that the community here feels so easily approachable. As much as it might feel completely removed from the hustle of the city, you will always feel at home with our open-hearted community.
Strategic Location – Proximity to Dublin City and Airport
Rush is located approximately 31 kilometres north of Dublin City Centre. If flying in, then Dublin Airport is merely about 25 kilometres away; therefore, a drive through the M1 motorway can take merely 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
It is close enough to the city for convenience, yet far enough that the air is definitely fresher! We are also conveniently nestled near other great coastal towns like Skerries (5km north) and Malahide (10km south).
Transport Links – Train, Bus, and Driving
Trust me, getting here without a car is perfectly doable. While we may not have a direct DART into the city centre, the Rush & Lusk Station provides great access. It’s only about a five-minute walk from the main village centre and offers hourly services straight to Dublin Connolly in about 35 minutes.
If you prefer the road, then Dublin Bus routes such as the 33, 33A, and 33X run with good regularity, whisking you to the city centre in about 45 minutes or linking you very easily to other neighbouring towns such as Balbriggan. There’s even the Fingal Express for a quick route to the airport!
If you do drive, you will find that free parking at both of our main beaches is a real luxury compared to other areas in Dublin. All of this makes Rush surprisingly well-connected, especially if you’re already familiar with navigating the city’s major hubs through guides like the best Dublin Train Stations for visitors.
What about The History, Culture, and Heritage?
Each time I wander around Rush, I feel the layers of time one after another-it’s not only a coastal place but a historical heart of time. Quite dramatic….you’re thinking right about now, aren’t ya? But hey, read the next part, and you’ll know it!
Rush’s Historical Roots – Fishing Village to Growers’ Town
It describes the ancient story, starting from evidence of Neolithic settlements. But real historical gold is Drumanagh Fort, owing to its status as an Iron Age coastal site believed to have Roman connections, as testified by the Roman coins and artifacts unearthed here during continuous excavations.
That special history provides insight into Ireland’s early European connections. This historical depth was further complemented by our later transformation; the 19th-century railway boom in 1844 turned our quiet fishing hamlet into a popular seaside resort for urban Dubliners, influencing the growth of hotels and promenades.
More recently, Rush earned its fame as the “Market Garden of Leinster,” producing top-quality vegetables, including the unique Rush Queens potatoes legacy kept alive by families like the Butterlys, who still supply Dublin markets today. Now… ain’t that amazing or what! And if stories like these spark your curiosity for more discoveries around the capital, you’ll love exploring some of the best places to go in Dublin for history lovers.
Architectural Gems – St. Maur’s Church and Martello Towers
And this is what gets me the most, no matter how many times I see them. As you walk through the village, notice the structures framing our coastal past. You will see St. Maur’s Catholic Church, a beautiful 19th-century Gothic Revival design. It’s well-famed for its beautiful stained glass and lovely sea views to locals and tourists alike.
No wonder it boasts a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor! Further out on Drumanagh Head, you will also observe one of our two Napoleonic-era Martello Towers, silent sentinels reminding you that the town once occupied a position of critical maritime importance in defending the Irish coastline.
Top Things to Do, aka What’s Not to Miss Out at Rush
This is where the fun begins! Rush offers that perfect mix of seaside relaxation and unique local flavour.
Rush’s Golden Beaches – North vs. South
We’re very lucky to have two distinctly different beaches. North Beach is my quiet escape, ideal for exploring rocky shores and tidal pools, great for spotting marine life and doing a bit of birdwatching. On the contrary, South Beach is the action spot! And for anyone who loves mixing coastal adventures with other fun, active experiences around Dublin, it’s worth remembering that the city also offers unexpected water-adjacent thrills like Dublin’s ice rinks, perfect for a winter spin after a day by the sea.
This long, sandy stretch is protected by dunes, making it ideal for swimming, surfing, and kitesurfing. It’s wonderfully family-friendly, and it has lifeguards on duty during the summer months. You can even take lessons at the Rush Kitesurf Centre if you’re feeling adventurous!
Culinary Scene – Seafood and Local Eats
You absolutely can’t come to Rush without trying some seafood-the fishing heritage here means the catch is fresh, local, and spectacular. You really must go to The Oyster Shed; it’s famous for its incredible fresh oysters (€15/dozen) and delicious mussels (€18). It’s the real taste of the coast.
The Harbour Bar is renowned for live trad music sessions, usually on Friday and Saturday nights, and offers substantial traditional fare such as stews, as well as, of course, a variety of seafood just off the boats. Lastly, sample the “Market Garden” legacy at the seasonal farmers’ markets, where fresh local produce and unique crafts await.
Hidden Gems and Culture
My favourite local secrets are the places only the locals really know. The Rogerstown Estuary is a nature reserve and an EU-protected birds’ sanctuary close by. It’s great for wildlife enthusiasts. I’ve even heard you can spot wild wallabies in the area, plus you get great views of Lambay Island.
For a dose of local culture, take in the Millbank Theatre, putting on fabulous community shows and holding a monthly local crafts fair, ideal for finding that genuine Irish souvenir.
Practical Travel, Activities, and Events
Love of Active Adventurers: Golfing, Sailing, and Coastal Trails
If you want to keep busy, we have you covered. Rush Golf Club is a stunning 18-hole, par-71 course offering beautiful sea views (green fees are around €50 in 2025). On the water, you can get sailing lessons at the Rush Sailing Club, or rent kitesurfing gear at the beach. If you prefer to stay on land, try the beautiful Harbour to Skerries trail, an 8km flat walk, or the Lusk Loop f
Annual Festivals and Events
We love to celebrate our roots! Be sure to check the calendar for the Annual Harbour Festival, generally in July, where our fishing heritage is celebrated with such activities as boat races, seafood tastings, and live music. Further events are the Rush South Music Fest in August, besides year-round farmers and community markets to help foster our close-knit community vibe.
So, Last Sale on The Sea Shells
Rush Co Dublin is a really special spot vibrant mix of ancient coastal history, and golden beaches. Not to mention, the fantastic culinary delights-especially that fresh seafood and the welcoming community spirit. It perfectly balances a peaceful seaside escape with easy access to Dublin. This coastline is the perfect escape and soul refresher for tired city dwellers like me. What about you?
Ready to discover Ireland’s coastline? Start planning your trip to our seaside gem! Resident or visitor? Share below your favourite Rush tip, from the best walking route to the perfect pub for trad music. I’d love a good recommendation for my next visit, if you happen to find anything new that I missed! And follow Dublinz Facebook and Dublinz Instagram for more updates!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Rush Co. Dublin known for?
We’re famous for that perfect seaside charm, with two quite different beaches: the wilder North Beach, which is great for tidal pools, and the sandy South Beach, just perfect for swimming and surfing. Equally, we are known for our rich fishing and farming heritage, and for amazing nature hotspots such as Rogerstown Estuary.
How can I get to Rush from Dublin city centre?
It’s surprisingly easy! We are only about 31 kilometres north of the city centre, about a 35–45 minute drive via the M1. While there is no direct rail, there are frequent Dublin Bus routes connecting us seamlessly to the city and neighbouring towns like Skerries.
What are the must-visit attractions and activities in Rush?
You absolutely must take a stroll along the scenic Rush Harbour and see the historic Drumanagh Headland, where those Roman artifacts were found. If you come at just the right time, don’t miss the annual Rush Harbour Festival! For some action, try hiking, birdwatching, or water sports on the beaches.
Where should I stay when visiting Rush?
You have lovely options, ranging from charming seaside B&Bs like the Cliff House Hotel to several vacation rentals with coastal views. Budget travel options include camping sites available during the summer season.
What local dining experiences should I try in Rush?
You simply have to try our fresh seafood! For the best experience of fantastic oysters and mussels, I really recommend The Oyster Shed. Otherwise, just pop in at one of our many Irish pubs for an authentic, cozy feeling with stew and soda bread!