What are the surroundings of Manresa like?

Is the area around Manresa suitable for walking in during retreat time?

Manresa is situated within view of Bull Island and offers a variety of walks on the shore. The popular 3km walk to the Réalt na Mara statue follows the pavement and Clontarf's iconic Wooden Bridge while walks on the beach or dunes can be of the length the walker chooses and enjoy the solitariness of the open seaside spaces.

• Dollymount Strand is within 2 1/2 km walking-distance. Many retreatants appreciate the great variety of birdlife found there, enjoy watching the changing tides and discover the beach to be a rewarding destination either for a vigourous walk or for reflective time sitting among the dunes. 
• St Anne's Park is Dublin's second-largest municipal park. It has extensive pathways running through its 202 hectares (500 acres) and is within minutes of Manresa's gate.
• Dollymount and Clontarf are largely residential suburbs.There are few restaurants, shops or commercial premises near Manresa but those near Saint Gabriel's Church and in Clontarf are relatively convenient.