best day trips dublin

13 Best Day Trips from Dublin (Tried + Tested for 2024)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

In this guide, you’ll find 1, the best day trips from Dublin for those of you with a car and 2, some great day tours from Dublin for those of you without a car .

While there are plenty of things to do in Dublin , it’s well worth exploring the wealth of attractions that lay a short distance away.

And, although the likes of Wicklow tends to be the ‘go-to’ of the Dublin day trips, there’s plenty more on offer!

Below, you’ll find organised Dublin day tours for those of you looking for someone else to do the driving and some mighty day trips from Dublin for those of you with a car.

Table of Contents

The best day trips from Dublin by car

Click to enlarge

If you’re driving, there’s countless places to visit near Dublin by car, once you know where to look.

Below, you’ll find the ‘old favourites’ like Glendalough and Newgrange, but you’ll also find some often missed Dublin day trips, like the Cooley Peninsula and more.

1. Wicklow (55-minute drive)

Photos via Shutterstock

Also known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’, Wicklow is one of the best day trips from Dublin for good reason! Well-known for its outstanding natural beauty, the county is blessed with glittering lakes and monastic villages and ruins.

I’ve been taking half day trips from Dublin to Wicklow for years and the itinerary that I tend to use is this one:

• Head to Glendalough, first, as the car park can be a pain
• Pick one of the Glendalough walks , e.g. the Spinc Loop
• Get a post-hike lunch at the brilliant Wicklow Heather
• Head up and do the Sally Gap Drive
• Stop at Lough Tay , Ballinastoe Woods and Glenmacnass Waterfall

If you’re looking for slightly different Dublin day trips, tackle one of the longer Wicklow walks over the course of a morning and afternoon!

2. The Cooley Peninsula (1.5-hour drive)

Photos by Tom Archer via Tourism Ireland

The Cooley Peninsula is one of the more overlooked Dublin day trips. There’s plenty of things to see and do here and there’s a clatter of great places to eat.

Depending on whether or not you want to include a hike in your trip, here’s a suggested itinerary:

• Pick a walk (options – Ravensdale Forest Walk , Annaloughan Loop Walk or the Slieve Foye Loop )
• Spin into the town for breakfast/lunch (Liberty Cafe and Ruby Ellen’s are solid options)
• Take a tour of the castle or rent a bike and spin along the Carlingford Greenway)

There are heaps of other things to do in Carlingford if the options above don’t tickle your fancy!

3. Meath (35-minute drive)

County Meath is another of the best day trips from Dublin by car. It’ll take you around 35 minutes by car to reach and there’s an endless number of things to do in Meath to keep you busy.

If you’re looking for a day-out in the Boyne Valley, here’s a mini itinerary to tackle:

• Book tickets for Newgrange in advance and do the tour
• Grab lunch in nearby Inside Out in Slane
• Take a ramble around the trails in Slane Castle
• Visit the ancient Old Mellifont Abbey

Or, of you fancy seeing more of Meath, check out the Hill of Tara , one of the most important archaeological sites in the country or Trim Castle , the best-preserved of the many Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland . 

4. The Mournes (2-hour drive)

One of the more impressive places to visit near Dublin by car are the Mourne Mountains in County Down.

Now, you’ll need to do a bit of planning if you opt for this Dublin day trip, as there’ll be a fair bit of walking involved.

If you’re visiting the area for the first time, I’d  strongly  recommend heading into Tollymore Forest Park (above) and then heading for lunch in Newcastle followed by a stroll on the beach.

Or, if you fancy a hike, there’s  heaps  of Mourne Mountain walks to tackle, like the tough Slieve Donard hike .

5. The Ring of Gullion + Newry (1.5-hours)

© Tourism Ireland photographed by Brian Morrison

One of the best day trips from Dublin that’s very regularly overlooked is the trip that takes in both the Ring of Gullion and a glorious corner of Rostrevor.

Start your road trip with the Slieve Gullion Drive or walk, depending on how you’re feeling (the walk is steep). Head into nearby Gather and Brew after for a bite-to-eat!

When you’re ready, take the spin out to Kilbroney Park – it’s here that you’ll find the Cloughmore Stone and the aptly named Kodak Corner.

If you’re looking for day tours from Dublin with plenty of walks, this one is hard to beat!

6. Kilkenny ( 1.5-hour drive)

Another of the best day trips from Dublin is Kilkenny. Now, while there are  plenty  of things to do in Kilkenny , many people make the mistake of think that there’s only the castle.

Head for the supposedly haunted Dunmore Cave , first, and take the tour. Then spin into the city and you have everywhere from the Smithwick’s Brewery and the castle to the Medieval Mile to choose from.

Food wise, there’s plenty of options in the city. If you need a reccy, both foodworks and Aroi Asian Fusion are worth a bash. Round off your day with a visit to Jerpoint Abbey . 

7. Options that require 2.5-hours+ driving

Although we’ve tackled several places to visit near Dublin by car above, there’s endless day tours from Dublin if you’re open to driving a bit further.

One of the more popular road trips from Dublin is to Cuilcagh (above) in Fermanagh. It’s around a 2.5-hour spin.

If you’re not afraid of a bit of driving, you could visit Waterford ( Coumshingaun Lough’s a tough but rewarding hike), Wexford and plenty more.

The best day tours from Dublin (organised / guided tours)

The second section of our guide is for those of you without a car and it contains a handful of carefully selected half day tours from Dublin with great reviews online.

If you don’t fancy taking an organised tour, we have a guide to some great day trips from Dublin by train , too.

Note: if you book a tour through one of the links below we  may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey + Galway

I’m going to kick things off with arguably one of the best day tours from Dublin when it comes to reviews (it has 4.8/5 from 8,900+ reviews at the time of typing).

If you’re looking to escape the capital and explore a chunk of the west coast, this day tour from Dublin takes in the Cliffs of Moher , Dunguaire Castle , the Burren and plenty more.

Key info on the tour:

• Starts at: 6:45 AM
• Length:  13 hours
• Reviews: 4.8/5 from 8,900+ reviews
• Cost:  From €83 p/p

2. Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce + Belfast

Next up is another of the best day tours from Dublin when it comes to reviews (it has 4.8/5 from 4,000+ reviews at the time of typing).

This is a half day trip from Dublin that takes in some of the top attractions on the Causeway Coastal Route , like Dunluce Castle , The Dark Hedges and the Giant’s Causeway along with a 1.5-hour stop in Belfast City.

• Length:  12 hours
• Reviews: 4.8/5 from 4,000+ reviews
• Cost:  From €88 p/p

3. Kilkenny, Wicklow + Glendalough with Sheepdog Show

If you’re looking for short day trips from Dublin, this organised tour requires much less travelling than the previous two, and it currently has 4.8/5 from 1,400+ reviews.

This is one of the more popular half day trips from Dublin and it takes in Glendalough , the ancient city of Kilkenny and a very impressive sheepdog demonstration.

• Starts at: 08:00 AM
• Length:  9 hours
• Reviews: 4.8/5 from 1,400+ reviews
• Cost:  From €40.80 p/p

Read more + buy tickets

4. Rock of Cashel, Cahir + Blarney Castle

The next of our half day tours from Dublin is going to appeal to those of you looking to visit some of the most impressive castles in Ireland .

This is a 12-hour tour that includes the entrance fees to each of the attractions.

And, while there’s a good bit of driving involved, it’s broken up with the stops at Blarney Castle (the home of the Blarney Stone ), the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle.

• Starts at: 06:50 AM
• Reviews: 4.6/5 from 350+ reviews
• Cost:  From €85 p/p

5. Newgrange and the Boyne Valley

Another of the best one day trips drom Dublin takes you into the heart of the brilliant Boyne Valley to explore counties Louth and Meath.

You’ll take the tour of Newgrange, explore the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and see the ancient Monasterboice which is home to some magnificent Celtic Crosses .

• Starts at: Check when booking
• Length:  8 hours
• Reviews: 4.6/5 from 230+ reviews
• Cost:  From €75 p/p

6. Connemara Dublin Day tour

The last in our guide to the best day tours from Dublin is the Connemara tour – and it’s a busy one!

This Dublin day tour takes you across Ireland, past the Maumturk Mountains and on to Killary Harbour for a 1.5 hour boat cruise of the fjord.

It then continues on to Kylemore Abbey one of the more imppressive buildings in Ireland, before heading to Galway City where you can ramble around for just over an hour.

• Reviews: 4.2/5 from 467+ reviews

Dublin day trips: Which ones have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out a brilliant day trip from Dublin (or 7!) from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about the best short day trips from Dublin

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘day trips in Ireland by car from Dublin? to ‘What are the most unique places to visit outside Dublin?’

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best day trips from Dublin?

In my opinion, the best day tours Dublin has to offer are Wicklow, Meath and Louth as they’re 1, close and 2, home to endless things to do.

What is the best organised one day trip from Dublin?

It depends. There are endless Dublin day trips to tackle. The tours above, particularly the Wicklow one and the Galway one, are worth checking out.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Dublin

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The 6 best day trips from Dublin: from the fair city to the heart of Ireland

Dec 27, 2022 • 8 min read

Day trips from Dublin will take you to seaside escapes, historic houses, ancient sites and the Wicklow Mountains © no_limit_pictures / Getty Images

Dublin is Ireland's big hitter – a richly layered city full of culture, community spirit and character – but when you tire of urban exploration, there's plenty to see in the surrounding countryside, from days by the sea to fascinating sacred sites.

Whether you go by hire car or public transport, day trips from Dublin will take you beyond the tourist crowds at Temple Bar and Trinity College to sites that capture the rich history of these green hills – grand country houses, prehistoric sites, religious hubs and dramatic scenery that inspired singers and poets.

Here's our pick of the best day trips from Dublin.

Glendalough, for sacred history and heavenly scenery

Travel time: 1 hour and 10 minutes by car

Although it’s only 25km (15.5 miles) from south Dublin's county border, the scenic valley of Glendalough feels like another world, tucked into the craggy valleys of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, the jewel of County Wicklow . Two lovely lakes set in a glacier-carved glen provide the backdrop for one of Ireland’s most impressive monastic settlements.

Established by St Kevin in the late fifth century, this early Christian complex flourished in medieval times to become one of the largest monastic sites in Ireland. The impressive remains include a towering 10th-century round tower, the 12th-century Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul and several smaller churches, plus an atmospheric graveyard.

Nine walking trails snake around this atmospheric complex, ranging from 1km (0.6 miles) to 11km (7km) – leaflets on these and other local trails that are good for birdwatching are available to download, or you can buy them on site. Highlights include the Upper Lake, where you can explore another cluster of ancient stones. Look out for St Kevin’s Bed , a shallow cave where the saint is said to have lived.

How to get to Glendalough: Glendalough is about 1 hour and 10 minutes southwest of Dublin city center by car. If you don't have your own vehicle, you can visit as part of an organized coach trip such as the Wild Wicklow Tour  or with Dublin Sightseeing Tours (combined with a trip to Powerscourt), or take St Kevin’s Bus which departs twice daily from central Dublin.

Powerscourt Estate, for a taste of how Ireland's other half lived

Travel time: 45 minutes by car

The epitome of 18th-century aristocratic elegance, Powerscourt Estate was laid out in the 1730s by Richard Cassels, the greatest Irish architect of the Georgian era. Dominated by the grand Palladian mansion of Powerscourt House, the landscaped gardens are among the finest in the country, with gorgeous views across an ornamental lake to the conical peak of Sugar Loaf Mountain.

It's easy to fill a day wandering around the formal gardens, with their terraces, towers and sculptures. The handsome fountain was modeled on a fountain in Rome’s Piazza Barberini. A map available at the ticket desk outlines various walking trails to follow. Look out for the animal cemetery, the final resting place of much-loved dogs and ponies (and even a dairy cow) belonging to former owners, the Wingfield family.

To help you make a day of it, Powerscourt House has a selection of upmarket shops, a well-stocked garden center and the Avoca Terrace Cafe, with more enticing views from the outdoor tables.

How to get to Powerscourt: The estate is 23km (14 miles) south of Dublin city center – less than an hour by car. Dublin Bus 44 departs every hour to the nearby village of Enniskerry, a 25-minute walk from the estate.  You can also visit as part of a tour with Bus Éireann or Dublin Sightseeing Tours , visiting Glendalough on the same trip.

Brú na Bóinne, where ancient Ireland comes to life

Travel time: 50 minutes by car

The fertile valley of the River Boyne, 60km (37 miles) northwest of Dublin city center, was once the focus of a thriving prehistoric civilization. Tantalizing elements of ancient history remain, including Newgrange , one of the most remarkable passage tombs in Europe, which dates from 3200 BCE – some six centuries older than the great pyramids of Egypt.

Today, the various relics in the valley are preserved as Brú na Bóinne , a Unesco World Heritage Site. There are three passage tombs here of global importance – Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth . Of these, Newgrange is the most impressive; its beautifully constructed, circular drystone walls measure 80m (263ft) across and 13m (43ft) high, encompassing around 200,000 tonnes of earth and rock. 

Visitors enter Newgrange via a narrow, claustrophobic passage guarded by huge carved stones decorated with spiral patterns, to reach a burial chamber that once held cremated human remains. The passage is aligned so that it floods with light from the rising sun on the morning of the winter solstice (an artificial illumination ceremony replicates the effect for visitors at other times).  Access to the interior is only by guided tour and you’re advised to book ahead during the summer.

Filling out the experience at Brú na Bóinne is a superb modern interpretive center – the design echoes the architecture of nearby tombs. Inside, you can view a fascinating series of exhibits on the pre-Celtic history of Ireland and a life-size replica of the Newgrange burial chamber.

How to get to Brú na Bóinne: If you're driving, it takes less than an hour to get here from Dublin by car, going north along the M1. Another option is to take the train to Drogheda, then a taxi to the visitor center. Alternatively, Mary Gibbons Tours will pick you up from your hotel for a guided visit.

Castletown House, for a reminder of Ireland's cosmopolitan grandeur

Travel time: 40 minutes by car

At the time of his death in 1729, lawyer, politician and tax commissioner William Conolly was the richest man in Ireland. Grand Castletown House was built as his country residence in 1722, and it’s the oldest and most imposing Palladian mansion in the country.

Set in the lush green countryside of County Kildare, 20km (12 miles) west of Dublin city center, Castletown was based on designs by Italian architect Allesandro Galilei, and extended by the young Irish architect Edward Lovett Pearce, who had recently returned from a Grand Tour of Italy. 

The opulent interior reflects influences drawn from across Italy: polished marble, ornate plasterwork, Ionic columns, silk damask wall coverings and Aubusson carpets. The highlight is the Long Gallery, hung with chandeliers, swathed in exquisite stucco work and decorated with marble busts and family portraits.

A forty-minute walk from Castletown Estate is the so-called Wonderful Barn, a bizarre conical folly with an external spiral staircase, looking for all the world like a wizard's tower. It was commissioned by Conolly’s widow, Katherine, in 1743 to provide employment for local people during a time of economic hardship in County Kildare.

How to get to Castletown House: It takes about 40 minutes to reach Castletown by car via the M4. Otherwise, bus 67 from Dublin will drop you at the gates of the estate, a 15-minute walk from the house.

Howth village, for a taste of the Irish seaside

Travel time: 30 minutes by train

Just 14km (8.7 miles) northeast of Dublin city center – only 30 minutes away by DART train – Howth is a pretty harbor village set on a rocky peninsula that offers bracing clifftop walks with great coastal views. Come on Saturday, Sunday or a Bank Holiday Monday and you’ll find yourself in the middle of Howth Market, a scrum of stalls selling everything from artisan food to Irish crafts, jewelry and antiques.

Behind the village lies Howth Castle , the site of which has been home to the Gaisford-St Lawrence family since the 12th century.  It’s open to the public for guided tours during the summer or through tour operators. At other times you’re free to wander around the castle grounds, famed for their early summer displays of colorful rhododendrons and azaleas. For a wilder experience and fantastic sea views, try the Howth Cliff Walk Loop, starting from the train station.

The Oar House , set amidst the bustle of the fishing harbor’s West Pier, is the ideal spot for a seafood lunch – from fish and chips to sea bass fillets with fennel and dill and lemon dressing.  Island Ferries  run trips from the harbor to Ireland’s Eye , a small island with the ruins of a 6th-century monastery. It’s also a nature reserve, with seabirds nesting here in large numbers and seals basking on rocks around the shore.

How to get to Howth: It takes around half an hour to reach Howth by car in good traffic – expect the journey to take longer in weekend traffic. DART trains run from central Dublin to Howth every 20 to 30 minutes.

Bray Head cliff walk, for breathtaking coastal views

Travel time: 50 minutes by train

For coastal landscapes with real drama, spend some time exploring the old seaside town of Bray . Once a popular holiday spot, the beachfront has a wonderful promenade with an old-fashioned aquarium, ice cream parlors and fading hotel facades.

From the base of Bray Head, at the seafront's southern edge, a signposted path runs for 7km (4.4 miles) along the clifftop to Greystones. En route, look out for black harbor porpoises, dolphins and basking sharks in the grey-blue waters. Birdlife includes sparrowhawks, kestrel falcons and hen harriers; on land, you might spot Ireland's only reptile, the viviparous lizard.

Arrive hungry in Greystones and pay a visit to the Happy Pear vegetarian cafe for some healthy but delicious nourishment. Fans of sea swimming should pack a towel – Greystones is a popular spot for a dip, though the water can be bracing.

How to get to Bray: It's an easy 45-minute drive south to Bray along the M11. Alternatively, take the DART train from the city center to Bray, and return via the DART train from Greystones.  There are also bus routes from Dublin city center, but the journey can take twice as long as the train and it's not as pretty.

This article was first published March 2016 and updated December 2022

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The 5 best day trips from Dublin

Want to embrace what Ireland has to offer? The best day trips from Dublin showcase the best of this marvellous place

The Irish capital is positively overflowing with exciting things to do, but the best day trips from Dublin offer the opportunity to get to know this fascinating country a little deeper. The Emerald Isle hasn’t earned that moniker through luck, after all.

Ireland is all stunning hilltops and craggy coastline, a love letter to the beauty of nature that will have breathing deep romantic sighs in no time. What’s more, most of these spots are just a car, train or bus ride from the city centre, meaning you can explore the best that Ireland has to offer and get back to Dublin in time for a pint or two. What could be better?

RECOMMENDED: 🍻 The best pubs in Dublin 🍲 The best restaurants in Dublin 🏨 The best hotels in Dublin 📍 The best things to do in Dublin

This guide is by Elizabeth Smith , a writer based in Dublin.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

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Best day trips from Dublin

1.  Howth

A 25-minute ride on the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (Dart) train, the picturesque fishing village of  Howth  is the closest spot for a proper day out. City dwellers often visit this rocky peninsula to relax and recharge. Fresh sea air is the perfect motivation for a coastal hike, though there are also sights like Howth Castle and Gardens, the National Transport Museum, and St. Mary’s Abbey (temporarily closed) medieval ruins to explore.

Steps from the train station, artisanal food, handmade jewellery and Irish crafts spill from market stalls. Between these hawkers and the antique shops in town, you’re bound to find a souvenir. When you’re hungry, Howth’s waterfront restaurants serve fresh catches straight from the trawlers and dinghies along the pier. Thankfully, the nightlife that made Dublin famous doesn’t fade along the way here.

Grab fresh fish and chips from  Beshoff Bros , a treasured takeaway on Harbour Road. Sprinkle on some salt and vinegar and enjoy them picnic-style in the park as you watch sailboats bob along the bay. Just beware of swooping seagulls hungry for a bite. For a more formal sit-down meal, head to  The Brass Monkey ,  Octopussy’s , or  Aqua  at the end of the pier.

The porches at Wright’s  Findlater  and  Bloody Stream  are made for pints and people-watching. If you’d prefer to cosy up somewhere snug, enjoy trad live performances at Abbey Tavern up the street from St. Mary’s ruins.

Hit the links for a round at  Deer Park  or  Howth Golf Club . Both public courses are a healthy, hilly challenge. 

A short walk to town and easily accessible from the train station,  Tara Hall  boutique bed and breakfast offers warm welcomes, private terraces and delicious brekkie. The more modern Marine Hotel in Sutton is a solid backup.

If you only do one thing… 

Lace-up your sneakers and head on the  Howth Cliff Walk , a family-friendly path with panoramic views over the peninsula. On clear days, Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye nature reserve and bird sanctuary appear on the horizon.

2.  Galway

The furthest journey on our list,  Galway  is well worth the two-and-a-half-hour trip. Bus Éireann, GoBus IE, and the IrishRail all complete the route daily if you prefer not to drive. Affectionately referred to as the most Irish city in Ireland and the city of festivals, coastal Galway is a haven of Celtic music and culture. Thanks to the 17,000 students who attend the local outpost of the National University of Ireland, this small city feels increasingly international.

With rows of colourful homes and a bustling wharf, the city will certainly impress your Instagram followers. The Hall of the Red Earl archaeological site, Druid Lane Theatre, Eyre Square, green-domed Galway Cathedral, and a 16th-century Spanish Arch are all worth visiting, but a cruise on the River Corrib provides a more unique perspective.

Global seasonal plates wow at the quaint  Ard Bia at Nimmos . Meanwhile, Michelin stars abound the ever-evolving, locavore-themed menus at Aniar and Loam. Wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza at  Dough Bros  and southeastern Asian specialities at Papa Rich round out the top dining options. Try Dela , Coffeewerk + Press, or New Zealand-tinged Kai Café for brunch. 

Gothic-style Quays Bar and Dáil Bar keep the craic coming late into the night. The pubs may be world-famous, but sometimes you just need to let loose after the trad music stops.

Wander the winding cobblestone streets, relish the idyllic bay surroundings, listen to top-notch buskers and drop into independent shops. The staff at Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Judy Greene Pottery and Gifts, Dillon’s Claddagh Gold and Sheridans Cheesemongers are almost as charming as the wares on sale.

Harbour Hotel  in the heart of the city is a bright, boutique hotel with small but comfy rooms. If you’re willing to be a bit further from the action, the upscale G Hotel overlooking Lough Atalia more than earns its five stars. Budget travellers should check the hip Residence Hotel in the lively Latin Quarter or boutique-style Forster Court just off Eyre Square.

Quay Street bars host musicians every day of the week. Head to Tig Coili, The Crane, Taaffes Bar or Tigh Neachtain and join in the fun. After a few sessions, you’ll know a  bodhrán  from a tambourine, a tin whistle from a flute, a  bouzouki  from a mandolin, and a concertina from an accordion.

3.  Kilkenny

‘The Marble City’ nestled on the banks of the resplendent River Nore in Ireland’s Ancient East is a mini-metropolis, complete with medieval marvels and artisanal delights. About 100 minutes by bus and 80 by train on the Kildare or Waterford line, it’s a lovely voyage from Dublin centre to the quaint (and crumbling) walls of  Kilkenny City . 

After marvelling at the stained glass in St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey, follow the narrow Norman lanes to a charming pub, trendy café or contemporary gallery. The Kilkenny Way hurling experience, Design Centre, and Rothe House are among Kilkenny’s highlights, though nothing dazzles more than the riverside castle and its sprawling gardens. If you stay past sunset, expect exceptional food and noteworthy nightlife.

Petronella  on the Butterslip welcomes diners with music and storytelling events alongside updated twists on classic Irish dishes. 

Franciscan monks have been brewing  Smithwick  ale since 1231, making it older than Guinness. At Smithwick Brewery , holographic men and talking paintings will tell you the full story before you sample the stuff for yourself. If you want a tipple without the tale, head to Bridie’s Bar speakeasy-style saloon or Left Bank, a Bank of Ireland branch-turned-tavern.

The Marble City is also the craft capital of Ireland. Walk the  Made in Kilkenny Craft Trail  to meet woodworkers, weavers, potters, glassblowers, and other makers in their shops and studios.

The fab  Pembroke Hotel  is within walking distance of every attraction. Feeling fancy? Book a stay at Butler House, a romantic, ivy-covered Georgian home where the Earls of Ormond once lived. If you want a bit more space, the four-star Newpark Hotel is nestled within 40 acres of parkland. Though just 10 minutes from the city, the 170-acre, 17th-century Lyrath Estate is a luxury rural retreat.  

Purchased for a measly 50 pounds in 1967, the Anglo-Norman  Kilkenny Castle  now belongs to the public. For a small fee, anyone can tour the grand bedrooms, drawing rooms, library, tapestry room, and magnificent Long Room filled with family portraits of the Butlers, who called this medieval fortress home for more than 500 years. If tours aren’t your thing, observe the castle from the surrounding park.

4.  Glendalough

When Irish weather agrees with you, head for the Wicklow Mountains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just set the GPS or board a bus headed to Glendalough , Irish for the ‘valley of two lakes’. The landscape changes dramatically on the 75-minute drive from Dublin along the M50 and N11. If you have more time to spare, the scenic route over Sally Gap mountain pass via R115 is especially magical. 

The area’s dense forests, glimmering glacial lakes, and sweeping, heather-clad moors served as the backdrop in Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Braveheart’ and ‘P.S. I Love You’. Nature lovers will feel at home on the extensive network of trails, and spiritual sightseers can find solace at the mountain’s timeworn religious sites, while high-end spa treatments help everyone unwind.    

The rustic  Wicklow Heather  restaurant serves up an extensive range of exquisite yet affordable dishes made from fresh, local produce. So long as there isn’t a private event while you’re there, enjoy a nightcap with literary legends Yeats, Joyce, Heaney and more in the Irish Writers Room.

Dating to 1776,  Jake’s Pub  at Lynhams Hotel will transport you back to the 18th century. Make friends with the benevolent barman, cosy up around the fireplace, and sip some hearty pints. Traditional music sessions on Sunday evenings only enhance the experience. Nearby Oldtown is full of great options too, like the Roundwood Inn pub and Coach House cocktail bar. 

There are nine hiking trails from  Glendalough , ranging from 45 minutes to four hours, one to 11 kilometres, easy to extreme. Consider putting your bird-watching, biking, and orienteering skills to the test while out in the wild. 

BrookLodge and Macreddin Village  eco-conscious hotel complex houses 86 chic, country-style bedrooms decked out with bay windows and four-poster or sleigh beds. It’s much more than a place to rest your head, though. Every BrookLodge guest should make use of the Finnish spa, Hammam massage centre, and organic restaurants. There are also several bed and breakfasts, self-catering guesthouses, and a family-run glamping site on a 21-acre Shropshire sheep farm.

Most visitors come to  Glendalough  to see mystical monastic ruins. Founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century, the monastery’s surviving buildings were built from stone between the 10th and 12th centuries. Make sure to catch the visitor centre’s film about the site before you investigate.

5.  Belfast

Dublin may be compact, but Belfast is so densely packed you’ll feel like a local after walking around Northern Ireland’s capital in as little as a day. Two and a half hours by train or bus and only two hours by car, Belfast is easy to get to – and so close you may not even have to book a hotel. Known as the birthplace of the ‘RMS Titanic’ and hub of the infamous ‘Troubles’ that divided the nation for decades, Belfast has a more sophisticated vibe than you might expect. It’s the perfect day trip for urbanites and history buffs alike.

Inspired architecture like the copper-domed City Hall, modernist MAC Arts Centre, leaning Albert Mermorial Clock, Victorian Grand Opera House, and Hiberno-Romanesque St. Anne’s Cathedral dance along the skyline while intrepid chefs revolutionise an already vibrant restaurant scene. Even though it’s on the other side of the border, the people are as hospitable and the nightlife is (almost) as buzzing as in Dublin down south.

OX ’s Michelin-starred tasting menu, simple décor and riverside views are worth the hype. Six seasonal, vegetable-forward courses showcase some of the best in modern British cooking for just £55. Other standouts include the beef shin burger at Barking Dog, cod at the casually fabulous Hadskis, and the duck confit starter at Shu. 

Leave time for at least two drinks: a pint of Guinness at Kelly’s Cellars , an unkempt 18th-century pub on Bank Street, and a cocktail at the Crown Liquor Saloon, a period gin house on Great Victoria Street.

Some 28 acres of gorgeous green space fill Belfast’s Botanic Gardens . Combine your visit with a trip to the Palm House (temporarily closed) exotic greenhouse or an exhibition of Northern Irish art at the free-entry Ulster Museum.

Learn about this city’s dark past with a night at Europa Hotel Belfast , which suffered 33 IRA bomb attacks (yet no deaths) during the Troubles due to its central location and clientele of foreign journalists. Europa’s sizeable rooms and unpretentiously polished lobby are perfectly safe at this point – and the on-site Causerie Bistro is a reliable dinner spot. The smart and stylish Fitzwilliam beside the Great Opera House is a good alternative if you’re looking for a truly lavish stay. Benedicts, Bullitt Hotel, Ten Square or The Merchant Hotel aren’t bad either.  

If you only do one thing…

As it turns out, James Cameron was on to something. Uncover the real story behind the most famous ship in history at Titanic Belfast , a six-floor, nine-gallery interactive museum at the former Harland and Wolff shipyard on Queen’s Island where it was built. Book online or arrive early to avoid queues.

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14 Top-Rated Day Trips from Dublin

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers and Meagan Drillinger Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Visitors are often surprised at how easy it is to reach most of the Ireland's top tourist attractions in a single day out of Dublin. You can visit iconic places like Blarney Castle and the Ring of Kerry ; world-class natural wonders, including the Cliffs of Moher and Giant's Causeway ; ancient sites, such as Glendalough and the megalithic tombs of Newgrange; and even the attractions of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, with its impressive Titanic discovery center on the site where the great ship was built.

An efficient rail service and abundant package day tours from Dublin make it easy to arrange these trips without the need to rent a car or drive on the left. Getting around couldn't be easier. Learn more about the nearby places to visit with our list of the best day trips from Dublin.

1. Cliffs of Moher

2. glendalough and kilkenny, 3. blarney castle and cork, 4. giant's causeway, 5. belfast and the titanic quarter, 6. newgrange and hill of tara, 7. ring of kerry, 8. powerscourt, 9. boyne valley and loughcrew celtic tombs, 10. connemara and galway, 11. howth and malahide, 12. dalkey and killiney, 13. killarney, map of day trips from dublin.

Ireland's most visited natural attraction, the soaring Cliffs of Moher rise to more than 214 meters above the crashing Atlantic in a wild and dramatic eight-kilometer coastline. Take time to walk the trail along the clifftop for views of the Aran Islands, and see displays about the geology and environment of the cliffs at the visitor center.

At the southwestern edge of the Burren, a region in County Clare that includes the wild, rocky landscapes of Burren National Park , the cliffs and the sea stack just off shore are home to thousands of seabirds.

On the way from Dublin you can stop in Kilfenora for a visit of the Celtic High Crosses , or in County Limerick to visit the 13th-century King John's Castle , built on a Viking settlement and considered one of the best preserved Norman castles in Europe.

As well as a drive along Galway Bay for views of the Aran Islands and the 12 Bens, some tours also stop at Dunguaire Castle . On a 13-hour Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Dublin , you can enjoy the beautiful County Clare countryside from an air-conditioned bus as an expert guide explains the area's geology and history. After a leisurely stroll on the path along the cliffs, you can explore the tiny town of Doolin, known for its music.

Read More: From Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher: Best Ways to Get There

In a glacial valley below the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow, Glendalough was one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. It was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and became known as the Monastic City . There are many things to see here, the most impressive being the well-preserved, 30-meter-tall Round Tower .

Near St. Mary's Church is the 12th-century Romanesque Priest's House; a tall granite cross dating to the sixth or seventh century; and the largest church, which dates to the 11th and 12th centuries.

Near Glendalough are two other interesting historic sites: the 11th-century Trinity Church and St. Saviour's Priory, with Romanesque stone carvings. Information at the visitor center will help you find and identify the various landmarks, and you can also follow marked nature trails.

If you're driving to Glendalough from Dublin, stop to admire the scenery of the Wicklow Mountains, including Wicklow Gap and the dramatic Turlogh Waterfall. On a 10-hour Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin , in addition to traveling through the beautiful Wicklow Mountain National Park, you'll have a guided tour of the tower and other historic sites at Glendalough.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kilkenny, Ireland

For many, kissing the famous Blarney Stone is a highlight of their trip to Ireland, and it's easy to combine this with a sightseeing tour of the lush and rolling Irish countryside and visits to the cities of Cork and Cobh.

Even for those not interested in perfecting their Irish eloquence of speech by kissing the stone, Blarney Castle is worth seeing for its beautiful gardens and shopping at the famous Blarney Woollen Mills at the castle, an 1824 mill that has become a center for Irish weaving and knitting.

On the Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin , you can not only visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous stone, but also visit the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. This spectacular hilltop medieval complex includes a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, a 12th-century round tower, a Romanesque Chapel with wall paintings, and a 15th-century castle. You'll also have time for some independent sightseeing in Cork City, where your local guide will recommend attractions.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cork

Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site , the strange polygon columns of basalt known as the Giant's Causeway are the result of a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. The columns form oversized stairs and stepping stones that legend holds to be the work of the giant Finn McCool when he crossed to Scotland to battle his nemesis, Benandonner. On a clear day, you can see the Scottish shore, several giant steps away.

See more of the dramatic coastal scenery as you cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge , suspended high over the sea. If the coast looks familiar, it was the location for filming Game of Thrones, and you may see the avenue of beech trees called the Dark Hedges, which served as the King's Road. Day trips from Dublin can easily include other attractions in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant's Causeway from Dublin tour includes a stop in Belfast , Northern Island's capital, for a city tour in a traditional black taxi. After a scenic drive along the Antrim coast, there is plenty of time at Giant's Causeway to learn about the geology of this natural wonder at Visitor Heritage Centre, as well as to walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Address: Causeway Road, Bushmills, Antrim, Northern Ireland

Read More: From Dublin to the Giant's Causeway: Best Ways to Get There

Northern Ireland's capital is a lively, colorful city that has faced its sometimes violent past and is determined to reinvent itself into a cultural capital. The prime tourist attraction is the waterfront Titanic Quarter , where the RMS Titanic was built more than 100 years ago and which was the epicenter of the city's long maritime heritage as the cornerstone of the British Empire's shipbuilding.

The striking star-shaped building of Titanic Belfast is already a city landmark, with state-of-the-art interpretive exhibits that trace Belfast's maritime history and the story of the Titanic with features that include an underwater exploration theater and re-created decks and cabins.

The Titanic Belfast Visitor Experience and Giant's Causeway Day Trip from Dublin combines Northern Ireland's two most popular tourist attractions into a single 13-hour excursion by luxury coach. After learning about the Titanic's voyage in the interactive discovery galleries and visiting the Ocean Exploration Centre to see how ocean behavior is tracked, the tour continues to the Giant's causeway, where there is plenty of time for the Visitor Heritage Centre and crossing the swaying Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge before returning to Dublin.

Address: 1 Queen's Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Northern Ireland

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Belfast

Ireland's most important prehistoric sites lie close to each other, near the River Boyne. Newgrange is a huge passage tomb dating from the Neolithic period. Built around 3200 BC, it predates both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The circular mound is supported by a retaining wall of white quartz stones and large stones carved in spiral and other designs. Inside are passages and chambers, and at the Winter Solstice, the rising sun illuminates the interior. Newgrange is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Hill of Tara plays large in Irish history and mythology as the traditional inauguration place of the ancient high kings. There are several stone structures here, the oldest of which is the megalithic tomb called the Mound of the Hostages , thought to have been built about 3000 BC. Earthworks here include two linked enclosures: a ring fort and a ring barrow.

You can step back in time to Celtic Ireland on this Celtic Boyne Valley Day Trip from Dublin , a full-day bus tour that includes the Loughcre wCeltic Tombs, the Hill of Uishneacht, and the Hill of Tara.

Official site: www.newgrange.com

Scenic drives don't get any better than the 177-kilometer route around the Iveragh Peninsula known as the Ring of Kerry. It offers a non-stop panorama of ocean views, islands, lakes, and mountains, dotted with postcard villages. Day tours from Dublin vary, but most include the magnificent inland Lakes of Killarney and stop at viewpoints for Macgillicuddy Reeks , the 17-kilometer mountain range that includes Ireland's highest peak , Carrantuohill.

These and more are covered on the 15.5-hour Ring of Kerry Rail Trip from Dublin , which begins with a train ride to Mallow, in County Cork, before meeting a local professional guide and traveling by coach to the region's most majestic landmarks.

• Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of the Ring of Kerry

The 47 acres of Powerscourt grounds were designed so the estate would blend harmoniously with the surrounding Wicklow countryside, especially Sugarloaf Mountain , which is framed as a stunning backdrop. More than 200 varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers are arranged in formal beds along the promenades of the Italian Gardens and in other settings, including a charming Japanese Garden ; a Rose Garden; and Kitchen Gardens, where herbs and vegetables share the grounds with flowers.

The interior of the former manor house has been converted into an upscale shopping venue for Irish crafts and designs, including an Avcoa shop, one of Ireland's most revered brands. Powerscourt is often included in a scenic day tour of County Wicklow that also visits Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Address: Enniskerry, County Wicklow

Official site: http://powerscourt.com/

If Ireland's ancient Celtic past fascinates you, the Boyne Valley and its environs are the place to go. Set in beautiful Irish countryside are some of the oldest sites in Ireland, including the well-preserved passage tombs at Loughcrew Cairns . You can walk through winding stone passageways inside to see 6,000-year-old stone carvings on the walls. On the River Boyne, Trim Castle was built in the 1170s, and is Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman castle.

In County Louth are the ruins of the early Christian settlement and famous 10th-century Celtic crosses at Monasterboice . The crosses have biblical inscriptions, and the 5.5-meter Muiredach's High Cross is considered the best in Ireland, covered in intricate Celtic stone carving. Above it stands a round stone tower more than 30 meters tall that protected the monks from Viking raids.

You can visit all of these sites, along with the Hill of Tara (see above) and the town of Drogheda, a Danish settlement in the days of the Vikings, on Ireland's Ancient East Day Trip from Dublin including Boyne Valley . The 10-hour tour travels across the scenic Irish countryside by bus, accompanied by a local guide who relates the history and legends of these ancient sites.

The coast of western Ireland, north of Galway Bay, is an irregular one of bays and tiny inlets with sandy coves, islands, islets, and rocky points. Inland are rugged mountains, lakes, and villages of thatched cottages. At the center of the area is Connemara National Park , south of the scenic loughs (lakes) of Kylemore and Pollacapall, where you'll find the atmospheric 19th-century Kylemore Abbey with its lovely Victorian walled gardens . The coastal towns of Roundstone and Clifden , favorites for artists, are good stopping points for a seafood lunch.

On the Connemara and Galway City Day Tour from Dublin , you can combine highlights of Connemara with a visit to the historic city of Galway, Ireland's major trading port since the Middle Ages. On the included guided walking tour, you can still see reminders of the foreign influences its trade brought, such as the famous Spanish Arch .

If you'd like to spend more time here, the train ride from Dublin takes about 2.5 hours, and you'll find plenty of good places to stay in Galway.

Just north of Dublin, the Howth peninsula is an easy day trip from Dublin by DART train, with plenty of things to do. Along with the tidied-up fishing village itself, you can see Viking ruins and the impressive Howth Castle. If you arrive with an organized tour group, you can tour the castle interior.

On the castle grounds is a Neolithic site , a dolmen with a 70-ton capstone. Views from Howth Head are spectacular, and on very clear days you can see the Dublin skyline. Also in Howth is the boyhood home of the poet William Butler Yeats. The DART train line also runs to Malahide , with a beautiful castle that's open to the public.

Walkers will enjoy the coastal path around Howth Head , with views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains, and looking north to Lambay Island and the Mourne Mountains. The trail is easy to find; it begins at the Howth DART station.

South of Dublin, and reached from the city on the Bray/Greystones DART line, the neighboring towns of Dalkey and Killiney lie along the coast of the Irish Sea.

Dalkey once had seven medieval Norman castles, of which one, Dalkey Castle , survives and houses a Heritage Center. State-of-the-art interactive exhibits include fascinating anecdotes of local history, including tales from the time when Dalkey was the port of Dublin.

Just off shore, Dalkey Island was inhabited as long as 6,500 years ago, and has a burial cairn, two holy wells, and other early remains. The island is a short boat ride from either Bulloch Harbour or Coliemore Harbour.

Continuing south on the DART line, Killiney is a town of parks and affluent homes, with views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains. A popular seaside resort in the 1800s, Killiney has a pebble beach. For the best views of a panorama that 19 th -century writers compared to Naples Bay (hence the abundant Italian place names), climb the steep hill to the summit of Killiney Hill Park

Official site: https://www.dalkeycastle.com

One of the main highlights of the Ring of Kerry is the bustling town of Killarney. A beginning or end point for the journey, Killarney has some wonderful sites and attractions in and around the city that are worth a visit. But travelers do not have to embark on the entire Ring of Kerry to see the best of Killarney. All they need is to take a day trip from Dublin.

This Kerry Highlights Day Tour from Dublin is a 14-hour jam-packed experience that will make sure visitors see everything Killarney has to offer. Travel along the coastal roads into Killarney National Park, stop by charming villages like Adare, and see the natural beauty of the Lakes of Killarney and Torc Waterfall.

One of the lesser visited cities of Ireland, Sligo Town is absolutely worth a day trip from Dublin. Less than a three-hour drive from the city center, Sligo is a coastal seaport and the capital of County Sligo. It is one of the most historic and culturally significant cities in Ireland and far enough off the tourist trail to have you feeling like you've discovered a secret for yourself.

Sligo sits on the Garavogue River. The centuries-old city has stunning historic architecture, like the medieval Sligo Abbey and the Lissadell House and Gardens. Just outside the city is the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery.

Sligo is also the city that gave us W.B. Yeats. Visit the Yeats Society to learn all about this world-renowned poet and author. Yeats is buried at Drumcliffe Church, just outside the city. Sligo also sits in the shadow of Benbulben, a flat-topped rock formation that overlooks the rolling fields of the county. This protected site is one of the most impressive in all of Ireland.

If you decide to visit Sligo, this self-guided eBiking tour can be done in half a day and allows for travelers to get around the city efficiently, taking in much of the historic sites that the city has to offer. Another way to visit Sligo is with this guided Sligo surfing tour . Sligo has some of the best waves in Ireland and this guided tour will take surfers of all levels.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sligo

More on Ireland

20 Best Day Trips From Dublin (Cost, Transport and Tips For 2024)

Categories Clare , Cork , Dublin , Kildare , Kilkenny , Meath , Tipperary , Where To Go , Wicklow

Dublin is an amazing city with lots of things to do . From interesting museums , awesome nightlife , imposing castles to amazing ancient sites, Dublin is a good base for your Ireland adventure. However, if you find yourself running out of things to do in this Irish capital, there are several day trips from Dublin that you can do.

Here are the 10 best day trips from Dublin.

Things you'll find in this article

20 Best Day Trips From Dublin, Ireland

How to get to trim castle from dublin, recommended hours for the day trip, how to get wicklow mountains national park from dublin, how to get to rock of cashel from dublin, how to get to blarney castle from dublin, how to get to giant’s causeway from dublin, how to get to cliffs of moher from dublin, how to get to kilkenny from dublin, how to get to howth from dublin, how to get to castletown house from dublin, through uber or taxi, through train, through group tours, 11. boyne valley, 13. connemara, 14. hill of tara, 15. monasterboice, 16. malahide castle, 17. waterford, 18. aran islands, 19. athlone.

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1. Trim Castle is one of the best day trips from Dublin

Trim Castle is a Norman castle on the south bank of River Boyne in the town of Trim and currently the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland.

Built in 1173 by Hugh de Lacy, the castle was used as a center of Norman administration for the  Lordship of Meath . It is also probably best known as the setting for Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. 

The castle boasts imposing twenty-sided towers protected by curtain wall and moat. It was a great example of experimental military architecture during its period. If you want to learn more about the legacy of this castle, this day trip from Dublin is a must.

Admission Fee

€5 per adult, €3 for students, and €13 for a family of 4. It includes access to the Trim Castle grounds and an audio-visual show at the visitor center. You can get the ticket from the visitor center.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the Bus Éireann (#111) from Busaras station in Dublin to Delvin (Opp Gaffneys) and get off in Trim Castle .

It takes about an hour or you can take the Bus Éireann (#109B) to Knightsbrook Hotel and get off at Opp Boyne Bridge By-Pass in Trim. This takes a bit longer than Delvin by 10-15 minutes.

From the bus stop, take a walk towards the castle entrance. It’s about 500 meters from both bus stops and it takes about 5 minutes. The bus fare is about €10-12 one-way or €20-24 for a round trip and they have buses that leave every hour.Or you can check out this Trim Castle and Slane Whiskey Distillery Tour

Or you can check out this Trim Castle and Slane Whiskey Distillery Tour. Which is a steal given that it includes transport and admission fees!

6 hours. You have 3 hours for the journey and 3 hours to explore the castle and the surrounding area.

Opening Hours

Grounds open only at this site and free admission

Feb 8th – March 16th

09.30 – 16.30

March 17th – Sept 30th

10.00 – 17.00

Oct 1st – Oct 31st

Nov 1st – Nov 4th

09.00 – 16.00  (Weekends Only)

Contact Information

Location: Trim, Co Meath

Phone: +353 46 943 8619

Email:   [email protected]  

2. Wicklow Mountains National Park

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Wicklow Mountains National Park is the largest national park in Ireland with an area covering more than 129,500 square kilometers.  It is also the only one located in the east of the country. It extends from County Wicklow and a small area of Dublin.

It’s not that far from the city center and it’s one of the best day trips from Dublin

The park contains a variety of attractions that include lush forests, fields, and mountains, and the historical Glendalough Valley. Glendalough features early medieval monastic structures and Glendalough lakes .

Admission is free to the national park.

Without a car, going to Wicklow Mountains National Park from Dublin is expensive and much more complicated.

You can take a bus from Portobello, Richmond Street Sth (Lennox Street) bus stop to Poolbeg Street – Valleymount Road through Dublin Bus #65 and get off in County Wicklow, Valleymount Road. This costs about €10 for about 1.5 hours.

Then take a taxi to the Wicklow Mountains National Park which costs between €35-50 for half an hour ride.

Or you can take this day tour for €35 per person including Wicklow Mountain, Glendalough & Kilkenny. It also includes pick-up and dropoff in Dublin which will save you over €80 for transportation alone.

Allocate between 7-8 hours so you have ample time to explore the national park.

The park is open at all times but the visitor center is only open from May to September daily between 10 am to 5:30 pm. From October to April during weekends from 10 am to 4:30 pm. If you are planning to stay in the park, for more information click here .

Location: Wicklow Mountains National Park, Kilafin , Laragh, via Bray , Co. Wicklow A98 K286

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 761 002667

3. Rock of Cashel Day Trip from Dublin

The Rock of Cashel , also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock, is a historic site located at Cashel in County Tipperary . It is one of the most spectacular attractions in Ireland and also one of the most visited.

This iconic landmark was the seat of the High Kings of Munster and was built between the 12th to the 13th century.

Adult: €8.00

Group / Senior: €6.00

Child / Student : €4.00

Family: €20.00

Take the Dublin Airport – Cork Parnell Place bus (Bus Eireann #X8) from Outside Heuston Train Station to Main St. Get off at Main St and walk for about 10 minutes (800m) towards the entrance of Rock of Cashel.

The bus ride takes about 2 hours and it costs about €24-29 one way or €48-58 for a round trip. The bus also leaves every 4 hours so plan accordingly.

Or you can take this day tour for €75 per person which includes a trip to Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, and Cork City . This will give you an option to plan your time better and explore more places.

Allocate between 7-8 hours so you have ample time to travel and explore the Rock of Cashel.

9 am to 4:30 pm during winter and 9 am to 7 pm during the summer.

Location: Rock of Cashel, Moor, Cashel, Co. Tipperary , Ireland

Phone: 062 61437

Email: [email protected]

4. Blarney Castle is one of the best day trips from Dublin

One of Ireland’s most popular attractions is Blarney Castle located in Blarney , County Cork . Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. 

Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens. There are paths touring the grounds with signs pointing out the various attractions such as several natural rock formations and beautiful gardens.

Aside from the castle itself, the place is also popular because of Blarney Stone.

In order to get the gift of eloquence, for over 200 years many famous people from around the world climb the stairs to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

There is an ongoing debate over the story of the Blarney Stone but no one has been able to prove the origin of the stone.

€16 for adults, €13 for students and seniors, and €40 for the family. 

The fastest way to get to Blarney Castle using public transportation is through the train and then bus. However, it will have few connections.

Take the Irish Rail from Dublin to Cork Kent (about 2.5 hours for €45-65). Get off at Cork Kent and then take a bus from Kent Station to CIT Campus and get off at St. Patrick Street (O2 Store).

It’s a short trip for 8 minutes (€3-5) and then take another bus from St. Patrick St (Drawbridge St Jctn) to Blarney Village. The bus trip is about 30 minutes for €5-6.

Then walk from Blarney village to Blarney Castle for another 7 minutes. In total, transportation might cost between €53-76 for one way trip and it might take between 3.5 to 4 hours of journey.

Or you can take this day tour for just €50 per person which includes Blarney Castle, the gardens, and shortstops in Cork City and Rock of Cashe l .

Allocate between 11-12   hours so you have ample time to travel and explore Blarney Castle.

9 am to 5 pm

Location: Blarney, Cork, Ireland

Phone: +353 21 4385252

Email: [email protected]

5. Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones filming locations

The historic path of Dark Hedges, Image by Christine Rogador

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The  Giant’s Causeway  is an area of about 40,000 interlocking  basalt columns , the result of an ancient  volcanic fissure eruption.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national nature reserve. It is located in Northern Ireland and it is about a 3-4 hour drive from Dublin on a rental car .

Game of Thrones grew in popularity for the past 7 years. The TV series focuses on medieval realism which shows several medieval and exotic locations. These locations also grew in popularity that tours to these locations have become coveted by loyal fans.

In Northern Ireland alone, there are over 10 locations where you can experience Game of Thrones in real life .

Access to the Giant’s Causeway is free however the visitor center charges £12.50 per adult and £31.00 for a family of 4.

Using public transportation, it might take between 6-7 hours to get to the Giant’s Causeway. The fastest option is by taking a train to Northern Ireland and then a bus.

Take a train from Connolly to Belfast City Centre in Lanyon Place Train Station. This takes about 2 hours and can cost between €30-45 one way. Transfer to Belfast Central station and take a train to Coleraine station . It takes about a 1.5-hour ride for €10-14.

And from Coleraine Bus Station, take a Translink UK bus to Aird Giants Causeway The Nook. It’s about a half-hour ride for €4-7. Then walk towards Giant’s Causeway. Giant’s Causeway is about 1.5km from the bus stop.

Or you can save yourself a massive headache by taking this day tour for half the price . The tour includes Giant’s Causeway and the filming locations of Game of Thrones.

16 hours at least.

The opening hours vary depending on the season. For updated opening hours, click here .

Location: 44 Causeway Road Bushmills County Antrim BT57 8SU Northern Ireland

Phone: (028) 2073 1855

Email: [email protected]

6. The Cliffs of Moher is o

Cliffs of Moher tour, Image by Christine Rogador

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The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located in County Clare , Ireland. It is one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights and one of the most visited attractions in Ireland with 1.5 million visitors annually.

Standing 702ft above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a good day, you can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay.

Cliffs of Moher is one of the best day trips from Dublin and a day tour from Galway.

For a complete list of the admission fees, click here .

Cliffs of Moher is over 266 kilometers from Dublin . If you don’t have a car, you can take 2 connecting buses that go directly to Cliffs of Moher.

From Burgh Quay, Dublin City South, you can take a Bus Dublin Coach to Dunnes, Friars Walk. This takes about 3.5 hours for €20-25 one way.  

And then from Friars Walk, walk to Ennis Bus Station to take a bus that goes to Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. This takes about an hour for €9-11 a trip. Then from the bus stop, just walk about 5 minutes to get to the entrance of the visitor center.

There’s also a Citylink bus from Temple Bar , Crampton Quay that goes to Cliffs of Moher via Gmit. Travel time and bus fare are almost the same.

Or you can also take this day tour from Dublin that only cost half of the transportation. It also includes a shortstop to Galway and Burren .

It might take 6 hours one way to just get to the cliffs so it’s better to allocate at least 14 hours to enjoy the place.

8 am to 7 pm although, during winter, the cliffs are closed by 5 pm.

Location: Lislorkan North, Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland

Phone: [email protected]

Email: +353 65 708 6145

Buy your ticket online here.

7. Kilkenny Castle and the city

Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways. It was a symbol of Norman occupation and it is an important site to the history of Kilkenny.

In 1967, the Castle was transferred to the people of Kilkenny for £50. The Kilkenny Castle is now one of the very few castles in Ireland that offer tours to the public. The garden and park in the castle complex are also open to the public.

The city of Kilkenny is one of the most beautiful and charming Irish cities. Located in the center of Ireland, it has a charming medieval center, lively pubs, and a dynamic art scene.

Because of this, there are many unique things to do in Kilkenny, Ireland . From its majestic creeper-clad castle, a bustling crafts industry, cobbled lanes, beautiful churches, and secret passages, Kilkenny will surprise you in many ways.

Adult € 8.00 | child € 4.00 | Family € 20.00

From Dublin, you can take the bus that goes directly to Kilkenny from Dublin City South, Burgh Quay station. It takes almost 2 hours for €6 – €10 for Dublin Coach or €11 – €14 for Eurobus. They have buses that leave every 3 hours so plan accordingly.

From Kilkenny, Ormond Road bus stop, you can easily walk for 5-10 minutes to go to the castle. You can also take a train from Heuston station to Kilkenny MacDonagh station. This takes about the same time as the buses but more expensive at €23- €35 for a one-way trip.

Then walk from the station to the town center and the castle.

Or you can take this day trip to Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountain for only €25 per person. 

Allocate at least 7 hours to fully enjoy the trip.

Daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm

Address: The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, Ireland

Phone: +353 56 770 4106

Email: [email protected]

8. Howth is one of the best day trips from Dublin

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Below the hilly headland at the northern boundary of Dublin Bay lies the small fishing village of Howth. It is only a half-hour drive from Dublin which makes it one of the most convenient day trips from Dublin.

There are so many things to do in Howth which includes a castle, hiking trails , amazing seafood, and a charming coastal village.

Depending on the activity, it is free sightseeing around the village but the Castle has an admission fee. For any booking information to the castle, click here .

You can reach Howth using DART which is a fast train service from Dublin’s city center. Return ticket costs €4.70 from Connolly, Tara, or Pearse stations in the City Centre and is valid for one day. There are trains every 15 minutes.

Or you can take this day trip to Howth from Dublin.

4-5 hours should suffice to explore the highlights of Howth village.

9. Castletown House is one of the best day trips from Dublin

Located in County Kildare , Castletown House and Gardens is Ireland’s largest and earliest Palladian-style estate. It was built between 1722 and 1729 for William Connolly, speaker of the Irish House of Commons and the wealthiest commoner in Ireland.

You can explore the parklands, the river walk, the temple, and the garden inside the estate. The grounds of the estate are accessible to the public for free but there’s an admission fee inside the house and one must book in advance.

€10.00 for adults, free for children below 12, €5.00 for 12-17 years old, and €25.00 for a family of 4.

Take a Bus Eireann bus (#120) from Dublin, Halfpenny Bridge to Celbridge, Celbridge. This takes about 30 minutes. Then walk from Celbridge bus stop to Castletown House for 15-20 minutes. Bus fare is between €6-8.

You can also get this Dublin pass to give you an access to over 30 attractions around Dublin. 

4 hours should suffice which makes it one of the best half-day tours from Dublin.

10 am to 6 pm but it closes earlier in winter. To get the updated schedule, click here .

Location: Castletown House and Parklands, Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 V9H3

Phone: +353 1 6288252

Email: [email protected]

10. Brú na Bóinne (Boyne Valley Tombs)

Brú na Bóinne (Palace of the Boyne) or popularly known as the Boyne Valley tombs are passage tombs located near River Boyne, 8 km west of Drogheda . The site covers over 780 hectares where the majority of the monuments are located on the north side of the river.

It contains one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in the world dating back to the Neolithic  period.

Bru na Boinne is famous for its Megalithic passage tombs called Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth.

Below is the Exhibition, Newgrange, and Knowth fee. Dowth is not officially included in the tour but visitors can check out the passage tomb through private transport

Adult: €13.00 | Sen/Group: €10.00 | Child/Student: €8.00 | Family: €30.00

How to get to Brú na Bóinne from Dublin

Brú na Bóinne is only less than 40 km from the city which makes it one of the most popular day tours from Dublin.

There are several ways to get to Brú na Bóinne.

You can simply book an Uber or take a taxi to Boyne Valley tombs. Taking an Uber might cost you between €95-€130 and €75-€90 for Taxi.

You can also check for the best rates on rental companies in Ireland here: Rentalcars

Take a train from Connolly Station (Irish Rail) to Drogheda . Trains leave every hour and it takes an hour to get to Drogheda. Train fare is between €9-€14 for one way.

Then from Drogheda station, take a taxi to Brú na Bóinne in Drogheda . This might cost between €14-€17 for an almost 9km trip.

There are several companies that offer tours to Brú na Bóinne from Dublin.

The best thing about these tours is you can also combine Boyne Valley tombs with other attractions in the area such as the imposing Slane Castle and Trim Castle , Navan , and other attractions in the Drogheda area.

You can check the tours below:

  Slane Castle ,  and Boyne Valley  are both good deals. But if you are traveling with friends, this private tour of  Boyne Valley and Trim Castle Day Tour might be a better option.

5-6 hours

February – April: Daily 09.30 – 17.30

May: Daily 09.00 – 18.30

June – Mid September: Daily 09.00 – 19.00

Mid – End September: Daily 09.00 – 18.30

October: Daily 09.30 – 17.30

November – January: Daily 09.00 – 17.00

Contact Information for Brú na Bóinne

Location: Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Donore, Meath

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 41 9880300

Boyne Valley is the ideal location for exploring Ireland’s rich heritage. The Boyne Valley, a beautiful green oasis in Ireland’s Ancient East, was once the domain of Ireland’s high monarchs and has a 5,000-year history.

Simply looking at you will reveal the legacy of every major figure from Ireland’s past, encompassing high kings, Vikings, as well as Anglo-Irish nobility.

It’s a hard city to beat for foodies, with superb local vegetables, outstanding ingredients, and a thriving restaurant scene.

How to get to Boyne Valley from Dublin

The M1 will take you from Dublin’s city center to Bru na Boinne in around sixty to ninety minutes. There is no approved public transportation link for the entire Boyne Valley, although numerous operators provide daily planned trips from Dublin to Newgrange and Tara, which are typically bookable in bigger hotels or visitor’s centers.

You can also book this Boyne Valley Entry Day Tour with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne for $85. This tour led me to Newgrange, a sacred and ceremonial site. Then we tour the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre to learn about local history.

To book this tour click here.

Diverse Ring of Kerry Landscape

Discover County Kerry’s magnificently gloomy vistas, rocky headlands, and crashing surf. The sound of the ocean will be with you long after you leave.

Discover lovely towns and villages in Kerry with vividly painted buildings, traditional pubs, colorful shopfronts, and an abundance of attractions to visit.

Explore this beautiful county’s twisting rural roads and small mountain pathways. Take a trip to Kerry and you’ll see why it’s called The Kingdom.

How to get to Kerry from Dublin

A train from Dublin to County Kerry takes around 5 hours and 40 minutes, passing through Mallow as well as Casement Station. On the other hand, you may take a bus from Dublin to County Kerry in approximately six hours and thirty minutes through Lower Glanmire Rd & Merchants Quay.

If you want to save time deciding which road to follow, book this Kerry Full-Day Tour from Dublin . This full-day excursion from Dublin to Kerry brings us to a magical and pristine part of Ireland that has drawn people for centuries. The region has some of Europe’s best seaside vistas.

Connemara is a land steeped in tradition, folklore, and breathtaking beauty. The location is noted for its untamed topography and gentle hues, and it is enclosed by the Atlantic and placed in a particularly attractive portion of County Galway.

Rust-colored bogs are punctuated by polished grey-blue lakes; old dry-stone walls wind their way through hills; and coral beaches, sandy coves, and little ports are framed by an ever-changing ocean.

Traditions are still alive and well in Connemara. From the dishes on the table to the music in bars, everything is steeped with a distinct cultural history.

How to get to Connemara from Dublin

Without a car, the best way to go from Dublin to Connemara is by rail and bus, which takes 4 hours and 50 minutes and costs between 43.37 USD and 65.05 USD.

Clifden is easily accessible from Galway or Westport via the N59. The N6, a major new highway, connects Dublin to Galway.

Do you want to save time? Enjoy this Connemara Full-Day Tour from Dublin for just 95.73 USD. We leave early in the morning heading toward the Molly Malone Statue and go to Oughterard, the gateway of Connemara. Pass through charming villages with breathtaking vistas.

We proceed to Maam Cross and have our first view of one of the many lakes that make Connemara renowned.

Tara Hill has been significant since the late Stone Age after a passage tomb was constructed there.  Tara’s significance grew as Christianity gained authority over the ensuing centuries. Its halls as well as palaces are now gone, leaving just earthworks.

Nevertheless, there are still spectacular sites to be seen. One such example is the Lia Fáil, the magnificent coronation stone along with one of the four fabled riches of the Tuatha Dé Danann, which sits majestically on the An Forradh monument.

The site’s guided tours will let you comprehend the regal history of this extraordinary place and picture its past glory.

How to get to Hill of Tara from Dubli

If you’re driving, use the N3/M3 north. To escape the cost of the toll part of the M3, proceed on the R147 north via Dunshaughlin and, shortly after approximately 3.1 kilometers, approach the signs for Tara. To get past the toll section, leave the M3 at Junction 7 and proceed to follow the signage for Tara.

Take this day excursion for 99.11 USD to experience the Hill of Tara. On a full-day picturesque tour from Dublin, we visit the Boyne Valley and learn about the Hill of Tara, the historic capital of the High Kings of Ireland.

Monasterboice is a magnificent monastery site in County Louth with an amazing circular tower as well as two high crosses. Saint Buite created the neighborhood in the 600s, and it now draws people from across the world.

There is an old graveyard, two chapels, and a sundial on the grounds, but Monasterboice is most known for its stunning high crosses. Inside the remains is the spectacular Muiredach’s High Cross, often regarded as the best high cross in Ireland.

Explore the calm ancient remnants of Monasterboice to uncover a vanished world of Irish Christianity. The location is reached by crossing a tiny road from the parking.

How to get to Monasterboice from Dublin

It takes roughly 50 minutes to go from Dublin to Monasterboice if you have a car. If you prefer to go by train, the Dublin Connolly line takes around 55 minutes to Drogheda. Then, take a cab for another 15 minutes; taxi fares range from 21.66 USD to 27.07 USD.

If you don’t have a car and need to travel to Monasterboice quickly, the quickest method to go from Dublin to Monasterboice is via taxi, which costs between 90.25 and 117.32 USD and takes 50 minutes.

A castle in the heart of a freely accessible park in Malahide, a charming port community. Don’t be afraid to go: it will transport you to the core of Irish history.

Guided tours of Malahide Castle’s main chambers and banqueting hall are available. The Oak Room and Grand Hall are particularly noteworthy. The furniture, tapestries, and general design are all period.

You may finish your tour by going to the store, which sells Irish handicrafts. A small cafeteria area offers snacks including coffee and pastries.

How to get to Malahide Castle from Dublin

There are several public transportation choices from Dublin City to Malahide Castle. Dublin Bus lines 32 and 42 connect the city center to Malahide hamlet.

There is additionally an express bus service 102 from Dublin Airport to Malahide village. Malahide is served by the DART, Dublin’s rail network, from multiple city center stations. The castle is approximately. Malahide village is a ten-minute walk away.

The most affordable way to go from Dublin to Malahide Castle is by taking the Line 42 bus, which is priced at $3.25 and takes 50 minutes.

Take this Malahide Castle trip for 55.19 USD if you prefer a less stressful day trip. We begin our journey in Dublin, exploring the neighboring shore of Dublin Bay, passing through the interior, and finally the coast.

We make a picture stop at the intriguing Casino Marino to discover more about how this modest architectural beauty is used.

Ireland’s oldest city, located in the heart of Ireland’s historic East, is a treasure mine of historic antiquities, magnificent architecture, and wonderful local gastronomy.

A trip through Waterford’s downtown will reveal a plethora of exquisite architectural showpieces from this era. However, to grasp the full picture, you must go back much farther to its establishment by the Vikings.

The Vikings recognized a good thing when they saw it: a protected port, an advantageous spot on the River Suir, and a solid trade position all drew Norse raiders to Ireland’s first capital.

How to get to Waterford from Dublin

There are several ways to get to Waterford City, whether by train or by car. Waterford is served by Bus Éireann from Dublin. The bus from Dublin to Waterford is the cheapest option, costing 14.44 USD – 27.07 USD and taking 2 hours and 20 minutes.

If you have a car, driving from Dublin to Waterford takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs between $30.68 and $46.33 USD.

If you have a lot of free time, consider taking this 6-day Tour of Southern Ireland from Dublin . The trip will begin in downtown Dublin. Drive across the undulating countryside to the Wicklow Mountains, leaving the capital behind.

Continue to Kilkenny, a historic city with cobblestone streets and famed red ale. Dunmore East, on the southeast coast near Waterford Harbor, is a calm place to spend the evening with a few bars and several fantastic seafood restaurants.

The Irish-speaking Aran Islands do not fail to amaze visitors with their wild vistas and charming homes. These three islands have preserved the history and legacy of traditional Irish living, and hundreds of people come each year.

There are lot to do on Inishmore; depending on your arrival time, travelers get anything from 5 to 7 hours to bike and explore the island’s famed forts, cliffs, stores, and beaches before the boat returns.

Some people choose to experience everything Inishmore has to offer, staying overnight to soak up the traditions and take advantage of the island’s vibrant nightlife and eateries.

How to get to Aran Islands from Dublin

It is advisable to take the boat from Rossaveel or an Aer Aran Islands aircraft. Traveling from Dublin to Galway is quite simple since major roads run through the Midlands Region.

The cheapest method to commute from Dublin to Aran Islands is by bus, taking 4 hours and 20 minutes and costing between 23.46 USD and 37.90 USD. Alternatively, you may take this day trip for $100.25.

Athlone, situated on the banks of the majestic River Shannon in the heart of Ireland, has naturally caught the curiosity of anyone from saints to sergeants over the years.

Athlone’s background is filled with turmoil. Battles occurred here, Vikings looted, and two violent sieges destroyed the town, which one survivor described as “hell on Earth.” This history is brought up to date in the superb Athlone Castle on the shores of the Shannon.

How to get to Athlone from Dublin

You may get from Dublin to Athlone via train, bus, or vehicle. Train travel from Dublin to Athlone is the most cost-effective option, costing between $12.63 and $19.85 USD and taking 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The quickest method to go from Dublin to Athlone is to drive, which costs between 23.46 USD and 36.10 USD and takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Bray, the largest town in County Wicklow, has been named one of the top 14 most underrated vacation spots in the entire globe by TimeOut Magazine. It is regarded as the Gateway to the Garden of Ireland and is Ireland’s oldest beach town.

Visitors from Dublin who wish to escape the bustling pace of life in Ireland’s capital frequently visit to Bray for the day. During the summer, the number of visitors from Dublin grows, and Bray’s mile-long beachfront becomes a hive of activity.

How to get to Bray from Dublin

You may get from Dublin to Bray via rail, bus, taxi, or vehicle. The bus from Dublin to Bray is the cheapest option, costing between 2.35 and 3.25 USD and about 40 minutes.

The quickest method to go from Dublin to Bray is via taxi, which costs between 32.49 and 41.51 USD and takes around 20 minutes.

Still looking for the best place to stay in Dublin? Check out our best hotels in Dublin guide here .

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

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