european day trips from 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

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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.

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20 EPIC Day Trips By Train From Dublin [2024 UPDATE]

Ireland is an incredible European destination with its medieval castles and rolling green hills, but what makes it truly amazing is the diversity in its regions from modern cities to rural, countryside villages. There are countless day trips by train from Dublin available to travelers that are occasionally overlooked.

In just a few hours, you could go from sharing a pint with a local at the Temple Bar in Dublin to skipping rocks at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Many people dream about taking a trip to Ireland one day but aren’t sure which day trips to include on their itinerary.

That’s why I have created this ultimate guide to the best day trips you can take from Dublin so there is no guessing which towns are worth visiting! If you are planning on arriving in the Irish capital, be sure to check out my Perfect Two Days in Dublin Itinerary .

I hope you find the article useful in planning your next Ireland itinerary !

Happy Travels!

20 EPIC Day Trips by Train from Dublin

If you’re looking to fit more into your Ireland itinerary but aren’t planning to rent a car, check out these amazing day trips from Dublin by train! They’re easy to plan and affordable to reach, so the whole family can travel together with ease.

They have been put in order from the shortest travel time to the longest, to save you a bit of research, as well!

1. Kilkenny – one of the quickest day trips by train from Dublin!

Kilkenny is a charming town with a beautiful castle located only a 100-minute train ride from Dublin. If you’re short on time, Kilkenny is one of the best day trips from Dublin by train since it will give you the chance to explore the countryside, some castles, and some lovely Irish cobblestone streets.

When walking around Kilkenny, there are a few places to make sure you stop in and see including the Kilkenny Cathedral as well as the Kilkenny Castle .

Both are extremely captivating with their intricate details and medieval style and are by far some of the best buildings to see in Ireland. They tower over the town and create the perfect backdrop for pictures and quintessential wandering!

Afterward, stroll along the Nore River and take a peek inside the dozens of beautiful shops selling homemade artisan crafts. I found my Aran Islands wool scarf in Kilkenny, and it’s still my favorite to this day!

2. Limerick

Limerick can be found on the western coast of Ireland almost directly between Doolin and Dingle. This small town packs a cultural punch with its array of museums, art galleries, ancient cathedrals, stone memorials, and even the infamous King John’s Castle .

Limerick is one of the best places in Ireland to capture a glimpse of what life may have been like in previous centuries while still being surrounded by beautiful scenery and hospitable people.

If you are what I like to call a “museum hopper” (someone who hops from one museum to the next all day long), then Limerick should be included as one of your day trips by train from Dublin.

The Hunt Museum , the Limerick Museum , and the Limerick City Gallery of Art are all well-known for their interesting artifacts and pieces of literature and art, and are well deserving of a visit from any art history enthusiast!

Easily reachable in just 2 hours by train from Dublin, Limerick is an amazing city to choose for your day trips from the Irish capital!

3. Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel is a famous limestone hilltop that is covered in ancient ruins dating back to the 1100s. You can find the old cathedral shown above, an ancient fort, and plenty of medieval artifacts worthy of exploring.

Spend some time walking along the long, stone pathway to the castle, wander some of the halls accessible to visitors, and then make your way up to one of the nearby hilltops .

Why? Because you’ll be rewarded with exceptional views of the entire hilltop and you’ll get to see just how many ancient ruins lie on this plot of Irish soil!

The further back and higher you can get from the cathedral, the better views you’ll get. Yes, it is quite hilly so some walking (and a good bit of endurance) will be required, but I can almost guarantee it will be worth it.

The Rock of Cashel is easily reachable on a day trip from Dublin by train in just over 2 hours (2.75 hours if you have to change trains), so consider it a great addition to your Ireland itinerary!

4. Galway – one of the most popular train trips from Dublin!

Galway is almost directly west of Dublin on Ireland’s far west coastline and is one of the more “city-like” destinations on this list. While it is one of the more popular day trips from Dublin by train, it is far more of a city than it is a charming Irish town.

One of my absolute favorite things to do in Galway is to go see a Trad on the Prom show! This exciting show is full of traditional Irish music and Irish step dancing and makes for one of the best things to do in Ireland, in my opinion.

If you find yourself dancing, singing, or tapping along to the live bands that play in pubs all over the country, then this show is for you. Keep in mind, they aren’t always in Galway so you may need to do some research before planning your trip if you want to include them on your itinerary!

Galway is easily reachable by train from Dublin in just under 2.5 hours, so you could easily check out for just a day or so.

5. Cork – among the most iconic places to visit near Dublin by train

This colorful city also just so happens to be Ireland’s second-largest followed by Louth and is known to be one of Ireland’s best foodie destinations. Just a meager 2.5-hour train ride from Dublin, you can easily include a day trip to Cork city centre in your visit!

Take some time to stroll through the dozens of stalls at the infamous English Market on Princes St. where you’ll find goodies galore! From handmade chocolates to local cheeses and produce, even Queen Elizabeth II said it was a place to explore after her visit in 2011!

Once you’ve had your share of food, you can make your way over to the Blarney Castle to wander its halls and kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck (here are 7 Incredbile Blarney Castle Tours from Cork & Dublin if you’re interested).

Then, it will be time to check out the museum, Cork City Gaol , and learn about the life of the inmates that once walked the prison halls. Both day and nighttime tours are on offer here, but those who wander in at night have told tales of spooky events!

For an in-depth look at accommodations in Cork, check out my full guide on Where to Stay in Cork, Ireland – A County Cork Guide .

6. Killarney

Situated southeast of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Killarney is a charming town on the borders of the Ireland-famous Killarney National Park .

While you could easily spend days exploring this natural treasure, there are also plenty of other things to do, as well!

Ross Castle surely won’t disappoint with its dominating design and medieval towers, the Muckross House has gardens that span as far as the eye can see along Muckross Lake, and the Killarney House and Gardens provide a wonderful escape from the center of town for those looking to escape modern-day shops and buildings.

For those who swoon over colorful shops and cobblestone streets, the center of town is lined with plenty of charming buildings and colorful, Instagram-worthy spots worth checking out.

And since it’s just 3 hours and 15 minutes by train, this is a great day trip by train from Dublin to consider!

7. Blarney Castle – one of the most beautiful train journeys from Dublin

The infamous Blarney Castle and Gardens can be found about 20 minutes northwest of Cork and offers visitors incredible views from the top. Just a 3 hour and 20-minute train ride from the capital, a visit to Blarney Castle makes for one of the best day trips by train from Dublin you can take!

For the perfect day trip from Dublin, start by exploring downtown Cork, then slowly make your way over to the castle by mid-morning.

Stroll the grounds and surrounding lush gardens, then make your way into the castle which is open year-round. But, if you’re in a bit of a rush, head to Blarney Castle first and leave Cork for later since long lines generally start forming around mid-morning!

Once you get to the top, take in the sweeping views before making your way back down and over to the Blarney Stone.

If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll have to lay flat on the ground on your back and bend over backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone – this is said to bring good luck as it is a tradition that has been going on for centuries.

✔️ Pro Tip : you may want to bring an alcoholic wipe or pad to wipe your mouth off afterwards… hundreds of people kiss that stone every day and in the hours before you, so it’s not exactly sanitary.

8. Cobh – one of the most iconic day trips by train from Dublin!

Ever seen pictures of Ireland in a magazine of multicolored houses descending down a long sidewalk with a majestic cathedral in the background?

Well, that’s Cobh ! It’s about 3 hours and 20 minutes from Dublin by train, so you can try to squeeze it into a day trip from Dublin, or better yet, into a 2-day trip from Dublin.

Cobh is one of the most quintessential places in Ireland and makes for one of the best day trips from Dublin by train. It’s located a mere 30 minute drive southeast of Cork, but provides a completely unique experience compared to other places in Ireland.

Cobh has both modern and traditional Irish parts to it, with some charming streets like the one pictured above to the rustic sidewalks that line the fishing docks.

No matter where you go in Cobh, you’ll be sure to find fresh seafood, colorful buildings, and lively pubs at any time of the day.

9. Cliffs of Moher – easily one of the most popular day trips from Dublin by train!

The Cliffs of Moher are by far one of the most popular day trips from Dublin by train and are included on almost every Ireland itinerary I’ve ever written and seen!

These spectacular cliffs boast steep edges and drops and dramatic views over the Atlantic Ocean. At their highest point, you can stand at over 700 feet (213 meters) while watching the giant waves crash along the rugged coastline below via a stunning cliff walk.

These cliffs are located in County Clare, about 10 minutes south of the popular fishing village of Doolin (also included on this list!) and can be reached via car, bus, train (in around 3.5 hours), or the most popular option is to take a day trip from Dublin.

If you’re traveling with a family, aren’t renting a car, or only have a short amount of time for exploring, I suggest checking out these 7 Top Rated Cliffs of Moher Tours from Dublin ! If you’re interested in day trips, you can also check out any one of these 9 Top-Rated Giant’s Causeway Tours in Ireland .

10. Kinsale

Located in County Cork and forming the beginning of the infamous Wild Atlantic Way , Kinsale is a beautiful town known for its vibrant streets, charming architecture, and shops and pubs galore.

Of the many experiences one can have here, be sure to make a visit to the Desmond Castle . This unique castle was originally built around 1500 and is now home to the International Museum of Wine!

✔️ I can’t think of a better pairing than castles and wine, so this is a win-win in my book.

The Kinsale Museum is another great place to learn about Ireland’s history dating back to the late 16 th century in the center of town, or if you are up for a little bit of walking, there are a few great spots located just outside the town, as well.

All that is left of the coastal fortress, James Fort , dates back to the early 17 th century and offers gorgeous views of Kinsale from across the Archdeacon Duggan Bridge .

Charles Fort is another great spot to witness some ancient Irish ruins for the history buff in your group!

✔️ Kinsale takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach by train, so this may be a lot for the average traveler to do in one day. Instead, opt to visit Kinsale if you have 2 days or more available for your Dublin day trips by train.

11. Doolin – one of my personal favorite day trips from Dublin Ireland by train!

If you have read my other articles about Ireland, you have probably learned by now that Doolin is one of my absolute favorite places in Europe. So, you can probably guess that I’m going to try to convince you to plan one of your day trips by train from Dublin to this quaint fishing village!

But, I have to be honest, Doolin is not home to many major attractions… but, that is what makes it so great! Yes, the Cliffs of Moher are just a mere 10 minute drive away, but most people come for the cliffs then continue on their way.

Doolin is home to one of the best pubs in Ireland, Gus O’Connor’s Pub , which is known for its good food and live music, and the nearby Burren Geopark which forms part of the Cliffs of Moher and offers incredible sights and spectacular views.

But, otherwise, Doolin is just a charming fishing village known for its local pubs, wonderful locals, and traditional Irish culture! It’s reachable from Dublin city centre in just over 4 hours by train making it possible to do in a day, but it’s really best explored in 2-3 days.

If you’re looking for a small-town village feel on your trip to Ireland, Doolin should be at the top of your list!

✔️ Doolin is just over 4 hours from Dublin by train, so this would make for a hefty day of travel. If you have the option, I would recommend staying overnight in Doolin before taking the train back to Dublin the following day.

Situated on the famous Dingle Peninsula, Dingle is one of my favorite places in all of Ireland!

It’s home to dozens of vibrantly colored cottages, scenic outlooks over the Atlantic, and some of the best fish and chips in the country.

While Dingle is a wonderful place for relaxing and strolling through town in search of authentic, Irish-made souvenirs, it’s also a great place for some fun out on the ocean!

You can join a “ seafari “, or sea safari, in search of dolphins, seals, birds native to the area, and more. There are also plenty of opportunities for exploring the harbor on kayaks or taking a boat trip out to the Blasket Islands .

Whether you decide to sit back in an armchair overlooking the harbor from my favorite Dingle accommodation, Pax Guesthouse , in search of the famed Dingle dolphin, Fungie, or you choose to head out onto the water, be sure to include Slea Head drive on your way into or out of town!

It’s one of the most famed roads in all of Ireland and makes this day trip from Dublin extra special.

✔️ You can reach Dingle easily by train, but you’ll be looking at around a 5.5-hour travel time. So, it’s best to only do this if you have a couple of days before you need to return to Dublin, or drive yourself which will only take around 4 hours.

For an intricate look at where to stay in Dingle, read about these 9 Best Dingle Accommodations !

Weekend Trips from Dublin by Train

If you aren’t planning on renting a car in Ireland and want to explore some destinations that may require a little extra planning, check out these amazing destinations below!

Many of them will require 3-5 hours of train travel each way, so I suggest staying overnight before making your return trip to Dublin, if possible.

13. Giant’s Causeway – one of the best two day trip from Dublin by train

The Giant’s Causeway in Bushmills, Northern Ireland is one of the most highly recognized destinations in the country.

This fantastic location boasts thousands and thousands of tall basalt columns that have previously been called the “8th wonder of the world” by tourists and locals alike.

This unique gem is reachable in about 5 hours from Dublin by train, but due to its exotic location on the extreme northern border of the island of Ireland and the need to cross country borders to reach it, you’ll want to plan to have more time at this specific spot.

The area is one of the most scenic in not only Ireland, but also Europe, and is by far one of the best day trips by train from Dublin on this list! It will require several transportation swaps, so it’s best to plan your route in advance.

✔️ Be sure to have personal identification with you… in past years, people typically haven’t been seeing border patrols when arriving in Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland, but there is always a chance. Passports may be required to show if you are wishing to board a ferry or plane.

14. Kylemore Abbey

The famous Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden is a true wonder in Galway, Ireland. This monstrous castle was built in 1920 as a Benedictine monastery overlooking the Pollacapall Lough.

The area boasts beautiful gardens and free walking tours of the property, as well as a stunning, gothic church, a pottery and crafts studio, a restaurant, and even a tea room.

The monastery is often mistaken for a medieval castle owing to its grand size, dominating location, and middle-aged architecture. But, today, the grounds are often flocked by people touring the inside and outside of the building and are beautiful to visit year-round.

Now, I’m going to be honest… this trip is only for the dedicated train enthusiast . The trip takes around 15 hours and will require a train swap at some point, so Kylemore Abbey should be done in a long weekend or preferable longer if you can manage it!

World-famous for its inclusions in movies and books, the region of Kerry on the southwestern edge of Ireland is known for its Ring of Kerry . This ring is nearly 180 kilometers long and offers some of the most stunning views of the Irish coastline anywhere in the country!

If you plan on self-driving any portion of your day trips from Dublin, be sure to combine the Ring of Kerry with the nearby Dingle Peninsula and if you have the time, the town of Killarney and its national park.

This is one of the most scenic areas in Ireland that also offers easy access to great seafood and hospitable people!

You can reach Kerry in under 6 hours by train from Dublin, so you can attempt to squeeze the journey into a weekend, but I would recommend staying 3 nights in Kerry before returning to Dublin, if possible.

16. Connemara National Park – one of the best nature day trips from Dublin by train!

While Connemara National Park can be visited on a day trip from Dublin by train, I highly suggest setting aside at least two days if you can to account for the travel time (about 5.5 hours of train travel each way).

✔️ The journey will also take you many more hours if the high-speed train is booked up owing to numerous stops, so I wouldn’t suggest taking this as just a single day trip from Dublin.

This national park is actually where you’ll find the Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Garden as well as plenty of hiking and sightseeing opportunities.

If you love to hike, Diamond Hill makes for the perfect day hike that provides sweeping views over the Irish countryside and surrounding mountains. It stands around 442 meters (1450 feet) and offers trails of varying difficulties.

The Connemara Loop is also wonderful for walking and hiking around and may even offer you some exciting wildlife spotting opportunities! It’s particularly beautiful in the winter months , when the possibility of seeing snow is at its annual high.

17. Slieve League – among the best day trips from Dublin by public transport system

While many tourists come to Ireland with the ultimate goal of reaching the almighty Cliffs of Moher, there are actually significantly larger and higher cliffs elsewhere in Ireland.

The Slieve League cliffs in northwestern Ireland in County Donegal are among the most impressive in all of Europe. In fact, the Cliffs of Moher only reach about 700 feet, whereas the Slieve League cliffs reach nearly 2,000 feet!

That is over two and a half times the height of the Cliffs of Moher! These mighty cliffs are also just under 6 hours by train from Dublin, so you could easily fit them in on a weekend trip from the city.

Once you’ve acknowledged how large these cliffs actually are, head into Donegal and look for some handcrafted souvenirs made out of the ancient Donegal tweed .

It’s one of Ireland’s most precious resources and has been used for centuries for its warmth and long-lasting qualities.

Half Day Trips from Dublin by Train

I’ve included a list of a few of the best short day trips from Dublin below, some of which may surprise you!

18. Town of Bray – among the best short day trips from Dublin by train

This coastal town is a meager 45 minutes by train outside the city of Dublin (though it can take much longer to get there if you leave during high-traffic hours). Located 30 kilometers southeast of the city, visitors can find a true beach escape perfect for the summer months.

The primary beach in Bray is lined with a beautiful boardwalk and you have the option of visiting a quaint little town with colorful shops and beautiful rolling hills on either side.

Stop in Bray for the afternoon to look for sea glass and get into nature a little or even just to escape the chaos that comes with Dublin!

19. Wicklow Mountains National Park

Located just over an hour south of Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains are one of the most beautiful day trips by train from Dublin that you can take!

They offer incredible opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting, as well as the chance to swim in some beautiful crystal clear lakes.

It is estimated that over one million people visit this national park each year for its remarkable flora and fauna, stunning scenery, and convenient location when coming from Dublin. Reachable in just around 90 minutes by train, there are few better half day trips from Dublin you can take!

20. Belfast – easily one of the best train rides from Dublin

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a true Irish city living up to its name. This city is one of the liveliest in the country, similar to that of Dublin, boasting hundreds of pubs and outdoor cafes all over the place.

Outside of the main city life, you’ll find the Belfast Castle and the unique Ulster Museum which gives visitors insight into over 9,000 years of Irish history. You’ll also be within an hour and a half of the Giant’s Causeway, making this a great day trip from Dublin.

If you’re looking for another place to spend a night out on the town, Belfast surely won’t disappoint. It’s also a mere hour and 40 minutes away from Dublin by car, so you can easily reach this iconic Irish city for a half day trip!

So, is Belfast a day trip from Dublin? Yes, it absolutely can be!

FAQ: Day Trips by Train from Dublin

In this next section, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about taking day trips from Dublin without a car!

Where do Trains Go to from Dublin?

Trains from Dublin can take you to a variety of destinations! You can explore Ireland’s rich history in Kilkenny, soak in the vibrant arts scene in Galway, or embrace the tranquility of the coastal town of Greystones.

If castles pique your interest, then a trip to Malahide Castle is a must. For a quaint village experience, head off to Howth. There’s so much to discover outside of Dublin, all conveniently accessible by train!

What Day Trips Can You Take from Dublin Ireland?

As for day trips from Dublin, you could visit the bustling markets of Cork City, explore the rolling hills of Wicklow, or enjoy a day on the beach at Bray.

You could also take a trip to the mysterious Cliffs of Moher, experience a traditional Irish night out in Kilkenny, or spend an afternoon strolling around Sligo. The possibilities are endless!

Can You Take Day Trips from Dublin?

It is absolutely possible to take day trips from Dublin , whether it be by the Irish rail, car, or a Dublin bus! From day trips on the train to multi-day car journeys, Ireland has something for everyone.

Can You do a Day Trip from Dublin to Cork?

It is definitely possible to do a day trip from Dublin to Cork . The journey does take about 2 and a half to 3 hours each way, but there are plenty of sights along the way and you can make it an enjoyable experience.

Since it will be a long day of travel, it’s usually recommended to spend at least one night in Cork before returning to the Irish capital.

What are the Best Day Trips from Dublin?

Some of the best and most popular day trips from Dublin include Waterford, Cork, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher . You could always stick around Dublin to check out the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Distillery , but that’s not going to take all week…

These places are easily reachable in just a couple hours, so you can make day train trips out of them quite easily… especially if you opt for a guided tour !

But, in our opinion, there are several day trips from Dublin that top our list, though they may be a little bit difficult to do in just one day.

If you have the option of staying overnight in another town, we would highly recommend visiting Adare, Dingle, Doolin, Kilkenny, and Cobh!

How Do I Get to the Irish Countryside from Dublin?

Getting to the Irish countryside from Dublin city centre couldn’t be easier. Whether you rent a car and drive yourself on a self-guided road trip or you jump on a short train ride, you can be in the Irish countryside in no time!

Many of the most popular towns near Dublin such as Drogheda, Kilkenny, and Waterford all have beautiful countryside to explore in addition to their quaint towns.

Pretty much no matter where you go in Ireland outside of the major cities you’re going to find that ideal Irish countryside!

Ireland is an incredible destination year-round with its hospitable locals, traditional folk music, unparalleled scenery, and heartwarming culture. Although, Belfast doesn’t have a famed Aldi like the rest of the Republic of Ireland.

If you are planning your next trip to Ireland and need some advice on what to pack, be sure to check out my ultimate packing list for Ireland before heading to the airport!

Other Helpful Ireland Resources

Dublin Postal Codes & Zip Codes in 2024 (Map & Diagram!) 10 Outstanding Dublin Food Tours for 2024

I hope this guide helps you plan some fantastic day trips by train from Dublin and inspires you to travel outside of this magnificent country’s capital. I can honestly say this is the best way to explore a new country, but especially in Ireland where the locals will take you in like family.

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

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 Dublin

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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10 Best Day Trips from Dublin Ireland (2024)

Planning day trips from Dublin are your express ticket to Ireland’s charm, especially if your time is limited or you just want to use Dublin as a base. Each destination is a snapshot of the country’s beauty within a day’s reach, from Medieval castles to dramatic coastlines, quaint villages to natural wonders.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there are trails to hike, lakes to explore, and coastal cliffs to marvel at. History buffs can travel back in time to medieval castles and heritage sites, while anyone looking for a change of scenery away from the city will find charming villages and breathtaking natural wonders.

Each of these Dublin day trips is a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. So, whether you go on your own, on a bus trip or book day trips by train from Dublin, keep reading to help plan your Dublin itinerary!

1. Cliffs of Moher

This iconic natural wonder also happens to be Ireland’s most visited place! And it’s no wonder…the cliffs are breathtaking. They span for almost 5 miles along the Atlantic coastline, getting as tall as 700 feet high in some places!

Their one-of-a-kind beauty comes from the accordion-like layout of the Cliffs of Moher. The further you walk along the trails stemming off in either direction from the Visitors Center, the more of the cliffs you can see. Depending on your timing, the sun’s rays shimmer off the face of the cliffs.

So, no matter how many days you’re spending in Ireland, visiting the Cliffs of Moher should be at the top of your Ireland itinerary .

How to Get There:

The bad news is the Cliffs of Moher are just over 3 hours by car from Dublin. It’s possible to drive yourself there and back and still have a few hours to enjoy the Cliffs of Moher. The majority of the drive is along highways which makes it a bit easier to manage.

The good news is, that while you can spend a whole day at the Cliffs of Moher if you want to walk the coastal paths between Hags Head or Doolin, most visitors take about 2-3 hours (a morning or an afternoon) to enjoy the cliffs.

This makes it possible to do the round-trip drive and have time for the Cliffs of Moher if you make an early start.

Cliffs of Moher Day Trips from Dublin:

Perhaps even better, there are plenty of options for taking a Cliffs of Moher day trip from Dublin.

This is one of the Dublin day tours on this list that I wholeheartedly recommend. Save your eyes and energy for savoring every angle of the cliffs and the pathways that run alongside them instead of needing to do the round-trip drive on your own.

Plus, as a bonus, most of these tour options include other stops like Galway, Doolin, or the Burren. It’ll be a full day (12-13 hours) but going with a tour will help you maximize the time and see the most possible while in this area.

• This Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey & Galway Day Tour is one of the most-booked day trips to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin. You’ll have 2 hours to explore the Cliffs of Moher and 1 1/2 hours to visit the city of Galway. Along the way, you’ll see places like Kilmacduagh Abbey, Dunguaire Castle, and even a glimpse of the Burren which will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to the moon!
• Another popular option includes this Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge & Galway City tour . You’ll have 2 hours at each, the Cliffs of Moher and in Galway, including a 30-minute guided tour in Galway to learn more about the historic city. In between these two stops, you’ll experience the incredible Burren landscape, including Burren National Park and the region’s ancient monuments and megalithic tombs.

2. Giant’s Causeway and Belfast in Northern Ireland

Like the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns laid out side-by-side along the untamed Atlantic shore are an epic sight together with lush cliffs careening upward just in the background.

Formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago, these geometric formations are the perfect stepping stones to explore the coast after taking in the scenic panoramas from the viewpoints above.

Within an hour of the Giant’s Causeway, Belfast, a city still healing from its troubles, is a city unlike any other in Europe. When you visit, you can’t help but see and feel the palpable scars left from Northern Ireland’s recent dark history. The city is also where the Titanic was built and the Titanic Museum tells the complete story of the ill-fated ship.

Combine all of this with numerous iconic Game of Thrones filming locations and the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle and you have all you need for one of the best day trips from Dublin.

The city of Belfast in Northern Ireland is just under 2 hours from Dublin. The Giant’s Causeway is another hour further north along the island’s northern coastline.

You can drive freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland, although you should always tell your car rental company if you plan to cross a country border. Likewise, there’s not an immigration checkpoint, but it’s wise to have your passport with you should you get stopped and asked for it.

Giant’s Causeway Tour from Dublin

Even though I rented a car for my last trip to Ireland, I spent the last several days in Dublin without a car. I used one of those days to do a Giant’s Causeway tour from Dublin and it was one of the best days of my entire trip.

• This is the Dublin to Giant’s Causeway tour I did which included 2 hours at the Giant’s Causeway and about the same amount of time in Belfast. We also stopped to take photos of Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges from Game of Thrones. I had time to walk along some of the cliff trails at the Giant’s Causeway before heading down to the beach. In Belfast, I was able to nest a 75-minute Black Cab tour into my free time to learn more about the city’s turbulent past.
• This day trip from Dublin is a variation of the tour I did. Instead of using all your free time to visit Belfast city sights, the tour includes entry to the city’s Titanic Museum.

Full Disclosure: When I decided to book the above tour to Belfast and Giant’s Causeway, I wanted to also try to learn more about Belfast’s history. I reached out to one of the companies doing Black Cab Tours in Belfast and explained I would be in the city for a couple of hours but I wasn’t exactly sure of my timing. The day of, I used WhatsApp to update them about my arrival time. I highly recommend doing a Black Cab tour should you find yourself with some time in Belfast. As an alternative, there is this newer tour offering which incorporates a choice between the Titanic Museum and a Black Cab tour for your time in Belfast, without sacrificing time at the Giant’s Causeway. This is likely to be logistically easier than how I booked mine.

3. Glendalough & the Wicklow Mountains

Just beyond Dublin’s city limits to the south, the urban landscape gives way to rolling hills and eventually mountain passes over 1,600 feet high. The serpentine roads cut through the Wicklow Mountains and wind past lakes, estate gardens, hiking trails, and ancient monastic ruins.

There are several fantastic County Wicklow things to do including a visit to the eerily serene Glendalough. This ancient monastic city is an early Christian site that started in the 6th century, though the remaining ruins date back to between the 10th to 12th centuries.

The views overlooking Lough Tay (a.k.a. Guinness Lake) are gorgeous, as are those from the Wicklow Mountain viewing platform. If you’re in search of some of the best gardens in the world (seconded by National Geographic), the Powerscourt Estate Gardens are not to be missed!

County Wicklow and the area’s popular stop, Glendalough, are only a 45-60 minute drive to the south of Dublin. And yet, you’ll feel lightyears away from the city.

The best way to get there is by car. There is some public transportation to the area’s bigger towns like Bray or Wicklow, but it’s impossible to move around the area without a car.

Even if you’re in Ireland for just a few days or you just want one of the best short day trips from Dublin, I highly recommend renting a car and taking a day trip to Ireland’s spectacular Wicklow Mountains.

As an alternative, you can consider a Wicklow Mountains tour from Dublin.

Wicklow and Glendalough Tours from Dublin

• This Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough tour also includes a couple of hours in the medieval town of Kilkenny. With your free time there, you can opt to have lunch at one of the historic pubs or check out the impressive Kilkenny Castle. If you have a few extra moments to spare, St. Canice’s Cathedral is also worth a visit.
• A trip to Ireland would not be complete without spending time with some of the country’s resident sheep! This Wicklow tour from Dublin includes time at Glendalough and in Kilkenny, but also adds a sheepdog demonstration to see how these working dogs herd their sheep.
• If you prefer, instead, to immerse yourself in the breathtaking nature of the Wicklow Mountains, this day tour from Dublin is for you. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Glendalough, as well as choose between a guided nature walk in the mountains or a visit to Powerscourt Estate to see the magnificent gardens.

ProTip: If you do decide to stay in the Kilkenny area as part of your Ireland itinerary, consider a stay at the beautiful Mount Juliet Estate. It’s just 20 minutes from Kilkenny and surrounded by the gorgeous Irish countryside.

4. Blarney Castle & Surrounding Area

If you want to experience Ireland’s magical heritage, Blarney Castle is one popular spot you can’t miss. This medieval gem is nestled in the tiny town of Blarney, 15-20 minutes away from Cork.

The castle has its origins dating back to before 1200 AD. Although it was destroyed in 1446, it was later reconstructed by Cormac MacCarthy, King of Munster, making it not just a stone-and-mortar wonder but a portal to Ireland’s rich past.

The main attraction? The famous Blarney Stone found atop the castle. Legend has it that after kissing the mystical limestone block, you’ll leave the castle with persuasive powers and a way with words.

But a trip to this castle isn’t just about kissing the famous stone, it’s also about the surrounding area. You’ll love the breathtaking views of the lush Irish countryside and you can explore the serene castle grounds and gardens.

Blarney Castle is nestled in the tiny town of Blarney Village, which is 15-20 minutes away from Cork City in southern Ireland.

A drive from Dublin to Cork takes about 3 hours (depending on traffic) along the N8 motorway. Simply follow the signs south for Cork and continue the drive leading to Blarney. Keep in mind that exploring the Blarney Castle and its gardens may take up to 4 hours and the line leading to the Blarney Stone can be long, so consider joining a tour to take the stress out of managing the logistics.

Aside from avoiding long hours of driving back and forth, the tours are even better because you get to enjoy a scenic drive with panoramic views of the Emerald Isle.

Blarney Castle Tour from Dublin

• This Blarney Castle tour from Dublin will take you to Ireland’s top 3 historic gems—the Blarney Castle, Cahir Castle, and the Rock of Cashel. The tour will take a whole day departing Dublin on an air-conditioned bus at 7 in the morning and driving through some of Ireland’s most picturesque roads. And getting to combine a visit to Blarney Castle with the Rock of Cashel is a great way to maximize your time and see both of these popular sights.
• If you prefer to immerse in one of Ireland’s most vibrant cities, this Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin is for you. The tour will take you on a trip to explore the city of Cork at your own pace and shop for traditional foods and fresh produce from the historic English Market. After touring the city, visit Blarney Castle and its gardens.

5. Celtic Boyne Valley

At the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East brings a journey through the country’s rich past and cultural heritage. Located just 30 minutes north of Dublin in the North East of Ireland in County Meath, a trip to Celtic Boyne Valley feels like time traveling with its many ancient sites.

This landscape is steeped in Celtic history and myth and houses the Hill of Tara, a legendary seat of Irish kings. The Neolithic tombs of Loughcrew are also located in this valley, which are 5000 years old.

And if you want to get a glimpse of ancient traditions, a visit to Trim Castle showcases the best preserved Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland from the Middle Ages. Also located in the valley is where St. Fechin founded a Christian monastery in the 7th century.

From Dublin, you can travel north along one of the main motorways out of the city. The drive will take about an hour depending on the site you want to visit first.

Driving through Boyne Valley is easy (just remember to stay on the left!) because the roads are marked with tourist-friendly road signs. The historic sites are only about 30 minutes away from each other.

Celtic Boyne Valley Tour from Dublin

• This Celtic Boyne Valley tour will take you to 5 historic sites: the Neolithic tombs of Loughcrew, Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, and the 7th Century Christian Monastery of Fore Abbey. The tour already includes the admission fees and roundtrip transportation service to visit the sites, and you’ll be joined by an expert guide providing information about each location. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be short hikes to get close to the sites.

6. Newgrange (also in the Celtic Boyne Valley)

Also nestled within the archaeological wonders of Boyne Valley, is the prehistoric monument and UNESCO World Heritage site, Newgrange. This grand passage tomb is dated from around 3200 BC during the Neolithic period making it older than Stonehenge!

It’s a majestic monument with a large circular mound and a long passage leading to a central chamber. During the winter solstice, sunlight illuminates the passage casting light into the heart of the chamber.

Newgrange highlights Neolithic builders’ incredible skills and their ability to connect architecture to celestial events. Guided by experts, you’ll learn all about its religious, astrological, and ceremonial importance.

Make your way to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to reach Newgrange. If you’re driving, it’s approximately a 50-minute journey from Dublin.

For those opting for public transportation, there are various routes to choose from, involving a combination of buses and trains. The most efficient route is to hop on the 100x bus headed to Drogheda Bus Station. Then, transfer to the number 188 bus, which will take you directly to the visitor center.

You can also opt to go with a guide if you don’t want to drive or take the bus.

Newgrange Tour from Dublin

• This Boyne Valley with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne Entry tour includes skip-the-line access to Newgrange Monument and the Bru Na Boinne area, ancient sites dating back over 5,000 years. You’ll also get to visit Monasterboice and the Battle of Boyne where you can learn about the lives of Neolithic settlers and immerse yourself in Celtic traditions.

7. Galway and Connemara

Located on the Atlantic coast of western County Galway is a land boasting the wild beauty of Ireland. Connemara is a mesmerizing region known for its untamed landscapes surrounded by rolling hills, shimmering lakes, sandy bays, and roaming sheep that seem shocked at the mere sight of a human!

It’s the perfect place to explore if you’re looking for an outdoor escapade where you can explore one of the most remote landscapes in Ireland, from Connemara National Park to the Sky Road drive near Clifden.

Along the western edge of the Atlantic coast and the gateway to the Connemara is a vibrant, lively city called Galway in the province of Connacht. This coastal city along Galway Bay will welcome you with its warm hospitality, lively traditional music scene, and artistic spirit.

Its bustling streets are filled with eye-catching, medieval architecture. From quaint shops, eclectic galleries, diverse food scene, and lively pubs, you’ll surely be charmed by Ireland’s coolest city.

From Dublin, the best route to take is the M6 motorway to the N6 national road leading to the city roads into the center of Galway. This drive may take 2 to 3 hours depending on the traffic and stops. To get to Connemara from Galway, take the Clifden Road (N59) which takes more than an hour’s drive.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to use public transportation, the best option is to take the train from Dublin Heuston Station to Galway. The ride will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can also book a bus from Dublin to Galway. Then, connect to the Citylink bus #923 in Galway that passes through Connemara. The Country Shop stop in Letterfrack is just a 15-minute walk to the Visitor’s Center at Connemara National Park.

ProTip: In my opinion, though, both driving and taking public transit can be a lot of hassle because of its distance from Dublin. I did drive through the area but not as a day trip from Dublin but rather while staying in Galway. You can also choose to stay in Galway and then take day trips from Galway instead.

The best option is to opt for a tour offering hassle-free roundtrip transportation service, so you can enjoy the scenic route without being too spent on the travel time.

Dublin to Galway Tour

• This one-day trip from Dublin to Connemara and Galway is a memorable mix of nature trip and city exploration. The first stops are in Connemara where you can appreciate the untouched beauty of nature. Plus, you’ll get to visit the traditional farm and silver mines at Glengowla, as well as see the sheepdogs in action, before heading to the remote landscapes in Ireland. After Connemara, the tour will head back to Galway where you’ll have a couple of hours to explore Galway. You can decide to join a walking tour or venture off on your own to immerse yourself in Galway’s food and music scene. The lively streets of Galway City will surely leave a lasting impression that’ll make you want to come back for more.
• On this day trip from Dublin to Connemara , you’ll pass through the region’s wild landscape through the Inagh Valley and Connemara National Park. Depending on the season you visit, you’ll have the chance to take a boat tour of Killary Harbor or watch sheepdogs doing their work. Afterward, you’ll have a brief photo stop at Kylemore Abbey followed by an hour or so in Galway.

What makes these tours even better is that you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the panoramic views as the tour guide takes you on a scenic road trip through one of Ireland’s most beautiful areas.

8. Connemara with Kylemore Abbey Stop

Aside from the breathtaking views of Connemara’s untamed landscapes, this coastal district also houses serene fishing villages like Leenane and Killary Harbour, the only place in Ireland where you’ll find a real fjord. The views from this area are spectacular!

In addition to its wild beauty and coastal villages, Connemara also holds a historic gem. The stunning Kylemore Abbey is a lakeside 19th-century neo-Gothic mansion that was originally a home before serving as a school and abbey. It’s surrounded by a gorgeous Victorian-walled garden and also has a small church on the grounds, as well.

When you visit Kylemore Abbey, you get to admire its beauty and also learn about the history and romance within its majestic walls.

It’s a 3-hour and 30-minute drive from Dublin to Kylemore Abbey. You’ll use the M4 and M6 highways to route N59 into the Connemara area.

There is Bus Eireann route #419 has service to Kylemore Abbey. However, this route begins at Galway Station so you’d need to get yourself to Galway Station first. needless to say, putting all of these logistics together on your own to get there and back to Dublin in one day is not easy and would need to be perfectly planned.

Another option is going with the group below. You’ll accomplish a visit to Kylemore Abbey, as well as see other spots in Connemara.

Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Day Trip from Dublin

• This Connemara and Kylemore Abbey tour starts by taking the train from Dublin Heuston Station to Galway. From there, you’ll drive through the Inagh Valley and past the Twelve Bens and Maamturks. Stop in pretty Leenane and at Killary Harbour to see the Killary Fjord. Afterwards, make your way to Kylemore Abbey. You’ll have about 2 hours to explore the grounds and have lunch. (If you want to go inside the Abbey, you’ll need to purchase a ticket.) Then, finish the tour by driving the spectacular Sky Road, near Clifden and part of the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll take the train back to Dublin from Galway after a long but very fulfilling day.

While this day trip from Dublin doesn’t include any time to freely explore Galway like the ones above, getting to visit Kylemore Abbey and seeing the sights along Sky Road and the Connemara more than makeup for it!

9. Howth and Malahide Castle

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city without going too far by heading to Howth. This coastal village is located in northeastern County Dublin, just a 25-minute train ride away from Dublin city’s center.

This lively fishing village boasts views of a picturesque harbor and tranquil outdoor adventures. It’s famous for its hiking trails on Howth Head with its paths surrounded by views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains, not to mention Howth Castle.

You’ll also find a coastal trail leading towards Howth Lighthouse that is beloved by both locals walking their dogs and visitors to the area. Howth also has fantastic seafood restaurants and museums for history buffs to visit.

Whether you prefer outdoor activities, exploring museums, savoring delicious meals, or simply enjoying a Guinness in a local pub, Howth has something for you!

A quick and easy way to Howth is by riding the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) from Dublin Connolly to Howth Railway Station. But if you’re near other stops, you can check out this train map to know where you should hop on. Alternatively, you can ride the Dublin-Howth Bus H3 which also takes around 30 minutes as the train.

If you’re driving a car, Howth is just 30 minutes away from Dublin City Center. There is also free parking in Howth at the Howth Harbour Public Car Park.

Howth Day Tours from Dublin

Although Howth is accessible through public transit, you can also visit by joining a tour. Both tours below include transportation services to different spots in Howth with an expert guide.

• If you only have limited time to visit Howth, this half-day tour from Dublin to Howth Village is ideal. You’ll have an hour to experience the Howth Cliff Walk with a guide and the remaining time is dedicated for you to explore the village to immerse in its seaside beauty and lively community.
• This day trip from Dublin to Howth offers more free time in Howth village where you can feast on fresh seafood, see seals swimming in the harbor, and explore the community. Another highlight of this trip is a guided tour inside Malahide Castle to learn about its history.

10. Ring of Kerry Highlights

The Ring of Kerry, a legendary circuit on Ireland’s southwestern coast, is a captivating journey through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. This scenic route, approximately 111 miles long, runs through deep forests and past rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and crashing waters of the Atlantic.

Your journey through the Ring of Kerry will take you to some of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery. From the Macgillicuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, and the world-famous Lakes of Killarney, this road trip will leave you in awe.

Unfortunately, it takes more than 4 hours to reach the Ring of Kerry from Dublin by car, even though the route uses major highways for a straightforward journey leaving Dublin via M50 and N7.

However, the better way to reach the Ring of Kerry on a Dublin day trip is by taking the train from Dublin to Killarney. From Killarney, you can book a tour with a private transfer that’ll take you to the top sights along this gorgeous loop.

The Ring of Kerry is a far distance from Dublin. But for someone with limited time in Ireland who wants to see a few of the top sights and the landscape of the Ring of Kerry, independently going by train or opting for the tour below are good options.

ProTip: If you’re wondering, too, about the Dingle Peninsula , it’s a similar drive from Dublin. However, there’s no train station in Dingle for faster travel. The best day trip from Dublin to this general part of Ireland is the Ring of Kerry tour described below.

Ring of Kerry Tour from Dublin

• This Rail Tour from Dublin to the Ring of Kerry starts at Dublin Heuston station at 7:00 a.m. where you’ll board the InterCity train to Killarney with breakfast available onboard. Upon arrival in Killarney, you’ll explore breathtaking sites like Dingle Bay, Macgillicuddy Reeks, Carrantoohill, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, and the Lakes of Killarney.

Dublin Day Trips: Your Gateway to the Wonders of Ireland

I love adding day trips to my travel itineraries. They are great ways to maximize the time you have and add additional sights and destinations to your itinerary without the hassle of switching accommodations.

Whether you’re into scenic strolls, coastal hikes, castle exploration, or ancient sites, Dublin’s surroundings have it all. These day trips provide a perfect escape from the city, showcasing the natural beauty and heritage that make Ireland so enchanting.

So, what are your questions about these day trips from Dublin?

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4 of the best day trips from Dublin

Apr 15, 2024 • 7 min read

Take time to explore beyond Dublin's city center with these top day trips © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

The richly layered city of Dublin  – full of culture, community spirit and character – has plenty of things to keep you busy and entertained, with even more beyond the capital that's worth seeing on a day out.

Within a 40km (25-mile) radius of Dublin's center you can travel back in time to the neolithic era, visit grand Georgian estates and explore one of the most beautiful valleys in the country, at the foot of which are nestled the ruins of a 6th century monastic settlement. A little closer to the city are some seaside suburbs, including one that is a popular weekend destination for Dubliners looking for a scenic walk and some of the best seafood around.

Here's our guide to the best day trips from Dublin.

1. Get the DART to the seaside village of Howth

Travel time: around 45 minutes

Tidily positioned at the foot of a bulbous peninsula, the pretty port village of Howth (the name rhymes with "both") is a major fishing center, a yachting harbor and one of the most sought-after addresses in town.

It's an easy hop out of the city – the DART drops you right by the harbor, where you can take a stroll among the fishing boats or pop into  Howth Market for a coffee and a snack. But the real appeal comes a little further afield. Walk about 10 minutes along the coast and you'll be at the start of the Howth Cliff Path Walk, a 6km (3.7-mile) loop that takes you over the headland for gorgeous views of the grassy slopes that run down to the sea. If you want to do a proper hike, there are longer routes that lead to the Baily Lighthouse and back over rough, mountainous terrain.

And when you’re done, there are great restaurants where you can try some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere in the city, including  Octopussy’s for seafood tapas,  Aqua for more elegant fare and, if you like your seafood served deconstructed, the superb Mamó , a modern bistro with an excellent value set lunch.

How to get to Howth from Dublin:  Howth is at the northern end of the DART line.

Fancy seeing more of Ireland on foot? Here's our guide to the country's best hiking routes

2. Visit the neolithic passage tombs of Brú na Bóinne

Travel time: 1½ to 2 hours

The vast neolithic necropolis known as Brú na Bóinne (the Boyne Palace) is one of the most extraordinary sites in Europe. A thousand years older than England's Stonehenge, the tombs, burial mounds and passages here are a powerful testament to the mind-boggling achievements of prehistoric humankind.

All visits begin at the superb visitor center, where you can learn the history of the site as well as get a fascinating insight into the times, complete with a little digital razzmatazz. There’s also a reconstruction of Newgrange’s interior passage.

From here, shuttle buses take you to the passage tombs: the most popular tour takes in Knowth and Newgrange. You can’t go into  Knowth , but the tour covers the collection of megalithic art carved into the exterior slabs of stone: keep an eye out for the depictions of the lunar cycle.

The star of the show is  Newgrange , one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. The white quartz walls of the mound are impressive, but that pales in comparison to when you set foot into the passage and make your way to the center. Once there, the guide turns off the lights and a thin shaft of amber light starts to make its way down the tunnel – a simulation of the actual winter solstice ceremony, when on December 21 the whole passageway is illuminated by sunlight piercing its way through the roofbox above the main entrance. Even the simulation is a mystical experience.

How to get to Brú na Bóinne from Dublin:  If you’re driving, Brú na Bóinne is 50km (31 miles) north of Dublin; take exit 9 off the M1 and follow the signs. The easiest way to get there by public transport is to get the train or bus to Drogheda and then hop on the  Local Link 163 (40 minutes; three times daily) which goes from the train station and the Spar opposite the bus station. Alternatively, you can get there by organized tour from Dublin; one of the better options is  Mary Gibbons Tours (€75), which operates full-day tours with plenty of historical knowledge.

3. Walk around the monastic ruins of the beautiful Glendalough

Travel time: around 1 hour

It’s only about an hour south of the city, but  Glendalough feels like a place lost in time. This gorgeous valley (the name Glendalough comes from the Irish, Gleann dá Loch, meaning "Valley of the Two Lakes") is one of the most beautiful corners of the whole country and the epitome of the kind of rugged, romantic Ireland that probably drew you to the island in the first place.

At the heart of it are the ruins of a monastic settlement established by St Kevin around 498 CE. These include a 1000-year-old round tower, a ruined cathedral and the tiny church known as St Kevin's Kitchen.

The substantial remains of this important monastic settlement are certainly impressive, but an added draw is the splendid setting: two dark and mysterious lakes tucked into a long, glacial valley fringed in forest that have some great walking trails and a couple of hikes up the surrounding mountains. It is, despite its immense popularity, a deeply tranquil and spiritual place, and you will have little difficulty in understanding why those solitude-seeking monks came here in the first place.

If you've got your own car, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland is along the Military Rd between Laragh (1.5km/0.9 miles from the car park at Glendalough) and Glencree, on the road to Enniskerry. The road, so-named because it was built in the early 19th century by the British Army, traverses the beautiful Glenmacnass Valley (and a fabulous waterfall) and the Sally Gap, where a slight detour will bring you to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking Lough Tay. Another detour by the Glenmacnass Waterfall car park takes you to a scenic spot over heart-shaped Lough Ouler.

How to get to Glendalough from Dublin:  Glendalough is tucked into the Wicklow Mountains 68km (42 miles) south of the city center. To get there by car, follow the N11 south and take the R755 at Kilmacanogue; the narrow road winds its way through the mountain. A popular alternative is to take the bus:  St Kevins Bus departs from the bus stop on St Stephen's Green North in Dublin at 11:30am, with the latest return bus leaving Glendalough at 4:30pm.

Exploring Ireland by road? Here are the country's best driving routes

4. Pore over the grandeur of the Powerscourt Estate

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Wandering through the exquisite formal gardens of the 64-sq-km (25-sq-mile)  Powerscourt Estate should give you an idea of how extravagantly the 18th-century artistocracy lived – and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside they enjoyed. At the heart of Wicklow’s most visited attraction is a beautiful Palladian mansion, which was designed by Georgian architect Richard Castle between 1730 and 1741.

Most of the 68-bedroom house is not open to the public, but there's a fine cafe and several gift and homewares shops, while the grounds are home to two golf courses, a garden center and the best  hotel in Wicklow. If you’re driving (or part of a tour), about 6km (3.7-miles) south of the house brings you to  Powerscourt Waterfall , the tallest in Ireland and a popular picturesque spot that is best enjoyed after heavy rainfall.

When you’re done in the estate, a short walk down the hill brings you to the village of Enniskerry, which was established for the estate workers but is now a nice spot for a bit of lunch.

How to get to Powerscourt Estate from Dublin:  Powerscourt is off the M11/N11, 27km (17 miles) south of the city center. Get off the N11 at Exit 7 and loop around, rejoining the N11 going northward and take the first exit toward Enniskerry Village.

Dublin Bus No 44 and  Local Link 144 go from the city center to Enniskerry village taking between 45 minutes and 1 hour). From here, the walk to the house should take about 20 minutes (the main entrance to the estate is 0.5km/0.3 miles up the hill from the village). You can also get the 185 bus in Bray, which is on the DART train line.

This article was first published Mar 2, 2016 and updated Apr 15, 2024.

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11 Best Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland (+ Tips!)

I’m going to kick off this guide to the best day trips from Dublin with a piece of advice that may sound a bit strange given the context of this blog post: if you can structure your trip to Ireland so that you avoid taking multiple day tours from Dublin, please do.

Here’s why.

Dublin is a lively and interesting city with plenty of things to do … and lodging in Dublin is significantly more expensive than just about anywhere else on the island.

For that matter, while Dublin is an incredibly fun place to spend a few days, when dreaming of a trip to Ireland, odds are that impossibly green fields, quaint villages, and dramatic cliffs were more at the forefront of your mind than city streets–so get out and enjoy them!

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That being said, there are still plenty of reasons to plan some fun day trips from Dublin: maybe you’re visiting friends who live in the city, coming to town for work, or are taking a brief trip to Dublin and don’t have time to head all the way out of town for a couple of nights.

If so, one of these Dubli,n day trips just might be for you!

Ireland is a fairly small place–the entire island is roughly the size of Indiana–so a surprising percentage of the country is within your grasp on a day tour from Dublin.

However, certain destinations are certainly better options than others: here are some of the best day trips from Dublin!

Table of Contents

Taking Day Trips from Dublin: Self-Drive or Book a Tour?

Day trips within 2.5 hours of dublin, dublin day trips more than 2.5 hours away.

One of the most common questions that pops up when arranging day trips from Dublin is whether to self-drive or book a tour.

T he answer is, that depends entirely on your travel style and on which day trip you are taking !

Some of these Dublin day trips are absolutely best accomplished independently (the Hook Peninsula, for example), while we strongly recommend booking a tour for others (like for visiting the Cliffs of Moher ).

Most can go either way, and it just comes down to personal preference.

I’ve linked very popular, well-reviewed tours to each of the locations below where applicable–feel free to compare prices and inclusions for your group as compared to an independent trip.

If you’d like to self-drive, we use and recommend Discover Cars for renting cars in Ireland!

When making price comparisons, be sure to include the cost of gas, insurance, tolls, entrance tickets, and time in your calculations when deciding which option is best for your trip.

Check rental car prices with Discover Cars now!

Located less than an hour from Dublin, the adorable fishing village of Howth is among the easiest of the top day trips from Dublin–and you can even visit this village in Ireland by train !

While you certainly can book an organized tour here, especially if you’d like to combine a visit to the village with a trip to Malahide Castle , you don’t need to: it’s easy enough to enjoy the beautiful harbor, market, and castle in town.

Of course, the real star of the show in Howth is a bit outside the village itself.

The Howth Cliff Walk and Howth Lighthouse are both absolute stunners, and any Dublin day trip to Howth should absolutely include them !

Book your day trip to Howth + Malahide Castle today!

Kilkenny (+ Cashel)

The adorable town of Kilkenny is everything that a small Irish town should be: it’s colorful, it’s relaxed, it has some stunning churches, and–the cherry on top–it’s home to a fabulous castle.

It’s also the perfect town to combine with Cashel for an epic Dublin day trip.

The Rock of Cashel, perched high on a cliff overlooking the surrounding countryside, is rumored to be the site of the King of Munster’s conversion to Christianity in the fifth century.

In addition, the Rock of Cashel served as the seat of Munster kings long before the Normans arrived in Ireland.

Today, an impressive Celtic art collection is located at the sight, and the views overlooking the nearby countryside are stunning.

While you’re near Cashel, be sure to pay a visit to the stunning Hore Abbey that is just a few minutes away (you can literally see it from the Rock of Cashel, and vice versa).

The ruins of Hore Abbey are not only incredibly beautiful but are also free to visit!

Prefer an organized day tour from Dublin to Kilkenny? This one is extremely popular and visits both Kilkenny and the Wicklow Mountains!

Wicklow Mountains

Want to get out into the countryside on your day tour from Dublin? Head to Wicklow Mountains National Park!

This incredible national park is known as “the Garden of Ireland”–so you can imagine how green it is–and is also home to an early Christian settlement, whose ruins you can tour during your day in the Wicklow Mountains.

Whether you want to hike the day away (don’t forget a raincoat!), explore the area’s history, take a scenic drive, or all of the above, the Wicklow Mountains are a fantastic option for a Dublin day trip.

This well-reviewed day tour from Dubin is perfect for outdoor lovers looking to explore the Wicklow Mountains!

Familiar with Waterford Crystal?

If so, then you’re familiar with the town of Waterford, Ireland–at least in a way.

The beautiful town of Waterford is worth including on any list of the best day trips from Dublin, not only for its lovely harbor and impressive history dating back to the Vikings but for the chance to tour the Waterford Crystal Factory in the home of the company.

Even if you’re not particularly into expensive, sparkly things, the factory is definitely worth visiting: the entire tour completely exceeded our expectations and was incredibly interesting.

(And yes, we walked away with a memorable Irish souvenir : a crystal 4-leaf clover Christmas ornament).

Touring the Waterford Crystal Factory d efinitely qualifies as something unique to do in Ireland!

Grab tickets for the Waterford Crystal Factory tour now!

Hill of Tara

If you’re interested in the far reaches of Irish history, a day trip to the Hill of Tara might be the right option for you.

The hill, and the structures on it, have long played a significant role in Irish history–the oldest visible monument is a burial mound that dates to 3,000 BCE!

Fast forward a few thousand years, and the Hill of Tara played a role as the inauguration site of the Kings of Tara during the Iron Age and Early Christian Period, before the hill was eventually abandoned as an inauguration site in the 11th century.

Book your day trip to the Hill of Tara and beyond from Dublin today!

Hook Peninsula

The Hook Peninsula, located in County Wexford, may not be the best-known of these day trips from Dublin, but it is one of our favorite places in Ireland and absolutely deserves to be included.

If you’re looking for a bit of an independent, offbeat day trip that you won’t run into many crowds of foreigners on, this is the trip for you.

The Hook Peninsula is home to some incredibly interesting (and photogenic!) places, including the Hook Lighthouse, Tintern Abbey, the John F. Kennedy Arboretum, and the theoretically haunted Loftus Hall.

Said to be the most haunted building in Ireland, Loftus Hall is worth visiting for both the historical stories, the interactive and well-done ghost tales, and–surprisingly–the home’s staircase, which is a stunning creation of which only three like it exist on the planet.

The first of these staircases is in the Pope’s residence in Vatican City . The second is at the bottom of the ocean with the Titanic. And the third is right here in Ireland’s Ancient East.

While most of the day trips from Dublin outlined here take place in the Republic of Ireland, Belfast breaks the mold.

As the capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast is packed with interesting sights, including plenty of (recent) history surrounding The Troubles–and any trip to Dublin should absolutely include some time exploring that history, including at the Peace Walls that physically divide sections of the city.

However, The Troubles shouldn’t be the only thing you focus on exploring in Belfast: be sure to make time to explore the history of the Titanic, which was built here, as well as Belfast Castle, St. George’s Market, and Belfast City Hall.

Book your day trip to Belfast today!

Set where the River Corrib spills into the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland, lively and colorful Galway is an excellent day trip opportunity if you want to compare Dublin to an entirely different Irish city.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Galway during a day of exploring: check out the Spanish Arches, while an afternoon away in 18th-century Eyre Square, stroll down beautiful Shop Street, take in some traditional Irish music in one of Galway’s many celebrated pubs, or even hit the water on a boat tour.

This extremely popular day trip from Dublin covers both Galway and the Cliffs of Moher!

I’ve intentionally separated these three day tours from Dublin, Ireland–which are easily among the most popular in the country–from the rest to drive home the point that these make for extremely long, tiring days, and are best accomplished via a booked tour.

I’m not saying not to go (trust me, I deeply understand the desire to see dream destinations whenever the opportunity presents itself, even if the opportunity is not perfect), but think carefully before going, and strongly consider an organized tour.

That way, hassles like driving directions, opening and closing times, ticket purchasing, stopping for lunch, etc, are all handled for you, ensuring that your trip is as stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus all of your energy on the magnificent scenery!

Cliffs of Moher

Probably the most famous tourist destination in all of Ireland (and absolutely one of the most popular day trips in Dublin, despite the logistical challenges), the Cliffs of Moher live up to the hype: the cliffs truly are incredibly gorgeous, and a visit here is bound to satisfy anyone looking for stunning views in Ireland.

However, the Cliffs of Moher are also located more than 3 hours each way from Dublin, and visiting them requires more travel time than any of the other day trips from Dublin on this list.

That doesn’t mean not to go, but it does mean to be prepared for a very, very long day–though if you’ve long dreamed of seeing the Cliffs of Moher in person, we doubt you’ll mind the effort much once you’re standing on the edge of Ireland and looking out across the Atlantic Ocean.

This day trip to the Cliffs of Moher is one of the most popular in Ireland and is extremely well-reviewed. If you don’t want to spend as long at the cliffs themselves, this one also includes time in Galway!

Giant’s Causeway + Causeway Coast

Next to the Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway–the beach made up of 40,000 basalt columns in Northern Ireland–is likely the best-known tourist attraction on the entire island of Ireland.

Add in the fact that Giant’s Causeway is conveniently located practically next door to plenty of other highlights like the Carrick-a-Rede bridge and more than its fair share of Game of Thrones filming locations, and it’s easy to see why a trip up to the Causeway Coast is among the top day trips from Dublin.

Located 3 hours from Dublin, though, this day trip isn’t one to take on lightly–luckily, if you’re up to the long day, experts have pulled together some incredibly popular tours that cover plenty of different interests: this one is perfect for Game of Thrones fans like us, and this one includes a trip to Belfast!

Plan your day trip to the Causeway Coast today! Book your Game of Thrones tour or general tour including Belfast , both of which include a stop at Giant’s Causeway!

Blarney Castle + Cork

Always wanted to kiss the stone at medieval Blarney Castle and receive “the gift of the gab”? 

If 3 hours each way doesn’t seem like too much of a price to pay, you can do so on one of the most popular day trips from Dublin!

This popular day tour includes not only a tour of Blarney Castle, which is among the most popular castles to visit in all of Ireland, but also a chance to visit the stunning English Market in Cork–a spot your taste buds will certainly thank you for visiting–and a stop at the Rock of Cashel.

Book your day trip to Blarney Castle today!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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This helped us so much! We’re going on a trip to Ireland for Christmas this year and your blog has all the answers we needed!

So glad to hear that! Hope you guys have a great Christmas in Ireland!

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The 10 best day trips from dublin, ireland.

After multiple trips to Ireland, where I skipped over Dublin in favor of my favorite city, Galway, I’ve since returned to Dublin and have fallen in love with Ireland’s capital city. Aside from having a wide variety of fun things to do within the city, Dublin makes an excellent base for exploring the rest of Ireland, especially when you’re short on time. I find it easy to plan day trips from Dublin as Ireland is a small country, so many places on your Ireland bucket list are just a few hours away. 

Of course, that’s coming from someone who lives in California and has driven 8 hours without leaving the state!

Some Dublin day trips on this list will take half a day, while others will be an entire day. While many places on this list deserve more than a day, I’ve done my best only to include day trips that are reasonable to do in a day. I define reasonable as taking 2.5 hours max, one way to get to where you’re going.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking.

Ireland travel resources

• Book your flight to Ireland with Skyscanner
• Get reliable travel insurance with World Nomads
• Find awesome accommodation with booking.com or Hostelworld
• Check out this awesome Galway Food Tour
• Must haves for your trip to Ireland: my favorite waterproof booties, this power bank to stay connected, and a reusable water bottle

Getting Around and Out of Dublin

Before we get into planning your day trips from Dublin, let’s go over how to get around Dublin itself and Ireland as a whole.

Getting to Dublin City Center from the Airport

The first thing you’ll need to do is get from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Center . This is very straightforward! You can take a bus or a taxi.

Getting to Dublin By Bus

The bus is the cheapest way to get to Dublin City Center from the Airport. Once you clear customs and gather your luggage, follow signs for buses, specifically the Dublin Express . You can purchase your ticket online or from the person working at the kiosk.

Simply tell them your destination, and they’ll tell you the closest bus stop. They may not know your exact accommodation, so have a general idea of where you need to get in the city, and they’ll get you there.

A single ticket costs €9, and a return costs €11.

Getting to Dublin By Taxi

If you prefer to take a taxi directly to your accommodation, follow the signs for taxi ranks outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The taxi will cost between €25 and €30 and take approximately 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Walking in Dublin

Dublin is very compact, and many of the city’s main attractions are a quick walk from your accommodation. It’s also a very flat city, so you won’t have hills or steep staircases, which surprised me about Edinburgh . There are also plenty of public transportation options in Dublin.

The LUAS is Dublin’s tram system, which has two lines: the Red Line and the Green Line. The two lines intersect in the city center and extend further out. The Red Line has stops for the Dublin Heuston and Dublin Connoly train stations, which will help you reach many of these day trip destinations.

Renting a Car in Dublin

If you’re doing an Ireland road trip, I recommend picking up your rental car upon arrival, heading straight onto your road trip, and spending time in Dublin on the back end of your adventure. Alternatively, you can spend a few days exploring the best things to do in Dublin and then return to the airport to get your rental car and head out on your road trip.

Long story short, I only recommend driving in Dublin if you’re used to driving on the opposite side of the road, in a city with many pedestrians, and have a place to park your car.

Getting Out of Dublin to the Rest of Ireland

Ireland by bus.

Traveling around Ireland by bus is an easy and inexpensive way to see the country. Multiple bus companies have direct routes between Dublin and popular destinations like Galway, Cork, Belfast, and beyond. Local buses can then take you to smaller towns.

Although bus travel is cheaper than renting a car, it may require more planning. You must ensure your itinerary makes sense for the bus routes and timetables.

I’ve traveled extensively by bus in Ireland, visiting towns like Doolin, Dingle, Kinsale, Clifden, and Westport. I also hopped on the back half of a guided tour when I realized there was no convenient bus route to my next destination. With a bit of patience and creativity, buses are a great way to get around Ireland.

The bus journeys have always been safe and comfortable. Plus, many have Wi-Fi on board if you need to connect, although I usually use the rides to catch up on sleep. The bus drivers are also typically helpful when you need to know the closest stop to your destination.

Check out CityLink for transport between major hub cities, and then use Bus Eireann to help get you to smaller towns.

Ireland by Train

Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail provides train service throughout the Republic of Ireland, while Translink serves Northern Ireland. Although slightly more expensive than the bus services, trains may be the fastest way to get where you want to go!

Irish Rail also operates DART, the commuter train system in Dublin. Using DART, you can get to beautiful places like Howth, Bray, and Malahide within 30 minutes to an hour. The train ride to Bray is breathtaking.

Irish Rail also connects major cities with stops in between. I could take the train from Westport back to Dublin and found it very simple. I also liked that I could change my ticket easily on their website (which I had to do multiple times as I was sick with COVID). 

I also took the train from Cork to Cobh and found navigating it straightforward.

Irish Rail’s network covers Belfast, Galway, Sligo, Waterford, Mayo and more. 

You should buy your train tickets in advance, as they sell out and prices increase closer to the departure date.

Ireland by Tour

Another way to see Ireland is with group tours. While I don’t recommend having your entire trip be a guided tour, a guided day tour to a place you want to see that may be too difficult to get to on public transport is a great way to see Ireland, learn more about its history, and meet new people!

Group tours are the pricier option, but it’s worth it to maximize your time in Ireland.

I’ve done a few group tours throughout Ireland, and one of the best day tours I did from Dublin was to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains.

Highly recommended tour companies include Wild Rover Tours ,  Love Irish Tours , and Rabbie’s .

Best Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland

Now that you’ve got a better understanding of how to navigate around the Emerald Isle let’s get into some of the best day trips from Dublin! I will start with Dublin day trips that are easy to reach on public transport. As the post continues, the trips will get further from Dublin and require more planning.

Ready? Let’s go!

Day Trip from Dublin: Howth

Howth might be the most popular Dublin day trip as it’s only 15km north of Dublin city.

Howth is a charming fishing village with stunning landscapes, delicious seafood, and a rich history. 

Start your day in Howth with the unforgettable Howth Cliff Walk . This walk takes you from the train station, through the harbor, and up along the rugged cliffs. Walk the trail all the way to the lighthouse for a great view. 

When you’re done hiking, return to town to explore Howth Castle and Gardens. It is currently a private residence, but you can wander the castle gardens. 

Before you return to Dublin, stop into any seafood restaurant in the harbor for a late lunch or early dinner. You can’t go wrong with any of them!

Getting to Howth from Dublin

The best way to get to Howth from Dublin is on DART. It’s a short 30-minute train journey. You can purchase your ticket and hop on the train at any Dublin station. The Howth train station is also incredibly cute and worthy of a photo. 

Alternatively, you can take Dublin Bus H3 from Busaras bus station to Howth Harbor. The ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes.

A return ticket on DART costs €5 and a bus ticket is about the same.

Interested in a guided tour to Howth that includes a ferry trip around Ireland’s Eye? Book it here !

Day Trip from Dublin: Malahide

Another easy day trip to add to your Dublin itinerary is Malahide, a coastal town located about 15km north of Dublin city center. 

When you disembark the train, walk to Malahide Castle, a medieval castle surrounded by 260 acres of green space. Tours of the Castle last about 45 minutes, and you can spend as long as you’d like doing a self-guided garden tour. Alternatively, you can skip the castle tour and only do the gardens, which I did after being burned out from castles in Scotland. 

I recommend stopping into the visitor center cafe for a sandwich and snacks, which you can enjoy in the garden (especially on a sunny day!).

When you’re done at the Castle, return to Malahide village, where there are great cafes, shops, and pubs. Similar to Howth, there is a harbor but no cliff walk. However, it is a lovely walk along the coast with views of Dublin Bay and a small beach.

Getting to Malahide from Dublin

Hop on DART for Malahide from any of Dublin’s train stations! It takes about 35 minutes to reach the village. Unfortunately, this journey does not take you along the coast, but it brings you to the heart of Malahide quickly and easily!

You can purchase your tickets on the day of. A one-way fare is about €6.

Day Trip from Dublin: Bray

The charming seaside town of Bray holds a special place in my heart. It was my first-day trip from Dublin on my first solo trip to Ireland in 2015! The journey to Bray from Dublin is part of this adventure as the train hugs the rugged Irish coast, offering stunning views.

The highlight of Bray is the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk . However, upon researching this post, I learned it may be closed due to landslides. If it’s not, it is definitely a must-do. If it is closed, you can hike to Bray Head for panoramic views of Dublin Bay.

If you can complete the walk to Greystones, then hop on DART to return to Bray for lunch or return to Dublin. 

Getting to Bray from Dublin

Bray is another simple and easy DART ride from Dublin. This journey will take a bit longer, about 45-50 minutes, but it’s so worth it!

You can purchase your return ticket the day of, which will cost about €6.

Day Trip from Dublin: Powerscourt Estate and Gardens

Nestled in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains is the luxurious Powerscourt Mansion , which features exquisite gardens and a waterfall. Dating back to the 13th century, it is considered one of the grandest estates in Ireland. Visitors can tour the rooms or enjoy a meal at the Avoca cafe.

The real gem of this day tour, however, is Powerscourt Gardens. National Geographic named Powerscourt Gardens the third finest garden in the world- quite the claim to fame! Spend a few hours checking out the Japanese garden, the blooms of the Walled Gardens, and Triton Lake.

Ireland’s highest waterfall is the Powerscourt Waterfall. However, it’s 6km away from the estate. The best way to see the waterfall is by car. 

Getting to Powerscourt from Dublin

Consider combining your day trip to Bray with an afternoon at Powerscourt Gardens. From Dublin, take DART to Bray. When you’re done in Bray, take the 185 bus to Enniskerry.

Alternatively, if you’re coming straight from Dublin, take bus 44 to Enniskerry.

From Enniskerry, it’s about a 20-minute walk (some of which is uphill) to the estate. 

This would also be a solid guided day trip from Dublin. Many Wicklow day trips include a stop at Powerscourt. Check out this one if you’re interested.

Interested in a guided tour to Powerscourt Gardens? Book it here !

Day Trip from Dublin: Dun Laoghaire

Dun Laoghaire is a lovely day out from Dublin. Start your day with a walk along Dun Laoghaire Pier and then grab a coffee or meal at Happy Out Cafe or Bibi’s Cafe. 

Continue your stroll through People’s Park , which has well-maintained gardens, a tearoom, and a great Farmer’s Market every Sunday.

Sea swimming is a popular pastime in Dun Laoghaire, as you can see from the Victorian Bathhouse that was recently revitalized. You can also swim near Sandymount.

Check out the free Joyce Tower Museum to learn more about Ireland’s rich literary history. The tower is the setting for the opening of Joyce’s Ulysses.

Getting to Dun Laoghaire from Dublin

Hop on DART for the 35-minute train ride to Dun Laoghaire. The Dun Laoghaire train station is right in the center of town!

A return way ticket costs €5. 

Day Trip from Dublin: Wicklow

Wicklow is often called the Garden of Ireland due to its lush forests, lakes, and rolling hills. As such, hikers love exploring County Wicklow to hike Sugarloaf Mountain, the Wicklow Way, or other trails in Wicklow National Park. 

If you’re not much for hiking, don’t worry; Glendalough, home to one of Ireland’s most important monastic cities, is well worth visiting. The city contains the ruins of the monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, including the impressive round tower. 

Also in the area is Powerscourt Gardens, which I mentioned before!

You could easily spend more than a day exploring all there is to do in the Wicklow mountains.

Getting to Wicklow from Dublin

A day trip from Dublin to Wicklow is best accomplished with a car or group tour. It is about an hour’s drive.

I took this group tour from Dublin to Wicklow , and I absolutely loved it. We saw Glendalough, the Powerscourt Gardens, and the PS I Love Your Bridge. Plus, I learned more about Irish history along the way than if I’d tried to DIY it. 

Alternatively, a private bus company, St. Kevins , will take you from Dublin to the Glendalough visitor center. Many popular hiking trails begin near the visitor center, and you can reach the monastic sites and Upper and Lower Lake on foot. The bus ride takes about 1.5 hours and has two daily departures from St. Stephen’s Green. A return ticket costs €20. If you choose this option, consider staying the night, so you’re not rushed for time!

Interested in a guided tour to Wicklow National Park, Glendalough, and Powerscourt – this is the ONE! Book it here !

Day Trip from Dublin: Newgrange and the Hill of Tara

Located in County Meath in the heart of Boyne Valley is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Newgrange. Newgrange is a 5,000-year-old passage tomb (older than the Egyptian Pyramids) with neolithic carvings. Each year, the winter solstice illuminates the inner sanctum. 

From Newgrange, continue your journey to the nearby Hill of Tara, an ancient ceremonial and political center that served as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland. Explore the lush landscape with ancient monuments, including the iconic Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny). The Hill of Tara offers panoramic views of the countryside and connects you with the myths and legends that have shaped Irish identity for centuries.

Getting to Newgrange from Dublin

The easiest way to get to Newgrange and the Hill of Tara is by car or group tour. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Dublin. 

There are multiple guided tours from Dublin to this important archaeological site. Book it here !

Day Trip from Dublin: Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a charming medieval town with highlights that include a castle, Smithwick’s Brewery, and narrow streets filled with shops, pubs, and cafes. 

When you arrive in Kilkenny, head to the Castle for a self-guided tour of the rooms. Then, explore the castle grounds, which include a garden and a large lawn. 

Afterward, head into town on the Medieval Mile, which connects the Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral and round tower. You can climb the round tower for awesome views of the surrounding area.

For lunch or dinner, head to Kyteler’s Inn on Kieran Street. One of Kilkenny’s oldest pubs, it is associated with witch stories and hauntings. However, it is currently a lively pub with great food. 

When you’re done exploring the narrow cobblestone streets of Kilkenny, popping into anything that piques your interest, head back to Dublin.

Getting to Kilkenny from Dublin

Kilkenny is easy to reach from Dublin by train, bus, or car. However, I recommend taking the train or bus. Each will take approximately 2 hours to reach Kilkenny. I just tried checking the train price, and no tickets are available online for a week from today. The Dublin Bus is likely the better option!

Interested in a guided tour? This one combines Kilkenny with the Wicklow mountains. Book it here !

Day Trip from Dublin: Galway & Cliffs of Moher

Galway and the Cliffs of Moher are right on the cusp of the time cut-off for a Dublin day trip. Galway is my favorite place in Ireland, and you should definitely spend more than one day there. With more than one day, you could take day trips from Galway to the Aran Islands or explore more of the Wild Atlantic Way.

However, you can see a lot of Galway city center in a day. Wander down the pedestrian-friendly Shop Street, lined with shops, pubs, and restaurants. Shop Street will also be filled with buskers if you’d like to pop into one of my favorite Galway pubs for a pint and live music.

If you have time, one of my favorite things to do in Galway is walking the Salthill Prom to the Blackrock Diving Tower. It’s a great spot for sunset. Then, stroll back to the city center through the West End.

Getting to Galway from Dublin

Direct buses and trains leave Dublin for Galway multiple times daily. The trip takes roughly 2.5 hours. A return bus ticket costs about €25, and a train ticket costs about €30.

If you’d like to see the Cliffs of Moher while you’re in Galway, doing a group tour from Dublin is best. It would be quite the feat to do both on public transit in a day because it takes about 2.5 hours to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway . 

I recommend this group tour that includes Galway, the Burren, and the Cliffs of Moher! Book it here !

Day Trip from Dublin: Northern Ireland

Another Dublin day trip that makes the list is Northern Ireland, just 2.5 hours away. Northern Ireland deserves way more than just 24 hours, but you can still see quite a bit in that time frame. 

In Belfast, you can take a black cab tour to see the famous murals, understand what they mean, and learn about The Troubles. Beyond Belfast city, you can explore the unique Giant’s Causeway or see Game of Thrones filming locations like the Dark Hedges. 

Getting to Northern Ireland from Dublin

A car will give you the most flexibility and opportunity to see the most in Northern Ireland. The drive from Dublin is roughly 2.5 hours.

The Dublin Express connects Dublin to Belfast. It picks up from the airport and Dublin city center. The cost is about €20-25, depending on when you purchase the tickets and your departure time. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance online.

Alternatively, a direct train from Dublin Connoly to Belfast takes 2 hours and costs approximately €30. 

If you don’t have a car and would like to see more of Northern Ireland than Belfast, I recommend this awesome group tour, which includes Belfast, The Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and other highlights.  Book it here !

Ireland is a relatively small country, so you can cross many places off your bucket list with these Dublin day tours. I hope this post inspires you to see as much of Ireland as possible with careful planning and creativity. Let me know if you have any questions about planning your itinerary.

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Europe Tours & Trips from Dublin

Find your perfect adventure! We have 231 tours of Europe that start in Dublin, Ireland. The most popular month is August, and tour lengths range between 1 and 29 days.

231 Europe tour packages from Dublin with 7,084 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days)

"Andrew was a very informative and thoughtful guide. It was a fascinating trip" Charlie, traveled in April 2023

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days)

"The great knowledge of all the history and culture made everyone feel so welcome." SANTOS, traveled in April 2024

Exploring Dublin, United Kingdom and Paris

"Everything promised was delivered. We went to many beautiful pieces and met many beautiful people." Vicki, traveled in September 2023

10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

"The itinerary proved to be excellent, but a lot of the credit for the success of the tour has to go to Finn." James, traveled in August 2023

Ireland, the United Kingdom and Paris

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland

"It was fast paced, and I was able to see a lot of Ireland and Scotland's highlights from the countryside's to the cities and villages." Ethel, traveled in July 2022

• Sightseeing

Best of Ireland (10 Days)

"I absolutely loved everything about this trip. Totally worth every penny." Karolyn, traveled in September 2023

7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour

"We had multiple activities each day so we experienced a lot in just one week" Mary, traveled in September 2023

10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

"Great value for your money and a beautiful, friendly country that slows down to smell the roses." Vicky, traveled in September 2023

• €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

9 nights Ireland, Scotland & Northern lights

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

"Wonderful tour and guides. I will defenately recommend them and use them again." Rosvita, traveled in July 2023

13 Day Full Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

"It is 'authentically' Irish experience. The places visited were great. I would highly recommend the tour." Karin, traveled in April 2024

5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin

"Rabbi Tours knows what it is doing. We took this tour because we had such an excellent experience with Rabbi on its'' Scotland tour." Joel, traveled in October 2023

Irish Explorer

"Everyone was so nice and Dermet gave us a lot of background." Karen, traveled in September 2023

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Shamrock Royal

"I very much enjoyed all the places we visited. I would not hesitate to advise others to try your tours as well." Rossana, traveled in June 2022

What people love about Europe Tours from Dublin

Our guide Michelle was excellent. The city sightseeing tours on the bus were a waste of time. Our local tour guide in Edinburgh was awful. Why the laughing through most of her talking? Very irritating. The Fish & Chips dinner in the local dumpy restaurant was the worst meal of the trip. Otherwise just what we expected.

Greg and Arther did and excellent job above and beyond great knowledge of all the history and culture made everyone feel so welcome

We had an amazing time on her trip. Everything promised was delivered. Thing that we didn’t know was that we would be transferring to different groups. Initially this was confusing, but I do have to say that all the transitions were very smooth. We went to many beautiful pieces and met many beautiful people. generally are gods more helpful and even caring. I would recommend this tour.

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10 Excellent Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Dublin, Ireland

Paraphrasing a line from a popular song, Dublin is not Ireland. Yes, it’s stunning and adorable, but the Emerald Isle is much bigger and culturally diverse than its capital. On the bright side, you can explore most of the island in a few day trips and weekend getaways that start in Dublin.

Last updated: January 20, 2023

Ireland is made for adventures and road trips. Everything in this country screams for your attention. While you enjoy famous pubs and bustling streets of the capital, ancient ruins, stunning cliffs, picturesque hills and pastures allure you to explore Ireland’s countryside over the course of a few day trips or weekend getaways that start in Dublin.

Like the majority of visitors of the island, I stayed in Dublin and planned a few day adventures to different regions of the country. Direct international flights, great food and accommodation options, plenty of things to do and see – there is no better place to start your Ireland trip .

But the main reason that prompted me to stay in the capital was a wide range of opportunities to explore most of the Emerald Isle during a few days trips from the city. As a solo traveler, I couldn’t say no to this. Now using my experiences and recommendations by some locals I met in Ireland, I’ve compiled the list of the best day trips and weekend getaways from Dublin.

THE 10 BEST DAY TRIPS AND WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM DUBLIN TO ADD TO YOUR IRELAND ITINERARY

Located about 2.5 hours from Dublin, Galway is one of the best day trips and weekend getaways to immerse in traditional Irish folk music. Moreover, the place unveils secrets behind Irish craic, letting you experience famous pub culture and festivals of the country. And where there is a pub, there is alway   traditional dancing and music. No wonder, the city is known as the Cultural Heart of Ireland .

Buskers along with a rainbow of colors in Galway’s Latin Quarters further define the unique and entertaining nature of the city. At the same time, The Long Walk , a row of colorful houses facing Galway Bay, welcomes you to experience a quieter side of the city.

How to Visit: You can visit Galway on a day trip from Dublin by bus or train. Many guided tours combine a trip to Galway with other Irish attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher.

TIP: Yet if you have enough time, be sure to take two separate day trips from Dublin and explore these places individually. Each of them needs more than one hour you will otherwise get on a full-day guided tour from the capital of Ireland.

2. The Cliffs of Moher and Doolin

The Cliffs of Moher is one of the mandatory day trips from Dublin for nature lovers. The famous landmark on the west coast of the country lets you experience gorgeous, yet proud and temperamental Ireland. Strong winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean never once let you forget how powerful and forceful nature can be.

And yet, the stunning surroundings along with its scenic hiking trails dare to challenge you and inspire to take one of the most unforgettable day trips you ever go on from Dublin.

During their adventures at the Cliffs of Moher, the roadtrippers often visit Doolin . Famous for its colorful houses, authentic pubs, and green pastures surrounding it, the village adds a rural vibe to your day trips from Dublin.

How to Visit: As with Galway, many tourist offices offer full-day trips from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher with a quick stop for lunch in Doolin. Public transport isn’t the best option to get here as there are no direct busses or trains. Due to required transfers, such day trips from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher can take up to 5 hours as opposed to 3 hours by car.

If you’re interested in guided excursions, here are some of the tours I took or considered taking while exploring Ireland.

3. Day Trips to the Burren

Many guided day trips from Dublin to the west coast also include a drive through the Burren , a unique lunar-like landscape of barren grey limestone. If the weather is favorable, your tour guide may let you get out of the bus for a quick 10-15-minute walk in the area.

TIP: A short stop is definitely not enough for one of the most beautiful and diverse in plants and animals places in Ireland. Thus, renting a car allows for the more fulfilling day trips or even weekend getaways from Dublin to see the natural wonders of the Burren.

4. Glendalough and Laragh

With just a little bit over one hour drive away, Glendalough is one of the closest day trips from Dublin. This glacier valley in County Wicklow entices with an Early Medieval monastic settlement and two picturesque lakes nearby.

How to Visit: Direct busses from Dublin reach the place in a little bit over one hour. Half- and full-day tours are also available.

TIP: But if you want to make this visit one of your best day trips from Dublin, be sure to get a car. There are ample other places to see in County Wicklow, such as the village of Laragh, Poulanass Waterfall , and Powerscourt Waterfall.

5. The Wicklow Mountains

You can certainly combine a drive through the Wicklow Mountains with your visit to Glendalough. However, if you’re aching for more impactful travel experiences, devote a full day for your trip from Dublin to the mountains. On the other hand, with such epic hikes as the Wicklow Way and the St. Kevin’s Way , even a weekend may not be enough.

6. Day Trips from Dublin to Belfast

Northern Ireland needs at least a few long day trips or weekend getaways from Dublin to present its natural and cultural highlights. While it’s technically a different country, you can still travel here if you have a UK visa or a passport that allows you to do it freely.

The best place to start your day trips from Dublin through Northern Ireland is undoubtably Belfast. Known for its history and troubled past, the city has grown to a popular weekend destination with bustling farmer’s markets and award-winning restaurants. The most popular attraction still remains Titanic Belfast . The ill-fated ship was built in Belfast in 1911-1912, after all.

7. The Giant’s Causeway

Another beautiful destination in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is regarded by the Irish as the 8th Wonder of the World. With about 40,000 stone pillars cutting out of the cliff faces, it’s quite an attraction to see during one of your long day trips.

8. Day Trips from Dublin to Baltinglass

The travelers rarely spend the whole day in Baltinglass , often combining it with other day-trip destinations. Do whatever it feels right to you. Yet apart from its famous 12th-century Baltinglass Abbey , the place boasts other historical buildings and ancient ruins that can occupy your entire day.

TIP: Moreover, its convenient location (the place can be reached by public transportation or car) makes Baltinglass one of the easiest and most underrated trips from Dublin.

County Kerry is the longest day trip from the capital of Ireland. Again, a rental or your own car helps you cover this distance in the fastest and most time efficient manner.

But leaving all these logistic matters behind, the place astounds with its remarkable scenery, sandy beaches, and rugged coastline. Furthermore, you can hit all the highlights of the area on the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer (111-mile) scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula.

10. Short Day Trips from Dublin to Keadeen Mountain Farm s

Two things define Ireland: the awe-inspiring landscapes and green pastures spread across rolling hills of the island. While farming is one of the most profitable fields of economy, it’s also a significant part of Irish culture .

Irish farmers, recognizing their important role in the cultural heritage and looking for ways to make extra money, open their doors for the short day excursions from Dublin. So for example, it takes a few hours to visit Keadeen Mountain Farms , meet its animal residents, and learn about production and benefits of hemp seeds.

TIP: Be sure to ask for a private tour in advance or join one of a few guided day tours.

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Best Day Trips From Dublin

By: Author Jessica A. Colley

Ancient cultures, wildlife, outdoor adventure … pick a Dubli n day trip category and enjoy. While Ireland’s capital city has enough to keep visitors engaged for weeks, it can be illuminating to get outside the city center and see exactly what the picturesque countryside is so famous for. So pack a day pack, explore a cute little town, go for hike , or simply get lost. That is what Ireland is all about!

During the years I lived in Dublin, I took many day trips, some of them spectacular and all of them inspiring. Here are five of my favorite day trips outside the city, all of which have lured me back for at least a 2 nd round of exploration.

During any trip to Ireland visitors are sure to discover that this is an island with well established links to prehistoric times and deep, long-ago traditions. Visiting Newgrange , a prehistoric monument in County Meath about an hour’s drive north of Dublin, solidifies this idea even further. Upon arrival at Newgrange, it is hard to wrap your head around the idea that this monument was built in 3200 BC.

When I first boarded the small shuttle from the welcome center to the ancient site, I couldn’t believe I was about to set my eyes on something over 5000 years old. Even more impressive is the fact that this monument reveals just how clever and advanced people were at the time.

The ancient burial mound has two striking features. The first is spirals carved into rock at the monument’s entrance. The second is the incredible fact that the chamber was built with such precision that on the winter solstice the room fills with brilliant light at sunrise. During your tour, you will witness a reenactment of this phenomenon.

Some people may take the position that   Belfast is beyond a day trip from Dublin, but I quickly realized during my time in Ireland that this isn’t true. There are a number of trains each day that run directly between Dublin and Belfast, and it is more than feasible to catch an early morning train and in just under two hours, be in Belfast for a day of exploring.

Whenever I travel to a new destination, my favorite way to get oriented is to simply stroll, eat, drink, and soak in the surroundings. Upon arriving in Belfast for the first time, I put away my map and wandered around the historic, cobbled cathedral quarter. I stopped for a pot of tea in one of the oldest pubs, and leisurely read the newspaper. To gain a bird’s eye view of the city, I took an elevator to the top of the Victoria Square Shopping Center.

A quick day trip can serve as an introduction to Belfast and to Northern Ireland and whet your appetite for an extended visit. Once back on the train, it will be almost impossible not to compare and contrast Belfast with the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin.

>>Check out these Game of Thrones Tours from Belfast

Powerscourt Estate

Not all day trips from Dublin require a train journey. The Powerscourt Estate, a 30-minute drive south of Dublin in County Wicklow, is a great option for a local day trip. Here visitors will get a glimpse of the lush, green countryside that Ireland is renowned for.

The Powerscourt Estate is home to several attractions. There’s the Powerscourt Waterfall, a 400-foot waterfall that is an ideal background for an afternoon picnic. For golf enthusiasts, there are two award-winning courses, both with incredible views of the nearby Sugar Loaf Mountain. The Powerscourt Gardens are another lovely place to admire the views of the Sugar Loaf. And you won’t want to miss the great little café, Avoca, for tea and sandwiches after working up an appetite.

If you’re interested in an overnight daytrip from Dublin, the Powerscourt Estate is also home to the five-star Ritz Carlton Powerscourt . Here you can dine in a Gordon Ramsay Restaurant, indulge in the spa, or hit the hotel-guest-only hiking trail to encounter some of the local wildlife.

Sugar Loaf Mountain

After a few days in the city, sometimes I’m itching to get outdoors. One of the best options for an invigorating hike outside of Dublin is the Sugar Loaf Mountain. It is possible to reach the top in about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your pace. Most of the climb is more of a walk on an incline, with the final ascent requiring a bit of finesse over rocks.

Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with incredible 360-degree views. There are the ancient stone fences and grazing sheep below. And the Bay of Dublin unfolds like a map in front of you, with the city of Dublin in the center of a C shaped bay. On a sunny, clear day, there is almost no better view of Dublin than you will find at the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Pack a picnic in advance and you won’t feel compelled to rush back down to refuel.

Glendalough

Glendalough is another fascinating day-trip from Dublin. This 6 th century monastic settlement is known not only for its medieval ruins, but also for its beautiful setting. After exploring the monuments and learning about this historic destination, your trip to this site in County Wicklow won’t be complete until you take full advantage of this perfect place for a scenic walk.

There’s a reason that monks in the 6 th century chose this location to build a settlement, and you will discover why when strolling around the idyllic walking trails and two lakes. Be sure to stop at the information office and pick up a map to help you pick a trail for your stroll. Trails vary in difficulty and length, but all are rewarding when it comes to views.

Simple Day Trips

Not all day trips outside of Dublin require an entire day. Some of the best day trips consist of simple explorations of outlying neighborhoods or villages. The DART train, or commuter train, is a great way to spend a few hours exploring beyond the city center. Board the DART train for Howth to take a walk along the village’s pier and watch seals playfully swim around the harbor.

Other options include boarding the DART train in the southern direction for Dun Laoghaire, another coastal village with a pier that jets out into the Irish Sea.

Choosing day trips will depend on the weather, your energy level, and your interests. Once you venture beyond the center of Dublin you are sure to discover, as I did, that there is always one more reason to return to this delightful  city.

Written by Jessica Colley for EuropeUpClose.com

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Home » Europe » Ireland » 12 Amazing Day Trips From Dublin Ireland

12 Amazing Day Trips From Dublin Ireland

Dublin is a lively city with an almost unending list of incredible things to do and see. There are heaps of unforgettable attractions, historic sites, stunning castles, ancient churches and lively old pubs. It’s easy to fall for this city’s rustic and raucous charms.

But as they say, when in Ireland, visit the green fields, quaint villages and dramatic cliffs. Okay, we’re saying this, not ‘they’ but I’m pretty confident you’ll agree once you see what the rest of the Emerald Isle has to offer.

Ireland is home to some of the most picturesque places in Europe, it’s only fair that you drag yourself out of the pub for at least a few days on your trip and take the time to explore the stunning coastline and hilltops of the Island of Ireland.

Being a compact country it’s easy to see some of the highlights of Ireland in just a day trip from Dublin city centre. Take some unforgettable adventures to dramatic soaring cliffs, rugged and rolling green countryside, fascinating and sometimes challenging cities. There are the 12 best day trips from Dublin.

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Half-day Trips From Dublin

Full-day trips from dublin, final thoughts.

Staying in Dublin is an awesome choice. There are loads of places to stay – whether you choose a hostel, hostel or cosy Dublin B&B .

Let’s be honest, Ireland’s weather is pretty unpredictable all year round, but that’s what makes it so famously green! It can be sunny and cloudless one minute and an absolute downpour and blowing a gale the next. But never fear, because in Ireland you’ve got to learn to dance in the rain. Just be sure you pack a raincoat, some boots and an umbrella and you can take on anything Ireland has to offer

Thankfully even if you’re only in Dublin for a weekend , there’s plenty of half day trips to take if you want to get out of the city once you’ve done all the epic things to do in Dublin first!

Howth and Malahide Castle

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This is a classic half-day trip from Dublin and here you get a two-for-one deal! The historic 12th century Malahide Castle and the seaside village of Howth. Being just under an hour from Dublin, this trip is an ideal quick getaway from the city especially if you’ve got limited time to explore beyond the capital and want to see one of Ireland ‘ s best castles .

Built by Lord Talbot, a knight of King Henry II, the medieval Malahide Castle has been home to generations of the Talbot family until 1975. The castle grounds are bloody huge! You can visit the private gardens, which are a wonderful botanical haven, especially in the spring. On the other hand, the Butterfly House, the only one of its kind in Ireland, has a colourful collection of butterflies that will make your heart flutter! (Flutter – Get it! I’ll let myself out!) 

Hop on a short and scenic drive from Malahide to the coastal village of Howth. The dramatic ruins of the medieval abbey and defence towers of Howth date back to the times of Napoleon. Explore the incredible Howth Castle, which is still home to the descendants of the St Lawrence family to have held the land since the Norman Invasion of 1180.

How to get there: 30 min ride. From Dublin, take a bus or DART train to Malahide. The castle is approximately a 10-min walk from the village.

With a Dublin City Pass , you can experience the best of Dublin at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Loughcrew Cairns

Ireland is full of mystery, fables and enchanting tales of Celtic myths. One of the most fascinating of these to visit is just out of Dublin. The Hills of the Witch, also known as the Loughcrew Cairns, are a group of ancient passage tombs from 3000 BC. Yes, they’re that old, an estimated 5,200 years! Who doesn’t love exploring mysterious prehistoric sites with captivating histories?

Loughcrew Cairns is one of the most important Neolithic cemeteries in Ireland. Located near Oldcastle (an appropriate name!), it’s a group of thirty tombs that sits over a range of rolling hills. These tombs lie under huge “cairns” – great mounds of earth and stones. Some of the tombs have rare megalithic art and pagan carvings in them.

The highlight of Loughcrew is Cairn T, which is one of the largest and best-preserved tombs. It’s a marvel of early engineering and years of studying the sky by ancient humans. The cairn aligns with the rising sun on the spring and autumn equinoxes. 

Be sure to check out the Hag’s Chair – a stone throne on the north of Cairn T. It’s customary to sit here to make a wish. Will you have the luck of the Irish with your wish?

How to get there: 1 ½ hour drive from Dublin.

Suggested Trip: Celtic Boyne Valley Tour  

If you’re spending several days in Dublin , it’s always a good idea to go on a day trip or two out of the city to visit some of the other incredible places around the country. If you think you’ve fallen in love with Ireland whilst sipping Guinness and singing along with the lively locals.

Well, just wait until you get out and see the lush green mountain sides, craggy cliff sides, quaint villages and characterful cities. There might be plenty of amazing places to visit in Ireland , but there’s even more outside the city limits!

Looking for a pleasant day away from the busy streets of the capital city? The peaceful and photogenic Kilkenny should be on top of your list! This medieval town offers a glimpse into quaint old Ireland, The Ireland you dream of before making this trip. It’s for that reason it ranks as one of our favourite day trips from Dublin.

Kilkenny is steeped in historical charm. The city is home to one of the most recognisable and important landmarks across Ireland, Kilkenny Castle. Dating back to the 12 th century, this grand old castle and its sprawling grounds offer a wondrous step back in time. As you explore the fascinating Norman structure and its surrounding acres of rolling parkland you can’t help but be mesmerised. 

Also pay a visit to the Cathedral of St. Canice, an impressive medieval church with beautiful and vibrant stained glass. The narrow and winding streets of the old town are lined with shops selling books, gifts, jewellery and some of Ireland’s best local crafts, glasswork and pottery. There are a number of wonderful local cafes and pubs; do check out Petronella , which holds storytelling events and offers classic Irish food with a twist or two.

How to get there: 1 ½ hour ride. From Dublin, take a train to Kilkenny.

Suggested Trip: Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Trip

Cliffs of Moher

The towering Cliffs of Moher that tower over the rugged and craggy coastline of the West Coast of Ireland are the county’s most popular natural attraction. It’s easy to see why so many flock to this stunning location where the power of nature can be overwhelming. 

The Cliffs of Moher are truly gorgeous. The views over the Atlantic Ocean will take your breath away from the soaring 214m cliffside. If the weather is good then you’ll have some staggering views from the top of O’Brian Tower and might be able to spot the Aran Islands to the north.

A stroll along the Doolin Cliff Walk with the invigorating spray of the cool sea air, the wild Atlantic wind blowing in your hair, is a truly magical way to experience this wondrous place. Its sheer beauty is one of the reasons that The Cliffs of Moher is our top favourite day trip in Dublin, especially if you have a love of the outdoors. 

Reaching the Cliffs of Moher is a logistical challenge and time-consuming since it’s around three hours away from Dublin. It’s better to travel with a guided tour group.

If you’re really keen to get away in nature and do some inner healing, then you might want to consider a yoga retreat in Ireland .

Suggested Trip: Cliffs of Moher and Galway Day Trip or  Cliffs of Moher Full Day Trip

A day trip from Dublin to Belfast is sure to give you a different look at the island of Ireland. This fascinating city contrasts sharply with the touristy and polished version of this land portrayed in Dublin. You’ll have lots of amazing things to see and do in Belfast .

The city has long been in the shadow of “The Troubles” and visiting the imposing murals that split the city between Loyalists and Unionists is a must. Don’t be intimidated, here you will find welcoming faces willing to tell their history and stories of what it means to be Northern Irish. 

Another show of the hardworking nature of the people of Belfast is a visit to the birthplace of the Titanic. It’s from here that the ship set sail on its fateful maiden voyage. Spend some time exploring the city’s Titanic Quarter, where the famous ship started its journey. At Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum, explore and learn the story and legacy of the iconic ship. 

Start your day at St. George’s Market with a classic Northern Irish breakfast like the Belfast Bap. Browse through the market’s crafts and antiques’ stalls and be sure to pay a visit to the copper-domed City Hall and St. Anne’s Cathedral. There’s plenty of great B&B’s in Belfast too if you fancy staying a little longer to explore.

How to get there: 2 ½ hour ride. From Dublin, take a bus or train to Belfast.

Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones

Fans of Game of Thrones gather around because we’re ready to see some of the most stunning filming locations from the iconic TV series. The Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland is one of the most striking coastal routes in the country and has an endless amount of rugged and beautiful spots to visit.

The Giant’s Causeway is an incredible landscape of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created from an ancient volcanic eruption. This UNESCO Heritage Site is awash with legends of its formation: Finn the mythical Irish giant built the stepping stones that run from the foot of the cliffs into the sea.

Located on top of the cliffs is Dunluce Castle, the perfect location for the Greyjoys’ Pyke of Game of Thrones fame. Another iconic location is the Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees, to be set as the King’s Road. Along the Causeway coast, there are several other locations, like the ports of Westeros and Mellisandre’s caves.

Closeby is the hair raising Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, dare you cross this 250-year-old rope bridge over the crashing waves below.

How to get there: 3 hours ride. From Dublin, rent a car and drive, or take a guided tour package.

Suggested Trip: Giant’s Causeway and Thrones or Full Day Game of Thrones Tour

Galway & Connemara

Craving for the taste and feel of the real Ireland? How about Galway, known as the most Irish city in Ireland. Immerse yourself in authentic Celtic culture through the music, people and history of Galway. Treat yourself to Galway’s lively pub and food culture to get a real sense of the life and soul of the city. 

The city isn’t just lively, but beautiful too. With its characteristic and charming rows of colourful houses, a busy wharf and beautiful natural scenery, it’s one of the best day trips from Dublin. The old city centre has several historical attractions, such as the 16 th century Spanish Arch, the Galway Cathedral, Eyre Square and the Hall of Red Earl site.

Connemara is a breathtaking and must-visit district in Galway. If you’re looking for Irish culture then this is the place to come. Many people here speak Gaelic and Irish dancing is popular. The Connemara National Park also offers gorgeous scenery, from mountains to lakes and ancient bogs. With so much to see and do around Galway , why not stay a day or two here. This centrally located hotel is ideal, with its Irish breakfast and elegant architecture.

How to get there: 2 ½ hour ride. From Dublin, take a bus or train to Galway

Cork is a youthful and cosmopolitan city with a colourful and dynamic vibe. Better known as the foodie capital of Ireland, Cork’s narrow streets are packed with vibrant pubs, cafes, shops, restaurants and hip galleries. Oh and a haunted city Gaol too! So lots to keep you busy in Cork !

Cork is a city with the aura of a town, compact and easy-going with hospitable locals and countless snug pubs with top quality live music. With a wry sense of humour and a unique charm, you’ll be sure to fall in love with this delightful city. Start at the lively English Market. Try from a variety of culinary delights, from local cheeses to handmade chocolate, to fresh seafood. 

The city has an old-world charm with its Georgia avenues and alleys, the 16 th century Blackrock Castle with its towering views and St Anne’s Church where you can ring the bells yourself! This contrasts with the modern and contemporary feel of Cork, evidenced by the fact you can mosh at a gig in a converted church no less!

How to get there: 2 ½ hour ride. From Dublin, take a train to Cork.

Suggested Trip: Dublin to Cork City

Rock of Cashel

One of Ireland’s most iconic locations, the Rock of Cashel is a spectacular collection of medieval buildings. Set on a prominent, lush green hill, this historic site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. A visit to the Rock of Cashel is a fascinating and fulfilling day trip from Dublin and offers a comprehensive experience of the history of Ireland.

The word “Cashel” means fortress or castle. Also known as “Cashel of the Kings”, it was once a military base for the conquerors of the region. It’s even been visited by royalty over the years too!

The site includes a grand 13 th century Gothic Cathedral, a Circular Tower and a beautiful and poignant Irish Celtic Cross. The 12 th century Romanesque Chapel of Cormac, also on the site, has exquisitely carved doorways and some of Ireland’s oldest frescoes.

How to get there: Up to 2-hour ride. From Dublin, take a bus or train to Rock of Cashel.

Blarney Castle

Ever found yourself at a loss for words? Here’s your chance to overcome it: kiss the stone at the top of Blarney Castle’s tower and gain the gift of eloquence! Kissing the Blarney Stone is a tradition dating back over 200 years and the site has become known for this quirky tradition. 

For many visitors, leaning back over the hole in the battlements and joining millions of previous pilgrims before, is the highlight of their holiday to Ireland . 

Blarney Castle itself is a fascinating medieval castle set in beautifully serene gardens. Take a tranquil walk through the grounds and visit the Poison Garden, which has a collection of deadly plants from all over the world. And check out Blarney Woollen Mills at the castle, a 19 th -century mill, now a centre of Irish weaving and knitting.

How to get there: 2 ½ hour ride. From Dublin, take a train to Cork. Then take a 20 min bus ride to Blarney.

Wicklow National Park

Ireland’s largest national park, the Wicklow Mountains is a delight for outdoor lovers in search of the clean and invigorating air of the Irish countryside. Even before you arrive, the scenic drive, passing through the green landscape and spectacular scenery of the region gets you in the mood for adventure. 

The Park is covered in lush forests, mirror lakes and imposing mountains. With a number of good hiking and walking trails you best pack your boots and be ready to explore this rugged and untamed landscape. There’s plenty of opportunities for other outdoor activities too such as horse-riding and mountain biking. 

There’s plenty of history to explore here too. The beautiful manicured Powerscourt Gardens with its delightful Pepperpot tower, ornate Italian fountains and Japanese pagoda will be sure to capture the imagination. Scenes from Braveheart were even filmed here and it’s a favourite place for royals to visit when in Ireland.

How to get there: 1 ½ hours ride. From Dublin, take a bus to Glendalough. Then take a taxi to Wicklow.

Suggested Trip: Day Tour of Wicklow National Park

Glendalough

Known as “The Garden of Ireland”, Wicklow showcases some of Ireland’s iconic shades of emerald. The awe-inspiring Sally Gap, where lakes and lands meet, is the starting point of your unforgettable trip to Glendalough. 

Nestled within the Wicklow Mountains is Glendalough, also known as the “Valley of Two Lakes”. The serine twin glacial lakes set in the tranquil valley is the epitome of the romance of the rugged Irish countryside. It has to be one of the most beautiful sights in the country. 

It’s not just nature to explore here, the historic area is also home to a 6th century Monastic City. The ruins are a mysterious and eerie place to wander and step back in time to a bygone era. 

On the way back take the drive back through Sally Gap road for some picture-perfect views, sunset is particularly impressive from here.   If you’re looking to extend your stay in this region, check out this convenient and cosy accommodation with great mountain views.

How to get there: 1 ½ hours ride. From Dublin, take St. Kevin’s Bus to Glendalough.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Don’t Forget your Dublin Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Ireland is a treasure trove of natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. Dublin, the buzzing capital city , offers a great base to explore almost all that the country has to offer. Dublin’s efficient rail service makes it easy to plan almost all these day trips from Dublin, though some are better done as organised day tours or car rental. There’s so much to see in Dublin and around, so what are you waiting for!?

Travel Tips

• Ireland’s weather is unpredictable. Always keep an umbrella or rain jacket handy and some walking boots . Make sure you pack well for Ireland!
• Seasons are unpredictable too. It could be sunny at one moment and cold at the next. Pack layers .
• Keep both Pounds and Euros as the currency changes in Northern Ireland.
• The best months to visit for weather are July and August, but these are during the peak season. 
• If you want to avoid crowds and high prices, visit during the shoulder months – April to June or September to November.
• Look to your RIGHT when crossing roads. Ireland drives to the left!

Sophie Steinebach

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6 Easy Day Trips from Dublin by Train

Day trips from Dublin by train are an easy way to discover Ireland without the hassle and anxiety of driving in a foreign country. In 2.5 hours or less, you can comfortably reach by train different parts of Ireland for a day trip full of discoveries.

The Irish train network is not as extensive as some other European countries, but reaching major tourist destinations such as Belfast, Galway, Waterford or Kilkenny is rather trouble-free and straightforward. 

Whether you decide to head north, south or west for your day trip from Dublin by train, make sure to catch one of the first departures in the morning to make the most of your time there. Don’t forget to book your train ticket early online for the best price, as same-day tickets at the train station can be more expensive. For closer destinations on the DART line like Howth and Bray, tickets are purchased at the station, just before boarding.

Disclaimer This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

Top Resources to Plan Your Visit to Dublin

• Getting There |  Try Skyscanner to help you find the best flight deals. Reliable and affordable, my favourite airlines are Aer Lingus and Air France though. For travellers from the UK or France, you can also sail to Dublin with Irish Ferries .
• Where to Stay | I always check booking.com for the best deals on accommodation, and read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor . For more advice, this guide to the best neighbourhoods to stay in Dublin will help you narrow down your search for your hotel.
• Getting Around | Book your bus journey from Dublin Airport to the city centre with Dublin Express or AirCoach . The free Dublin Bus app will help you navigate the city’s bus network if needed. For train journeys outside Dublin, book online with Irish Rail .
• Planning | Lonely Planet Ireland is great to have. For an extensive list of things to see in Dublin, I recommend getting The Rough Guide to Ireland . For more options, check out this curated selection of the best Ireland travel guide books to help you plan a successful trip.

6 Easy Day Trips from Dublin by Train | Map

Discover Belfast’s Vibrant Atmosphere on a Day Trip from Dublin

There is a lot to see and do in Belfast , so much so that you might want to extend your stay and spend an extra day in the city. I even have a full itinerary ready for you, if you decide to spend 48 hours in Belfast . Nevertheless, with a journey time just above 2 hours, catching an early train will give you plenty of time to have a good look around the city in just one day.

The city highlights include the Titanic Museum , located just a 15-minute walk from the train station. Visitors from all over the world come to Belfast to discover the cutting edge engineering behind the Titanic and understand why it went so wrong. The recollection of the passengers’ last moments on board is especially heart-wrenching. Be warned, though, a visit to the Titanic Museum could easily take you 3 hours if you are not careful with your time. Plus, booking ahead is advised.

On a dry day (even sunny, if you’re lucky), you can walk to the Queen’s Quarter , on the south end of the city centre. This leafy part of Belfast is home to the striking, 19th century Lanyon Building of Queen’s University. The neighbouring botanic garden harbours a stunning Victorian glasshouse filled with lush vegetation and a colourful rose garden. The free Ulster Museum is also just around the corner.

In the city centre, Victoria Square is where all the action takes place if you are in Belfast to shop. You will find hundreds of outlets within this vast shopping centre, but also along the adjoining streets. If you seek to know more about Belfast’s history, sign up for a free guided tour of the City Hall nearby for a visit of its grand interiors. 

The Cathedral Quarter is another highlight. This part of the city is filled with restaurants and bars that come to life in the evening time. During the day, it is a quiet, street art, open air gallery with vivid murals to be found all around the neighbourhood.   

Departure: Connolly Station, Dublin Arrival: Lanyon Place Station, Belfast Time: around 2 hours, train is direct to Belfast Departures are roughly every 2 hours.

Dive into Waterford’s Rich History with a Trip to the Viking City

Known as “Ireland’s oldest city”, Waterford has witnessed quite a few dramatic events since its foundation by the Vikings in 914. Among them, a marriage that would seal the fate of Ireland for centuries to come, and a failed siege by Cromwell. With a journey time of just a little more than 2 hours from Dublin, Waterford will thrill those with a taste for Irish history.

With just one day in Waterford, I would advise spending most of your time in the oldest and more interesting part of town, called the Viking Triangle . Here you’ll climb the impressive Reginald’s Tower , a medieval tower dating back to the Viking period now home to an exhibition retracing Waterford’s Viking past.

Just around the corner, Waterford’s Medieval Museum is a real find. Its striking, modern architecture hides a museum filled with priceless and unique artefacts from medieval times, including 15th century cloth-of-gold vestments. A guided tour is a must to understand what happened in Waterford centuries ago that changed the course of Irish history forever. 

Among the best things to do in Waterford , the Bishop Palace next door from the museum is another heritage site that can’t be missed. The Georgian townhouse was the house of the Anglican bishop. Its richly decorated interiors are like stepping back for a moment into 18th century Ireland.

A stone throw away, you’ll find the Waterford Crystal Factory . From the exquisite chandeliers in Dublin Castle to international sport awards, the crystal produced in Waterford has put the city on the world map. A guided tour of its facilities will open your eyes to the skilled craftsmanship needed to create such high-quality pieces.

Departure: Heuston Station, Dublin Arrival: Plunkett Station, Waterford Time: around 2 hours, train is direct to Waterford Departures vary from 1 to every 2 hours.

You might also be interested in: – 20 Best Things to Do on the East Coast of Ireland, From North to South – Unique Things to Do in Carlingford, Ireland + Top Tips to Visit – 7 Great Things to Do in the Boyne Valley, Ireland’s Historic Heart – A 3-Day Epic Wicklow Road Trip Itinerary

Spend a Day in Medieval Kilkenny, Ireland’s Best Heritage Town

An important centre of power ever since the 12th-century Anglo-Norman conquest of Ireland, Kilkenny has all the potential to become one of your day trips from Dublin by train: a sumptuous castle, a medieval cathedral, a round tower and more. This charming heritage town is only 1.5 hour from Dublin and will charm you with its bustling streets and narrow lanes dating from medieval times.

Kilkenny’s must-see is its castle . A former 13th-century fortress built by the powerful William Marshall, the castle was sold to the Butler family at the end of the 14th century. Later transformed into a lavish Victorian residence with an open view over the park, this historical place is best explored with a tour guide to really understand its significance.

Built around the same period, St. Canice’s Cathedral is an architectural jewel not to be missed. It is famous for its superb 14th-century stained-glass windows, and equally remarkable 17th-century tomb effigies representing Butlers’ family members. Right beside the cathedral, a round tower , built by monks in the 9th century to seek refuge from Viking raids, is still standing and open to the public. A succession of steep ladders will get you to a viewing platform at the top!

From the castle and the cathedral, Kilkenny Medieval Mile hides more historical treasures and stories, including the first recorded trial of a woman for witchcraft. What could be best to discover them all than a guided tour by Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile Museum! There are so many great things to do in Kilkenny that one day might not just be enough!

Departure: Heuston Station, Dublin Arrival: MacDonagh Station, Kilkenny Time: around 1.5 hour, train is direct to Kilkenny Departures varies from 1 to every 3 hours .

Head West for a Day in Galway and Discover its Captivating Heritage

A day trip to Galway from Dublin has only one downside: catching the very first train at 7 in the morning. With a journey time of 2.5 hours, you’ll be in Galway just in time for a late breakfast before heading out for a day of exploration.

Galway’s compact city centre means that you can visit the historic city on foot in just a few hours. I even put together this self-guided walking tour of Galway to help you figure out where to find the main attractions, including the 16th century Spanish Arch , the contemporary Galway Cathedral and the Gothic Quadrangle , Galway University’s original building.

Galway’s history goes back to medieval times and naturally, the medieval heart of the city, also called the Latin Quarter , is where you will spend most of your time. It is the liveliest part of Galway, its cobbled streets filled with colourful pubs, craft boutiques selling the famous Claddagh ring and Aran jumpers, cafés and restaurants. At the bottom of the Latin Quarter, Galway Museum hosts free exhibitions about Irish history and culture worth your time.

If you want to learn more about the history of Galway and hear interesting anecdotes, I recommend signing up for a guided tour with an experienced professional. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry a rain jacket with you, the Galway sky being infamously unpredictable.

Departure: Heuston Station, Dublin Arrival: Ceannt Station, Galway Time: around 2.5 hours, train is direct to Galway Departures varies from 1 to every 2 hours .

Spend a Day Out and About in Howth, a Picturesque Fishing Village on the Outskirts of Dublin

Howth is a charming fishing village just north of Dublin, popular with city dwellers seeking to escape Dublin’s hustle and bustle for a day. Accessible in just 30 minutes by the DART, Dublin’s coastal train line, Howth makes for one of the easiest day trips from Dublin by train with frequent departures all day long. It is also a great destination to enjoy some food al fresco and breathtaking coastal views.

Upon arrival in Howth, visitors are welcome by a popular food market just outside the train station (weekends only). Don’t miss the delicious cupcakes there! Reputable seafood restaurants can also be found along the harbour if you are looking for a lunch with a view. Outside seating fills up fast during summer days.

People visit Howth for the village’s incredible sea views . And a short walk along the pier to Howth lighthouse, one of the prettiest lighthouses in Dublin , gives you exactly that. You can decide to take it easy and admire the view from the pier, or head to the nearby cliffs if you are feeling more adventurous.

A walk around Howth Peninsula, also called Howth Head, guarantees unforgettable memories. The 10-km loop walk around the headland takes you on an adventure along wild cliffs with great views over the rugged coastline. Mid-way through the walk, the Baily Lighthouse appears, proudly standing on its rocky outcrop surrounded by the sea on three sides. Walking shoes are advised as the path is uneven and narrow.

Departure: Pearse Street Station, Tara Street Station or Connolly Station, Dublin Arrival: Howth Station Time: around 30 minutes, the train is direct Departures are every 20 minutes.

Take a Walk from Bray to Greystones for Incredible Coastal Views

Bray and Greystones are two seaside towns at the very end of the DART line, south of Dublin, in county Wicklow. The train will take you to your destination in 45 minutes only. With scenic views over Dublin Bay to enjoy along the way, make sure to grab a window seat. Rather inexpensive, the DART is a great way to visit Dublin on a budget . 

Get off the DART in Bray. The sleepy coastal town used to be a holiday hotspot before low-cost airlines democratised air travel to warmer destinations. The town still comes alive at the weekend as Dubliners descend upon the seafront for some chill time along the long promenade stretching parallel to the large pebble beach .

As you head south along the promenade, you soon find yourself climbing up towards Bray Head. That’s where the popular 8-km cliff walk from Bray to Greystones starts. The path leads to a breathtaking panorama over the Irish Sea. Though called a “cliff walk”, the path is secure and the risk of falling into the sea is pretty limited. Stick to the path though and wear suitable walking shoes.

You will reach Greystones in under two hours. The town, formerly a fishing village, has undergone some important redevelopment in recent years with the creation of a brand-new marina. Its main street has never been so dynamic with a great range of restaurants and cafés perfect to rest your feet and recharge after your walk. You can also head to the beach if you fancy a swim! 

To get back to Dublin city centre, jump back on the DART in Greystones.

Departure: Pearse Street Station, Tara Street Station or Connolly Station, Dublin Arrival: Bray Station Time: around 45 minutes, the train is direct Departures are every 10 minutes.

If you are planning to spend several days in the Irish capital, day trips from Dublin by train are great and easy ways to discover other sides of Ireland. You might have to get up early to catch the first train, but your effort will pay off. If your time in Dublin is limited, you can also take shorter day trips to the outskirts of the city. More amazing places to visit around Dublin , reachable by bus, await.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.   If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

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14 Top-Rated Day Trips from Dublin

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Apr 15, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

For a country as jam-packed with attractions and things to do as Ireland, visitors are often surprised at how easy it is to hit most of them. Drive a few hours in any direction from Dublin and you'll be able to reach most of Ireland's top tourist attractions in a single day.

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.

Getting around couldn't be easier. The main rail service in Ireland is Irish Rail , which will take travelers almost anywhere they want to go. If you're doing quick trips within Dublin proper or to a nearby suburb, DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is the most convenient. It's the electric rail system that runs along the coast from Malahide or Howth down to Greystones in County Wicklow.

Dublin has many different coach bus services, including, but not limited to Bus Eireann , Aircoach , Dublin Coach . Because tourism to Ireland is so high, the country also has an abundance of package day tours that leave from Dublin. All of these options make it easy to arrange these trips without needing to rent a car.

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 offshore are home to thousands of seabirds.

By Car: Because the Cliffs of Moher are quite far from a rail station and it requires also taking a bus, it's easiest to do this day trip by car or on a guided tour. Drive time from Dublin is about three hours .

By Tour: Going on a guided tour will allow you to see many of Ireland's other west coast attractions. 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. Doolin is one of the most charming towns in Ireland.

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 going on your own, you can take the bus from Dublin to Glendalough aboard the (aptly named) Glendalough Bus . The bus will pick you up in Dublin at St. Stephen's Green for the hour-and-20-minute drive . The bus operates year-round.

If you want to go to Kilkenny for the day, you can travel by train or bus. Irish Rail operates a route between Dublin Hueston and Kilkenny MacDonagh, which takes approximately an hour and a half .

You can also travel by the Dublin Coach (a.k.a. the Big Green Bus), which takes about an hour and 45 minutes and departs from Burgh Quay in Dublin.

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.

Personally, Cork was one of my favorite cities in Ireland. I love Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals I've seen in my travels across Europe. I also highly recommend visiting Sin e' in the evenings for the live traditional music sessions.

There is no convenient way to get to Blarney Castle directly from Dublin using public transportation, so driving yourself or taking a tour will be the most convenient way. However, it is easy to get from Dublin to Cork via public transit. The trip on Irish Rail is about two and a half hours .

Aircoach operates 36 express daily services from Dublin City Centre to Cork, and this is a cheaper option.

• 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.

There is no convenient way to get directly to Giant's Causeway from Dublin by bus or train. The trips will be upward of 5 hours and will include a transfer. The best way to get to Giant's Causeway from Dublin is to self-drive the 3-hour drive or to be part of a group tour. Just make sure your rental car is permitted to travel to Northern Ireland, as it is part of the United Kingdom. You will also need your passport.

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.

Getting to Belfast from Dublin could not be easier by train. The ride is roughly 2 hours from Dublin Connolly Station directly into the heart of Belfast. There are many coach bus services between Dublin and Belfast, but the Dublin Express is easiest from the City Centre. The ride is two and a half hours.

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 with Celtic Tombs, the Hill of Uishneacht, and the Hill of Tara.

There is no direct route between Dublin and Newgrange via public transportation. The best option is to go via a tour or take a taxi.

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.

My favorite way to explore the Ring of Kerry is to do self-drive. I've done this route multiple times and it is one of the best things to do in Ireland. Self-driving may be a bit more work, but it allows for greater flexibility when it comes to making stops to explore. Some of my favorite stops in the Ring of Kerry include the town of Kenmare, Ross Castle, and Portmagee.

• 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.

The most full-service way to visit Powerscourt from Dublin is through a guided tour. An eight-hour, small-group tour includes Powerscourt, along with Wicklow and Glendalough . It gives plenty of time to explore the home and grounds and the entry fee is reduced for those part of this tour.

Powercourt is just 20 minutes south of Dublin so you could take a taxi there, as well as the bus. The closest public transportation to the estate is the 44 bus , which drops visitors in Enniskerry village, just a quick walk from Powerscourt.

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.

Because this is such a rural and remote part of the Irish countryside, the best way to explore these sites is to take a tour or self-drive. 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. I recommend the g Hotel & Spa for a funky, modern hotel in a great location.

Galway is one of my favorite cities in Ireland for its maritime history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant restaurant scene. Quay Street is the most vibrant area if you're in town for only a little while.

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's 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 offshore, 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.

Dublin Coach also has a direct bus from Dublin to Killarney. The trip is just over four hours.

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 travelers to get around the city efficiently, taking in many 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.

You can take a direct train from Dublin Connolly station to Sligo in just over three hours. Bus Eireann operates a route from Dublin to Sligo, as well.

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

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8 Fantastic Day Trips From Dublin, Ireland

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It’s easy to plan day trips from Dublin, since Ireland is so compact. You can easily drive west, south, or even north to explore — and still make it back in time for dinner and a bit of fun at the pub! Dublin is sublime, but to get a good feel for Ireland, it’s critical to explore beyond the capital city.

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1. The Cliffs Of Moher

Just over 700 feet high at their peak and about 5 miles long, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. The showstopping cliffs, stormy Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding lush, green countryside are the spitting image of the Ireland you’ve long dreamed of visiting.

Ireland’s notorious coastal weather can dampen your trip in more ways than one. Wear warm, waterproof clothing when visiting the Cliffs of Moher — and don’t forget sturdy shoes. The Cliffs of Moher visitors center is worth experiencing to properly appreciate the area’s ecological and cultural significance. Most day tours include free time to visit the center as well as the chance to walk along the cliff trails.

Using a combination of public buses and trains, a trip to the Cliffs of Moher can take nearly 5 hours. Driving there is a much better option — the trip takes about 3 hours. Many coach tours depart from Dublin and include other stops along the way to help break up the trip.

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2. The Wicklow Mountains And Glendalough

Just a 45-minute drive from central Dublin, the gorgeous countryside of the Wicklow Mountains offers a taste of Ireland’s wild, unspoiled side. It’s one of the most popular guided coach tour options from Dublin, since it allows visitors to see a lot in a short amount of time (and given the lack of easy public transportation here, joining a tour is really the only alternative to driving yourself).

Along the way, you’ll see the film locations of Braveheart and P.S. I Love You plus wildflowers, lakes, bogs, and fields of heather. Once you’ve reached the Wicklow Mountains, you’ll enjoy dazzling views of Lough Tay , also known as Guinness Lake. Most tours also include a stop at Glendalough, home to the ruins of a monastery built in the sixth century by Saint Kevin. The site features a 10th-century round tower.

I was lucky enough to spot deer in the forest when I explored here — but I can’t guarantee that for everyone!

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3. The Boyne Valley

If you’re enamoured with ancient Celtic history, the Boyne Valley is an irresistible excursion. It’s home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Newgrange , a prehistoric passage tomb dating to 3,200 B.C. That’s older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids! While visiting, don’t fret about getting photos. It’s hard to capture the site in a way that does it justice. The visitors center sells beautiful postcards to commemorate your visit.

The Boyne Valley is also home to the Hill of Tara , where the ancient Irish High Kings were crowned at the Stone of Destiny. Legend has it that the stone will roar when the rightful king touches it — so don’t forget to give it a tap!

Day tours to the Boyne Valley often include some free time in the seaside village of Howth , a stop to see the high crosses at Monasterboice , a visit to Trim Castle and Slane Castle , or a stop at Bective Abbey. Read your tour itinerary carefully to be sure you’re getting the best value for your time and interests.

Newgrange is just a 1-hour drive from Dublin. If you’re renting a car, be sure it includes a GPS — or take along a friend who is skilled at navigating! There are more than a few narrow country lanes in this part of Ireland.

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If your day trip to the Boyne Valley doesn’t include a stop at Howth , it’s easy to get there on your own. The pretty seaside village is just a 30-minute drive from Dublin’s city center, and it’s an inexpensive trip by bus, taxi, or train. This is the perfect option for anyone who’s on a tight schedule and can’t spare a full day to explore outside Dublin. You can enjoy the best of Howth in a few hours — I recommend taking a late afternoon trip there to enjoy the seashore at dusk before sitting down to a delicious dinner. Alternatively, on Saturday morning or Sunday morning, you could drop in to the community market, which is really close to the train station.

In Howth, you’ll find beautiful views, easy coastal hikes, and the 12th century Howth Castle , which is open during the summer months. If you have some extra time, you can catch a ferry to Ireland’s Eye, a small island that is home to the ruins of a sixth-century monastery.

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5. Northern Ireland

There was a time when Dublin and Belfast felt much farther apart. Today, travel between Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland is easier than ever before, and you can get to Belfast from Dublin by public bus, shuttle bus, train, or car (the drive is less than 2 hours long). There are good public transportation options for visiting Giant’s Causeway and Derry (also known as Londonderry) as well, but the wait times between connections add up quickly, making joining a tour the most practical option for seeing more than one site. Driving is a good option, too.

Belfast’s attractions include Belfast Castle , the Botanic Gardens , and the popular Titanic Belfast museum . A short drive away is Giant’s Causeway , an incredible geological formation which may or may not have been formed by the thunderous footsteps of giants. Derry/Londonderry is a beautiful walled city with a tragic past; guided city tours help to put its complex history into perspective. Derry/Londonderry is one of my all-time favorite travel destinations and one of the most underrated cities in Europe. It’s well worth the effort to go there!

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6. Blarney Castle And Cork

Legend has it that if you lie on your back and bend back to kiss the stone of Blarney Castle, you’ll be graced with the gift of gab. I can’t say for sure that it worked — I’m prone to chattering already! — but I can say with certainty that Blarney Castle is a fantastic day trip from Dublin. Personally, I enjoyed exploring the castle grounds (and the delightful Witch’s Cave) more than my rather perfunctory rock-kissing experience, but it was still fun to be a part of the tradition.

Blarney Castle is just a short trip from Cork , Ireland’s third-largest city and a terrific foodie destination.

It only takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Dublin to Blarney Castle. Rent a car or join a group tour to make the most of your time.

Patryk Kosmider / Shutterstock

7. Limerick And Adare

Limerick dates to A.D. 812 — possibly even earlier — and in the 16th and 17th centuries it was called the most beautiful city in Ireland due to its buildings of white marble. In later years, the city fell on hard times. Today, Limerick is back to its former glory and is notable for its thriving art and literary scenes. The Limerick City Gallery of Art , the Hunt Museum , and the Frank McCourt Museum are all worth visiting. The city’s Shannon Airport , the birthplace of Irish coffee, was home to some of the earliest transatlantic flights, and aviation fans will enjoy a visit to the Shannon Air Museum .

The nearby town of Adare has the distinction of being named the prettiest village in Ireland. Adare Manor , a posh hotel, is a fantastic place for enjoying an elegant afternoon tea or a round of golf you’ll always remember.

Limerick is a 3-hour drive from Dublin. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there by bus and train.

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8. Kilkenny And Waterford

A 2-hour drive from Dublin, the town of Kilkenny is often described as “charming,” but a better word would be “bewitching.” It’s Ireland’s best-preserved medieval town, and there are tantalizing stories, legends, myths, and fables aplenty. Be sure to ask the locals about the witch who killed her four husbands! The town is easy to get to by public transportation for a day trip, but I have to say that it’s a delightful place to stay for a night or two to enjoy the local pub life — and the ghost tour !

The nearby small village of Thomastown is home to Jerpoint Abbey , a partially ruined Cistercian abbey from the 12th century that is famous for its stone carvings. If you have a car or you’re intrepid with rural buses (I sure was!), it’s well worth checking out.

Just down the road in Waterford is Waterford Crystal’s famous manufacturing facility . You can take a guided tour of the facility and enjoy the massive display of crystal in the company’s showroom.

Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and blogger from Canada bringing warmth and depth to travel and human interest narratives. In the industry since 2012, Vanessa coaches writers from all backgrounds, areas of focus, and experience levels on developing business strategies that support their artistic endeavors. She chronicles her cozy travel adventures at TurnipseedTravel .

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TIMELESS BEAUTY OF THE PAST

European cruises.

Jump on a satisfying study in contrasts, from the black Baltic to the azure Aegean, and from medieval castles to modern skyscrapers with a cruise to Europe.

As you Cruise to Europe, peer over the side of your ship as it approaches the weathered spires of old-town Copenhagen, the sun-bleached houses of Santorini, the colourful cliffs of the Mediterranean or the Celtic cliffs of the British Isles. Dive into Croatia's waterfalls and France's famous rivers and let the eclecticism of Europe delight you again and again. Culinary excellence also awaits, from familiar favourites like Italian pasta and Spanish tapas, to lesser-known cuisines from Amsterdam to Zagreb. Discover the magic with a Europe cruise.

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SUN, SPICE AND SEA BREEZES

It's no coincidence that many of the best European cruises call in the most beautiful ports in the world. Eat your way through the cobbled streets of Italy, contrast the timeless beauty of Greece's ruins with the modern chic that's come to define its islands or hike through forlorn caverns and up lush waterfalls in captivating Croatia.

DISCOVER LA DOLCE VITA

From the storied streets of Rome to the charming canals of Venice, Italy is a country that needs no introduction. Whether you pose with Michelangelo's David in Florence or indulge in to-die-for Pizza in Naples, it's no wonder why so many cruises to Europe visit la bella Italia.

FROM THE ACROPOLIS TO THE AEGEAN

Greece is remarkable, from the ancient Acropolis of Athens to the blue-roofed houses of Santorini. Whether you trek through the limestone hills in the north or swim through the cobalt waters around the Cyclades, it's easy to see why this is one of the best places to visit in Europe.

"GAMES OF THRONES" Lives On

The hit TV show might be finished, but "Game of Thrones" fans will recognize dozens of locations in the walled city of Dubrovnik , the jewel of Croatia's Adriatic coast. Farther afield, explore the countless waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park or pair European cruises with tastings at underrated wineries.

SCENES THAT INSPIRED 1,000 PAINTINGS

Endless possibilities are what the coasts of France, Spain and Portugal have always been about. Generations of painting greats from Van Gogh to Picasso have found inspiration from the crystalline coasts of the French Riviera, to the craggy mountaintops of the Canary Islands. Of course, the best European cruises also dock in timeless cities like Barcelona, Cherbourg, Lisbon and beyond.  

CITY OF LOVE, CÔTE D'AZUR

The only thing better than strolling into Paris as the Eiffel Tower lights up at night? Sitting down for a meal of fresh-caught seafood as the sun sets into the harbor of aptly-named Nice. France has got something for every traveler, which is why so many cruises to Europe dock here.

SAY "SALUD" TO SPAIN

Sitting down for Spanish tapas is one of the most satisfying food experiences in the world, especially when you wash it down with fruity sangria. Plus, the Jurassic topography of the Canary Islands and the storied streets of Barcelona are just a few of the best places to visit in Europe you'll find here.

KING OF DISCOVERY

Portugal is where many of the first expeditions to the New World start, but most people on European cruises bound for Lisbon wonder why anyone would leave. Explore the mysterious Quinta de Regaleira castle in Sintra, pour port wine in Porto or practice your surfing skills in the Algarve.

Best European Cruises

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SPAIN, PORTUGAL & THE CANARY ISLANDS

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There’s no vacation like a summer cruise in Europe. Meander through cobblestoned streets lined with cafes and shops. Go from exploring the awe-inspiring at the Colosseum in Rome to wandering along the Acropolis in Athens. Admire the architectural splendor of marvels like Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and the blue-domed churches of Santorini. And eat your way through the Mediterranean and beyond — like pasta in Italy, tapas in Spain, fresh seafood in Norway and grilled meats in Greece. Pack a lifetime of adventure into one legendary Europe vacation next summer.

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You can feel warmth in your heart no matter the temperature outside, and the northwestern reaches of Europe illustrate this beautifully. Join the best European cruises through the British Isles and along the coast of the Netherlands, where enchanted country charm and royal, old-world cities offer endless possibilities for memories that will last a lifetime.  

THE JOY OF GOING DUTCH

The Dutch have managed to keep the sea at bay for hundreds of years, but many of the best European cruises still make their way into Amsterdam . If you tire of the tranquility you find amid tulip fields and beneath towering windmills, make your way to the hipster capital of Rotterdam.

ETERNAL LANDSCAPES ON THE EMERALd ISLE

Life is but a dream in Ireland , whether you down a pint of Guinness and trace tales told by James Joyce in Dublin, or careen along the Cliffs of Moher along the west coast. Many cruises to Europe also stop in Northern Ireland's Belfast, a city that's a testament to rebirth and reconciliation.

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LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

It's easy to be intrigued by Iceland , whether you walk through Reykjavik's riveting Hallgrimskirkja church, or visit “the Wash Road”, the hippest shopping district in the city. There are few better ways to cap off cruises to Europe than a dip in the aptly-named Blue Lagoon.

PRICELESS PANORAMAS, FABULOUS FJORDs

Norway is a country in beautiful balance. Had enough of the orderliness of Oslo? Head west to beautiful Bergen, where finger-shaped fjords jut into and out of thousands of miles of coastline. Or contrast a fresh fish dinner at sea level with the view from towering Trolltunga cliff.

Europe is beautiful in every season, but the peak of comfortable weather (especially in the north) is between May and September.

You should always be prepared for rain and colder weather when you travel to Europe, especially in the North. Dress in light layers for your vacation.

Europeans speak more English the farther north you go. Your phone's translation app (or, at minimum, learning how to say "Hello" and "Thank You" in local languages) will aid you along the Mediterranean.

RELATED PORTS

Learn more about Baltic ports like Klaipeda, Lithuania and Tallinn, Estonia, or read up on Bergen, the gateway to Norway's stunning fjords. The Mediterranean provides many options but start by exploring Malaga on Spain's Costa del Sol or the exciting Monte Carlo, Monaco. The most popular ports in the British Isles are Edinburgh in Scotland and the cities of Belfast and Dublin in Ireland. No matter what you like, you will find your favourite European cruise.

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Valencia, Spain

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Naples / Capri, Italy

Bremerhaven, Germany

Split, Croatia

Corfu, Greece

Limassol, Cyprus

Porto (Leixoes), Portugal

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Portofino, Italy

Koper, Slovenia

Cadiz, Spain

Liverpool, England

Bordeaux (La Rochelle), France

Istanbul, Turkey

Florence / Pisa (Carrara), Italy

Zakynthos, Greece

Thessaloniki, Greece

Portland, Dorset, England

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Bristol, England

Maloy, Norway

Haugesund, Norway

Seville (Cadiz), Spain

Kotka, Finland

Kiel, Germany

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Burgas, Bulgaria

Casablanca, Morocco

Chios, Greece

Santa Margherita, Italy

Bay of Kotor (Cruising), Montenegro

Constanta, Romania

Sinop, Turkey

Varna, Bulgaria

Trieste, Italy

Trabzon, Turkey

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Dublin/Belfast mother/daughter trip help needed - Ireland Forum

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Dublin/Belfast mother/daughter trip help needed

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In *thinking stage* of mother-daughter trip to Ireland. We’ve done London , Berlin / Amsterdam in past and are overdue for our 40/70 birthday trip. She has kids at home so we only have a week around US Labor Day.

I like the idea of flying Aer Lingus nonstop from LAX and going directly (bus, train, driver) to Belfast. We both like tragic sites so The Troubles and Titanic should be great for us. Day trip to Derry?

4 nights Belfast to give us 3 full days? Other suggestions?

Don’t think we can fit in Giants Causeway, but maybe, or ?? Countryside?

Get to Dublin . (Train or maybe as day trip to see something on way?)

3 nights Dublin to have 2 full days? We aren’t drinkers.

Kilmainham Gaol, Book of Kells, what else?

(DD not a museum person)

If we overlap a day with Fringe Festival is that a problem for crowds, hotels?

Appreciate itinerary suggestions - mostly city break trip but would love at least one special Irish site of natural beauty or countryside?

Moderate price hotels in city centers?

Other ideas/suggestions?

Forgive me…..haven’t really researched so starting here. TIA.

9 replies to this topic

What time of year are we talking about?

First week of September.

Hello alison18losangeles, what a lovely opportunity. Some further details will be helpful.

“ Moderate price hotels in city centers?“

Please define moderate in Euros and perhaps any specific amenities required; bed configuration, elevator, etc. September is a busy month, and many accommodations have already been booked close to a year in advance. Happy planning.

Pirate 🏴‍☠️

@pirate regarding hotels, 200 euro range would be great but could go higher if necessary. Twin beds.

Location most important. We have so little time want to easily get everywhere we want to see.

I can find hotels. I’m most interested in help with my itinerary questions. Thanks so much.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186591-i88-k14264004-Ireland_Without_a_Car_Updated_Resources_2023-Ireland.html

Also included are associated Trip Reports by public transport, including to Belfast.

This recent thread has some suggestions for Belfast, the heading notwithstanding:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186591-i88-k14775883-First_trip_suggestions_after_County_Monoghan_please-Ireland.html

If you have not already checked the Northern Ireland forum, and/or posted on it, this will take you there:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g186469-i490-Northern_Ireland.html

https://www.fringefest.com/

If you want to head directly to Belfast from DUB, your best option is to take one of the direct coach services from the airport on arrival. Aircoach , Dublin Express and Translink/Ulsterbus all run regular services. There's no train services at DUB and you would have to travel into Connolly Station in Dublin city centre to catch a train for Belfast. But the train is a good idea when returning from Belfast to Dublin. The journey takes just over two hours and is scenic in parts (sit on the left side of the train facing the direction of travel from Belfast to Dublin for the best views).

A car would be an unnecessary and expensive liability in Dublin and Belfast so you're probably best sticking to a mixture of public transport and day trips for your trip. In our opinion it's not worth breaking your train trip from Belfast to Dublin. South of the border the only possible stops are Dundalk and Drogheda, both of which are workaday towns with little to offer the visitor. If you were driving from Belfast to Dublin there's loads to see en route but you won't want a car for your Dublin or Belfast stays and a one-way hire/rental would be prohibitively expensive as you would be crossing an international border.

With three nights/two days in Dublin, we'd suggest concentrating on the city itself as there's loads to see and do and you won't have any difficulty filling your time. The city centre is pretty, compact, mostly flat and very walkable with a lot of popular sights and attractions clustered together in the south city centre and you could also visit one of Dublin's charming and scenic seaside locations such as Malahide or Howth which are only around 30 minutes by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) northwards from the city centre, or take the DART southwards towards Dalkey or Greystones for a scenic journey around Dublin Bay.

In terms of accommodation, Dublin has become horribly expensive in recent times and hotel prices can spike around events like major sporting fixtures or concerts. With such a short stay you really want to be somewhere in and around the city centre. Premium areas are around St. Stephen's Green, Grafton St and Merrion Square in the south city centre but your budget may not be enough for these areas. As we said, the city centre is compact so anywhere central will work for you. Dublin is a pretty safe city by international standards but if you want to do a search on something like Booking.com and then post any suggestions, we can give you some feedback on the accommodations and locations. When looking for hotels you might also want to include aparthotels which will give you more facility. The Stay City chain has a number of aparthotels in and around the city centre.

In terms of things to see and do, sites such as the Book of Kells and Kilmainham Gaol are hugely popular and will need early booking (for become very difficult to get tickets for Kilmainham even when booking far ahead). There's no issue at all with most of the popular sights and attractions.

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Cheapest Cities To Visit In Western Europe 2024

• Western Europe offers both expensive and budget-friendly destinations, ensuring a memorable experience for all travelers.
• Portugal, specifically Lisbon and Porto, provide affordable options with rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.
• Valencia in Spain, Bordeaux in France, and Brussels in Belgium are also cost-effective cities with unique attractions for visitors.

Western Europe, known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks, includes countries like France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. These are classic destinations for backpackers seeking to discover the Old Continent, and the countries offer the chance to have a perfect vacation ; but travelers should know certain things before booking their tickets.

While Western Europe is home to some of the world's most renowned and often expensive destinations, such as Paris and London, it also offers a variety of more affordable cities that provide equally memorable experiences. These budget-friendly destinations allow travelers to explore charming streets, historic sites, and vibrant local cultures without breaking the bank.

Whether you're seeking culinary delights, breathtaking architecture, or lively festivals, Western Europe has plenty of hidden gems that make for an economical and enjoyable visit.

Europe On $2000? Here's How To Travel For Cheap

Lisbon, portugal, it's considered europe's most budget-friendly destination.

Portugal is often overlooked by travelers planning to visit Europe, but the country is home to incredible and affordable cities. The capital, Lisbon, was voted the most budget-friendly destination in Europe, considering the costs for 2 nights in a three-star hotel, a romantic dinner for two with wine, transportation, and city tours. All this costs approximately $285.60 , cheaper than other Western European cities.

Travelers can explore the medieval neighborhood of Alfama , wander through the bustling Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) , or ride the iconic Tram 28 for a thrilling (and bumpy!) journey through the city's hills. History buffs can't miss the São Jorge Castle for panoramic views or the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Lisbon offers delicious seafood dishes like Arroz de Pato (duck rice) and the iconic Pastel de Nata (custard tart pastry).

This Country Is Top-Rated For Retirees Based On Its Incredible Health Care Options Alone

Porto, portugal, budget travelers can expect to spend approximately $55 per day.

It's impossible to feel bored in Porto, a city with many things to do . Skimming the banks of the Douro River, this city has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Travelers can explore the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring colorful houses clinging to the hillside.

The city unveils its most romantic side on a boat tour passing through the iconic Luís I Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the same who designed the Eiffel Tower), and history buffs can learn more about the Baroque by visiting the São Francisco Church .

Porto is the birthplace of Port wine, so travelers should sip on a glass after visiting one of the many wine cellars (caves) on their itineraries. Portuguese cuisine is also extraordinary, and visitors should try Francesinha, a hearty Porto sandwich.

Valencia, Spain

A weekend trip costs an average of $404.

Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is an excellent year-round destination, but it becomes even more interesting during spring . More relaxed than Barcelona and Madrid, this city has a rich history that can be discovered wandering through its historic city center, narrow streets, and charming plazas.

Travelers can also go biking in the Jardines del Turia , a sprawling urban park built on a former riverbed, or marvel at the futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences complex, housing museums and an aquarium. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, so travelers should try this iconic rice dish alongside fresh seafood and tapas.

The 7 Prettiest Beaches In Europe To Visit This Summer

Bordeaux, france, a week here costs approximately $901.

Travelers seeking to discover more of France's history and culture should consider visiting Bordeaux, the heart of France's renowned wine region, renewed for its rich history and architectural beauty. Travelers can explore the UNESCO-listed historic center (which includes over 350 buildings), wander along the Garonne River, or visit one of the many wine cellars (chai) to glimpse the world of winemaking. Bordeaux offers a sophisticated culinary scene where you can indulge in French classics like steak frites and decadent desserts.

Brussels, Belgium

A week here costs approximately $1,043.

Brussels is often overlooked by tourists, one of Europe's most vibrant cities. The capital of Belgium and the European Union, Brussels blends history, international culture, and a love for good food. Brussels should be on every chocolate fan's bucket list, as it produces some of the world's best chocolate and features many renowned chocolate shops.

The city's most famous landmark is the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , a magnificent central square surrounded by ornate guildhalls. Travelers can also visit the Atomium, a giant atom-shaped monument symbolizing the city's role in science and technology.

This Underrated, But Scenic European City Is The Best Value This Year

Berlin, germany, the average price for a week in the city is $1,046.

Berlin ranks among the cheapest capitals to visit in Europe, costing an average of $1,046 per week. Germany's capital was famously divided by a wall during the Cold War, and it remains one of the city's landmarks .

Travelers can stand beneath the Brandenburg Gate , a historic landmark, and explore the city's artistic side at museums like the Gemäldegalerie (picture gallery). Berlin offers a vibrant nightlife scene and a diverse culinary landscape, from traditional German fare like sausage and sauerkraut to international cuisine.

Dublin, Ireland

A week trip costs around $1,092.

Dublin, Ireland's vibrant capital, is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to pricey London. More than a budget destination, Dublin is a city full of history, culture, and a warm Irish welcome. Trinity College , home to the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript masterpiece, is a must-see. Travelers should also include Dublin Castle , a former seat of British power in Ireland, on their itinerary.

Those looking for cost-free attractions should stroll through St. Stephen's Green, a beautiful public park, or wander along Grafton Street, Dublin's bustling pedestrian walkway, known for its street performers. In the evening, travelers can discover a lively atmosphere in a traditional pub and enjoy a pint of Guinness alongside hearty Irish fare like shepherd's pie or a classic fish and chips.