Best Day Trips from Dublin
Dublin's location makes it the perfect starting point for a day trip to the scenic Irish countryside and other cities. Here's our list with realistic tips on the best places to visit from Dublin on a day trip on your own or with a guided tour.
With so many attractions, it's easy to see why Dublin is such a great place to visit.
There are plenty of things to do in Dublin that ensure you have an amazing vacation, whether you're there for a day or a week.
If you plan to stay in Dublin the whole time, consider taking a day trip or two to see some amazing places outside the city.
In this case, Dublin happens to be located just a short drive from some incredible places dotting Ireland's east coast.
Or take advantage of a full day and explore sites that are located further away from the city.
There are a few things you need to consider before you go, though.
Every place on this list can be visited without a guided tour, though you will need a car in this case.
Luckily, renting a car in Dublin is easy, though the driving can be a bit tricky for inexperienced drivers.
You can consider using public transport, but this option is not ideal for day-trippers who need to maximize their time.
So, what are some of our favorite day trips from Dublin? Let's find out!
Bru na Boinne
Just a short drive up M1, you can dive into Ireland's Neolithic history at Boyne Valley.
This area is known as Bru na Boinne in Irish. It is home to ancient passage tombs of Newgrange, Dowth, Knowth and about 90 additional structures.
These megalithic monuments are an impressive testament that the rich Boyne Valley was used as a human settlement 5,000 years ago.
Since 1993, this valley on the River Boyne has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Newgrange and Knowth are the most impressive passage graves within this region. Remember that both sites can be accessed by guided tours only.
Make sure to book your slots through the official OWP website in advance to avoid disappointment.
Only a short drive from here, you can also learn the history behind the Battle of the Boyne.
The battle took place between the forces of King James II and King William III in 1690.
Battle of the Boyne, won by William of Orange, is one of the most important moments in Ireland's history, and this is a great place to learn all about it.
As you will spend only a few hours at Bru na Boinne, you should consider including Slane Castle, the town of Drogheda, or Trim Castle on your itinerary.
Bru na Boinne Tour
Bru na Boinne can be easily visited on a day trip from Dublin.
If you want to have a stress-free day, consider taking this Bru na Boinne Tour departing from Dublin.
Kilkenny
Known as the Marble City, Kilkenny is one of the best places you can visit on a day trip from Dublin.
This picturesque town is just a 90-minute drive away from Dublin.
You can also catch a train from Heuston Station to get there, which is a great option for budget travelers or those who don't want to rent a car.
As Kilkenny is easily accessible from Ireland's capital, it's a popular destination among all types of day-trippers.
With a beautiful park, medieval history, a discovery trail, old houses, great pubs, River Nore Walk, and the stunning Kilkenny Castle, this town is a joy to explore.
If you have a car, make sure to drive along the Old Military Road on your way there (or back). This scenic drive in the Wicklow Mountains is really worth exploring.
Kilkenny Tours
While getting to Kilkenny on your own is easy, you can also consider taking a Kilkenny Tour from Dublin.
Kilkenny Hotels
If you want to spend a night in Kilkenny, the Newpark Hotel is one of the best hotels in the town.
Howth
If you like small seaside towns with a laidback atmosphere, walkable piers, and great seafood restaurants, Howth should be on your Ireland itinerary.
The main draw of Howth that attracts day-trippers from Dublin is the stunning cliffs.
Howth Cliffs can be explored through a couple of looped trails with varying difficulty and length. Both walks can be rated as easy to moderate, depending on your current fitness level.
The main reason behind Howt's popularity is that it sits on the DART line, making the town easily accessible to all types of visitors.
As you can get to Howth by train, we also included this day trip in our post on free things to do in Dublin.
Malahide Castle
Situated in a small seaside village, Malahide Castle has seen over 800 years of history roll by.
The fortress and private house were formerly owned by the Talbot family from 1185 to 1975. The castle has 260 acres of gardens and walkways, making the demesne a great place to explore on foot.
The central Norman tower house has an interesting exhibition and interpretation area. You can explore the upper floors on a guided tour.
If you bring kids, make sure to visit Fairy Trail, which offers a great way to spend time at Malahide with all members of your family.
If you want to see more, there is also the Casino Model Railway Museum right in the heart of the village.
Malahide Castle is less than 15 kilometers away from Howth, so you can easily visit both places in a single day.
Despite the fact that Malahide is only a stone's throw from Dublin, getting there by car can be time-consuming due to heavy traffic.
In this case, consider taking a DART train instead. If you're visiting Ireland on a budget, this is an affordable way to get to Malahide.
Malahide and Howth Tour
Both Malahide and Howth sit on the DART line, so it's really easy to get there on your own.
If you prefer to explore new destinations with a local guide, consider taking this Malahide and Howth Tour.
Cork
Located about 250 kilometers southwest of Dublin, Cork is a place to visit for the day or even a weekend if you have time.
Being the center of Rebel County, it's no wonder this charming city is packed with history and unique heritage.
On top of that, there are many things to do in Cork for all travelers, such as Shandon Bell Tower, University College Cork, Cork City Gaol, and Elizabeth Fort.
We can't fail to mention that Cork also has a fantastic selection of restaurants and great food.
While you can easily spend the whole day in the city, there are a few interesting places in County Cork you should consider visiting as well.
Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold set in stunning gardens, is only a short drive from the city.
This is also the place where you can kiss the Blarney Stone that grants the gift of eloquence. Alternatively, you can explore the seaside town of Cobh from Cork.
Formerly known as Queenstown, this town was the final port of call for the Titanic on its maiden voyage to New York.
There is also a small town of Kinsale, which is famous for its colorful houses and a nice mix of laidback vibes.
If you prefer to spend a few hours walking along the cliffs and watching the Atlantic Ocean, head to Old Head of Kinsale.
Cork Tour
A day trip to Cork includes a lot of driving, so you should consider taking a guided tour instead. This popular Blarney and Cork Tour will show you the castle and the city.
Cork Hotel
If you decide to stay in Dublin, Imperial Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in the city.
Wicklow Mountains National Park
One of Dublin's biggest secrets is that there is a huge national park right at the city's doorstep.
Yes, Wicklow Mountains is located within an hour's drive from the city center. Furthermore, it's free to enter!
As Wicklow Mountains is one of Ireland's most accessible national parks, it's a perfect place to visit from Dublin on a day trip.
If you like hiking, biking, wild camping, and scenic drives, Wicklow Mountains National Park should be on your list.
The national park is best explored from Glendalough, a small village known for its monastic site and trailheads to some of the finest trails.
Our favorite hike in this area was the moderately challenging Spinc Loop.
Rent a car in Dublin and drive along the Old Military Road to get there. On your way, you will see Sally Gap, Lough Tay, Glenmacnass Waterfall, and stunning mountainous landscapes everywhere you look.
If you want to visit a national park from Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains is your safest bet, though there are a few more options.
While Connemara or Killarney can also be visited on a day trip from Dublin, we suggest taking a tour instead or splitting your journey into two days, as both trips involve roughly eight hours of driving.
Or you can visit often overlooked Burren National Park, which can be reached in less than three hours from Dublin.
Wicklow Mountains Tour
Even though the Wicklow Mountains are just a short drive from Dublin, you really need a car to get the most out of the national park.
Alternatively, you can take this super popular Wicklow Mountains Tour from Dublin.
Glendalough Monastic Site
Even if you're not looking for some challenging hiking adventure in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is one of the best-rated day trips from Dublin for a reason.
The village is home to Glendalough Monastic Site, an ancient monastery founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century CE.
During its heyday, the monastic city was a major center of power, religion, and education.
Today, the Glendalough complex is a major archaeological site and one of the top attractions in County Wicklow.
Unlike many important historic sites scattered across Ireland, Glendalough is free to visit.
Even if you're not an avid hiker, some really easy and flat trails start at Glendalough. These easy walks will take you along a pair of beautiful lakes and are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Believe us; the glacier-carved Glendalough Valley is worth visiting.
Glendalough Hotel
Glendalough can be easily visited on a day trip from Dublin. If you want to really see how peaceful Glendalough Valley can be, you need to wait until the day trippers leave.
In this case, you can choose between the The Glendalough Hotel and the Glendalough International Youth Hostel.
Clonmacnoise
Another destination for early Irish history is the Clonmacnoise. This monastic site is one of County Offaly's top attractions and a great place to visit from Dublin.
The site sits on River Shannon and is home to several ruins, a cathedral, an abandoned castle, a round tower, plenty of stone structures, and high crosses in good condition.
The complex was founded by Saint Caran in the 6th century and later became a major seat of religion and learning in Ireland. It was destroyed by English forces in the 16th century.
On this day trip, you will have plenty of time to explore the nearby town of Athlone or Birr Castle and its beautiful gardens and interesting history.
If time allows, you could also take a guided whiskey tour at Kilbeggan or Tullamore. These small towns are home to some of the finest whiskey distilleries in Ireland.
Obviously, Teeling or Jameson also provide a fantastic experience and are located directly in Dublin.
Rock of Cashel
With a history stretching back to the 12th century, the medieval ruins of Rock of Cashel are a perfect destination for a day trip from Dublin.
This famous landmark is located about two hours from Dublin and easily accessible via the M7/M8 route.
Once the seat of kings of Munster, Rock of Cashel welcomes visitors all year round. Even after so many centuries, the ruins perched atop a lush green hill are pretty impressive.
The guided tour to Cormac's Chapel, containing 800-year-old frescoes, was an absolute highlight of this trip, though.
To escape the crowds that flock to Rock of Cashel every summer, visit the nearby Hore Abbey. These 13th-century monastery ruins are only a short walk from the main historic landmark and free to enter.
The small village of Cashel is within walking distance and worth exploring as well.
If you have time, we suggest driving to nearby Cahir Castle. This medieval fortress is well-preserved and less crowded than its more famous neighbor.
Alternatively, you could continue to Kilkenny, Cork, or visit even Limerick, known as the Treaty City.
Rock of Cashel Tour
You will need just an hour or two in Rock of Cashel, giving you plenty of time to incorporate additional sites into your itinerary.
If you prefer organized trips, the most popular Rock of Cashel Tour from Dublin also includes Blarney Castle and Cork.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Powerscourt
Closer to Dublin is the Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. This site is home to a large estate, beautifully landscaped gardens, a top-rated golf course, a whiskey distillery, and a luxury hotel.
While this trip might sound expensive, the tickets to the gardens are relatively affordable.
This will be a different story if you indulge in golfing, enjoy a meal in the restaurant, or decide to stay overnight at Powerscourt Hotel.
The Powerscourt area is a great spot for every traveler, but especially families with kids, to explore on a day trip.
The gardens are very tranquil and perfect for leisurely walks. The view of the gardens with the estate in the backdrop looks like it could have come straight off a postcard.
Just a short drive from the estate is a beautiful Powerscourt Waterfall.
With 121 meters, this is one of the highest waterfalls in Ireland. Like the gardens, the area around the waterfall is well-kept.
Therefore, it's a great place to take a short walk around, set up a picnic, and enjoy a day out.
Powerscourt Tours
It's easy to get from Dublin to Powerscourt by car. If driving is not your thing, consider taking this popular Powerscourt and Wicklows Tour that also includes some beautiful spots in the Wicklow Mountains.
Powerscourt Hotel
The overnight stay on the historic grounds of Powerscourt Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Ireland, is an unforgettable experience.
Belfast
Without any doubt, Northern Ireland is one of the most fun day trips from Dublin.
There are tons of amazing places to see in the island's northern part, so it's just a matter of preference.
For instance, Belfast is only a 2-hour drive away from Dublin. There are tons of things to do in Belfast, meaning you can easily spend a whole day here.
The highlight of every visit to Belfast is the Titanic Experience, where you will discover everything about the infamous ocean liner.
You could also consider exploring the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, though we suggest taking an organized tour as this will be a long day.
This stunning coastline includes sites like Giant's Causeway, Ballintoy Harbour, and Dunluce Castle. It's regarded as the most beautiful scenic drive in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Tour
Getting to Belfast from Dublin and back on your own is relatively easy. However, exploring the Causeway Coastal Route on the same day would be very tiring.
In this case, consider taking a Northern Ireland Tour that includes Giants Causeway, the Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast.
Belfast Hotel
If you want to make it a two-day trip, the AC Hotel by Marriott is one of the most popular options in Belfast.
Cliffs of Moher
There is no way we could end our post on the best day trips from Dublin without mentioning the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
Again, be prepared for a very long day on the road. The duration of this trip is the main reason why organized trips from Dublin to these iconic cliffs are so popular.
You can just sit, relax, and enjoy the Irish countryside from the comfort of the bus.
Once you reach the cliffs, you won't be tired after a several hours long drive.
It's often said that a trip to Ireland would not be complete without a visit to the Cliffs of Moher. Sure, it sounds like a cliche, but there is some truth in these words.
The 200-meter-high cliffs will take your breath away.
Plain and simple, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most incredible places you can visit in Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher Tour
It's a long drive from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher. Taking this extremely well-rated Cliffs of Moher Tour is a more comfortable option.
You will also get a chance to visit the famous city of Galway along the way.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
