Day Trips from Dublin. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Day Trip Locations

Dublin's surroundings present numerous locations for enriching day trips. Coastal villages and ancient sites are readily reachable, offering diverse encounters from scenic walks to historical discovery.

Plan your escapes from the city with these well-connected destinations, each offering a distinct charm.

Popular Destinations

Howth: Scenic cliff walks, fresh seafood.
Dún Laoghaire: Historic pier, maritime museum.
Malahide Castle & Gardens: Medieval estate.
Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough: Natural beauty, monastic site.

Planning Your Outings

Consider how you prefer to explore, whether through structured tours or self-guided adventures.

Organized Tours

Opt for an organized tour for convenience. Transportation and logistics are managed, with informative commentary often included.

Tour Considerations

All transport and logistics handled.
Informative commentary from guides.
Fixed itineraries, less flexibility.

Independent Journeys

Independent travel provides a flexible itinerary and a personalized experience. Explore at your own pace.

Travel Considerations

Requires organizing and finding your way.
Flexible itinerary, personal pace.
Car rental for rural areas.

Suggested Timeframes

Half-Day Trips 3-5 hours

Howth Cliff Walk.
Malahide Castle visit.
Limited exploration time.
Less opportunity for spontaneity.

Full-Day Adventures 8-10 hours

Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains.
Newgrange ancient tomb.
Long travel durations.
Belfast generally benefits from overnight stays.

Transportation Details

DART to coastal townsHowth, Dún Laoghaire, Malahide
Bus to GlendaloughSt. Kevin's Bus service
Organized tours forNewgrange access
Train/Bus toBelfast (Enterprise service)

Consider car rental forFlexibility in rural areas
Public transport limitsRural site access
Peak hours on DARTMight be busy
Check schedules forPublic transport changes

Booking Day Trips

For easy planning and guaranteed entry, consider booking your day trips and excursions in advance. Explore options on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

Ireland's incredible natural beauty lies a short distance from Dublin.

Wicklow Mountains

Ireland's largest national park for hiking and stunning views.

Cliffs of Moher

Iconic sea cliffs, a memorable though long day trip.

Powerscourt Estate

World-renowned gardens with a waterfall and panoramic vistas.

Outdoor Adventures

Discover diverse landscapes, from tranquil beaches to rugged mountain trails.

Top Choices

Bray and Greystones beaches.
Dublin Mountains local hiking.
Kildare for equestrian culture.

Scenic Landscapes

Breathtaking views and serene environments within reach.

Highlights

Sally Gap mountain pass.
Killarney National Park (longer trip).
Desolate peatlands and valleys.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Autumn LeavesWicklow Mountains display spectacular colors.

Seaside StrollsEnjoy fresh sea air all year.

Summer PicnicsParks perfect for outdoor dining.

Winter SceneryFrosty landscapes present tranquil sights.

Bird WatchingDublin Bay a significant location.

Wildflower BloomsSpring brings displays.

Outdoor Safety

Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for outdoor activities.
Check weather forecasts prior to beginning hikes.
Stay on designated paths to protect delicate ecosystems.
Carry water and snacks, especially for longer excursions.
Inform someone of your plans for mountain walks.

Cultural Excursions

Explore historical and cultural sites beyond Dublin's city limits.

Historical Landmarks

Venture outside the city in order to discover Ireland's ancient past and medieval wonders.

Sites

Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne): Neolithic passage tomb.
Hill of Tara: Ancient seat of Major Kings.
Trim Castle: Largest Norman castle in Ireland.

Pilgrimage Sites

Discover serene and historically significant spiritual locations.

Spiritual Journeys

Glendalough Monastic Site: Ancient settlement.
Croagh Patrick: Holy mountain (multi-day trip).
Rock of Cashel: Medieval buildings on a rock (longer trip).

Rural Villages

Experience Ireland's rural charm and rich heritage in nearby regions.

Boyne Valley

Incredibly rich in ancient history.
Prehistoric monuments and battle sites.
Set amidst fertile agricultural land.

Agricultural Areas

A glimpse into Ireland's equestrian culture and charming rural towns.

Kildare

Known for horse breeding.
Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens.
Charming rural towns.

Cultural Significance

These sites represent significant archaeological wonders and cultural heritage.

Ancient Lore

Sites like Hill of Tara embody centuries of Irish myth and history.

Architectural Feats

Medieval castles showcase impressive Norman building techniques.

Spiritual Depth

Pilgrimage locations offer insights into Irish faith and devotion.

Respectful Visits

When visiting historical or religious sites, follow local customs and guidelines. Photography restrictions might apply in some areas.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your Irish adventure beyond Dublin with these multi-day trip recommendations.

Regional Highlights

2

Northern Ireland

Explore Belfast's history and the Giant's Causeway.

2-3

South East

Visit Cork City, Blarney Castle, and the Ring of Kerry.

3-4

West Coast

Experience Galway, Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara.

Logical Next Destinations

Galway (for the Wild Atlantic Way)
Cork (for the South West)
Belfast (for Northern Ireland)
Killarney (for the Ring of Kerry)
Limerick (for Shannon region)
Ireland's Ancient East (regional route)

Transportation Connections

Irish Rail direct train connections
Bus Éireann extensive national network
Car rental for rural area flexibility
Enterprise service to Belfast
Aircoach for longer distance routes
Wild Atlantic Way road trip

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Wild Atlantic Way

A road trip along Ireland's west coast, recommended for a week or more. Startwork or end in Dublin, connecting via train or bus to a western city.

Ireland's Ancient East

Explore historical sites, ancient monuments, and landscapes radiating out from Dublin. A deep dive into Ireland's rich heritage.

Northern Ireland Explorer

A two-day trip to Belfast and the iconic Giant's Causeway has a distinct cultural and natural experience.

Car Rental Guidance

Renting a car fosters maximum flexibility for exploring rural areas, notably for routes like the Wild Atlantic Way or the Ring of Kerry.

Day Trips from Dublin