Our unforgettable day trips from Dublin
Dublin is a city full of life, history and culture - but the real Ireland often begins outside the city limits. On our travels we have taken some of the most beautiful day trips from Dublin and experienced unforgettable moments. We visited the region as travel bloggers. Monika also often traveled there as a tour guide.
Glendaloughcaptivated us with its quiet magic. In the morning haze, an almost mystical atmosphere hung over the old monastery ruins, while the hiking trail along the Upper Lake offered breathtaking views. In Kilkenny we felt like we were back in the Middle Ages as we strolled through the winding streets, explored the imposing castle and ended the evening in a quaint pub. And then there was Newgrange – a 5.000-year-old masterpiece of architecture. The moment when sunlight flooded the stone burial chamber was simply magical.
If you visit Dublin, you should definitely take the time to explore the surrounding area. Here you can find out which day trips from Dublin are really worth it and how best to organize them.
Map for day trips from Dublin
Practical tips for day trips from Dublin
Best time to travel for day trips from Dublin
Ireland is attractive at any time of year, but day trips from Dublin are particularly popular between April and October. In spring and summer, the days are longer, the temperatures are mild and the landscape is lush and green. Autumn enchants with golden light and colorful leaves, while winter often offers harsh but impressive scenery.
How to travel best
If you want to be flexible, you should rent a car– especially for destinations like Glendalough or the Cliffs of Moher. Driving on the left is the biggest change, but with a little caution it is easy to manage. Public transport is a convenient alternative, especially for places like Kilkenny or Belfast, which are easily accessible by train or bus. If you don't want to worry about anything, you can book a guided tour - this will give you more time to enjoy the scenery.
What you should take with you
The Irish weather is unpredictable, so weatherproof clothing and comfortable shoes belong in your luggage. A camera is a must because the landscapes are spectacular. If you plan to hike longer distances, you should bring snacks and a water bottle.
Fascinating places for a day trip
Howth – coastal romance and freshly caught fish
Just half an hour from Dublin lies the charming fishing village of HowthA walk along the cliffs offers spectacular views of the sea. The small harbour is a great place to watch the fishermen landing their catch, while the restaurants serve fresh seafood. Those who enjoy walking can take the Howth Cliff Walk, which winds its way along the coast and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Ireland.
Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough – Day trip from Dublin to the time of the monks
The Wicklow Mountains are an oasis of tranquility, just an hour from Dublin. Glendalough, the "valley of the two lakes", impresses with its monastery complex from the 6th century, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. The round tower rises majestically into the sky, while the surrounding hiking trails lead through dense forests and along crystal-clear lakes. The route to the Upper Lake is particularly impressive, passing old ruins and offering a view of the untouched nature of the Wicklow Mountains.
Malahide Castle – Castle romance at the gates of Dublin
Just 30 minutes from the capital, the impressive Malahide Castle, which is over 800 years old, is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are perfect for a relaxing stroll. On a guided tour, you can learn more about the eventful history of the Talbot family, who lived here for generations. After visiting the castle, it is worth taking a detour to the nearby Malahide Village, where small cafés and boutiques invite you to linger.
Cliffs of Moher – Day trip from Dublin to Ireland's cliffs
The Cliffs of Moher are among the most spectacular natural sites in Ireland. The cliffs, which are up to 214 metres high, drop dramatically into the Atlantic and offer breathtaking views. The view is particularly impressive at sunset, when the rocks are bathed in golden light. The visitor centre offers interesting insights into the geology and wildlife of the region, while the surrounding area invites you to explore - be it along the cliffs or on a detour into the barren karst landscape of the Burren.
Kilkenny – Day trip from Dublin to the Irish Middle Ages
Kilkenny is a city full of history and charm. The imposing Kilkenny Castle towers over the River Nore and invites you to take a journey back to the Middle Ages. The narrow streets of the city center are home to historic buildings, cozy pubs and small craft shops. St. Canice's Cathedral with its walkable round tower offers a fantastic view of the city. At the end of the day, treat yourself to a pint of Smithwick's, which has been brewed here for centuries.
Newgrange & Boyne Valley – Day trip from Dublin to Ireland's prehistory
Newgrange is one of the oldest buildings in Europe - and an absolute highlight for history buffs. The passage grave, which is over 5.000 years old, is precisely aligned with the winter solstice, so that sunlight falls into the burial chamber at exactly the right time. The spiral stone carvings on the walls are just as fascinating as the impressive architecture. The visitor center offers exciting insights into the lives of the people who created this mystical place. If you want to explore even more, you will find other prehistoric sites in the area such as Knowth or the Hill of Tara, once the seat of the Irish High Kings.
Belfast & Titanic Experience – Day Trip from Dublin to Northern Ireland
Belfast is only two hours from Dublin and offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and modernity. The Titanic Belfast Experience is one of the most impressive museums in the world and tells the story of the famous ship with interactive exhibitions. In addition to the Titanic story, Belfast has more to offer: the lively street art scene, historic pubs and the famous murals in the former conflict districts bear witness to the city's turbulent past. For fans of "Game of Thrones" a trip to the filming locations in the area is also worthwhile.
Conclusion – Which day trips from Dublin are right for you?
Whether you are interested in breathtaking nature, medieval cities or prehistoric wonders, there are numerous options for an unforgettable day trip around Dublin. If you like hiking, you will find what you are looking for in Glendalough or at the Cliffs of Moher. History buffs will get their money's worth in Kilkenny or Newgrange, while Belfast offers an exciting mix of culture and modernity.
No matter what you choose, Ireland's diversity will amaze you. Which of these day trips from Dublin is on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!
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Questions and answers about day trips from Dublin
Can I take great day trips from Dublin without a rental car?
Yes, absolutely! Dublin has excellent public transport links, so you can reach many exciting destinations without a car. For places like Howth or Malahide, you can simply take the DART train, which runs along the coast. Kilkenny and Belfast are easily accessible by train, and buses take you to many other highlights, such as Glendalough or the Boyne Valley. If you prefer a more hassle-free solution, there are numerous guided day tours with pick-up in Dublin. This way, you can travel in a relaxed manner without having to worry about timetables or driving on the left.
Which day trip is particularly family-friendly?
If you're travelling with children, Malahide Castle is a great choice. The castle tour is exciting and not too long, so younger visitors will be interested. The extensive gardens offer plenty of space to run around, and the nearby beach is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Howth is also great for families - the short Cliff Walk is easy to do, and the seagulls and seals in the harbour are a delight. If your children are interested in history, Newgrange, with its prehistoric heritage, could be an unforgettable experience.
Which day trip is particularly worthwhile for nature lovers?
If you want to experience Ireland's nature in all its glory, there is no way around the Wicklow Mountains. Glendalough offers breathtaking landscapes, dense forests and crystal-clear lakes that are perfect for hiking. The Cliffs of Moher are also an absolute highlight - the spectacular cliffs and the roaring waves of the Atlantic make this place one of Ireland's most impressive natural wonders. If you prefer something a little quieter, the Boyne Valley region with its rolling hills and ancient places of worship is a great alternative.
Are there any insider tips for lesser-known day trips from Dublin?
Yes, if you want to get off the beaten track, you should take a detour to Lough Tay, also known as the “Guinness Lake”. The jet-black lake, surrounded by green hills, actually looks like a giant pint of Guinness! Another underrated destination is Trim, a small town with one of Ireland’s most impressive castle ruins. This is where much of the film Braveheart If you are interested in gardens and elegant mansions, Powerscourt Gardens are a real feast for the eyes - perfect for a relaxing day trip.
How can I combine my day trip with a typical Irish experience?
If you really want to experience the Irish way of life, plan your day trip so that you end the evening in a traditional pub. Kilkenny has some of the oldest and coziest pubs in Ireland, often with live music. In Howth you can round off the day with a pint of Guinness and freshly caught fish in one of the restaurants on the harbour. If you are travelling in Belfast, it is worth visiting one of the historic pubs, such as the Crown Liquor SaloonAnd if you're heading to Glendalough or the Wicklow Mountains, stop off at Johnny Fox's Pub on the way back - supposedly the highest pub in Ireland, with great food and traditional music.
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Source Day trips from Dublin: our own research on site. Some of these were financed by us ourselves, some were the result of Monika's trips as a tour guide. Some are based on press trips that Tourism Ireland invited us to. However, our opinions always remain our own.
Text Day trips from Dublin: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos of day trips from Dublin: © Copyright by Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline, Unsplash and Wikimedia Commons Public Domain
