Top 8 Day Trips from Dublin for Every Type of Traveller
Dublin undoubtedly offers a wealth of options for tourists and locals alike, from world-class museums to traditional pubs and historical landmarks. But when the urge to explore beyond the city strikes, you’ll find no dearth of exciting day trip destinations just a short journey away.
Whether you’re navigating without a car or cruising along Ireland’s scenic routes, we’ve handpicked 8 picturesque spots for perfect day tours from Dublin. To make things easy, we’ve divided them into two segments: those accessible by public transport and those best reached by car. Of course, if you’re planning to stay in town, we’ve also got plenty of top things to do in Dublin.
Day Trips from Dublin by Public Transport
Howth
Just a 30-minute ride on the DART (Dublin’s train service) from the city centre brings you to the picturesque fishing village of Howth. Situated on the north side of Dublin Bay, Howth is a paradise for walkers, with its 7.8km clifftop loop offering sweeping views of the Irish Sea and glimpses of the Baily Lighthouse. With plenty of cafes and seafood restaurants, it’s easy to reward yourself after a brisk hike. Howth is one of the most popular Dublin coastal towns, and an ideal choice for a refreshing seaside escape.
Glendalough Valley
Nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is a glacial valley known for its breathtaking scenery and its ancient monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. You will find well-preserved ruins, including a 1000-year-old round tower, a ruined cathedral and a tiny church known as St Kevin’s Kitchen. The site is also famed for its Spinc Loop, an 11km hike considered one of the most scenic in Ireland. You can reach Glendalough in just over an hour by bus (St. Kevins Bus Service) from Dublin city centre.
Driving? The scenic 26km route through the Sally Gap pass is worth adding to your itinerary for its incredible panoramic views of the Wicklow Mountains – the same landscape that served as the backdrop for popular films like P.S I Love You and Braveheart.
Bray
Next on the list is Bray, a charming seaside town in County Wicklow that’s perfect for a relaxed getaway. About 20km south of Dublin, Bray is easily accessible via DART in around 45 minutes. Its Victorian seafront promenade is ideal for a scenic stroll, and the nearby Bray Head offers a short hike with stunning views of the coastline. Thanks to its location, Bray blends the charm of coastal living with proximity to both the Wicklow Mountains and Dublin city.
Malahide Castle
Just a 30-minute train trip from Dublin, Malahide Castle is a gem for history lovers and families alike. Set on 250 acres of parkland, the castle was home to the Talbot family from 1185 to 1973, when the last Lord Talbot died. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the castle interiors, a children’s playground, a butterfly house and botanical gardens. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the Malahide DART station – making it one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Dublin.
Day Trips from Dublin by Car
Belfast
Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital is a two-hour scenic drive from Dublin and offers a dynamic mix of culture, history, and modern flair. Belfast is a compelling stop on any Northern Ireland itinerary, not least for its remarkable transformation from a city once marked by conflict to one buzzing with culture and creativity. The Cathedral Quarter is the city’s creative hub, filled with street art, trendy bars, cultural venues and Michelin-starred restaurants. Must-visit spots include the Titanic Belfast museum and St. George’s Market, which comes alive with a lively mix of fresh food, crafts, and music.
If you’ve got the time, consider continuing north to the Giant’s Causeway, one of Northern Ireland’s most treasured geological wonders, known for its 40,000 near-perfect hexagonal-shaped stepping stones, formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Belfast is also well connected by rail, with regular direct trains from Dublin Connolly Station to Belfast in about two hours.
Planning to stay longer? Clayton Hotel Belfast, located in the heart of the city, makes an excellent base for exploring Northern Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher
Located on the western border of County Clare, Cliffs of Moher is a three-hour drive from Dublin and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Clare and in Ireland. Hence, an early start to this spot is highly recommended. These towering sea cliffs rise over 700ft above the Atlantic Ocean and are a signature point on the famed 2,500 km Wild Atlantic Way scenic route. The cliffs are also a designated special protection area for birds, home to puffins, razorbills, and other seabirds. Film buffs might recognise the landscape from Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince and Leap Year.
Newgrange in Boyne Valley
Step back in time with a visit to Newgrange, a prehistoric passage tomb dating back over 5,000 years – older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. Located in County Meath, about an hour’s drive from Dublin, Newgrange is famous for its winter solstice solar alignment and bright white quartz facade. Along with other tombs of Dowth and Knowth, Newgrange makes up the Brú na Bóinne complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the largest collection of megalithic art in western Europe. Pre-booking tickets is essential, and visitors are brought via shuttle bus to the monuments from Brú na Bóinne visitor centre.
Galway
Situated along the Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast of Ireland, the harbour city of Galway takes a little over two hours driving from Dublin city. One of the country’s picturesque cities, Galway is renowned for its seafood-driven culinary scene, having won the European Region of Gastronomy in 2018. While there are many things to do in Galway, the city offers easy access to stunning landscapes like Connemara and the Aran Islands.
Galway is also connected by rail, with a direct train from Dublin Heuston Station taking just about 2.5 hours for a scenic train trip from Dublin.
FAQs: Day Trips from Dublin
Can I visit the Cliffs of Moher as a day trip from Dublin?
Yes, the Cliffs of Moher can be done as a long day trip from Dublin, but keep in mind it involves 3 to 3.5 hours of driving each way. Several bus tour operators, such as Wild Rover Tours and Paddywagon Tours, also offer convenient day trip options.
What are the easiest day trips from Dublin by train?
Easy day trips from Dublin include Howth, Bray, Malahide – all accessible via DART from Dublin city centre.
How far is Glendalough from Dublin?
Glendalough is about 1.5 hours from Dublin by car or tour bus.
Are there any beaches near Dublin worth visiting?
Visit Bray, Portmarnock, Killiney, and Sandymount for relaxing Dublin day tours to the beach.
