day trips ireland

• to shop faster,
• be up to date on an orders status,
• keep track of the orders you have previously made.

Click on the "Continue" button, then complete the details on the account page and we will contact you to finalise the process.

Welcome to Irish Day Tours

WELCOME TO IRISH DAY TOURS

DAY TOURS AROUND IRELAND – DAY TRIPS FROM DUBLIN

Irish day tours is Ireland's leading day tour company. Our one-day trips depart daily from Dublin 364 days a year to some of the most iconic locations in Ireland & Northern Ireland . We currently operate seven one-day trips, by coach from Dublin, which includes;

Cliffs Of Moher 

Giant’s Causeway

Blarney Castle 

Cliffs of Moher Premium tour

Celtic Boyne Valley 

Premium Wicklow & Glendalough tour

Wild Connemara

All of our trips are fully led by our legendary guides who will bring the tour to life with wonderful stories from Irish history and folklore. 

We pride ourselves on our customer service and have a 98% satisfaction rating on Tripadvisor with an overall rating of 5 stars.  

You can buy tickets for your one-day trip by making the booking online or calling one of our Tourist Offices in Dublin, located at 37 College Green and 69 O'Connell Street.

Check out one of our day tours?  

Other services we offer

Natural Wonders

Culture & Castles

Recent blog posts

Destinations

Cliffs of Moher

Best Tours of Ireland

Cliffs of Moher Tour from Dublin

Giant's Causeway Tour from Dublin

Blarney Castle Tour from Dublin

Ireland's Leading Tour Operator

30,000+ Guest Reviews

Amazing Irish Experiences

Free Cancellation

Our top tours.

Discover Ireland with us!

(Morning) Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Half Day Tour from Dublin

Belfast (including titanic experience) tour from dublin, cliffs of moher tour from cork, cliffs of moher tour from limerick, giant's causeway tour from belfast.

You'll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of most experiences

Discover unique experiences with Paddywagon Tours. Departing daily from many different locations.

Dunmore East

Top attractions.

Explore Ireland's top attractions with Paddywagon Tours.

Belfast City

Blarney Castle

Cliffs of Moher

Dingle Peninsula

Giant's Causeway

Ring of Kerry

Wild Atlantic Way

Nº1 tour operator in ireland since 1998.

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice - 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2023

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

Click to enlarge

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.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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.

Explore related stories

May 20, 2024 • 13 min read

Wind-warped cliffs, ancient historic sites and quintessential coastal towns – this 1500-mile road trip connects you to the best of Ireland

May 13, 2024 • 13 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 11 min read

Apr 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 3, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 2, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 1, 2024 • 11 min read

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

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.

Related Read:

• 10 Free Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland (For 2023)
• 10 Things To Do in Dublin With Kids (For 2023)
• 30 Best Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland (For 2023)
• 12 Best Bookstores in Dublin
• Top 10 Gardens and Parks in Dublin To Visit

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

• 11 Must-See Castles In Dublin, Ireland
• 19 Best Dublin Landmarks To Visit
• Dublin Tours: The 10 Most Unusual Tours In The City
• 3 Days in Dublin: Itinerary With Maps and Tips (For 2023)
• 14 Best Hiking Spots Near Dublin

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

• 8 Best Brunch Restaurants In Dublin
• 12 Best Restaurants In Dublin
• 13 Best Food Markets In Dublin
• 10 Good and Cheap Restaurants in Dublin
• 20 Best Pubs In Dublin, Ireland

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

• Getting Around Dublin: Public Transportation Options
• Dublin Airport To City: Airport Transfer Options For First-Time Visitors
• Dublin To Limerick: How To Travel To Limerick From Dublin
• Dublin To Belfast Transport Options
• Dublin To Galway Transport Options

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

• Dublin Travel Guide: Best Places To Stay, Eat And See (For 2023)
• Is Dublin Safe? What You Need To Know (2023)
• Is Dublin Expensive? What You Need To Know (2023)
• Renting In Dublin – Guide For Newcomers
• Living In Dublin: The Ultimate Guide For Expats
• Where To Stay in Dublin, Ireland
• 12 Best Hotels In Dublin With Pool

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.

11 Best Things To Do in Kildare, Ireland - Ireland Travel Guides

Sunday 29th of August 2021

[…] The house is known for its corkscrew tower, spiraling up into the sky, flipped inside out, with stairs curling around the outside instead of the inside. It sits in acres of forests and fields and can be reached by a stunning walk along the River Liffey. Castletown House is also one of the best day trips from Dublin.  […]

Double Bitcoin in 24 Hours System is a Legit Bitcoin Doubler System to double your investment after 24 hours. Double Bitcoin in 24 Hours System is fully automated system, once your investment confirms via blockchain, our system start work and provides you double payout automatically after 24 hours.

https://earnx2btc.com

Ireland Bucket List: 50+ Top Things To Do In Ireland For 2021 - Ireland Travel Guides

Friday 25th of June 2021

[…] It extends from County Wicklow and a small area of Dublin which makes it one of the best day trips from Dublin. […]

10 Things To Do In Kilkenny, Ireland - Ireland Travel Guides

Tuesday 5th of May 2020

[…] one of the very few castles in Ireland that offer tours to the public and it’s also one of the popular day trips from Dublin and […]

10 Best Things To Do In Sligo, Ireland - Ireland Travel Guides

Monday 4th of May 2020

[…] It is only 2.5 hours away from Dublin and it can be a good day trip from the city. […]

Self-Guided Walking Holidays in Ireland

• Guided Walks and Hikes

Guided Full Moon Walks near Dublin

Join hilltoptreks hill walking club.

Walking Holidays In Ireland

Hilltoptreks offer Award winning Guided and Self Guided Walking Holidays in Ireland. As well as Day Tours from Dublin, Guided Day Walks and Multi-day hiking Tours of Ireland.

All the guides are qualified and local giving you the best insight during your day hike, hiking tour or walking holidays in Ireland..

From all the tours you really get to see the Irish landscape up close and personal. You will be brought of the beaten track where you can experience Ireland’s real beauty.

Hilltoptreks have been organizing fantastic Walking holidays, day hikes, hiking tours and Day Tours in Ireland for numerous years. Over this period they have fine tuned their tours and cherry picked some of the finest walks in Ireland just for you.

They like to pride themselves on offering you the best insight into Ireland. Including its culture, history, music, people and of course Ireland’s beautiful landscape.

So in a nutshell what Hilltoptreks provide are: • Irish Day Tours from Dublin of Wicklow, Glendalough, Kilkenny, the Boyne Valley and Newgrange.. • Guided Day hikes and walks to some of Ireland’s most scenic locations. • Walking Holidays in Ireland and Europe – Guided or Self Guided. • Hiking Tours throughout Ireland. • Day Tours with Guided Walks or Horse Riding Options. • Short Walking Breaks and hiking tours in Ireland. • We can also Tailor make Tours or day hikes to suit you, your family, company, group or friends

Why choose our walking & hiking holidays?

Local qualified guides (a real insight into ireland).

All our guided Irish day tours, hill walking, trekking and hiking tours are hosted by local and qualified guides. They will give you a real insight into Ireland and the places you are visiting. The guides are also friendly and can help you with any inquiries you may have.

Customised Tours (Tours to suit all tastes and abilities)

We operate Irish day tours, Hill Walking, trekking, day hikes, hiking tours and multi day tours through out Ireland. On our Multi-day tours we do this in a way that you have a choice on most days of the activities if any, that you would like to do.

A Lifetime Experience (Off the beaten track with highlights also)

Our hill walking, trekking and hiking Irish tours are designed so that you will visit the recommended highlights of the area you visit in Ireland. You will also visit and explore many places that are off the beaten track.

What People Say about Walking Holidays in Ireland.

“We can’t thank Hilltop Treks enough! They helped my boyfriend plan the most perfect engagement at Guinness Lake. It was the most breathtaking backdrop to our wonderful moment.”

“Hilltop treks thanks for a fabulous day tour in Wicklow! Loved it all!”

“Excellent way to spend a day” – Wonderful experience to enter Newgrange and a lot of wonderful sights around the Boyne Valley

Wicklow day trip with horse back riding was even five stars in the rain!!!

“Have gone on a few hikes now with Hilltoptreks they are always great fun, with a lovely group of friendly people. The locations are stunning also and Terry has great local knowledge”

BEST way to see beautiful Ireland!

Review of  Hilltoptreks

Reviewed 12th July 2019 via mobile

Stop what you’re doing and book a trek with Hilltop Treks already! I was so thoroughly impressed with my experience of the Wicklow/Glendalough tour, I honestly can’t recommend it enough. I only had a few days in Ireland, so the incredible scenery and knowledge gleaned from this tour gave me a real sense of the country and culture as a whole. Massive, MASSIVE thank you to our incredible guide Johnny, who absolutely made the experience. Funny, caring and deeply passionate about this part of Ireland, he is a wonderful ambassador for this beautiful country. Can’t wait to visit again!

Date of experience:  July 2019

Great guided tour

Reviewed 9th July 2021 via mobile

Loved walking with Terry. Terry knows the Dublin Wicklow mountains like the back of his hand and his relaxed leadership style makes for a great day out leaving you to enjoy the views and good company. I would definitely recommend Terry and look forward to more hikes in the hills in the future.

Date of experience:  July 2021

Memorable private tour of Powerscourt, Wicklow, and Glendalough

Reviewed 22 Aug 2019

Visiting these incredibly beautiful sites on a relaxing private day tour was a definite highlight of our family vacation. Thanks to Hugh for a well-paced, comfortable trip with lots of interesting commentary and discussions along the way, and for dropping us off at our Kilkenny hotel with recommendations for our visit there. Highly recommended!

Date of experience:  22nd Aug 2019

You might also be interested in our Short Walking Breaks for 2024

Walking weekend in mayo, march 30th – april 1st 2024, walking weekend in scotland, may 31st – june 3rd 2024.

Hill Walking Holidays in Ireland

HilltopTreks Blog

Tour of Wicklow and Glendalough

Tour of Wicklow and Glendalough from Dublin Glendalough and Wicklow Tours from Dublin written by Linda I recently went on Hilltop Trek’s Tour of Wicklow and Glendalough and would highly recommend it! Why? Well, what I personally liked about this tour was that it was on a mini bus with max capacity of 16 people. […]

Walking the sheep’s head way

Hill Walking in West Cork The Sheep’s Head Way Discover the beauty and wonders of this little Peninsula on the Sheep’s Head Way.  Gillian takes a few days walking on the Sheep’s Head Way in West Cork. Gillian has a real love for the outdoors, flora and fauna and there is nothing she enjoys more […]

3 weeks ago

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

4 weeks ago

hilltoptreks

Guided walks and Tours in Ireland. Day tours and guided hikes. Walking holidays in Ireland and Europe. #walking #hiking Ireland #tours #guided walks

Hilltoptreks

Let’s Go And Explore!

HilltopTreks

17 Dodder Lawn,

Dodder Valley Park,

Firhouse Dublin 24,

Local: 087  7849599

Int: +353 (0) 87 7849599

Email: [email protected]

Skype : Hilltoptreks

Tours and Walks

• Day Tours From Dublin
• Self Guided Walks in Ireland
• Guided Walking Holidays in Ireland
• Short Walking Breaks Ireland

Gift Vouchers

Your Email (required)

Your Message

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

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!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

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!

[convertkit form=3386186]

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.

2 thoughts on “11 Best Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland (+ Tips!)”

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!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Day Tours from Dublin

Award winning day tours.

Only in Ireland for a short stay but want to see some of our stunning countryside? Don’t worry, Wild Rover Tours have you covered with a selection of award winning day tours from Dublin to stunning locations around Ireland!  Popular destinations include the Cliffs of Moher & Galway, Glendalough, Wicklow & Kilkenny and our award winning Northern Ireland Highlights tours which includes Belfast, Titanic Quarter and the Giant’s Causeway. We also offer bespoke private tours for individuals and small groups.

Exceptional Drivers & Guides

Each day trip departs from Dublin city centre and is led by a dedicated tour guide . Our tour guides are exceptional. A quick scan of Wild Rover Tours reviews will highlight just how amazing and knowledgeable they are. Every Wild Rover Tour guide has been certified with the gift of the gab and will entertain you with the history, stories and legends of the areas you are travelling through. Our guides are only too happy to answer any questions you have over the day and provide you with local knowledge of the places we visit while our experienced drivers will get you there safely and on time.

Admission Included – No Hidden Costs

While other day your companies don’t include admission in their prices, we make sure you get the best value for money on your day tour from Dublin by including the admission price of attractions in the overall cost of the tour. So there are no hidden extras. This is especially important if you are on a budget!

We pride ourselves on the comfort of our guests. We hit the road on board one of our modern, luxury 53-seater, fully air conditioned coaches . Each coach has complimentary 4G WiFi so it’s easy to update your social media during the day using #wildroverdaytours. We love to see you having a great time and we’ll share the best photos every day! All that’s left to do now is pick a day tour from Dublin with Wild Rover Tours and start exploring Ireland.

Cliffs Of Moher, Atlantic Edge Ocean Walk & Galway City Day Tour From Dublin

Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Day Tour From Dublin. (Includes Sheep Farm & Dog Trials)

Giants Causeway & Belfast City Day Tour from Dublin

Cliffs of moher, bunratty castle & ennis town, special offers.

10% Off. Cliffs Of Moher & Galway + Giant’s Causeway & Belfast (2 x Tours)

10% Off. Cliffs Of Moher & Galway + Wicklow & Kilkenny (2 x Tours)

10% Off. Belfast & Giant’s Causeway + Wicklow & Kilkenny (2 x Tours)

12.5% Off: 3 Tour Saver. Cliffs of Moher (with Bunratty) + Belfast + Wicklow

Private tours.

Private Connemara & Galway City Tour

Game of Thrones Private Tour From Dublin

Ring of Kerry & Dingle Peninsula 2 Day Tour

Two Day Connemara, Galway, Cliffs of Moher (including boat trip) & Aran Island Tour

Private Tour to Belfast from Dublin

Private Tour from Dublin to Glendalough – Wicklow Mountains- Kilkenny

Private Tour To Cliffs of Moher from Dublin. Includes Atlantic Edge Ocean Walk & Galway City

Private Guided Tour From Dublin To Waterford And Kilkenny

Private Tour From Dublin To Northern Ireland – Giant’s Causeway / Titanic Experience / Black Taxi Tour

What our clients say, about day tours from dublin, wild rover tours.

Shopping Centre, Day Trips & Tours Ticket Kiosk, Saint Stephen's Green, Dublin 2

• Katie Howard ★★★★★ a week ago Neil and Sarah were fantastic! If you are in Dublin and debating whether this tour is worth it I promise it is. Absolutely amazing. They give you nice long stops so you feel you can take in the area. Great history lessons while driving but also quiet time with music. The sheepdog demonstration was the icing on the cake. I want to come back again now to those areas as they were stunning!
• Alexandra McDonald ★★★★★ a month ago What a fantastic and professional tour company! This Wild Rover tour from Dublin to the Cliffs was the perfect choice for my 7 year old and me. We were visiting Dublin for a long weekend and the Cliffs had been a bucket list item, and not stressing about driving was my main reason for booking. I reserved on their website directly (a fair price!) and went to the meeting point that day at 7am. They have … More large, comfortable coaches with their logo. The Cliffs are magnificent and a must-see! The driver Garry and our guide Rory were so professional and entertaining. Rory pointed out landmarks as we drove, gave us a comprehensive history of Ireland, and had such a lovely personality all day! We made a rest stop on the route there and back (no WC on the bus). We returned back at 7:30pm and it was such a great (albeit long) day. Furthermore, Rory came through the cabin as we were arriving back in Dublin to answer any personal questions we had about the area, and took a few minutes to recommend local restaurants, pubs, and experiences that we would find useful. Absolutely recommend!!
• Theresa Langston ★★★★★ 3 weeks ago Our tour to Northern Ireland and the Giant Cliffs were amazing! Our tour guides Krishna and Barbara were so informative and friendly people. Barbara gave us a lot of Irish history and folklore. The Titanic museum in Belfast was so well done and sad too. The Giant Cliffs are amazing! The views are so beautiful. The countryside throughout Ireland is so green. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting … More Ireland they were amazing tour guides. Thank you so much!
• Ed Torres ★★★★★ a week ago This is the easiest and most stress free way to see some amazing sights in Ireland. We got to relax and let Wild Rover worry about the driving and details. Krishna and Brendan were absolute professionals and a joy to spend the day with. The bus was spotless and had USB charging ports at every seat. If I were to do this tour again, I'd pack a lunch to maximize my time at Giant's Causeway … More as the two food options there can get very busy.
• Alana Steer ★★★★★ a week ago Our first tour with Wild Rover tours was a great success! We loved the scenic drive through the winding roads of the Wild Altantic Way along with the breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher and the liveliness of Galway City! Our driver, Lisa, did an amazing job travelling the tight narrow roads and our guide, Ciara, was very engaging, timely, friendly and funny. Would definitely book with Wild … More Rover again!
• Bob Carey ★★★★ ☆ a month ago Our tour guide Barbara was great. She was very entertaining and informative. The Giants Causeway was beautiful and breathtaking. My only disappointment was the Black Cab tour. Our driver was not aware of our passengers, at one point we had to get back in the cab to go no more than 150 feet…. He presented the time of the Troubles from his perspective as a youth growing up. Otherwise, I highly recommend … More Wild River.
• laura taylor ★★★★★ 3 weeks ago Truly the best and most enjoyable experience on our trip to Dublin. Liam and JP were exceptional in their knowledge of the regions visited and making everyone feel comfortable and welcomed. I wouldn't hesitate in booking another Wild Rover tour in Ireland again! Stop scrolling and simply book it!
• Marine MALINGUE ★★★★★ 4 weeks ago Really nice experience I truly recommend it! Peter, our driver offered us a safe trip and Ian our guide was very nice and friendly, I particularly appreciated Glendalough and the sheperd demonstration which was a very good surprise! You can buy something to eat during your stop at Kilkenny and there are many opportunities to go to wasrooms during the excursion, everything is perfectly organise and … More you really have enough time at each place you visit! It definitely worth the price!
• Rosemary ★★★★★ 4 weeks ago During our stay in Dublin we took two of Wild Rover's Tours. They were both extremely organized and the guides and drivers were all amazing. I can't say enough good things about these tours. They maximize the trip so you get the most out of your time. The guides were knowledgeable and entertaining. Both of our bus drivers were extremely safe drivers. The buses were clean, comfortable and … More had USB plugs easily accessible. Before we booked the tours we sent a few inquiry emails which were answered very promptly. Everything was amazing from start to finish. A bit about our Tours - The Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge Ocean Walk & Galway (Rory was our tour guide & Brian was our Bus Driver) - This was SOOOOOOOO well worth it. The Cliffs were superb and you have 2 hours to explore them. The Atlantic Edge Ocean had amazing views and the countryside we drove through was picturesque. In Galway we walked to Merchant Row and had a lovely lunch at the Kings Head (this was one of the recommendations Rory gave us and it did not disappoint.) Rory was funny, charming and balanced our tour time with history, funny antidotes and was so helpful at every opportunity. Brian was a great driver and I felt completely safe in his care. Our second tour was - Giants Causeway & Belfast City Day (Barbara was our guide & John was our bus driver) - What a lovely day. If your a GoT fan, you will get to see several locations used in the show. You will have a choice to go to the Titanic Museum or the Black Cab Tours (I highly recommend the Taxi tours). The locations were amazing, the scenery was lovely and we had more than enough time at each of the locations. Barbara was fun and played a lot of music which certainly got us into the mood at each place we went to. She answered a lot of questions and John even spoke Gaelic for us! He was a great and safe driver.

Are you sure you want to sure you want to leave the feed?

Oops... something went wrong!

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

• #Landscapes
• #CultureandHeritage
• #OutdoorActivities

Oops, no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to ‘My Board’. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

See what Ireland has in store for you

Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

Looks like your board is empty

Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com, simply tap the icon to start adding items to your board!

Board settings

Collection cover image.

Visible to people you share your board with

Share Board

Share a link to your ‘My Ireland’ board and inspire friends, co-travellers and family. Only you can add or remove items from your board.

Forgot your password?

Create an account.

Access My Ireland across all of your devices by logging in.

Sign up Not got an account?

Terms of use | Privacy policy

Login Got an account?

Location access

• View offers and deals nearby you
• Get travel inspiration based on your location
• Local weather warnings and useful travel information

Enable location access

Location access on ios.

• 1 Open the website settings for this website in your browser
• 2 Select Location settings
• 3 Choose “Allow
• 1 Open the My Ireland website

• 2 Select the Icon below

• 3 Select “Website Settings

• 4 Change “Location” to “Allow”

Notifications

Travel times.

Tell us when you are going to be travelling Ireland, and we will show you tailored recommendations for the duration of your trip.

• Tips for events happening during your stay
• Helpful travel reminders and updates

You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving?

We take your privacy very serious and only ever process your data with your persmission. If possible this is handled anonymously and we will never store your data for longer than is required. For more information on how we handle your personal data please read our Privacy Policy.

Remove Data

To securely remove all data associated with your profile please contact our Data Protection Officer.

Reset your Board

This will remove all the items you have previously liked from your board. Please note, you can’t undo this action.

Are you sure you want to reset your board?

This will completely reset your board and all associated data permanently. This cannot be undone.

• Created date 19 July 2023

Delete account

Sorry you’re leaving. But you gotta do what you gotta do. Just a reminder, if you delete your account, you won’t be able to post in Community. And it’s permanent so you can’t “undo” it in the future.

Explore Ireland's islands

Explore ireland’s islands.

The island's gorgeous coastline is dotted with offshore wonders

• #IrelandsIslands

Ireland in your inbox

Sign up to receive free email newsletters from Tourism Ireland, including vacation ideas, insider tips, news, and events.

We will use your email address to send you personalised content straight to your inbox based on how you interact with this website and our advertisements on other websites.

Something went wrong...

Success! Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletter!

I understand that by signing up, I will receive personalised email content based on my use of Tourism Ireland’s website, emails and Tourism Ireland’s advertising on other websites, cookies and tracking pixels. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking 'unsubscribe' in our emails. Find out more information on "How we handle your personal data" in our privacy policy .

I would like to receive information and special offers by email from carefully selected travel partners. For more information please see our privacy policy .

Island-hopping around Ireland is a lot of fun. We’re talking fresh ferry rides with sea spray on your face, remote beaches all to yourself, a pint of Guinness in the sun outside a quaint pub, coastal cycles, puffin-watching, off-the-beaten-track mischief and craic! From the Causeway Coastal Route to County Dublin, we’ve rounded up ruggedly big, charmingly small and lesser-spotted island gems for you to explore.

So, hop aboard. Sailing conditions are pristine. Take that watch off as you’re heading for island time, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life recedes from view. Next stop: a cute little harbour on a beguilingly peaceful-looking offshore oasis where unforgettable experiences await. You’re an islander now – feels nice, right?

... there are few places in the world that can match the beauty of Ireland’s islands. Lonely Planet

Skellig Michael, County Kerry

10 unmissable island experiences

Add these bucket list essentials to your island-hopping itinerary!

Causeway Coast

Rathlin Island is by far the largest island off the coast of Northern Ireland, making it a good starting point in the region. Access to the island is via Rathlin Ferry which runs several times daily. Key sights to see are the Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre which is home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony, and Rathlin West Light, the ONLY upside-down lighthouse on the island of Ireland! It has to be seen to be believed. Great walking trails criss-cross the island offering clifftop strolls and wanders through unspoiled heath land.

Elsewhere in Northern Ireland, day trips and overnight stays are available to the Copeland Islands off the coast of County Down via the Copeland Bird Observatory . This quiet retreat is an ideal place to relax and unwind in nature.

Dún Aonghasa, Inis Mór, Aran Islands, County Galway

Ireland’s islands quiz

From an upside-down lighthouse to a clifftop fort, test your knowledge of these wave-lashed havens.

Even in bustling Dublin, island adventures are close by. In Dublin Bay, spot local wildlife amid sand dunes and salt marshes on North Bull Island . Further north, scenic boat trips are available around Ireland’s Eye and postcard-perfect Howth. For day trips and overnight stays, go to Lambay Island , the largest island off the east coast which is amazingly home to a colony of wallabies! On Dublin’s south side, Dalkey Island is a popular kayaking spot. Keep an eye out for inquisitive seals and dolphins as you paddle along.

Further south along the east coast is County Wexford’s Saltee Islands . Although both islands – the Great and Little Saltee – are privately owned, day-trippers are welcome on the larger island which is one of Ireland’s premier bird sanctuaries. Gannets, gulls, guillemots, razorbills and colourful puffins are flock to the craggy sea cliffs here.

Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo

Wild Atlantic Way

Choices abound when it comes to islands on the Wild Atlantic Way. Up in County Donegal, Tory Island is the most remote inhabited island in Ireland, lying some 12km offshore from the mainland. Take the Tory Ferry over for breathtaking scenery and tales of giants who forged the landscape. Down the coast in County Mayo, ever-popular Achill Island is buzzing thanks to its starring role in The Banshees of Inisherin . Nearby Clare Island is a quieter retreat.

County Galway’s Aran Islands  are one of our most famous groups of islands, thanks to their winning mix of rich culture, sandy beaches and ancient landmarks. Further south, County Kerry’s Blasket Islands  are another popular destination. Venture to the Great Blasket Island from Dingle to immerse yourself in rolling green fields, jagged sea cliffs and local wildlife – without another soul in sight! As for Skellig Michael , visit to see why this otherworldly pyramid-like rock was so at home on the big screen in Star Wars.

In County Cork, don’t miss Ireland’s only cable car trip which goes from the mainland to Dursey Island  as the Atlantic Ocean rages below. To sample island life for a few days, try Cape Clear Island which has cute self-catering cottages, friendly B&Bs and glamping sites.

Devenish Island, Lower Lough Erne, County Fermanagh

5 inland island gems

Want to keep reading.

Here are some great articles to get you started...

Island hopping in Ireland

5 tales from Ireland’s islands

Destination

Rathlin Island

The Aran Islands

Aran Islands

Skellig Islands

The Skellig Islands-Na Scealga

Islands of Lough Erne

Great Ireland boat trips

Journey to the Blasket Islands

The Blasket Islands-Na Blascaodaí

Ireland's islands

The world-famous Aran jumper

Blasket Writers

Meet the Great Blasket Island caretakers

Ireland’s islands.

Don’t miss these things to see and do

Dursey Island

It's a little difficult to reach, but this quirky island sure is worth the journey.

Toraigh (Tory Island)

Monastic marvels, nature havens and big screen features: welcome to the Skelligs.

Island Discovery - Inishbofin Ferry

Accommodation

Aran Islands Hotel

Blasket Islands Eco Marine Tours

A trip to Spike Island

Explore Ireland’s most notorious island…

Oxford Island

Scattery Island

Saltee Islands

Kayaking.ie

Ireland's Eye

Island Cottage Cookery School

Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.

The Aran Island Hotel is located off the West Coast of Ireland on Inis Mor, Aran Island. All bedrooms are spacious and beautifully appointed with a wide range of facilities. The ideal base to explore the unique spirit and traditions of Aran.

A walk on flat tarmac paths around Oxford Island Nature Reserve

The Saltee Islands are situated approximately 5km off the coast of Kilmore Quay County Wexford. The larger island, Great Saltee, is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland and is very popular with both day-trippers and birdwatchers alike.

Island Cottage Cookery School is located on Heir Island, a unique island that lies southwest of County Cork. They provide a range of cookery courses and also provide accommodation.

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!

Wild Rover Day Tours

Services Offered

Virtual Consultations

Review Highlights

“ Would definitely recommend if you're looking to see the Cliffs of Moher , the Burren, and Galway in a tour form. ” in 40 reviews

“ Had lunch in Galway after our 2 hour visit to the Cliffs and our 2 hour drive between the Cliffs and Galway. ” in 43 reviews

“ The walk down to Giants Causeway and arrival was simply breath taking where pictures would do no justice. ” in 21 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Day Trips & Tours Ticket Kiosk

Stephen's Green Shopping Centre

Dublin 2, D02 H317

Republic of Ireland

South Inner City

Serving Dublin 2 Area

Amenities and More

About the business.

Simply the best day tours in Ireland. Experience Ireland's wild side in a fun and unforgettable way. Enjoy a nice blend of history, folklore, storytelling and music. Listen to the fascinating tales on Irish mythology, as you are making your way, through Ireland's magnificent scenery. Engaging and interesting stories, no matter your age, will always be assured to hold your imagination and fascination. We provide a dedicated tour guide and a dedicated driver on all our day tours to the most beautiful places, on the enchanting Emerald Island: Belfast/ Giants Causeway/ Carrick a Rede rope bridge/ Game of Thrones Kilkenny/Glendalough/ Wicklow Mountains/ Irish Sheep Dog Trial Cliffs of Moher/ Burren coastal drive and Galway city A unique feature to us is to book a day tour and have both, a flexible choice and itinerary to avail of. Most of the year you can stay overnight at any of the tours designated attractions and be free to re-join the tour on another date. The tours operate 7 days per week. Why not buy our special open all Ireland ticket. You are free to travel whenever you wish (subject to seat availability) offering complete flexibility with your day tour booking. Why choose us? Winners of the best in its category, Wild Rover Tours was awarded Best Local Tour Operator 2014 award by Viator members (world's largest travel site). Winners of 5 Star Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor 2012-2019. Wild Rover Tours, the company of choice. …

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

115 reviews

This is a review of the Northern Ireland Day tour. This is one my favorite tours that I've ever done. Our tour guide was Brendan and our driver was Krishna and both of them were delightful. They gave us the perfect amount of talking time and quiet time on a long day. They also had ample bathroom breaks and well-timed activities. If you do this tour, you MUST pick the black cab taxi tour in Belfast. You'll have time to run through the titanic museum at the end of the black cab taxi tour if you really want both, but the black cab tour was so emotional. Our tour guide was "pat with the hat" and his emotional and personal ties to the history of Northern Ireland brought me to tears. It was such an emotional and powerful experience. The next part of the tour is a quick stop at the Dulunce Castle. This castle is the inspiration for Cair Paravel from Chronicles of Narnia and House Greyjoy from Game of Thrones - two books that I adore. It's a quick stop but a beautiful one. The final stop is a lovely hike at Giant's Causeway. You have more than enough time for lunch and a hike at this final spot. I can't recommend this tour enough - 20 out of 10 stars! Thank you for such a special day!!!

See all photos from Kate C. for Wild Rover Day Tours

Dave and JP were wonderful! It is a day full of excursions, but it doesn't feel like you're on a bus all day by any means. We did the Titanic/Giants Causeway tour. We spent more time at the spots than on the bus, and all of the times set for us to enjoy the attractions were the perfect amount of time. Dave was funny and kind, very well informed. And JP's driving was very safe and time efficient!

We rarely do organized large tours ... very small groups but not charter bus sized. This tour was fabulous! Patrick & Sarah(so?) we're such fun hosts! We had rain tre entire way up... we selected the Belfast Black Taxi tour versus Titanic. Our driver was actually a political prisoner 2x! And while yiu may not agree with what he did or all his beliefs he truly added a perspective that one would never have without being in the Troubles! Commentary throughout the coach tour was funny, literature & music focused. We were always been shared information about the area we were driving thru and where to look. Once we got to the coast the rain stopped & sun shined!!! Peter took pictures of anyone on the tour at tge Dulce castle that you have an entire 30 minutes at versus other tours 5 min photo stop. It is much bigger & impressive from inside! Then the giant Causeway- wow just wow ! Note you a little less than 3/4 mile walk down to it ( there is a small bus with a big que) then you have to come back up. Great lunch options & beverages at the Nook ( separate review) Again Sarah & Patrick were always willing to answer questions- clear on where to go and very prompt in making sure we all knew when to be back. With the weather and timely return to the coach we even drove some of the coast and stopped for breathtaking photos as a bonus. Which of course Patrick offered to be a photographer! Highly highly recommend. Bathroom stop on the way back as well while the bus fueled.

See all photos from Evelyn M. for Wild Rover Day Tours

Business owner information

Business Customer Service

Apr 23, 2023

Hi Evelyn, What wonderful feedback! Thank you kindly for taking the time to let us know how you got on during your Northern Ireland adventure with us. On behalf of Patrick and Sarah, we want to say, ‘Go raibh mile maith agat’ (Thanks a million!) for choosing us and we hope we see you and Peter again one day in the future.

On our first trip to Ireland, we discovered that the island is not only beautiful, but it's people are definitely one of it's national treasures. Our tour to the WIcklow mountains, Killkenny and Glentrails along with our guide Liam and driver Warren exemplified this and were the highlight of our visit to Ireland. The day long tour started out in Dublin where there was as choice of 3 conveniently located stops. After the last pick up, we proceeded out of the city whilst hearing Liam's narrative of surrounding areas. He narrative was not only informative, but quite entertaining. We were afforded plenty of time (2hours) in the Killkenny and at the monastic site which revealed some very stunning scenery. The last stop on the tour was to a working sheep farm where there was a demonstration of a sheep dog herding sheep. All in all it was a truly delightful day.

See all photos from Mary P. for Wild Rover Day Tours

Apr 7, 2023

Oh Mary, what a wonderful review and such gorgeous photos! Thank you so much for choosing Wild Rover Tours for your first trip to Ireland. On behalf of Warren and Liam, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the beauty of Wicklow and Kilkenny and we do hope to see you again next time you're on our lovely shores! Slán abhaile

My friend and I took Wild Rover's day tour to Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, and Glendalough from Dublin a few days ago, and it was a wonderful experience. The tour was well designed (great stops, no drive in the bus too long, free time for wandering built in), and Neil (our driver) and Peter (our guide) were wonderful. I learned so much from Peter during our day with him! I would happily take another tour from them, and I highly recommend them if you are looking for a day trip from Dublin to make you feel like you've seen a bit of the countryside of Ireland as well!

Nov 16, 2023

Hi Alexis, thank you for your kind words. We are so happy you enjoyed your trip to Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny! On behalf of Peter, Neil and the team, we want to thank you for choosing Wild Rover Day Tours and we hope we have you on board with us again. Slán abhaile (safe home!)

Joined them for the cliffs of Moher tour and the Northern Ireland when I was in Dublin and the experience was great! Pick up was on time and the buses were very clean! I had two different tour guides for the two tours, Patrick and Kevin, and they were both very knowledgeable and nice! Love the way the tours were organized and they gave the perfect amount of time to explore at each spot! Highly recommend their tours if you're in Ireland!

Business Owner

Jun 4, 2023

Hi Christie, Go raibh maith agat (thank you in Irish!) for your lovely review, we are absolutely delighted that you enjoyed your adventure! On behalf of Patrick and Kevin, we want to thank you again for choosing us and we hope we have you on board again sometime soon P.S. FABULOUS photos!

I went on their day trip to Cliffs of Moher. The guide was FABULOUS! Gave us great tips everywhere we went, but also recognized that not everyone wants to hang out with the guide. He gave us tidbits of knowledge and history through the drive, but was never so loud you couldn't sleep. We happened to have boomed on a day there was some wild weather. The guides were helpful to give tips on keeping safe, and kept the bus open in case anyone needed to run for cover at any point. Was super lovely and I can't say enough kind things!

Apr 25, 2023

Hi Maddy, thank you for your kind words. We are so happy you enjoyed your trip to the Cliffs of Moher & Galway City. On behalf of the team, we want to thank you for choosing Wild Rover Day Tours and we hope we have you on board with us again. Slán abhaile (safe home!)

Itinerary... 5/5 Guide... 4.5/5 Accommodations... 3/5 We had an excellent trip to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher. This route also has an awesome stop at the Barack Obama Service Station. Galway was an adorable city, and we were able to spend about 2 hours in the town before we spent an hour in traffic leaving town. The tour of the town was super short but showed off the Main Street of the town. The Cliffs of Moher was a fun stop, and there was plenty of time to check out this national site. There will be spray from the waves and changes in weather. My negative about this your would be it's bus loading procedures. Multiple tour buses heading to the same location loaded at the same time, but instead of distributing guests, every seat on a bus was filled to the max. This resulted in two buses full to the max and 3 with many empty seats. You can bet I was on the bus that was complete loaded up.

May 28, 2023

Hi Mathew, thank you for your feedback! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed gorgeous Galway City and the majestic Cliffs of Moher. We're sorry to hear that getting onboard was a little chaotic. Indeed, as we are spending 2 hours at the Cliffs of Moher, 2 hours at Galway City, a stop at The Burren and a rest stop, logistics are indeed everything to ensure we adhere to driver's hours in accordance with Irish Law. However, we will certainly pass on your thoughts to our bus manager! Thank you again and we hope we have you onboard sometime soon.

Tour of Northern Ireland: Dublin, Dunluce Castle, Giants Causeway. Our tour guide Dave and driver Paolo were awesome. Dave had the perfect mix of wit and humor with facts and history of Ireland. It is apparent that Dave is very passionate about his country and his work. It is not easy to keep folks entertained for hours and they sure did!

See all photos from Angela B. for Wild Rover Day Tours

Oct 15, 2022

Hi Angela, thank you for sharing your kind words (and great photos!) We are delighted you enjoyed your adventure to Northern Ireland with Dave and Paolo! Please do visit us again!

I took two day tours with Wild Rover - one to Belfast and one to Galway. Both were great but I preferred the one to Belfast due to the more interesting history and narrative along the way. The Black Taxi tour was wonderful! I appreciated the comfort stops and efficiency of the trip. I got to see so many places I wouldn't have been able to just on the train! My only suggestions would be not to arrive in Galway for dinner from 2-5 which is the exact time most restaurants close before dinner. I could not go to the restaurants I wanted because they were closed while I was there. It might have been a better itinerary to go to Galway first for lunch and then go to the Cliffs of Moher so the sun was setting instead of rising which is better for photos.

Feb 18, 2023

Hi Katie, thank you so much for your lovely review! We are absolutely delighted to hear that you enjoyed both of your adventures with us around Ireland. On behalf of the team, thank you for choosing Wild Rover Tours and we hope we have you onboard again. And, thank you for your feedback, we'll pass your thoughts on to the team.

23 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Collections Including Wild Rover Day Tours

Céad Míle Fáilte

By Isabella B.

Dublin IRELAND

By Alexis B.

By Genevieve D.

People Also Viewed

Irish Day Tours

Paddywagon Tours

Finn Mccools Tours

Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland

Wild Wicklow Tours

Day Tours Dublin

Railtours Ireland

Vintage Tea Trips

Other Tours Nearby

Find more Tours near Wild Rover Day Tours

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Day Trip to Dublin from only £12 return!

Sail away for the day on our Day Trip to Dublin by foot and enjoy a day away with a difference. Sail any day from Holyhead with fares starting from only £12 per adult return, kids aged 4-15 travel for half price and infants aged 0-3 travel for free! With our great value family fare, 2 adults and 2 children can get away on a day trip from only £30.

Discover this bustling cosmopolitan city and learn about some of literary and music’s most influential characters, whilst enjoying the famous warm Irish hospitality. Explore Temple Bar which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It’s packed with quirky shops, cafes, and traditional bars and is a must-see for all visitors. Enjoy a pint of the Black Stuff – Guinness – in one of Dublin’s many pubs, take a stroll around St. Stephen’s Green or hit the shops of Grafton Street.

Speaking of shopping, not only will you enjoy shopping in Dublin but whilst onboard you’ll also be able to take advantage of our Duty Free Shopping!  You’ll make great savings in our onboard shop on premium brands including Absolut, Jameson, Paco Rabanne, Molton Brown and many more. Choose from over 450 fragrances, nearly 100 beers, wines, spirits & champagne, makeup, skincare, toys, sweets, accessories, jewellery and lots more!

How much Duty Free can you buy? Lots! The allowances are generous including 42 litres of beer, 18 litres of non-sparkling wine and 4 litres of spirits. 

Click here to find out more about your allowances.

Click here to view our Duty Free Shopping brochure.

When can I go?

From Holyhead

Any day of the week

Outward at 09:00 or 14.45

Return at either 14:45 or 20:30

Outward at 14:45

Return at 20.30 or 02:15

Disembarking

• This is a landing day trip where you will disembark the ferry upon arrival in Dublin where you can then enjoy time in the city to explore the many great sites
• Passengers can only purchase Duty Free products within their allowance.  Allowances are per person. Full details on allowances can be found here:  https://www.stenaline.co.uk/onboard/duty-free-shopping
• Passengers are responsible for declaring any goods they bring back with them in excess of their allowance.  If you go over an allowance you are responsible for paying any tax and duty that is due on the goods.  Stena Line shall have no liability for any tax and duty payable
• Duty Free purchases cannot be consumed onboard
• Passengers making Duty Free purchases must present their boarding card, which they will be given when checking-in
• All Duty Free products advertised are subject to availability

Sail away for the day on our Day Trip to Dublin by foot and enjoy a day away with a difference. Sail any day from Holyhead with fares starting from only £12 per adult return, kids aged 4-15 travel for...

Get away for the day

Day Trip to Dublin from only £12 return

Day trip to Ireland

• Day Trips are non-refundable
• Full payment is required at time of booking
• Persons found to be misusing the day trip fare will be surcharged the standard foot passenger fare
• Family fares valid for 2 adults and children aged 4-15
• £4 service fee applies to non-web bookings
• £5 amendment fee applies for any changes made to the booking
• Fares are subject to availability and are not valid in conjunction with any other offer of discount.
• No-shows: If all passengers on a booking fail to show for the outward sailing, the booking will be cancelled in full. If one or more passengers on a booking check-in for the outward sailing, then it will not be cancelled.
• Stena Line reserve the right to withdraw or alter this offer at any time

Stena Line Terms of Business apply to all bookings. For more information read our Terms & Conditions.

Sign up to our Newsletter!

Be the first to know, sign up now!

* Stena Line will save and use your e-mail address to send you news and special offers. By signing up here, you consent to this service. Want to know more? Read our full Privacy Policy .

You can easily unsubscribe at any time.

You're almost there...

We’ve sent you an email. Please click the link in it to confirm your subscription.

Customer Service

Do you have questions or need help with your booking? Contact our customer support or find the answers to the most common questions in our FAQ.

Help & Contact

Travel options.

Copyright Stena Line 2024

My Ideal Ireland Itinerary 7 Days Road Trip (+ Map)

A re you itching to visit the Emerald Isle but only have a week to explore? It’s a relatively small country, so it’s doable. This Ireland itinerary for 7 days will show you how to enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside and lively Irish culture in a one-week Ireland road trip.

For most travelers, starting and ending your Irish road trip at Dublin Airport makes logical (and financial) sense. But for those who can start their trip in Dublin and end it at Shannon Airport, there are other destinations in this beautiful country you can squeeze into your 7-day Ireland itinerary.

My detailed guide below suggests two different routes for both options. Either way, you’ll have an epic and memorable time in Ireland! It’s one of my favorite countries! Keep in mind, this itinerary does not take into account travel time, most flights from the US will depart in the evening and arrive the next morning.

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Option 1 (Dublin to Dublin)

This 7-day Ireland itinerary is based on my actual road trip around Ireland and Northern Ireland with my teen daughter. We had a wonderful time, so I’m sharing many of our lessons and stops to help you make the most of your visit.

Day 1: Dublin to Belfast

Day 2: Belfast to Derry

Day 3: Derry to Westport (or Galway)

Day 4: Westport to Galway

Day 5: Galway to Dublin

Day 6: Dublin

Day 7: Leave Dublin

Alternative Route Thoughts:

If you’re willing to drive and tour at a faster pace, you could try to combine parts of the Northern Ireland itinerary in order to allow you to visit the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula in the southwest of Ireland if you’re set on flying in and out of Dublin.

The Dingle Peninsula Slea Head Drive is considered one of the highlights of the area and the star of the Wild Atlantic Way region. But it is on the opposite end of the island from Northern Ireland, so with only 7 days, adjustments are needed. My route includes some of the Wild Atlantic Way between Westport and Galway, and is more accessible. However, some feel strongly about visiting the Dingle Peninsula.

Look at my list of things to do and see and decide which are your priorities if the Dingle Peninsula (pretty drive that will take about 3 hours) is a priority, AND you have to fly in and out of Dublin. If you want to prioritize Northern Ireland and the southwest area of Republic of Ireland, you might look at a route like this: Dublin – Derry – Galway – Dingle/Killarney (2 nights) – Dublin (2 nights)

I wouldn’t choose this fast pace, but it is an option if you’re trying to make the most of a limited week. The better option in my opinion would be to try to add on a day or two. Ideally, you’d plan a 10 day Ireland itinerary if you want to see most of the highlights. Or just plan to come back again!

My recommendation if you only have 7 days and want to see most of the popular regions is to fly into Dublin and out of Shannon Airport, which I list that alternate itinerary farther down in my post.

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin Airport and Explore Belfast

Waste no time at Dublin Airport by renting a car and driving north to Northern Ireland. Many flights from North America are red eye so you can start your 7 day Ireland itinerary in the morning. Don’t worry, you’ll end your trip in Dublin.

Renting a Car in Ireland

Take note that, unless you specify, your rental car will have a manual transmission. Request an automatic if you don’t want to tackle switching gears and driving on the left side of the road! Trust me, this isn’t the time to learn to drive standard or to try and remember that time in your childhood when you borrowed your buddy’s stick shift car.

You will need to have full coverage auto insurance for accidents or damage. Many times I rely on my credit card for car rental insurance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve both have primary rental car coverage. But, confirm that Ireland and Northern Ireland aren’t excluded from your coverage.

Also, be prepared to show proof of the coverage at the rental counter. This can typically be printed from your benefits page but consider calling or chatting with customer care to ask for written proof of rental coverage. Otherwise, you’ll need to add collision coverage to your rental.

You can use Google Maps to navigate Ireland’s narrow roads, but it will often take you the fastest way which isn’t always the best way for tourists. We had a GPS device added to our rental and found it would sometimes route us differently than Google Maps.

Most of the time Google Maps was great but twice we should have listened to the GPS, one of which was driving back to Dublin from Cliffs of Moher when Google Maps took us back roads that were very tight and slow going and the GPS would have gotten us onto a highway much faster.

On your first day, head to Northern Ireland. The total drive time from Dublin to Belfast is just under two hours covering 162 km/100 miles, so you should have plenty of time to explore Killeavy before traveling to Belfast and staying there one night.

Note: The Republic of Ireland measures speed in kilometers/hr while Northern Ireland measures in miles/hr. Money is also different as Northern Ireland uses the British Pound Sterling (￡) and Ireland uses the Euro (€).

Malahide or Killeavy

You’ll hop in your car and start heading to Northern Ireland but I recommend at least one stop along the way to help get outdoors and help your body adjust to the time change. There are two stops I’d recommend as you make your way to Belfast, either Malahide or Killeavy. Both will help you get outdoors and have a castle.

Malahide is what I’d consider a Dublin suburb. It’s home to the popular Malahide Castle and Gardens, which is a more touristy operated castle with decor and extensive gardens. Malahide is also on the coast and there is a popular 4 km Malahide to Portmarnock Coastal Walk to get an outdoor fix on your first day. The town itself has a large number of cute restaurants and shops for a great afternoon break on your first day.

If you’re looking to get out of the city on your first day, plan for a stop in Killeavy instead. Located just over the Northern Irish border, Killeavy is a small town and a great place to stop for a break in an official area of natural beauty.

Check out Killeavy Castle Estate (there’s a hotel there now but you can still check out the castle grounds) or the Slieve Gullion Forest Park. This area of woodland has links to Celtic mythology! If you’re in Killeavy around lunchtime, stop at Johnny Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant for a bite to eat.

And if you’re not in a rush and have an extra night beyond this 7-day itinerary, consider booking a stay at the Killeavy Castle Estate. It’s absolutely beautiful and a great way to unwind after a busy travel day. We overnighted in Killeavy and even visited their spa to help us relax after traveling. The extra day helps you relax and start to acclimate to the time change.

If you’re not staying overnight in Killeavy and following my 7 day itinerary, hop back in your car and head to Belfast next.

Political Mural Black Cab Tour

When you arrive in Belfast, park your rental car and let a tour guide drive you around for a change! From the 1970s to the 1990s, Belfast was at the center of a pivotal moment in Irish history called ‘the Troubles’. 

A great way to learn more about it is to book a Black Cab Tour around all the neighborhoods and dozens of political murals that document the era. Driving is much faster than a walking tour which is ideal because there are lots of things to do in Belfast!

Shopping in Belfast

Need souvenirs or just have lots of room in your suitcase to fill? St. George’s Market is a 19th-century covered weekend market selling everything from street food to antiques. Born in Belfast is a great place to shop for local, artisanal gifts. Note that it’s only open on the weekend.

Note: Ireland’s currency is the Euro but Northern Ireland uses Great British Pounds. Bring a good travel credit card with no foreign exchange fees so you can pay in both currencies with no problems. We didn’t need cash at all during our trip as everywhere we visited accepted credit cards.

Ride Hydrobikes on the River Lagan

Dublin has the River Liffey, but Belfast has the River Lagan. Take a fun, self-guided tour down this river on hydro bikes and see landmarks like the Prince Albert Clock, the yellow Harland & Wolf cranes, and the Big Fish. Check out Lagan Adventures to learn more about booking this fun water activity!

This is a fun activity that is unique, but can be skipped if you’re running low on time or would rather have more time at the Titanic museum.

Titanic Belfast Experience

While riding the hydro bikes you’ll sail past the Titanic Quarter, home of Belfast’s docks and where the infamous ship was built in the early 1910s. Titanic Belfast is a state-of-the-art experience that opened in 2012, the 100th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Titanic on its first voyage.

You can learn more about the ship’s design, the people who built it, and everything else there is to know about the Titanic. You can even find violins and deckchairs found on the Titanic’s wreckage among the exhibits. It can be an emotional experience for some, but is a must-do for anyone who is fascinated by the Titanic story.

Evening in Belfast

Belfast has tons of fantastic restaurants in its Cathedral Quarter. Check out The Dirty Onion and Yardbird for a more relaxed meal or The Muddlers Club for fine dining. Don’t forget to check out the cool neon signs down Commercial Court which look best on a dark, rainy evening.

Overnight in Belfast

You’ll spend your first night in Belfast and I have two great hotel recommendations for you. Ten Square Hotel was where I stayed most recently and is in a central location with a view of the beautiful City Hall building.

And the Maldron Hotel Belfast City is also centrally located, upscale, and has amazing reviews. I also love that both these hotels have restaurants in case you’re too tired to go out after arriving and just want to grab dinner, or breakfast, at your hotel.

Day 2: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast

On the first full day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, you could drive straight to Derry from Belfast along the motorway (the name for highways in Ireland). But then you’d miss the scenic drive along the Causeway Coast. This drive was possibly our favorite part of the entire trip!

This coastline stretches across the top of Northern Ireland and features otherworldly landforms, medieval castles, rope bridges, and more. You can even see out to Scotland on this scenic route (on a clear day).

Driving from Belfast to Derry via the coast is approximately 114 miles in distance and will take three hours without stops. Set off early so you have as much time to make stops as possible, trust me, the views are amazing and you’ll want plenty of time to enjoy the trip.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

With a history dating back 250 years, fishermen used to cross this rope bridge (an older version of the one installed in 2008!) to catch salmon on a small island. Carrick-A-Rede is a 66 ft-long rope bridge suspended 100 ft above the Antrim coast and offers an exciting experience as well as incredible sea and coastal views. The water around the coast here is so blue, you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean.

The hike is about 1.8 miles and will take you about an hour to an hour and a half to explore. I would consider it a simple walk for people used to physical activity, but does require effort and stamina. I highly recommend pre-booking your visit as they do limit access and you don’t want to show up and have access sold out for that time frame.

If you’re craving a snack or drink, stop by Carrick-A-Rede Bar & Restaurant before or after your bridge walk. It’s located past the rope bridge if you’re driving from Belfast, so works well as a stop after your walk on your way to the next stop, Giant’s Causeway.

Giant’s Causeway

Your next stop is one of the best things to do on the entire island of Ireland, hands down. The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a four-mile-long stretch of coastline comprising thousands of basalt columns that interlock in an otherworldly form.

You can walk over these columns as much as you want for as long as you want, it’s completely free to visit! You just need to pay for the parking lot and visitor center.

I’ve walked town below on the rocks on a trip and most recently we did the cliff hike above the coastline and it offers a completely different view of the landscape. A great activity for active visitors, although there is a shuttle you can pay for to help drive you from the visitors center down to the main rock formations if you have mobility issues.

Afterwards, head into the nearby town of Bushmills for lunch where you can eat at Lorna’s Kitchen or Flash in the Pan fish and chip shop.

Dunluce Castle

Just a few minutes along the coast from the Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful ruined castle overlooking the coastline, Dunluce Castle. This 16th-century castle was once the main stronghold of Clan MacDonnell. Of all the castles to visit in Northern Ireland, this one is convenient and offers some amazing coastal lookout views!

Overnight in Derry

Derry (aka Londonderry) is Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, so you’ll have no trouble finding places to eat for dinner or things to do. If you arrive in Derry early, make sure you see the Peace Bridge over the River Foyle, Free Derry Corner, and The Derry Walls. These are 17th-century defensive walls that circle the city and offer the best views.

One of my daughter’s absolute favorite stops on our trip was our overnight in Derry. While many itineraries will have you skip this city so that you can immediately get to the west coast of Ireland, I’m chiming in to say it’s worth stopping here.

We arrived in Derry in the evening and walked the entire circle of the walls. The walls encircle the central part of the city and it’s about a mile walk. There are multiple access points on and off the walls, so it’s a convenient and fun way to get around the city.

For dinner, Castle Street Social is a cool, laidback bistro and The Bentley Bar is better for live Irish music and grills. We loved our upscale pub dinner at the Wig Champagne Bar in Bishops Gate Hotel . I’ve stayed at this hotel twice and have loved it every time. It is a luxury property, but the price is not as crazy as you might expect.

Day 3: Explore Derry and Drive to Westport (or Galway)

Derry is Northern Ireland’s second city, so spend enough time visiting the main sites. But don’t linger too long, because on the third day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, you’ll be driving back into the Republic of Ireland and along the west coast.

Driving from Derry to Westport in County Mayo will take approximately three hours to cover 149 miles/240 km. It will take a little longer to make a stop well worth visiting en route ! Spend one night in Westport or the surrounding area. If you don’t spend too long in Derry, you could overnight in Galway instead of Westport.

If you like visiting eclectic museums, you’ll spoiled for choice in Derry. Museum of Free Derry covers the region’s local civil rights history, The Siege Museum specifically covers a specific historical moment in 1689, and the Foyle Valley Railway Museum with lots of old-timey trains.

If you haven’t already, watch the hilarious Netflix sitcom Derry Girls which is set in this city. There’s a mural of the main characters on Orchard Street, as well as lots of other murals you’ll see as you walk around.

Make the first stop on this part of your road trip to the city of Sligo, a place known for its literary heritage (W.B. Yeats was born here). Make a stop for lunch at the traditional Walker 1781 pub which serves a mix of light, European fare.

Ashford Castle

Continue driving towards Westport but make a slight detour south to Ashford Castle. This 13th-century estate is now a hotel, but you’re free to wander its lavish interiors and well-manicured gardens.

If you have the bank balance, you could always stay overnight here instead of Westport. Keep in mind that this five-star hotel could set you back around $1,000 a night!

Overnight in Westport (or Galway)

Since Westport is a large town on Ireland’s west coast, you have plenty of dinner options. Cobbler’s Bar & Courtyard is a relaxed grill or check out Friends Bistro which is a good all-rounder for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For overnighting, consider staying at The Wyatt Hotel in the heart of town or the Westport Coast Hotel on the water.

If you have time, take a stroll along the Carrowbeg River. There are lots of cute medieval bridges like the Doris Brothers Bridge.

Alternative option: if you’re willing to leave Derry early and drive farther, you can try to combine parts of days 3 and 4 and overnight in Galway. This will allow you to use day 5 to drive the Dingle Peninsula and possibly see Cork on your way back to Dublin.

This will not be a relaxed road trip and will require early starts, but it will give you the chance to see one of the other most popular tourist regions of Ireland during your 7 days. If you choose to overnight in Galway, consider staying in the main central city area at the well-rated Park House Hotel or The Huntsman Inn .

We stayed at the g Hotel and Spa and found the location out of the way and not ideal for strolling the streets of Galway. But the property does have nice rooms and restaurants, plus a spa. It reminded me of a US casino hotel experience.

Day 4: Explore Connemara National Park and Galway

Ireland has six national parks, and you’ll be able to visit at least one by following this Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Visiting during the summer months is a great time to visit Ireland as you can take advantage of the long days and good weather (well, better weather) for outdoor activities.

Westport is only 78.5 km/49 miles north of Galway City (which will take just over one hour to drive without stopping) but there are some great things to do on your journey along the west coast.

Ireland’s entire stretch of coast along the Atlantic Ocean is called the Wild Atlantic Way. It stretches 2,600 km/1600 miles from Malin Head in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. You won’t have time to drive the entire scenic route during your week in Ireland, but you will see some of it on Days 4 and 5. Stay in overnight in Galway.

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens

While there are tons of beautiful stately homes across the country, none are as special as Kylemore Abbey. This 19th-century mansion has been occupied by Benedictine nuns since the 1920s and they’re still there today. You can tour the house and walk around the gardens as well as visit the nearby Kylemore Church.

One of the best things about this abbey is its stunning location. It’s surrounded by woodland and sits on the banks of the Pollacapall Lough on the edge of Connemara National Park.

Connemara National Park

Speaking of the national park, it’s also worth a stop on your drive. Poke your head into the Visitor Center and if you have the time, tackle the nearby Lower Diamond Hill Trail. It’s only a 1.8-mile loop walk and you can continue onto the Upper Diamond Hill Trail if that trail is too easy. 

Just a stone’s throw further than Connemara National Park is Clifden, a cute, small town on the coast. Off The Square Restaurant is the perfect stone-walled café to stop for lunch, and there are some interesting memorials dotted around the hills outside the town.

Walk along the coast to the John D’Arcy Monument, dedicated to the founder of Clifden, or drive to the Alcock and Brown Memorial. These British pilots completed the first nonstop transatlantic flight in 1919 which landed right outside of Clifden.

As the home of traditional Irish music and other Celtic legends, Galway is an essential stop on any Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Head to the colorful Latin Quarter where there are dozens of colorful pubs. Many licensed pubs allow accompanied children to enter until 9 pm, so check for notices around the door before entering.

Galway’s main street, Quay Street, stretches through the Latin Quarter and this is where you can find stores selling the famous Claddaugh jewelry. These Celtic pieces have a unique symbol with two hands to represent friendship, a heart to represent love and a crown for loyalty. They are the perfect souvenir!

Head under the Spanish Arch to the harbor and check out the Galway City Museum if you want to learn more about the city’s local and maritime history. Check out the Róisín Dubh for the best live music performances in the city. 

For dinner, The Dough Bros is budget and kid-friendly. Tigh Neachtain Pub & Restaurant has the best of both local Irish cuisine and traditional folk performances.

Day 5: Witness the Cliffs of Moher and Drive to Dublin

It’s time to get back to Dublin so you can explore Ireland’s capital city before hopping on your flight back home. Not before swinging by one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, of course.

Driving from Galway to Dublin via the famous Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and Limerick will take approximately five hours as you’ll need to cover 356 km/226 miles. Stay overnight in Dublin for the last two nights of your 7-day itinerary in Ireland.

Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk and Visitor Center

Drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center and learn more about the formation of these incredible sea cliffs. They climb 702 feet tall at their highest point and stretch 14km/nine miles along the coast.

Then, walk out to the coastal path and explore different vantage points. On a clear day, you should be able to see out to the Aran Islands. Many companies run day tours to the Aran Islands from Galway, but you might not have time on your 7-day Ireland itinerary.

Lunch in Limerick

Stop for lunch in Limerick, the fourth-largest city on the island. You have lots of options but Story Café is perfect if you want to eat something light while The Locke Bar Gastro Pub is perfect for a filling sit-down meal.

Hang around before continuing to Dublin as there are lots of things to do in Limerick. Visit the 19th-century Milk Market where you can pick up souvenirs or snacks for your ride. King John’s Castle is an imposing medieval fortress that sits right on the River Shannon that you can visit too. 

Evening in Dublin

Since you have a pretty long drive, you probably won’t reach Dublin until the evening. Walk to the historic Temple Bar neighborhood for dinner. It’s named after an actual 19th-century, bright red pub in the area that you can’t miss.

If you’re traveling with kids and you’ve struggled to find pubs that will admit those under 18 (the drinking age in Ireland) then head to Temple Bar before 9 pm to listen to music. If you’re not visiting with kids, walk a few minutes west along the River Liffey to Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub. 

Old Storehouse Bar or Cobblestone Pub are perfect places to enjoy dinner in Temple Bar. They both boast life music too.

Overnight in Dublin

You’ll have plenty of places to choose from if you want to stay in Dublin. My experiences have been with The Davenport and Trinity City Hotel , both are gorgeous upscale properties in convenient locations to walk to many of the popular sights. If you don’t want to deal with city driving and parking and can stay a bit outside of the city center; I’ve stayed at Clontarf Castle , which is a unique property and near a bus route with easy access into Dublin.

Day 6: Explore Dublin

Dublin is the perfect place to spend the last day of your trip. If it’s your first time in Ireland, you can’t miss it! But it’s a big city and there are many options for spending your final full day. Book two nights’ accommodation in the city.

One great option is to find a parking lot for your rental car and check out the top tourist attractions in Dublin’s city center. Or, if you’re not keen on visiting a city or checking out day tours, you can drive out to County Dublin’s picturesque coastal towns like Skerries, Malahide, and Howe. 

If you want to stay in the capital, this itinerary will show you the best way to enjoy the city. I have a two day Dublin itinerary that might be useful, but find some of the highlights below.

Trinity College Library & Book of Kells

Start in the southeast part of the city at Trinity College Dublin. This is the most prestigious university in Ireland, and where you’ll find Trinity College Library. It’s famous for its 16th-century Long Room which features two stories of stacked bookshelves (it looks like something out of Harry Potter !).

It’s also famous for the Book of Kells . This is one of the oldest books in the world which was handpainted in the 9th century. They just launched a brand new experience that has made seeing the book a little more exciting than the previous old plaque style exhibit.

Something important to note is that almost all of the books have been removed from the Long Room as part of a redevelopment project. However, the new tour experience uses projections to help you still appreciate the history of the space.

St. Stephen’s Green

Dublin has lots of adorable parks so you have to see at least one during your trip. Merrion Square is a great choice, but St. Stephen’s Green is more central. It’s small but has a small pond, statues dedicated to some of Ireland’s literary greats, and is surrounded by rows of Georgian townhouses with colored doors.

Grafton Street

Walk underneath the Fusiliers’ Arch in the northwest corner of St. Stephen’s Green and you’ll be standing at the top of Grafton Street. This is a pedestrianized shopping street that is always lined with musicians playing for money (aka buskers). If you’re not a fan of pubs then this is the best spot to listen to local music.

Grafton Street also has a number of great shops for souvenir shopping. A couple of my favorites are the Aran Sweater Market for authentic wool sweaters and clothing, Claddagh Jewellers for Irish jewelry, and Seasons of Ireland for cheesy tourist gifts.

Dublin Castle

Continue walking west to Dublin Castle. This is a well-preserved castle dating back to the 13th century with museums, libraries, and state apartments. There’s also a small garden that you can explore and an onsite café which is perfect for lunch. 

Christ Church Cathedral

Just across the road from Dublin Castle is Christ Church Cathedral. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (named after the country’s famous patron saint) is arguably a more important building as it’s Ireland’s national cathedral, but it’s a little further away.

Christ Church Cathedral started as a Viking church almost 1,000 years ago although the current building dates back to the 13th century. Inside, you’ll find a mummified rat and cat (they both got stuck in the organ) and a ‘homeless Jesus’ statue on the bench outside.

Guinness Storehouse

One of the most popular attractions in Ireland, you have to check out the Guinness Storehouse during your first visit. In 1749, Arthur Guinness signed a legendary 9,000-year lease on a disused brewery at St. James’s Gate. Today, the famous dark ale is brewed elsewhere but the original location is now a visitor center.

The Guinness Storehouse covers the brewing process, the history of the company, and fun advertising displays. It’s surprisingly family-friendly and everyone either gets a pint of Guinness or a soft drink in the Gravity Bar at the end of the tour. It offers 360-degree views across the whole city of Dublin!

You can make reservations for one of the restaurants at Guinness Storehouse, or head back towards your hotel and check out the Temple Bar area for food and drinks.

Temple Bar Neighborhood

Return to Temple Bar for your last night in Ireland. There are lots of restaurants serving a range of cuisines if you’ve had more than enough savory pies, potatoes, and root vegetables during your seven-day trip!

Day 7: Depart from Dublin Airport

It’s time to head back to Dublin Airport and finish up your seven days in Ireland. Depending on the time of your flight back, you may have a little time to see parts of Dublin you missed the day before.

Leave plenty of time to travel to Dublin Airport as you will have to return your rental car too.

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Option 2 (Dublin to Shannon)

Day 1: arrive in dublin and explore.

The first day of this alternative 7-day Ireland itinerary starts in Dublin. Instead of traveling to Northern Ireland immediately, explore Ireland’s capital city first. You’ll spend one night in Dublin. This part is almost identical to Day 6 of the first itinerary.

You can either travel into Dublin by bus or taxi and pick up a rental car in the city center the next day, or pick up a car at the airport and find a parking lot near your hotel. You won’t need a car to get around Dublin! It’s super walkable and traffic is a nightmare.

Note: It may be more expensive to pick up a rental car at Dublin Airport and drop it off at Shannon Airport. Since traveling around Ireland using public transport is difficult to impossible, factor this extra cost into your budget.

Day 2: Travel from Dublin to Belfast

The next stop on this alternative Ireland itinerary for 7 days is Belfast. It’s similar to day 1 of the first itinerary, except you might not have time to stop in Malahide or Killeavy. You may also have to visit a Dublin attraction or two in the morning before you set off, like Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral.

Spend a couple of hours in Dublin wrapping up the top attractions before driving north and exploring the Northern Irish capital. Driving this 105-mile/166 km journey will take around one hour and 45 minutes. Spend one night in Belfast.

Day 3: Drive the Scenic Causeway Coast 

This day of this alternate itinerary is pretty much exactly the same as Day 2 on the first itinerary. Drive from Belfast to Derry via the coast which is approximately 114 miles in distance and will take three hours without stops. 

But you will absolutely want to stop as many times as possible on this stunning scenic drive! Check out all the best places to stop under Day 2 before staying overnight in Derry.

Day 4: Explore Derry and Drive to Galway

In this itinerary, you’re essentially combining Days 3 and 4 of the first itinerary and driving from Derry to Galway, returning to the Republic of Ireland. This will be your longest driving day at over three and a half hours, covering 172 miles/277 km. 

You will most likely have to compromise on road trip stops. This will probably include skipping Westport and Clifden. 

If you want to see Connemara National Park, you’ll have to head in a different direction to Ashford Castle. And if you want to see more of Galway, spend less time in Derry.

Day 5: View the Cliffs of Moher and Drive to Killarney

The biggest change from the first itinerary to this one is that you get to visit Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Many people who visit Ireland say that County Kerry is one of the best places in the country, so it’s well worth visiting!

Driving south from Galway to Killarney takes around two and a half hours, but you will want to extend that drive for another 90 minutes to make a special road trip stop. Follow the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway so you can check out the Cliffs of Moher. This will make your whole drive take around four hours, covering 263 km/163 miles.

If you have any time left at the end of the day, take that time to explore Killarney National Park. Spend the next two nights in Killarney, using it as your home base.

Killarney National Park

Although Connemara National Park is beautiful, everyone who visits Ireland gushes about Killarney. It boasts such natural diversity including huge lakes, rolling green hills, waterfalls, and historic sites.

If you have time, hire a kayak or canoe and sail on Lough Leane. You can visit the ruined structures of Ross Castle and Innisfallen Abbey.

Head to Muckross House, a 19th-century mansion in the park where Queen Victoria once stayed. Torc Waterfall is nearby which is an impressive site only a short walk into the woods from the parking lot.

Evening in Killarney

Killarney has lots of pub restaurants serving traditional Irish food and some even have live music playing every night. Murphys Bar & Restaurant and John M. Reidy are both great options.

Day 6: Drive the Scenic Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula

The Ring of Kerry is a 179 km/111-mile coastal loop drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. If you were to drive without stopping, it would take around three and a half hours. Along with the Dingle Peninsula drive, they are two of the most beautiful coastal drives in the country.

Unfortunately, you won’t have time to drive around both routes. But no matter which one you pick, you’re guaranteed to have the best time exploring the Kerry countryside and you can head back to Killarney for dinner.

Option 1: Ring of Kerry

Due to the narrow roads, drive in a counter-clockwise direction so you can lessen the chance of having to reverse for local traffic.

Some of the highlights of the Ring of Kerry drive are Rossbeigh Beach and Kells for views across the sea to the Dingle Peninsula. Cahergal Stone Fort in Cahersiveen dates back to the 7th century and there are lots of other cool ruined castles and forts in the area.

Stop in Portmagee for a fish and chips lunch from Fisherman’s Bar. It’s a cute little colorful port town with ferries to the Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Kerry coast.

Kenmare is another essential stop on the Ring of Kerry Route. You can check out Kenmare Stone Circle (over 4,000 years old!) and Ladies View at the end of Killarney National Park. It’s one of the best vantage points in the park.

Option 2: Dingle Peninsula

If you choose to drive around the Dingle Peninsula instead, drive clockwise to follow the most popular direction of traffic. Head first to Inch Beach, a 5 km-long sandy beach that juts out into the sea and is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Ireland.

Continue along the coast to Dingle Town, the start and finish of the 30-mile-long scenic Slea Head Drive around the tip of the peninsula. You can stop for lunch before or after completing this part of the drive where you can have your pick of fish and chip shops like The Fish Box. 

After Dingle, stop by the Beehive Huts which are the well-preserved former homes of early Christian monks. They’re over 1,400 years old! Stop at Dunmore Head for the best views of the Blasket Islands before continuing to the unique Dunquin Pier.

Back at Dingle, take the N86/N70 road back to Killarney which is much wider and more pleasant to drive on.

Day 7: Depart from Shannon Airport

On the last day of your Ireland itinerary for 7 days, drive back up north from Killarney to Shannon Airport. This will take just under two hours covering a distance of around 175 km/84 miles. 

If you have a late flight, you can check out parts of the Ring of Kerry or Killarney National Park that you might have missed over the previous two days. Leave in plenty of time in case you have any unforeseen delays! You’ll need to return your rental car as well as go through security. 

Use This Ireland Itinerary for 7 Days as Your Guide

No matter your flight plans, you can use one of my Ireland itinerary for 7 days to navigate your entire trip! Both include all the major cities like Dublin and Belfast and beautiful scenery like the Giant’s Causeway and Cliffs of Moher. You can’t go wrong!

Irish flag and Irish anthem should be part of United Ireland discussions, Gerry Adams says

Gerry adams says he likes the irish flag, but acknowledges that "certain items" should be up for negotiation in united ireland discussions..

Gerry Adams, the former President of Sinn Féin, says c hanges to key political symbols such as the Irish flag and the national anthem should be part of the agenda for any future discussions to reach an agreement about a united Ireland.

Adams made the comments in " Iniúchadh TG4 - Éire Aontaithe? " ("TG4 Investigates - United Ireland?") that will be broadcast on TG4 on Wednesday, May 29 at 9:30 pm.

The programme, presented by investigative journalist Kevin Magee, examines if calls for a referendum on Irish unity within the next decade are premature, and asks how a million unionists could be integrated into a united Ireland.

The hour-long documentary examines the issue of a United Ireland and the circumstances under which a referendum on Irish Unity would be called under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement .

Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish!

Speaking in Irish, Adams says on the programme: “I am happy with the flag (Irish flag) as it is, but if people want to talk about it and put it on the table.

"Anyone can put any subject on the table and we will discuss it.”

Former SDLP Stormont Minister Bríd Rodgers said the Irish tricolour as the national flag of Ireland should be reviewed in the context of a united Ireland as it has negative connotations for unionists. 

Also speaking in Irish, Rodgers said: "Unionists are opposed to the Irish flag, because it was used by and associated with the IRA during the troubles.

"So, if it is a symbol of everything they hate, this probably needs to be looked at."

Bríd Rogers. (Courtesy TG4)

• Mary Lou McDonald supports 12th of July public holiday in United Ireland

Asked about a potential replacement to the Irish national anthem Amhrán na bhFiann in any future united Ireland, Adams said it too should be a topic for negotiation.

“If people want another national anthem, then it’s on the table.

"People can't say that we are planning for the future and then say we can’t talk about it. That is not the way in which we are able to put the process together."

Galway West Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív told the programme he also believes flexibility would be needed on issues such as the national flag and anthem in any future negotiations about a united Ireland.

He said: “Most Irish nationalists hold the flag and the national anthem very close to their hearts.

"But how do we handle that - is there a third way, a fourth way, a fifth way to address it?

"I believe that there is, and that is the flexibility required for such discussions. This kind of issue (a united Ireland) is best left to discussion.”

Éamonn Ó Cuív. (Courtesy TG4)

Adams said he hopes to see a referendum on Irish Unity called within the next decade. But others told the programme said calls for a referendum within next decade are premature and divisive.

Belfast-born former Church of Ireland rector at Holy Trinity church in Killiney, Co Dublin, Gary Hastings, said talk of a referendum within the next 10 years is too soon as people still have memories of the suffering caused as a result of the troubles in Northern Ireland. 

‘‘The split that was between the two sides to the north, it became very, very wide. Well, that hasn't been remedied since. Maybe it's better than that time, but the bad things that both sides did, those people are still alive and still badly hurt. When those people are gone, when it's just history, you might be able to move on. But it will take time.” 

The programme also hears the views of the members of the East Belfast Protestant Boys’ flute band on the prospect of a referendum on Irish unity at some time in the future.

Band member John Keenan said: “I don’t think we should [have a referendum], and I don’t think we should be coerced into one. Northern Ireland is an integral part of the United Kingdom and I don’t think that should change in the future at all. I wouldn’t want to live in an Irish republic." 

“We’re British, we’re not Irish. I’m too engrained into British society and the British way of life, it’s in our blood.”

"Iniúchadh TG4 - Éire Aontaithe" will be shown as part of the Iniúchadh TG4 current affairs series on Wednesday, May 29 at 9:30 pm.

You can watch the trailer for " Iniúchadh TG4 - Éire Aontaithe " here:

Related: Irish Language , Irish Politics

Travel through Ireland's timeless landscapes of history and nature

Memorial Day: Remembering the five brave Sullivan brothers killed serving together in the US Navy

Celebrating the Irish who fought in the US Civil War this Memorial Day

LAST CHANCE: Win a VIP trip to the largest Irish music festival, Milwaukee Irish Fest!

The best places in Ireland to go for a fishing vacation

How to make the perfect Irish curry sauce for your chips

Traditional Irish brown bread recipe

Waterford blaa named as worst food in Ireland by controversial ranking

Faces of the Titanic: John Horgan, lost at sea, remains a mystery man

Ireland's top ten most mispronounced places

Taoiseach "pushed" and Garda "hit" during confrontation with Enoch Burke's family in Co Mayo

What are Ireland's Bank Holidays in 2024?

Things to Do in Monino, Russia - Monino Attractions

Things to do in monino.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The Central Air Force Museum

2. Church of St. George

GPT-4 is better than humans at financial forecasting, new study shows

• OpenAI's GPT-4 is better than humans at analyzing financial statements and making forecasts, according to a new study.
• "Even without any narrative or industry-specific information, the LLM outperforms financial analysts in its ability to predict earnings changes," the study found.
• Trading strategies based on GPT-4 also delivered more profitable results than the stock market.

OpenAI's GPT-4 proved to be a better financial analyst than humans, according to a new study.

The findings could upend the financial services industry that, like other business sectors, is racing to adopt generative AI technologies.

According to the study conducted by the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, the large language model did a better job of analyzing financial statements and making predictions based on those statements.

"Even without any narrative or industry-specific information, the LLM outperforms financial analysts in its ability to predict earnings changes," the study said. "The LLM exhibits a relative advantage over human analysts in situations when the analysts tend to struggle."

The study utilized "chain-of-thought" prompts that directed GPT-4 to identify trends in financial statements and calculate different financial ratios. From there, the large language model analyzed the information and predicted future earnings results.

"When we use the chain of thought prompt to emulate human reasoning, we find that GPT achieves an accuracy of 60%, which is remarkably higher than that achieved by the analysts," the study said. The human analysts were closer to the low 50% range with regard to prediction accuracy.

The large language models' ability to recognize financial patterns and business concepts with incomplete information suggests that the technology should play a key role in financial decision-making going forward, according to the study's authors.

Finally, the study found that applying GPT-4's financial acumen to trading strategies produced more profitable trading, with higher share ratios and alpha that ultimately beat the stock market.

"We find that the long-short strategy based on GPT forecasts outperforms the market and generates significant alphas and Sharpe ratios," the study said. 

• Main content

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok

• Tours to Russia
• Practicalities
• Russia in Lists

Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

Plan your next trip to Russia

Ready-to-book tours.

Your holiday in Russia starts here. Choose and book your tour to Russia.

REQUEST A CUSTOMISED TRIP

Looking for something unique? Create the trip of your dreams with the help of our experts.

Park of Culture and Leisure - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)