Dublin Ireland Day Trips

Escape the City: Best Day Trips from Dublin

Dublin is a fantastic city to explore, but sometimes you need a break from the hustle and bustle. Luckily, it’s surrounded by stunning scenery and historical sites, making it the perfect jumping-off point for unforgettable day trips!

Here are some of the best options:

Historical Sites & Nature:

  • Glendalough: This monastic site in the Wicklow Mountains offers breathtaking scenery alongside ancient ruins. Explore the historic monastery, hike through the valley, and soak up the beauty of the Irish countryside.
  • Newgrange: Step back in time with a visit to this impressive Neolithic monument, older than Stonehenge! Witness the winter solstice sunrise (limited access), a truly magical experience.

Coastal Charms:

  • Howth: This charming fishing village just north of Dublin is easily accessible by train and offers picturesque harbor views, cliff walks with breathtaking scenery, and fresh seafood straight from the boats.
  • Malahide Castle & Gardens: Explore this beautiful medieval castle and its sprawling gardens, a short DART ride from Malahide.

Nature Escapes:

  • Wicklow Mountains National Park: Discover the stunning natural beauty of Ireland just outside Dublin with scenic hikes leading to breathtaking views like the Wicklow Way and the Glendalough Valley.

Literary Journeys:

  • James Joyce Centre: For the bookworm, explore the life and works of one of Dublin’s most famous literary sons. This museum is dedicated to the author of Ulysses and other modernist masterpieces.

Foodie Adventures:

  • Powerscourt Estate: Indulge in a culinary experience at the Avoca Handweavers, a charming cafe located in a historic estate setting.

Coastal Charms:

  • Killiney Hill: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Dublin Bay from this beautiful vantage point.
  • Glendalough & the Valley: Explore the history and nature of this ancient monastic site.

Day Trip Ideas:

  • Historic Sites & Nature:

    • Glendalough: This iconic monastic site boasts a well-preserved round tower, churches, and a visitor centre offering insight into its significance.
    • Howth Cliff Walk: Escape the city for a refreshing walk along the cliffs of Howth.

  • Day Trip Ideas:

For your convenience, I’ve listed some popular day trip destinations from Dublin, categorized by the types of experiences they offer:

  • Historic Sites & Nature:

    • Glendalough: Explore this beautiful and historic valley, a short bus ride from Dublin.
    • Powerscourt Estate: Take a scenic walk through the gardens and discover its hidden history.

  • Coastal Walks:

    • Glendalough: Enjoy the beauty of the Wicklow Mountains and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

  • Nature & Adventure:

    • Wicklow Mountains National Park: Explore the rugged beauty of Glendalough on a variety of trails, from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
    • Howth Cliff Walk: Hike along the cliffs for breathtaking views and fresh sea air.
    • Glendalough Lake: Enjoy a peaceful picnic or boat ride in this picturesque lake.

  • Foodie Adventures:

    • Wicklow Mountains National Park: Visit the Wicklow Way’s scenic coastal trails.

Foodie Experiences:

  • Glendalough: Explore the historical ruins and discover the local history.
  • Howth Market: Sample fresh Irish produce and enjoy delicious food stalls.

Coastal Towns & Villages:

  • Malahide: Enjoy a charming seaside town with a rich history.
  • Killiney Hill: Relax and enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the hill.

Historical Sites:

  • Glendalough: Visit the monastic site and learn about its history.
  • Newgrange: Explore the nearby medieval village of Howth.
  • Powerscourt Estate: Learn about the history of the Powerscourt Estate and the surrounding area.

Remember:

  • Transportation: Consider booking a tour or checking train/bus schedules for easy access to these destinations.

  • Glendalough: The historic site itself is a great place to explore, but you can also enjoy nearby walks and hikes.

  • Killiney Cliff Walk: Hike the scenic trails and climb the summit of the hill.

  • Avoca Handweavers: Visit the picturesque village of Avoca and enjoy its charming cafes, pubs, and artisan shops.

Historical Experiences:

  • Howth Market (Day Trip): This popular market is a great place to find local crafts, food products, and live music performances.

  • Avoca Handweavers (Market & Gardens): Enjoy the beauty of the nearby village and its historical significance.

  • Visit the Jameson Distillery:

    • Day trip: Explore the history of Irish whiskey-making at the historic distillery in Dublin.

Historical Sites:

* **Glendalough:**  A monastic site dating back to the 6th century, offering a glimpse into Ireland's early Christian heritage.

  • Powerscourt Estate (Day Trip): Discover the history of this beautiful estate and enjoy a tour of the historic buildings.

  • Visit the Irish National Museum of Archaeology: Explore fascinating artifacts from ancient Ireland and learn about the process of archaeology.

  • Howth Market (A nearby example): Enjoy a local market experience and sample some traditional Irish food.