Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital and home to the country’s busiest airport, is a no-brainer starting (or ending) point for your Irish adventure.

There’s plenty to see and do in Dublin—you could easily spend a few days soaking up the sights, history, and pints—but don’t stop there! Some of Ireland’s most incredible spots are just a day trip away.

The best part? You don’t even need a car to get out and explore. Whether you prefer to do your own thing or hop on a guided tour, there are loads of great options.

Below, I’ve rounded up 6 fantastic day trips from Dublin you can do on your own or with a tour group, plus one can’t-miss experience that’s only available as a guided tour—and a couple I’d recommend skipping altogether.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 261.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article & get tour links.

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Terrific Day Trips from Dublin

Dublin might be perched on Ireland’s east coast, but thanks to its great bus and train links, it’s a perfect jumping-off point for exploring all over the island.

The Monastic City of GlendaloughOne of the best views of Glendalough is found along the pathway beyond the visitor centre.

In the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, just 30 minutes south of Dublin, the hermit monk St. Kevin founded a settlement that would become one of the country's great ecclesiastical centres of learning. The remains of the monastic city, including the round tower, date from the 10th-12th centuries.

Do It Yourself day trip from Dublin Hop aboard the Glendalough Bus at St. Steven's Green. Spend time in the Glendalough Visitor Centre (an OPW Heritage site) before exploring the monastic site. Wear good hiking boots and dress in layers to get out end enjoy some of the nearby marked walking trails. 

Join a Guided Tour You'll find quite a few tour options that will take you through the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, and some will even include the magnificent Powerscourt Estate.

• Glendalough & Powerscourt with pub lunch stop
  
  
• Glendalough & Wicklow with horseback riding
  
  
• Glendalough Day trip with Powerscourt or horseback riding options

Malahide Castle and VillageMalahide Castle's hidden door

The village of Malahide is a terrific half-day getaway from Dublin.

Do It Yourself day trip from Dublin Take the train from Connolly Station in Dublin city centre in under 30 minutes or Dublin Bus route 32 or 42. Enjoy a guided castle tour and explore the gardens. Enjoy the village's charming shops and tasty restaurants.

Pro tip: Malahide Castle & Gardens makes a terrific spot for photos! Here's how we did it.

Howth, a Small Harbour TownSignal tower at Howth

The small coastal village of Howth, just north of Dublin, is popular for it's beautiful cliff walk and charming harbour. Howth also has a charming castle with grounds to wander and the Abbey Tavern hosts a Traditional Irish Show that features a 3-course meal.

Do It Yourself day trip from Dublin The train from Connolly Station to Howth takes about 30 minutes. Dublin Bus 6 or H3 take about 45 minutes.
From the train station turn left to head toward the harbour and cliff walk, or right to visit the castle.

Join a Guided Tour

• Full day trip to Howth and Malahide, including a castle tour
  
  
• Howth Coastal Boat tour
  
  
• Shane's Howth Adventures include a coastal hike and e-bike tour
  
  
• Hidden Howth Experiences include a Craft Beer & Seafood Trail and Ancient Village Adventure.

The Medieval City of KilkennyKilkenny Castle was built at a fording point of the River Nore in 1159AD by William Marshall.

Kilkenny is a wonderfully walkable city with loads to do! Plan a full day to enjoy everything the city has to offer!

Do It Yourself day trip from Dublin Take the train from Heuston Station in just 90 minutes or direct bus routes on Dublin Coach or JJ Kavanagh & Sons. If you want to enjoy the highlights of medieval Kilkenny plan to arrive early and plan a full day's adventure.

Once in Kilkenny you can easily explore the highlights of the Medieval Mile, from Kilkenny Castle to St Canice's Cathedral. Join the Shenanigans Walk for fun insight into the city or hop aboard a guided boat trip on the River Nore. If you enjoy a pint, be sure to check out the Smithwick's tour.

Join a Guided Tour 

• Combine Kilkenny with Wicklow + a sheepdog experience on this day tour

Lively Galway CityThe Latin Quarter in Galway City is bustling with shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Galway is a bustling harbour city with a lively traditional vibe.

Do It Yourself day trip from Dublin The train from Dublin city centre takes just 2.5 hours or CityLink Express bus service takes only slightly longer. Visit historic Galway sites like the Galway Museum, Spanish Arch, Kerwin's Lane and The Claddagh. The Latin Quarter is a busy spot filled with shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Join a Guided Tour Once in Galway you have a few great tour options in the city.

• Galway Hop-on Hop-off Bus
  
  
• Walking & Tasting Tour of Galway
  
  
• Galway Electric Bike Tour

Belfast in Northern IrelandSS Nomadic in front of Titanic Belfast

Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is both Irish and British, and has a very different vibe than Dublin.

Do It Yourself Day Trip from Dublin It takes just 2.5 hours to reach Belfast by train from Dublin city centre.

Titanic Belfast is an incredible tour, and includes the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship.
Book a Black Taxi tour to help you understand the history of The Troubles and sign your name to the Peace Walls that still divide the city.
Or take in the city at your own pace on a Hop-on Hop-off bus.
More time? Consider the Ulster Muesum, Botanic Gardens, or CS Lewis Square.

Join a Guided Tour

• Belfast Day Tour from Dublin includes Titanic Belfast and optional Black Taxi tour

The Boyne ValleyTrim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland

A day tour into the heart of ancient Ireland – the Boyne Valley in County Meath – can't be created in a DIY trip without a car. The sites are too far apart, and some are too rural, to be easily connected by bus.

But if the Neolithic and Celtic history of Ireland interests you, a tour through the Boyne Valley should be at the top of your day trips from Dublin list.

• Boyne Valley tour with Newgrange entry
  
  
• Boyne Valley including Trim Castle, Hill of Tara, and Loughcrew

2 Day Tours to NOT Take from Dublin

There are 2 trips from Dublin that you may be surprised are not on this list: The Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway.

There are 2 reasons for that. The first being that you really can't DIY these tours from Dublin.

But, more than that, I don't recommend these trips as day tours due to the length of the day. Most trips to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin are 12 hours long. And over 7 of those hours are spent driving. And Giant's Causeway trips from Dublin are 13 hours, with the majority of your time being spent on a bus.

If you want to day tour to the Cliffs of Moher, I recommend spending at least one night in Galway and enjoying a full tour of the Burren, there is so much more to see and do in that area.

If you want to explore the Causeway Coast, do that day trip from Belfast. One thing to note with any bus tour along the Causeway Coast: no large bus tours visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, they only stop at a viewpoint. If that site is high on your list, you will need to invest in a private tour.

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