Top 4 Day Trips from Dublin

The vibrant city of Dublin – brimming with culture, community spirit, and charm – offers an abundance of activities to keep you engaged, with even more exciting destinations just a day trip away from the capital.

Within a 40km (25-mile) radius of Dublin's heart, you can step back to the neolithic era, tour majestic Georgian estates, and explore one of the country’s most picturesque valleys, home to the ruins of a 6th-century monastic settlement. Closer to the city, you'll find charming seaside suburbs, including a favorite weekend getaway for Dubliners seeking scenic strolls and some of the finest seafood around.

Check out our guide to the best day trips from Dublin.

1. Take the DART to the charming seaside village of Howth

Travel time: approximately 45 minutes

Nestled at the base of a rounded peninsula, the picturesque port village of Howth (pronounced 'both') is a prominent fishing hub, yachting harbor, and one of the most desirable locales in the area.

It's a quick escape from the city – the DART brings you right to the harbor, where you can wander among the fishing boats or stop by Howth Market for coffee and a snack. The true allure lies a bit further out. Stroll about 10 minutes along the coastline to reach the start of the Howth Cliff Path Walk, a 6km (3.7-mile) loop that offers breathtaking views of the grassy cliffs that descend to the sea. For a more challenging hike, longer trails lead to the Baily Lighthouse and back across rugged, mountainous terrain.

Afterward, enjoy excellent restaurants offering some of the freshest seafood in the city, such as Octopussy’s for seafood tapas, Aqua for more refined dishes, and the outstanding Mamó, a modern bistro known for its excellent value set lunch featuring deconstructed seafood.

Getting to Howth from Dublin: Howth is located at the northern end of the DART line.

Want to explore more of Ireland on foot? Check out our guide to the best hiking trails

2. Explore the neolithic passage tombs at Brú na Bóinne

Travel time: 1½ to 2 hours

The expansive neolithic necropolis known as Brú na Bóinne (the Boyne Palace) ranks among Europe's most remarkable sites. Over a thousand years older than Stonehenge, the tombs, burial mounds, and passageways stand as a stunning testament to the incredible accomplishments of prehistoric people.

Your journey begins at the impressive visitor center, where you can delve into the site's history and gain intriguing insights into the era, complete with engaging digital displays. There’s even a reconstruction of the interior passage of Newgrange.

From the center, shuttle buses transport you to the passage tombs: the most popular tour includes Knowth and Newgrange. While entry into Knowth isn't allowed, the tour highlights the megalithic art adorning the outer stone slabs—be sure to look for the carvings depicting the lunar cycle.

The highlight of the visit is Newgrange, one of Europe's most extraordinary prehistoric sites. While the striking white quartz walls of the mound are impressive, nothing compares to stepping into the passage and reaching the center. Here, the guide dims the lights, and a narrow beam of amber light begins to traverse the tunnel—a simulation of the actual winter solstice event, when on December 21, sunlight floods the entire passage through the roofbox at the entrance. Even this simulation feels enchanting.

Getting to Brú na Bóinne from Dublin: If you're driving, Brú na Bóinne is located 50km (31 miles) north of Dublin; take exit 9 off the M1 and follow the signs. For public transport, the easiest option is to take a train or bus to Drogheda and then catch the Local Link 163 (40 minutes; three times daily) from the train station or the Spar opposite the bus station. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour from Dublin; one recommended choice is Mary Gibbons Tours (€75), which offers full-day excursions packed with historical insights.

3. Explore the monastic ruins in the picturesque Glendalough

Travel time: approximately 1 hour

Just an hour south of the city lies Glendalough, a stunning valley that feels like a step back in time. The name Glendalough, derived from the Irish Gleann dá Loch, translates to 'Valley of the Two Lakes,' and it is one of the most breathtaking spots in the country, embodying the rugged, romantic charm that often draws visitors to Ireland.

At its core, you'll find the remnants of a monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin around 498 CE, featuring a 1000-year-old round tower, a ruined cathedral, and the quaint church known as St. Kevin's Kitchen.

While the impressive ruins of this significant monastic site are certainly noteworthy, the enchanting landscape adds to its allure: two dark, serene lakes nestled within a glacial valley surrounded by forests, offering excellent walking trails and hikes into the nearby mountains. Despite its popularity, Glendalough maintains a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere, making it clear why those seeking solitude were drawn to this place.

If you have your own vehicle, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland runs along the Military Rd between Laragh (just 1.5km/0.9 miles from Glendalough's car park) and Glencree, leading towards Enniskerry. This road, constructed in the early 19th century by the British Army, winds through the picturesque Glenmacnass Valley (featuring a stunning waterfall) and the Sally Gap, where a slight detour reveals a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Lough Tay. Another detour near the Glenmacnass Waterfall car park leads to a beautiful overlook of heart-shaped Lough Ouler.

How to reach Glendalough from Dublin: Nestled in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is located 68km (42 miles) south of Dublin's city center. If you're driving, take the N11 south and switch to the R755 at Kilmacanogue, a winding road that leads through the mountains. Alternatively, you can catch a bus: St Kevins Bus departs from the bus stop on St Stephen's Green North in Dublin at 11:30am, with the last return trip leaving Glendalough at 4:30pm.

Planning a road trip in Ireland? Check out the country's top driving routes

4. Marvel at the splendor of the Powerscourt Estate

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Strolling through the magnificent formal gardens of the 64-sq-km (25-sq-mile) Powerscourt Estate offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the 18th-century aristocracy, along with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. At the center of Wicklow's most popular attraction lies a stunning Palladian mansion, crafted by Georgian architect Richard Castle between 1730 and 1741.

While most of the 68-bedroom mansion isn't accessible to the public, visitors can enjoy a delightful café and several gift and homeware shops. The estate also features two golf courses, a garden center, and the finest hotel in Wicklow. If you're driving or part of a tour, a mere 6km (3.7 miles) south of the house leads to Powerscourt Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Ireland, especially stunning after heavy rain.

After exploring the estate, a brief walk downhill takes you to Enniskerry village, originally established for estate workers and now a charming spot for lunch.

Getting to Powerscourt Estate from Dublin: Powerscourt is located off the M11/N11, 27km (17 miles) south of the city center. Exit the N11 at Exit 7, loop around, and rejoin the N11 heading north, then take the first exit toward Enniskerry Village.

Buses Dublin Bus No 44 and Local Link 144 connect the city center to Enniskerry village, with travel times ranging from 45 minutes to 1 hour. From the village, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the estate's main entrance, located 0.5km (0.3 miles) up the hill. Alternatively, you can catch the 185 bus in Bray, which is accessible via the DART train line.