As you plod the charming streets admiring the colorful doorways and drinking in the famous pub atmosphere, you might think that there’s nowhere you’d rather be than Dublin. To be honest, we couldn’t agree more, but if you’re lucky enough to have a few extra days to explore, Ireland certainly has a whole lot more to offer just a stone’s throw (a train or a bus ride) away. And that leads us to the world of Dublin day trips.
Discover the best day trips from Dublin, whether you’re looking for guided tours, scenic train journeys, or self-paced adventures. This guide of the top Dublin day trips highlights top destinations and practical tips to help you make the most of your Irish getaway and help you understand where the Emerald Isle gets its name.
Dublin Day Trips: Top Destinations & Tours from Dublin
Why Take a Day Trip from Dublin?
While Dublin offers plenty to see and do, venturing just a short distance outside the city reveals stunning landscapes, charming villages, and iconic landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway , or Lough Tay lake. These trips provide a refreshing change of pace and a deeper understanding of Ireland’s culture and heritage—all easily accessible within a single day.
Best Day Trips from Dublin
Cliffs of Moher Tour from Dublin
If you’re craving a break from the city buzz and are eager to explore some of Ireland’s beautifully rugged landscapes, you need look no further than a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. This is probably one of the most quintessential (and most beautiful!) Dublin day trips.
Just a three-hour drive from the center of Dublin, you’ll quickly feel worlds away. While you could rent a car and make the trip yourself, there are a whole host of companies lining up to accompany you on your journey from east to west, providing insightful commentary along the way.
Departing from the city, it doesn’t take long for Ireland’s stunning scenery to make an impression. Of course, the route leads you through fairytale villages between green rolling hills, the anticipation building as you edge closer to the roaring Atlantic Ocean.
Running along the west coast in the Burren region of County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher stretch out for just under 9 miles, rising up 700 feet from the sea below. You can get surprisingly close to the edge at times too—just don’t look down!
Stepping off the bus, you are quickly greeted by a cacophony of waves crashing against the rocks. As you stroll along the coastal paths, the blustery winds and awe-inspiring views will quickly help you shake off any road-weariness and you’ll be glad you came. Many tours also include entry to the award-winning Visitor Center, home to an extensive selection of photographs, exhibits and experiences. The highlight here is the virtual reality cliff face adventure, an audiovisual spectacle known as “The Ledge Experience,” which gives you a glimpse into life on the cliff face both above and below sea level.
Belfast Day Trip from Dublin
Just under 2 hours, one of the most popular day trips from Dublin by train is Belfast. Northern Ireland’s capital offers a mix of old and new—from grand Victorian buildings to modern museums. One of the main highlights is the Titanic Belfast Museum, an impressive attraction built on the site where the famous ship was constructed.
A Belfast day trip from Dublin offers you the opportunity to explore a bustling city with a long history, which can be seen almost everywhere you look. The streets are filled with famous murals and peace walls that tell the story of Northern Ireland’s troubled history. With great shopping, tasty food, and friendly locals, Belfast offers a fascinating contrast to Dublin and makes for a fun and memorable day trip.
Coastal Escape to Howth
A day trip to Howth from Dublin is a perfect escape to the coast, just 30 minutes away by train. This charming fishing village offers stunning sea views, fresh seafood, and scenic walks. One of the highlights is the Howth Cliff Walk, a beautiful coastal trail with panoramic views of the Irish Sea and Dublin Bay. Visitors can also explore Howth Castle, stroll around the harbor, or browse the local weekend market. Whether you’re into nature, history, or just a relaxing seaside atmosphere, Howth makes for an easy and refreshing getaway from the city.
Kilkenny & Wicklow Mountains
A day trip from Dublin to Kilkenny and the Wicklow Mountains offers a wonderful mix of history, nature, and Irish charm. The journey typically starts with a visit to the Wicklow Mountains, where you can take in breathtaking views, peaceful valleys, and scenic spots like Glendalough, an ancient monastic site surrounded by lakes and forest. It’s perfect for walking, photography, and enjoying Ireland’s natural beauty.
From there, the trip continues to Kilkenny, a medieval city known for its narrow streets, colorful shops, and the impressive Kilkenny Castle. You can explore the castle, visit local craft shops, and learn about the town’s rich history and architecture.
The Beauty of Glendalough
A day trip from Dublin to Glendalough offers a chance to continue exploring the beautiful County Wicklow region, often called the “Garden of Ireland.” After enjoying the peaceful monastic ruins and lakes of Glendalough, you can venture to nearby highlights like the Wicklow Gap, a scenic mountain pass with breathtaking views, or Powerscourt Estate, known for its grand gardens and waterfall. You could also visit the charming village of Avoca, famous for its handweaving and as a filming location for the TV series Ballykissangel. A day trip from Dublin to Glendalough lets you dive deeper into Ireland’s natural beauty and rural charm.
Giant’s Causeway Tour from Dublin
We won’t lie to you, this one is one of the fuller Dublin day trips.
In fact, it’s not even in the same country, but several operators run the route from the Southern Irish capital over the border, taking in Belfast and other impressive sites on the way. It’s a long old drive but in our opinion, it’s well worth it.
Legend has it that the breathtaking formation of over 40,000 rocks jutting from the ocean was built by the giant Finn McCool. The story goes that he created the causeway to reach Scotland, where he was to challenge a rival giant. While we might be skeptical about Finn’s role in sculpting it, there is no denying the magic in the air here. Treading carefully between the peculiar shapes to the soundtrack of the crashing waves, it becomes clear why the site has inspired a host of mythical tales.
If fantasy is your thing, several tour companies combine the visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site with the modern mythological phenomenon that is Game of Thrones. That’s right, from Winterfell to Castle Black and the Wall, Northern Ireland is home to around 25 filming locations from the HBO classic.
Did you know? The album artwork for Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy is a photo taken at the Giant’s Causeway.
Lough Tay: Visit the Guinness Lake
Having already traveled coast to coast, the first freshwater destination on our list is Lough Tay. There are more lakes than we could ever list scattered across Ireland, but this one is under an hour outside Dublin. Otherwise known as the Guinness Lake, it gets its name from the deep, dark color of the water and the unique shape that sees it resemble a pint of the black stuff from above.
The beautiful valley is picture-postcard Ireland. In fact, to get an idea of quite how spectacular the landscapes are here, just ask any fan of the History Channel drama Vikings. They’ll tell you Lough Tay does a pretty good impression of Scandinavia’s finest scenery, doubling as the fictional setting for Ragnar Lothbrok’s home town of Kattegat.
Much of the area is still owned by the Guinness Family Estate. In fact, Arthur Guinness maintained that a large part of his famous drink’s success was down to the unparalleled quality of the water used in the brewing process. To this day, Guinness insists that it uses only pure spring water pumped in straight from the Wicklow Mountains.
Traveler’s tip: Find out more about how the world’s most famous stout is made by visiting the Guinness Storehouse with us on our Dublin in a Day: Book of Kells, Guinness Brewery, Distillery & Castle tour.
Malahide Castle: A Medieval Day Out from Dublin
Frankly, it should be a crime to even consider visiting Ireland without taking in one of its 30,000 castles (there really are that many). Luckily for you, just 30 minutes north of the city center, Malahide Castle makes a perfect day trip from Dublin—in fact, get up early and you can even be back in time for lunch.
The castle dates back to the 12th century, when it was originally built as a fortress. Over time, it became the opulent residence of the Talbot family, with the last Baron of Malahide, Lord Milo Talbot, living there until his death in 1973. Today, the elegant rooms filled with antique furniture and priceless artwork tell the stories of the generations who have called the place home. It’s a fascinating insight into Ireland’s rich and troubled history.
With folklore bursting from its seams, the grounds at Malahide are the perfect setting for our highlight, the Fairy Trail. Young and old will enjoy this enchanting experience, a 1.8km whimsical route through the woods in the castle grounds.
A Seaside Day Out: From Dublin to Greystones
Our last recommendation (and probably one of the easiest Dublin day trips) is one that doesn’t often make these lists. A simple 45-minute train ride south of the capital lies the charming seaside town of Greystones—believe us when we say the name does this cheery, colorful village a real disservice.
The pretty coastal path is the perfect place to work up an appetite before heading into town for a bite to eat. Among the ample selection of cozy cafes and tasty eateries, one of our favorites is the Happy Pear. Having started out as a veg shop back in 2004, food-loving twins Dave and Steve have turned it into a thriving community café serving wholesome, plant-based food and great coffee. The emphasis on fresh and local makes this family-run spot our top choice in town for a quick breakfast or a healthy, hearty lunch.
In the end, there are many great options when it comes to Dublin day trips. No matter where you decide to head, Ireland will provide the warmest of welcomes and the most incredible settings!
Dublin Day Tours vs. Self-Guided Trips
We love traveling both on our own and in small group tours. Both options have their perks—tours are easier, while self-guided trips give you more freedom. The best choice depends on your interests, comfort level, and travel goals.
Pros of Dublin Day Tours:
- Guided trips offer convenience and structure because everything is planned for you.
- Knowledgeable guides share historical facts and local stories, adding depth to the experience.
- Ideal for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or anyone who wants a stress-free way to see key sights
Pros of Self-Guided Trips
- More independence to set your own pace, choose where to stop, and spend more time at places that interest you.
- A great option for those who enjoy a bit of adventure, driving, or using public transport.
- Ideal for those who have more time to explore on their own terms.
Top Day Trips from Dublin by Train
- Howth (30 minutes)
- Bray (45 minutes)
- Kilkenny (1 hour 30 minutes )
- Belfast (2 hours)
- Malahide (30 minutes)
- Greystones (1 hour)
- Drogheda (1 hour)
- Maynooth (45 minutes
FAQs About Dublin Day Trips
What are the best day trips from Dublin?
Popular day trips from Dublin include the Cliffs of Moher, Belfast, Howth, Glendalough, and Kilkenny. These destinations offer stunning landscapes, rich history, and are easily accessible from the city.
Can I take day trips from Dublin by train?
Yes, several top day trips from Dublin are accessible by train, including Howth, Kilkenny, and Belfast. Traveling by train is a convenient and scenic way to explore Ireland without a car.
Are there guided Dublin day tours available?
Absolutely! Many companies offer Dublin day tours with expert guides, comfortable transport, and curated experiences. Guided tours are perfect for travelers looking for a hassle-free adventure.
What should I bring on a day trip from Dublin?
Pack comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, snacks, and any necessary travel documents or tickets. It’s also wise to check the weather forecast before departing.
How long do Belfast day trips from Dublin take?
A Belfast day trip from Dublin typically takes around 8–10 hours, including travel time. This allows for sightseeing, guided tours, and free time to explore the city.
Plan Your Dublin Day Tour
If you’re itching to explore more of Ireland, but don’t have the time to traverse the entire island, these day trips are the perfect way to explore outside of Dublin. What’s our favorite, you ask? Well, we absolutely love the rugged beautify of the Cliffs of Moher. One of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks, the best way to see this area is to sign up for our day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll stroll along the stunning cliffs and wander through the charming streets of Galway,