Don’t Miss These Best Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland and home to the country’s busiest airport, is an obvious place to begin or end your Ireland vacation. While many tourists choose to rent a car to explore Ireland, it is entirely possible to base yourself here and enjoy day trips from Dublin- no car required!
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What Are the Best Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland?
The best day trips from Dublin, Ireland include Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains, the medieval city of Kilkenny, Galway city, Belfast in Northern Ireland, and the coastal village of Malahide.
For history lovers, Newgrange and the Boyne Valley rank among the most impressive.
You can reach all of these without a car, and several are under 90 minutes by public transport from Dublin city center.
Best Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland
Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains
Located in County Wicklow, just south of Dublin, the hermit monk St. Kevin founded a monastic settlement that became one of the country’s great ecclesiastical schools of learning.
Glendalough (Irish for ‘Glen of the Two Lakes’) is nestled in the Wicklow Mountains. It offers stunning mountain hikes as well as easier walks in the valley. Most surviving buildings, including the stunning round tower, date from the 10th-12th centuries.
To get there: use the Glendalough Bus which runs daily from St. Stephen’s Green to Glendalough Visitor Centre or consider booking a private tour.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR FROM DUBLIN TO GLENDALOUGH AND THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS
The Village of Malahide
Just north of Dublin, the charming seaside village of Malahide is an easy half-day getaway from the bustle of Dublin. Start your explorations at the wonderful Malahide Castle and Gardens.
Owned by the same family for over 800 years, the castle’s history is well-recorded and eloquently shared during guided tours. The castle is also known to be haunted by at least two ghosts.
Enjoy lunch at Avoca in the visitor’s center before exploring the beautiful gardens. The extensive property has both ticketed entry and public spots; the latter has a terrific playground. Beyond the castle, Malahide has a lovely beach, wonderful boutique shops, and delicious restaurants.
To get there: Train service from Dublin city center takes only 30 minutes, or use Dublin Bus route 32 or 42.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DAY TRIP TO MALAHIDE
The Medieval City of Kilkenny
History abounds here. Kilkenny is a wonderfully walkable city. Start at Kilkenny Castle, the royal palace of your imagination. Next, head to the interactive Medieval Mile Museum, which brings the city’s history to life.
Kilkenny is also home to one of the two ancient round towers in Ireland that can be climbed- so don’t skip St. Canice’s Cathedral! There are truly so many fun things to do in Kilkenny.
If you’re sports-minded, be sure to reserve your spots at The Kilkenny Way, a two-hour experience that takes you into the 3000-year-old sport of Hurling.
To get there: Train service takes approximately 90 minutes and runs multiple times daily from Dublin city centre. Direct bus routes are available from Dublin Coach and JJ Kavanagh & Sons.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A WALKING TOUR OF KILKENNY
Galway City – the Heart of the Wild Atlantic Way
The bustling city of Galway began as a small seaside village called ‘The Claddagh’. It is the home of the famed Claddagh ring, and today is a busy seaport and thriving city. Known for its lively pubs and bohemian vibe, Galway will enchant you.
Begin your day visiting historic Galway. The Galway Museum, Spanish Arch, medieval Kerwin’s Lane, and The Claddagh will open the city’s history wide for you. In The Latin Quarter enjoy the artisan shops and charming cafes during the day. Return in the evening for traditional music in one of the many pubs.
Galway city is a terrific spot to stay for a few days. It is an easy home base for day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, and the Aran Islands. Check out these Cliffs of Moher tours.
To get there: The train from Dublin city center takes just 2.5 hours. Citylink Express bus service take just slightly longer.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A DAY TRIP TO THE CLIFFS OF MOHER
Belfast – the Capital of Northern Ireland
Head out early to make the most of a day trip from Dublin to Belfast, but make sure to stock up on British Pounds. As a member of the UK, Northern Ireland uses the British Pound, not the Euro, as currency.
Belfast Titanic lands at the top of most ‘must do’ lists, but if you don’t wish to take the 2.5-hour tour, do at least wander the shipyard and take a tour of the SS Nomadic, the last surviving White Star Line ship.
NOTE: Titanic Belfast has welcomed over 10 million visitors since opening in 2012 and it is a long‑running nominee for the World Travel Awards’ “World’s Leading Tourist Attraction” title.
Book a Black Cab Tour to help you understand the turbulent times of The Troubles and add your own signature to the Peace Walls that continue to divide the city.
If visiting on a Saturday don’t miss St. George’s Market. Filled with artisan crafters, loads of delicious foods, and live entertainment, you won’t leave empty-handed!
If you still have time work in visits to the Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, and CS Lewis Square.
To get there: Belfast is just over 2.5 hours from Dublin city centre by train.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR FROM DUBLIN TO BELFAST AND THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY
Newgrange and the Boyne Valley
One of the most remarkable day trips from Dublin, Ireland, is also one of the oldest sites on earth. Newgrange is a Neolithic passage tomb in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, built around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The entire complex, known as Brú na Bóinne, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
The visitor experience is managed from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, and entry to Newgrange itself is by guided tour only. The site is popular, and tours sell out quickly, especially in summer, so booking ahead is strongly recommended. Check the official Brú na Bóinne website for current tour availability and ticketing details.
Ireland has hidden gems scattered across every county, and Newgrange is proof that County Meath deserves a place on every itinerary. For families who want to explore even further, there is plenty of inspiration for 5 destinations in Ireland your family will love beyond the capital.
To get there: Bus Éireann and several private operators run day tours from Dublin city centre. The Boyne Valley is roughly an hour north of Dublin, making it one of the most accessible half-day or full-day trips available. Driving is the most flexible option if you have a car, but organized tours handle transport and include a guide.
Best Day Trips from Dublin by Train
No car? No problem. Several of the best day trips from Dublin are easily reached by train from Dublin city center. Here is a quick reference:
- Malahide: 30 minutes by DART from Dublin city centre. An easy half-day trip.
- Kilkenny: approximately 90 minutes by Irish Rail from Dublin Heuston. Multiple departures daily.
- Galway: approximately 2.5 hours by Irish Rail from Dublin Heuston. Check Iarnród Éireann for the current timetable.
- Belfast: just over 2.5 hours by Enterprise train from Dublin Connolly. A full day is needed.
For Glendalough, use the dedicated Glendalough Bus from St. Stephen’s Green, as there is no direct train service to the valley. Kilkenny and Galway also have direct coach options if train times do not work for your schedule.
Key Takeaways
- Five strong day trip options: Glendalough, Kilkenny, Galway, Belfast, Malahide.
- No car needed: all destinations served by train or bus.
- Closest: Malahide, 30 minutes by DART.
- Longest: Belfast and Galway, each about 2.5 hours.
- Belfast uses British Pounds, not Euros.
- Book Kilkenny Hurling Experience and Newgrange tours in advance.
FAQs
What is the best day trip from Dublin?
Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains is consistently rated the best day trip from Dublin for first-time visitors. The scenery is dramatic, the monastic ruins are extraordinary, and the Glendalough Bus makes it easy to get there without a car. Kilkenny is the top pick for history fans who prefer a walkable city.
Can you do day trips from Dublin without a car?
Yes, every destination in this guide is reachable from Dublin without a car. Malahide is on the DART. Kilkenny, Galway, and Belfast all have direct train and bus connections from Dublin city center. Glendalough has a dedicated daily bus service from St. Stephen’s Green. Newgrange is best reached by organized day tour from Dublin.
How far is Belfast from Dublin?
Belfast is just over 2.5 hours from Dublin city center by the Enterprise train service, which runs from Dublin Connolly Station. It is one of the longer day trips from Dublin, so heading out early is recommended to make the most of your time there.
Is Kilkenny worth a day trip from Dublin?
Kilkenny is absolutely worth a day trip from Dublin. The city is compact and wonderfully walkable, with Kilkenny Castle, the Medieval Mile Museum, and St. Canice’s Cathedral all within easy reach of each other. Train service takes approximately 90 minutes and runs multiple times daily from Dublin city center, making it one of the most practical day trips in Ireland.
What is Newgrange and is it worth visiting from Dublin?
Newgrange is a Neolithic passage tomb in County Meath, built around 3200 BC, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
The Boyne Valley is roughly an hour from Dublin, making it one of the most accessible day trips available. Entry to the tomb is by guided tour only and books up fast in summer, so check the official Brú na Bóinne site for current availability before you go.
