The 10 best day trips in and near Dublin
While Dublin has plenty to keep you occupied, there is also loads to see and do just outside the city. Within 30 minutes, you can be out exploring the coastline, from tiny fishing villages with seafood restaurants around the harbour to hiking trails that lead to epic views.
A little farther afield, there are historic towns, mountain ranges and Neolithic sites to explore, and if you have a car you can check out the gorgeous countryside that starts right on the city's doorstep. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Dublin.
All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Dublin. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, see our expert guides to Dublin's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do.
Find a day trip by type:
History
Coast
Culture
Nature
History
Brú na Bóinne
Older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge, this collection of Neolithic passage tombs is the shining star of Ireland's heritage sites. Entry is by guided tour only, and includes the grassy domed Knowth, with remarkably preserved megalithic art around its edge, and the star attraction Newgrange, the tomb of which you can enter. On the winter solstice, this chamber aligns perfectly with the sunrise and is illuminated with a stream of light, which is re-enacted on the tour.
Contact: heritageireland.ie
Area: County Meath
How to get there: 1 hour drive from Dublin
Powerscourt Estate
With 47 acres of elaborate gardens, a Palladian mansion to explore and Ireland's highest waterfall, there's plenty at Powerscourt to keep you entertained for the day. Start off with a stroll around the grounds, checking out the view of the house from the Italian garden and visiting the pet cemetery, before lunch in the Avoca café and a drive round to the waterfall (bear in mind this costs extra). There's a great playground there, too.
Kilkenny
History buffs will be kept happy in the medieval city of Kilkenny, where fossils are embedded into the marble pavements and tiny tunnels and arches are dotted throughout the city centre. Start at Kilkenny Castle, an imposing 13th-century structure with beautiful state rooms – take a guided tour and you get to walk behind the velvet ropes. Afterwards, head out on the Medieval Mile Trail to learn about the city's historical links to witchcraft.
Coast
Howth
It's scenic, charming and easy to reach by train – the fishing village of Howth ticks all the boxes for a quick and easy day trip from Dublin. From the Dart (train) station, walk along the harbourfront until you reach the Howth Cliff Path, a hiking trail that takes you up and over the heather-covered cliffs, high above the waves crashing below. Afterwards, head to one of the restaurants by the harbour for local lobster and crab, drenched in garlic butter.
Killiney and Dalkey
This chi-chi borough is where you'll find some of the wealthiest Dubliners, who live in the grand mansions overlooking the sea. You could spend a day pottering around the pretty village of Dalkey, but if you're up for a hike, the walk down the coast to Killiney is stunning, passing a popular sea (and nude) swimming spot, then up to Killiney Hill, where you can stand on top of the pyramid for exceptional views over the bay.
Culture
Athlone
This pretty city on the water makes for a nice and easy day trip – kick things off at the 12th-century Athlone Castle, walking through the interactive exhibits (and picking up a cannonball), and then head up to the turrets for a great view of the town. Afterwards, pop into the nearby Luan Gallery before grabbing a bite at one of the riverside restaurants, or go for a drink in Sean's Bar, the oldest pub in Ireland, which dates back to AD 900.
Belfast
At just over two hours from Dublin by train, Belfast is a great shout for a quick hop over the border. Most sights are within easy reach of Grand Central Station, so stroll around the buzzy Cathedral Quarter, splashed with street art, or browse St George's Market at the weekend. The excellent Titanic Belfast is a little farther out, but you can catch the bus if you don't fancy the stroll along the riverside.
Nature
Wicklow Mountains National Park
You often catch a glimpse of them as you fly into Dublin, but the Wicklow Mountains look even better up close. Drive to the national park and use that as your base for a hike – Djouce is challenging but beautiful, and the trail overlooks the inky black Lough Tay, otherwise known as Guinness Lake. Afterwards, head into Roundwood for a bite to eat.
Mourne Mountains
You will need a car to get there, but once you arrive, the Mournes are well worth the trek. Supposedly the inspiration for CS Lewis when he was writing The Chronicles of Narnia, these sweeping mountains are dappled with heather and gorse, and dotted with still, calm lakes. Walk one of the trails in Castlewellan Forest Park, or drive the six-mile Slieve Gullion loop, one of the most scenic in Northern Ireland.
Contact: visitmournemountains.co.uk
Area: Newry
How to get there: 1 hour 45 minutes drive from Dublin
Cavan Lakes
This corner of Ireland is often bypassed for the more popular spots, but to miss it would be a shame – there are dense forests, peaceful lakes and tiny islands scattered throughout the water. Aim for Killykeen Forest Park and walk around the woodland trails, or book into one of the activities with Cavan Adventure Centre, where you can kayak to the crumbling remains of Clough Oughter Castle on a tiny island, or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding.
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider's perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations.
About our expert
Originally from Sussex, Nicola Brady went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. She's now based in Dublin, where she spends her time either eating or planning her next meal.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Meet the VERY glam British & Irish Lions WAGs… including stunning blonde who underwent jaw-dropping body transformation
THEY'RE the sporting superteam made up of the finest rugby players from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. The British & Irish Lions only come together once every four years to compete in a world tour - which kicks off tonight with a match against Argentina in Dublin before moving to Australia for Test matches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. 19 19 The talented squad are followed by a legendary group of fans - known as the "Sea of Red". But their biggest supporters are closer to home - and will be cheering them from the touchline as they take on the Wallabies down under, as well as playing seven pre-Test matches. Here we look at the loyal WAGS who celebrate every try alongside their very own Lionhearts. Emma Canning and Finn Russell, Scotland Former Scottish heptathlete, Emma Canning, 28, has been dating Scottish rugby player Finn Russell, 32, since 2017. They had a brief split in 2021 but have since patched up their relationship and now share two daughters, Charlie, three, and Skye, one. The family currently live in Bath, but prior to moving and becoming a mum, Emma was a promising track and field athlete. Unfortunately, she suffered a stress fracture to her shin when she was just 19 which impacted her training and performance and led to an operation to put a metal plate in her leg. In 2018, she took the decision to have the plate removed because she was "training in pain" but she was forced to take a lengthy break from competing, which left her admitting she "struggled mentally, emotionally and physically." This year she has returned to competitive athletics and recently hit back at a troll who commented: "Must be invigorating to know your only talent is to be in a relationship with a talented person.' She replied: 'Actually – there's room for two Scottish athletes in our relationship. Lol,' accompanied by a video of her long jump competition. Beth Dolling and Marcus Smith, England 19 London-based fashion model Beth Dolling, 25, has been dating English rugby player Marcus Smith, 26, since 2019. The brunette beauty has appeared in campaigns for online fashion giants such as PrettyLittleThing, Missy Empire, Rebellious and more. She has 37,000 followers on Instagram and frequently shares photos of her model shoots, her lavish lifestyle and her life with Marcus. Last month she posted a loved up snap of the couple with the caption: "5 years together with the loml! Love you with my whole heart." As well as modelling she is also budding singer, occasionally showing off her vocals to fans on TikTok. Dina Celina and Blair Kinghorn, Scotland Nutritionist Dina Celina, 32, is originally from Norway and is the fiancee of Scottish ruby player Blair Kinghorn, 28. The pair revealed their engagement in November last year after three years of dating. The proposal took place during a romantic break at the posh Gleneagles Hotel and the date has been set for August 25. Dina has a BSc Honours in Nutrition from Queen Margaret University with a Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) accredition. She maintains that gut health is the main driver of health and posts videos of the healthy, anti-inflammatory meals she makes for Blair when he is in recovery from injury. The couple now live in France, where Blair plays for Toulouse. Sophie De Patoul and Josh van der Flier, Ireland Dublin born Sophie de Patoul tied the knot with her long term boyfriend Josh van der Flier, 32, at Luttrellstown Castle in Dublin in 2022. The happy bride shared a picture with the caption: "Got to marry my best friend." The pair have been together since 2019 but Josh didn't pop the question until 2021. Back in her college days, Sophie attended Muckross Park College before attaining a BA in Business and Spanish at Technological University Dublin. She also spent time studying at Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko in Spain where she brushed up on her Spanish. Sophie, who is also Belgian, worked part time as a waitress and as a sales adviser at Brown Thomas. Now, she works as a digital marketing freelancer. Nika van der Merwe and Duhan van der Merwe, Scotland 19 19 Edinburgh-based content creator Nika van der Merwe, wed Duhan, 30, in 2023 at a stunning venue in South Africa. As a content creator and "social media expert", Nika frequently shares work updates and glimpses into her personal life to Instagram. Nika is also the founder of social media agency, Sound Colour Social, and the women's hiking club, She Wanders. She also owns two adorable French bulldogs called Moosie and Ziggy. In the past, fans have referred to her as the "queen of the wags". Chloe Rose and Luke Cowan Dickie, England 19 Chloe Rose, from Cornwall, is wife to English hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, 31, and regularly supports him at games. The couple welcomed their son Arlo during the 2020 Six Nations, just weeks before the 2019 World Cup. Sharing the news on social media, Luke wrote: 'So this is my little man, Arlo Cowan-Dickie, and he is already my [world]. Thanks for the kind messages – him and mum are doing great.' The couple had been dating for two years before Arlo was born. Chloe has recently been on her own fitness journey and often shares snaps of her herself flaunting her incredible body transformation, looking honed and toned. Mimi Fall and Maro Itoje, England 19 19 Maro Itoje popped the question to his now wife Mimi Fall during a holiday to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024. Mimi revealed the engagement via social media captioning a picture of her shiny ring "Mrs I to be." They tied the knot last month in a glamorous ceremony in London's Mayfair, with Mimi posting: "We cried, laughed and danced - yes I had 5 outfits because life is for living." The pair, who are also models, allegedly met during a photo shoot. Today, Mimi models for W MODEL MGMT and Boom Models Agency. She is also a talented artist with her own dedicated page @mimifallart. Mimi is also a lover of food and shares artsy snaps of her dishes via her page @comedinewithmi. Katherine Egan and Dan Sheehan 19 Irish beauty Katherine Egan is Dan Sheehan's, 26, long-term girlfriend. The pair have shared adorable pics together over the years with one snap dating back to 2017. . While the Dan has made his name in rugby, Katherine has sporting pedigree in her own right as a hockey player with UCD, where she also studies Medicine. Ever supportive of one another, they attended the 2022 Leinster Rugby Awards Ball where Dan won LAYA Healthcare Men's Young Player of the Year. The pair also seem to love travelling together to a variety of exotic destinations such as Bali and Santorini.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Ryanair's confusing symbols explained as passenger baffled by strange safety card instructions
Two confusing symbols on a Ryanair safety card have left one passenger bewildered – with sleuths on the internet trying to help decode them. Under a Reddit post titled 'What does this bit of Ryanair safety card mean?', user Throwaway_wife_1982 shared her perplexing moment. 'I spent a 2 hour flight staring at this and I cannot work out what they mean?! 'What is next to the glasses? And is that and ear? If so, what is coming out of it?' Uploading an image, she circled the parts she was having difficulty with. And even for seasoned travellers, the answer to the question is not clear. Many of the comments on the post saw users guessing the answers. 'I want to know if the one below is something to do with setting fire to squirrels?' wrote Breaking-Dad. Dr_Turb said: 'I'm pretty sure the bottom one means "don't pick up your glasses, you need a spare hand for a slice of black forest gateau".' 'Bottom right clearly shows a warning against balancing sandwiches on your glasses,' joked StoneColdSoberReally. In jest, Known-Ad-1556 was able to sum up the matter comprehensively. 'There is a legal requirement for passenger safety cards to be issued / available,' he wrote. 'There is no legal requirement for these cards to make any kind of sense.' Finally, the mystery appeared to be solved. 'Top right is supposed to be an ear with an earring and a woman wearing a necklace,' wrote Mr-Incy. 'Bottom right is false teeth, things you should remove before using the emergency escape slide, if you needed to use it.' Another user responded: 'Oh it is false teeth! I thought it was a stack of steaks.' Ryanair has been contacted for clarification. The safety card isn't the only symbol on a plane that gets the attention of travellers. A flight attendant has shared the real reason behind the tiny black triangles often seen on plane walls. Henny Lim, an air hostess with the Philippines-based airline Cebu Pacific, revealed that the triangles indicate the best spot on the plane to view the wings clearly. In a now-viral TikTok video she said the stickers above the middle windows offer the best view of the wings for passengers – but also let flight attendants know the 'best vantage points for the slats and flaps outside'.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
I've found the best clothing brand for running errands this summer — it can be worn in and out of the gym
'ATHLEISURE' isn't really a word that factors into my life. There are clothes I use to exercise — usually a ratty t-shirt and gym shorts — and clothes I wear out and about. However, I was recently sent some gear from Irish brand Gym + Coffee, and my eyes were opened to the possibility of clothes that do both. 2 2 As you might be able to tell from the name, Gym + Coffee makes garments designed to take you from your workout to your post-gym social commitments. They might not be smart enough to wear out to dinner, but their sleek, minimalistic design means they're certainly nice enough to wear out to brunch or to run errands. They tick the box that I think all good gym gear should tick: they make you excited to do exercise. Coffee Tee in Petrol Blue Coffee Tee in Petrol Blue, £30 from Gym + Coffee In many ways, this is just a standard, breathable workout t-shirt. There's nothing too fancy about the material; it's 88% recycled polyester (which is a nice eco-friendly touch) and 12% elastane, which gives it a nice form-fitting stretch. I really loved the fit of this tee; it's got just a tiny bit of extra length, which means that you won't be exposing your stomach every time you reach your arms above your head. I also liked that it doesn't go over the top with the stretchiness — it's tight enough to be form-fitting, but loose enough that you won't look like an idiot if you decide to go for a pint after your workout. It's also super breathable, soft to the touch and, at £30, it's not silly money. Relentless 1/4 Zip in Petrol Blue Relentless 1/4 Zip in Petrol Blue, £60 from Gym + Coffee BUY HERE This was the surprise standout for me. It's also a nice design touch to include a raglan sleeve, which extends in one piece up to your collar, rather than stopping at the shoulder. It gives you a bigger range of movement than an ordinary sleeve. While that's nothing groundbreaking, it just shows an attention to detail that I appreciate. Other neat little features include a size pocket with an invisible zip and thumb holes. It says a lot that it's recieved nothing but five-star reviews on the Gym+Coffee site, and that's from 50+ reviews — no mean feat. I think I echo the sentiments of this review: "Fits like a glove. Nice and tight on the arms and chest while not showing off the dad gut. Love it. Highly recommend." Essential 6" Shorts in Petrol Blue Essential 6" Shorts in Petrol Blue, £40 from Gym + Coffee BUY HERE I've always liked a shorter short, especially for working out, but it's worth mentioning that Gym + Coffee sells two versions of these shorts: a six-inch version and an eight-inch version. Weirdly, though, if you have your heart set on Petrol Blue, you'll have to be happy to show some thigh — you can't get the colour in the eight-inch shorts. As with the quarter zip, there's an attention to detail here I like. They have the sort of thick waistband I usually associate with yoga pants, for example, which helps them to stay in place during high-intensity sports. And as a person whose primary form of exercise is tennis, I appreciated that I could fit two tennis balls in the pockets.
