The beautiful Irish capital of Dublin is often visited for its bustling bar scene, famous attractions, and rich history. Most people that arrive in Dublin never make it beyond the city centre. There are multiple day trips that travellers can take from Dublin that are filled with excitement and only a couple of hours away, like the testing hiking trail of the Wicklow way or the vibrant city of Belfast.
Here are the best day trips you can take from Dublin.
1. Wander Through Galway
Nothing beats walking through the quaint streets of Galway city, listening to the sound of buskers smashing out a good old Irish ballad.
Spend some time at eyre square, take some pictures down by the Latin quarter and pop your head into one of Galway’s many famous bars for a nice pint of Guinness.
If the weather is nice, take a trip down to the Salthill promenade, where diving is popular among locals. Stand by and watch people dive in one by one, competing to see who can do the coolest dive.
Galway hosts a number of popular Irish events throughout the year, including the famous Galway Horse Races. If you manage to visit when they’re on, you’re in for a treat.
2. Take On The Bray To Greystones Cliff Walk
If you’re a fan of coastal views and walks in nature, you need to check out the Bray Cliff Walk. Situated in the neighbouring county of Wicklow, getting to the bray cliff walk is only a matter of taking a 50-minute train ride.
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The seven-kilometre walk begins in the seaside town of bray and stretches across the cliffs to the neighbouring town of greystones. Some of the scenes you’ll encounter are unlike anywhere else in the whole country.
When you get to Greystones, there are loads of lovely little coffee shops where you can get your hands on a warm cup of Java for some fuel before you head back on the return trip.
3. Admire Beautiful Belfast
Belfast is the exciting capital of Northern Ireland that every traveller must experience once in their lives. There are so many things to do in Belfast that one day is nowhere near enough.
Stroll through the vibrant cathedral quarter on a walking tour, learn about the city’s troubled history through a black taxi tour and learn about the relationship between Belfast and the Titanic.
If you’re lucky enough to be there on the weekend, you must pay a visit to St George’s food market. Sample delicious delights in a market that has been in operation since 1604.
4. Hike Through The Wicklow Mountains National Park
The Wicklow Mountains National Park is popular among hiking enthusiasts and those looking for a day trip away from Dublin for some relaxation time.
Spanning across just under 23000 hectares, the Wicklow mountains national park is home to some testing climbs like Lugnaquilla. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas, tranquil lakes and streams, and ancient historical remains like St Kevin’s Monastic Settlement.
If you’re more of an extreme hiker, you can take part in multi-day hikes while staying in tents along the way. A once in a lifetime experience.
5. See The Cliffs Of Moher With Your Own Eyes
Everyone who visits Ireland has to see the Cliffs of Moher. It’s like going to France and seeing Paris.
The dramatic cliffs are situated in county Clare and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Over 14 kilometres in length and rising over 700ft, it’s no wonder this set of cliffs are one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attraction.
Numerous tours run to the cliffs of Moher daily from Dublin. Check out websites like get your guide, and you’ll find one that suits your schedule.
6. Catch A Glimpse Of The Giants Causeway
The peculiar Giant’s Causeway is often visited by many from Dublin on a day trip. It’s just under a three-hour drive one way, so it can easily be done in under 24 hours.
Famed as Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO world heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway was formed by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. Forty thousand interlocking basalt columns now cover the area in County Antrim that will blow you away when you get there. Walking across them is possible as long as the waves aren’t too high.
When you’re finished, be sure to stop nearby the Carrick A Rede Rope bridge that hangs high in the sky across the Atlantic Ocean. It was a location where a scene from the game of thrones was filmed.
7. Head Down South To Waterford
Waterford is the soul of Ireland’s Ancient East. It’s one of the country’s oldest cities, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, and has so much you can do on a day trip.
Reginald’s tower was constructed by the first Vikings that settled in Waterford. It’s a massive tower used as a defence back then and was seen as one of the city’s main landmarks. There are seven of these towers in total around the city. Go hunt them out for yourself.
Have you ever heard of Waterford Crystal? It’s one of the country’s leading glass manufacturers, and they come from Waterford. Go see the factory where 750 tonnes of crystal are created every year. Interesting tours can be taken every day. Be sure to book ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Conclusion
And there you have it: the full list of the best day trips from Dublin. Choosing where to go for the day from the capital can be challenging when there are so many options.
Make a budget for yourself, see which option suits and go for it. Just ensure the weather is on your side, as Irish weather is known to be poor.
Author Bio – Adam Ryan
Adam Ryan, who is the owner and writer of Where In Dublin, has explored the whole of county Dublin extensively, including the top tourist sites, outdoor adventures, restaurants, bars, hotels, hostels, and just about everything else travellers enjoy. His website aims to provide travellers with all the information they need before they visit the Irish capital. Connect with Adam on Twitter and Instagram.
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