Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is positively bursting with incredible experiences and activities – but the best way to explore this emerald-green land and its fascinating history is to take a day trip from Dublin. With its lush green fields and rolling hills, majestic castles, and quaint coastal towns, there’s no shortage of fascinating places to discover outside of Dublin’s city limits. Whether you choose to visit nearby heritage sites or venture farther out into the countryside, these excursions will give you an in-depth look at why Ireland has earned its nickname: The Emerald Isle.
Ireland’s stunning beauty is evocative of epic poetry; its vast hills and rocky shorelines captivate hearts and souls. Intoxicatingly gorgeous landscapes can be found with each breath that brings to life the dramatic flair of a passionate homage to Nature. Most of these picturesque and charming spots are conveniently located just a short drive, ride on the train or bus away from Dublin’s city center, making it easy to explore the best that this beautiful country has to offer and still be back in no time for an evening of fun enjoying a few pints. It’s simply perfect!
1. Howth
Howth is a picturesque fishing village located 25 minutes away by train from Dublin on the Dublin Area Rapid Transit. It is popular with city dwellers who come to relax and recharge in the fresh sea air or explore sights such as Howth Castle and Gardens, the National Transport Museum, and St. Mary’s Abbey (temporarily closed).
Howth is a small coastal town just outside of Dublin, Ireland. It has a bustling market full of handmade jewelry, artisanal food, and Irish crafts that are perfect for souvenirs. There are plenty of waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood catches from local trawlers or dinghies. The nightlife in Howth is as lively as it is in the city, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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Beshoff Bros is a popular takeaway on Harbour Road in Dublin, Ireland where one can find fresh fish and chips. Visitors to the area can take their meal to the park and enjoy it while watching sailboats go by, though they should be wary of hungry seagulls. Those looking for a more formal dining experience can try Octopussy’s, The Brass Monkey, or Aqua at the end of the pier.
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The Findlater and Bloody Stream porches in Ireland offer a great opportunity to enjoy some pints while people watching. Those looking for a more intimate experience can head up the street to the Abbey Tavern, which offers traditional live music performances alongside its ruins of St. Mary’s.
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Deer Park and Howth Golf Clubs are public courses offering a challenging experience with hilly terrain. Both courses are great for a round of golf and offer a healthy challenge.
STAY
Tara Hall Boutique Bed and Breakfast is a short walk from town and close to the train station. It offers guests a warm welcome, private terraces, and a delicious breakfast. The Marine Hotel in Sutton is an alternative choice for those who want something more modern.
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The Howth Cliff Walk is a great family-friendly activity with beautiful views of the peninsula, Lambay Island, and Ireland’s Eye nature reserve. On clear days, visitors can observe birds in the sanctuary from afar.
2. Galway
Galway is a popular tourist destination located two and a half hours away from the nearest major city. It is known for its Irish culture, festivals, music, and coastal beauty. There are three ways to reach Galway – Bus Éireann, GoBus IE, and IrishRail – making it an easily accessible location. The presence of 17,000 students attending the National University of Ireland gives the city an international feel as well.
Galway is a city in Ireland known for its vibrant homes, wharf, and historical sites. Highlights include the Hall of the Red Earl archaeological site, Eyre Square, Druid Lane Theatre, Galway Cathedral with its green dome, and the 16th-century Spanish Arch. Visitors can take a cruise on the River Corrib for a different perspective too.
EAT
Ard Bia at Nimmos in Galway, Ireland is an exceptional restaurant that has won the admiration of diners with its globally-inspired seasonal plates. Additionally, two other renowned eateries – Aniar and Loam – have earned Michelin stars for their creative menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. The ever-changing locavore-themed offerings at these establishments are sure to tantalize the taste buds of even the most discerning diner. Dough Bros serves Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven, while Papa Rich offers southeast Asian specialties for under €10. For brunch, visitors can try Dela, Coffeewerk + Press, or Kai Café which has New Zealand influences.
DRINK
Gothic-style Quays Bar and Dáil Bar are renowned spots around the globe, yet they offer more than just a place to have a few pints – they additionally provide an ideal opportunity to let your hair down long after the traditional music has stopped playing. As night falls, these pubs come alive with energy and excitement, ensuring that the fun never stops.
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Take a stroll through the meandering cobblestone alleyways, delight in the picturesque views of the bay, listen to talented street performers and explore unique independent stores. The warm, welcoming and amiable staff at Judy Greene Pottery, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop and Gifts, Dillon’s Claddagh Gold and Sheridans Cheesemongers make your shopping experience even more delightful. Their congeniality adds to the pleasure of browsing these stores, providing an atmosphere that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face. Their warm personalities are almost as captivating as the wonderful items they have on offer – a perfect combination!
STAY
Harbour Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the city center with small but comfortable rooms. G Hotel, an upscale hotel overlooking Lough Atalia, offers five-star accommodation and amenities. For budget travelers, Residence Hotel in the Latin Quarter or Forster Court near Eyre Square is a great option for boutique-style accommodations.
If you only do one thing…
Every day of the week, Quay Street bars provide an opportunity for music enthusiasts to experience live music. Whether it’s a traditional Irish pub session or a modern musical performance, visitors can join in on the fun at The Crane, Tig Coili, Taaffes Bar, and Tigh Neachtain. After coming out to these events on multiple occasions, individuals will become more familiar with different instruments; they’ll be able to distinguish between a bodhrán and tambourine, identify a tin whistle from a flute, recognize a bouzouki from a mandolin and tell apart a concertina from an accordion.
3. Kilkenny
Kilkenny City, situated in Ireland’s Ancient East, is a bustling mini-metropolis on the banks of the River Nore. It is a popular tourist destination renowned for its medieval attractions and artisanal offerings. Traveling to Kilkenny from Dublin city center can be done conveniently by bus or train; with journey times of roughly 100 minutes and 80 minutes respectively via the Kildare or Waterford line. The city has crumbling walls that add to its charm.
Kilkenny is a city in Ireland full of history and culture. Visitors can explore the many historic sites, such as St. Canice’s Cathedral and Black Abbey, or visit some of the modern attractions like Kilkenny Way hurling experience, Design Centre, Rothe House, and riverside castle with its sprawling gardens. After a day of sightseeing, there are plenty of pubs, cafes, galleries, and restaurants to choose from for dinner followed by the exciting nightlife.
EAT
Petronella on the Butterslip is a unique dining experience that tantalizes guests with both music and storytelling events, as well as innovative interpretations of traditional Irish dishes. All who enter are warmly welcomed to savor a memorable evening of artfully crafted culinary delights and entertainment.
DRINK
Smithwick’s Ale is an Irish beer that has been brewed by Franciscan monks since 1231, making it older than Guinness. Visitors to the Smithwick’s brewery can learn all about the history before sampling some of the ale, while Bridie’s Bar and Left Bank provide alternative places to enjoy a drink without the accompanying tale.
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Kilkenny, known as the Marble City, is the craft capital of Ireland and offers a unique experience to visitors. The Made in Kilkenny Craft Trail is an exciting way for tourists to explore the city and meet some of Kilkenny’s amazing craftspeople. Visitors can meet potters, woodworkers, weavers, glassblowers, and other handmade craftsmen in their shops and studios to learn more about their craftsmanship and purchase unique pieces.
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The Pembroke Hotel offers a convenient and luxurious stay within walking distance of all attractions in the city. For a more romantic and historic experience, Butler House is an ivy-covered Georgian home that was once inhabited by Earls of Ormond. The four-star Newpark Hotel provides greater space with 40 acres of parkland nearby and Lyrath Estate provides a luxury rural retreat with 170 acres within 17th-century surroundings just 10 minutes from the city.
If you only do one thing…
Kilkenny Castle was purchased in 1967 for 50 pounds and is now owned by the public. Visitors can tour the grand bedrooms, library, drawing rooms, tapestry room, and Long Room with family portraits of the Butler family who lived there for 500 years. Those not looking to take a tour can enjoy views of the castle from the surrounding park as well.
4. Glendalough
The Wicklow Mountains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a great destination for those who are lucky enough to have good weather in Ireland. It is located 75 minutes from Dublin and can be accessed easily by car or bus. There are two routes to get there, the M50 and N11 which is faster, or the scenic R115 over Sally Gap mountain pass.
Scotland’s Highlands offers breathtaking scenery with dense forests, glacial lakes, and heather-clad moors. It has been featured in several Hollywood films such as Braveheart and P.S. I Love You. Nature lovers can explore the extensive network of trails, or those seeking solace can visit the mountain’s religious sites. There are high-end spa treatments available for relaxation as well.
EAT
The rustic Wicklow Heather restaurant offers an extensive selection of exquisite yet reasonably priced meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. So, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a nightcap while in the company of literary greats such as Yeats, Joyce, Heaney, and more, head to the Irish Writers Room at this venue – provided there is no private event taking place when you are there.
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Jake’s Pub at Lynhams Hotel is a historic pub dating back to 1776, offering an atmosphere reminiscent of the 18th century. With a friendly barman and relaxing fireplace, visitors can enjoy pints and live traditional music on Sunday evenings. The nearby Oldtown area features great pubs like the Roundwood Inn and Coach House cocktail bar.
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At Glendalough, there are nine diverse hiking trails available, ranging from 45 minutes to four hours in length, and stretching from one to 11 kilometers in distance. These trails range in difficulty level from easy to extreme, so hikers of all skill levels can find something that suits them. In addition to the many leisurely activities available, intrepid travelers might relish the opportunity to challenge themselves with pursuits such as bird-watching, biking, and orienteering when exploring the wild outdoors. This type of activity is sure to provide a unique and thrilling experience for visitors with an appetite for adventure!
STAY
BrookLodge and Macreddin Village is an eco-conscious hotel complex located in Ireland. It features 86 chic country-style bedrooms, a Hammam massage center, a Finnish spa, and organic restaurants. In addition to the main hotel complex, there are self-catering guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and a family-run glamping site on a 21-acre sheep farm.
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Many visitors come to the mystical and mysterious ruins of Glendalough, which were established by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The surviving structures at this ancient monastery date back to between the 10th and 12th centuries and are made entirely from stone. Before exploring this remarkable site, be sure not to miss out on seeing the visitor center’s film about Glendalough – it is a great way to learn more about its history and significance.
5. Belfast
Dublin is a compact city, but Belfast is much more densely populated. It is easy to get to Dublin by train or bus, and it only takes two hours by car. Belfast is known for its role in the Titanic expedition and for the Troubles that divided the nation for many years. It is a great day trip for people who like city life and historical attractions.
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is home to an impressive mix of architecture and a thriving restaurant scene. It features iconic landmarks such as MAC Arts Centre with its modernist design, City Hall with its copper-domed roof, Albert Memorial Clock which leans due to subsidence in the ground, Victorian Grand Opera House, and St. Anne’s Cathedral with its Hiberno-Romanesque style. Belfast has a vibrant nightlife and hospitable people who make it almost as lively as Dublin down south.
EAT
Ox, an acclaimed restaurant in London, offers a Michelin-starred tasting menu with six seasonal and vegetable-forward courses for £55. Other local favorites include the beef shin burger at duck confit starter at Shu, Barking Dog, and cod at Hadskis.
DRINK
Make sure you leave enough time to enjoy two drinks during your visit – a pint of the classic Irish beer, Guinness at Kelly’s Cellars, an old-fashioned and unrefined 18th-century pub on Bank Street, followed by a delicious cocktail at the Crown Liquor Saloon, an iconic period gin house located on Great Victoria Street.
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Belfast’s Botanic Gardens offer a stunning 28 acres of lush green land for visitors to explore. Combining your trip with a visit to the Palm House, an extraordinary conservatory that is currently closed, or experiencing the free-entry Ulster Museum exhibition displaying Northern Irish artwork, will create an unforgettable journey.
STAY
Europa Hotel Belfast is a hotel located in the city that experienced 33 IRA bomb attacks during the Troubles, with no deaths due to its central location and clientele of foreign journalists. It offers sizeable rooms and an unpretentiously polished lobby that are now safe. For dinner, visitors can enjoy Causerie Bistro on-site. Other hotels in the area include Fitzwilliam beside the Great Opera House for a more luxurious stay, as well as Ten Square, Benedicts, Bullitt Hotel, or The Merchant Hotel.
If you only do one thing…
Titanic Belfast is an interactive museum located at the former Harland and Wolff shipyard on Queen’s Island, where the Titanic was built. Visitors can explore six floors of nine galleries to uncover the real story behind the most famous ship in history. Online bookings are available to reduce wait times, or visitors can arrive early to avoid queues.
