Dublin is an amazing introduction to Ireland, which is super easy to visit on points. While it is best seen by driving around the country on a ten day itinerary, you can also base yourself in Dublin to take some of the best day trips. The following are some of the best day trips from Dublin under two hours. You can access most of them by public transportation.
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Where to Stay in Dublin
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Dublin here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel. On my first trip to Dublin, I stayed in a hostel. On my second trip, I stayed at the Temple Bar Hotel. This past trip, I stayed at the Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin, which is the overall hotel I would recommend.
Other hotel options include:
- The College Green Hotel Dublin
- Aloft Dublin City
- The Grafton Hotel
- Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre
Day Trips from Dublin: Under 1 Hour
Howth
Drive Time: 30 minutes
Howth is an adorable coastal town about 11 miles from the Dublin City Center and makes for an awesome option of the many day trips from Dublin you can take. It is very easy to take a train from central Dublin to Howth, which will take about 30 minutes. This is a great way to see the Ireland coast without having to drive too far.
Upon arrival, there are a ton of cool things to do in Howth. The most popular thing is going on the Howth cliff walk. There are multiple trails you can take that range from 3.5-7.5 miles. Do not miss views of the lighthouse. Alternatively, you can take a boat out to see the coastline.
In town, you can explore the harbor and try to see the seals. Many people love checking out the historical market and shops. Before you leave, make sure to get some local seafood and brew at one of the many pubs that fill the area.
Make sure to head to Howth earlier in the day to beat the crowds and check train times online. The trains also fill up, so be prepared to stand if you arrive close to departure time.
Malahide
By Aubrey of Jet Lagged Journeys
Drive Time: 30 minutes
Malahide is a charming, coastal town about 9 miles (14 km) north of Dublin City Centre. There is a direct train from Dublin Connolly Station to Malahide that takes about 25 minutes and runs multiple times per hour, which makes it an easy day trip from Dublin. If you prefer to drive, expect it to take 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
The highlight of the town is the Malahide Castle. It was built in the 12th century by the Talbot family, who called it home until 1975. Today, you can visit with a guided tour, which I recommend booking ahead of time, especially in the summer.
Make sure to add the walled gardens and butterfly house to your ticket. The walled garden is far bigger than you might expect, with over 5,000 plant varieties, a Victorian glasshouse, a pond, and peacocks roaming around. If you are travelling with kids, they will love the fairy trail. It is a magical escape filled with whimsical sculptures, colorful fairy houses, and an activity booklet to help unlock the magic.
Afterwards you can visit the Casino Model Railway Museum, which is right across the road. The museum showcases the incredible craftsmanship of the Fry Model Railway collection that was once kept inside the castle.
From here, the village of Malahide is just a 5 minute walk away. It is a small, but cute town with several boutique shops and cosy restaurants. The perfect way to end the day is a stroll along Malahide Beach. If you are up for a longer walk, there is a coastal path that leads all the way to the gorgeous Portmarnock Beach, which is about 3 km each way. It is absolutely gorgeous at sunset.
Day Trips from Dublin: 1-2 Hours
Kilkenny City
By Aimee of Ireland Drives
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Kilkenny City, fondly referred to as the “Marble City,” is known for the stunning Kilkenny Castle and great pubs. And conveniently, it’s just a 1.5-hour / 128 km drive from Dublin. It is one of the best day trips from Dublin.
I recommend starting your time in this enchanting city at the Medieval Mile, a mile-long pathway weaving through the city’s core, connecting Kilkenny’s most iconic landmarks, including Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. As you wander along, you’ll encounter medieval buildings, quaint alleyways, and picturesque cobblestone streets that transport you to another era.
Afterwards, pay a visit to the renowned Kilkenny Castle. This wow-worthy castle, built in 1195, is a must-see while in Kilkenny City. Be sure to spend at least an hour exploring the inside – it’s filled with lush furnishings and gorgeous art. You can book a guided tour to delve into the castle’s history and learn about the Butler family, who called it home for centuries. The rooms are exquisitely restored, with remarkable artwork and furnishings. We spent about an hour inside and another hour enjoying the castle gardens.
Later, take a walk along the River Nore. This riverside path passes by the charming Black Abbey, a stunning example of a 13th-century Dominican priory. Be sure to go inside and look at its impressive stained-glass windows and stroll around its lovely cloister garden.
If you don’t have a car, you can get a train here from Dublin Heuston to Kilkenny MacDonagh Station. The journey will take an hour and 45 minutes and costs from 10 euros.
Waterford
By Gillian of Yum Vegan Lunch Ideas
Drive Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Waterford is a wonderful day trip from Dublin. It is around 100 miles from Dublin and the quickest way to get there is to drive, which will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. You can also get a train from Dublin Heuston station, however the train takes a little longer at 2 hours and 48 minutes.
The best thing to do in Waterford is explore the copper coast, it is a UNESCO heritage site and absolutely stunning. Cycling the copper coast is a wonderful way to visit the stunning, sandy beaches and viewpoints, however there is ample parking along the way. If it’s safe to do so and the weather permits, head for a swim at the picturesque Guillemene swimming cove. There is a wonderful community of swimmers here all year round.
Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, founded by the Vikings. Visit the “Viking Triangle” in the heart of Waterford City. Then take a wander through Reginalds Tower, one of Ireland’s oldest civic buildings that is home to a huge collection of Viking artefacts and history. You will not be sorry visiting Waterford as it is one of the best day trips from Dublin.
Not only does it have a rich history, it has a wonderful nightlife and you will often find live music to go and see. Summer is a great time to visit the city as there are a number of free music festivals in the city centre. Make sure you try the famous Waterford “Bla” when you are there – a delicious soft white roll used to make sandwiches.
Wexford
By Dubliner Gill of Secret Sussex
Drive Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Wexford is a must visit when in Ireland and easy enough to get to from Dublin. It is one of the best day trips from Dublin. Wexford is known as the sunny South East! You can get to Wexford in around 1 hour and 40 minutes approximately if you drive – it is a very straightforward journey down the M11 motorway and it is approximately 80 miles from Dublin.
The Saltee Islands in Wexford should be on every travel lover’s bucket list! This is a brilliant day trip from Dublin, and if timed correctly, you could even see puffins in the wild. The Saltee Islands are brilliant for bird watching and a great family day out. It is a short ferry ride from Kilmore Quay, offering stunning views of the coast. Make sure to visit the Kings Chair while there and see how many seabirds you can spot!
Kilmore Quay is a peaceful Wexford town that is a nice place to grab some lunch following your visit to the Saltee Islands. Wexford is famous for its stretches of beautiful, golden, sandy beaches. Blackwater and Curracloe are particularly stunning beaches that are worth visiting.
Wexford is brimming with history and there are some beautiful landmarks, such as Hook Lighthouse and Enniscorthy Castle. The Irish National Heritage Park is a must visit if you are a history buff, then the Dubrody Famine ship gives an interesting insight into what an emigrant shop looked like in the 1800’s, a replica of one of many ships that set sailed for a better life in America.
Make sure to try some of the local food when in Wexford, which is famed for its seafood and strawberries. Keep your eyes peeled for The Trough, Karoo Farm Shop, Grálinn and Crown Bar for some delicious food.
I would recommend mapping out your day trip and hone in on one main activity you wish to do on your day trip from Dublin, as Wexford is a large county and you don’t want to spend your whole day driving! Either way, you won’t be disappointed with Wexford.
Newgrange
By Faith of Xyuandbeyond
Newgrange along with the nearby mounds of Dowth and Knowth is known as Brú na Bóinne a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit from Dublin easily as it is only 55 minutes away. Getting there is simple and you can take a train and bus directly to the site from Dublin.
Built by a farming community around 5,200 years ago, it is older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. It’s a large circular mound, with a stone passageway and chambers inside. The mystical nature of Newgrange can be felt immediately when you reach the site from a shuttle bus at the Visitor Centre. The views over the countryside seem endless, and the entry stone is carved with ancient triskeles.
In local legend, Newgrange was believed to be the home of Aengus Óg and the Dagda, gods of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The passageway opens into a chamber with three side niches. At the dawn of Winter Solstice each year, a narrow beam of light enters through the roof box at the entryway and travels into the chamber, gradually widening until the whole room is dramatically illuminated. The event lasts around 17 minutes, and tour guides demonstrate the effect artificially inside the tomb year-round but nothing compares to the real thing.
There are no photos allowed in the tomb itself and cost of entry out of season is €10 or €18.00 for an adult in season, which includes a mandatory guide and the shuttle up to the site. You will want to miss Newgrange as it is one of the best day trips from Dublin.
Final Thoughts About Day Trips from Dublin
Dublin has so much to see and do that you can easily spend a couple days in just the city. However, you will want more time to take one of the many amazing day trips from Dublin. If you have the time, add in time in London and the United Kingdom with this trip.
