Ireland Day Trips from Dublin
Are you planning your vacation to Ireland and looking for day trips from Dublin?
Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, is a fascinating and vibrant destination. It offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for families. However, if you’re planning a family vacation to the Emerald Isle, you’ll want to consider taking day trips from Dublin to explore other parts of Ireland.
I love Ireland. When we traveled around the southern part of the country, I left a little piece of my heart somewhere along the rolling green hills dotted with sheep.
Day trips from Dublin are a great option for families who want to experience the beauty, history, and culture of Ireland beyond the city limits.
Let’s explore some of the best day trips from Dublin for families.
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How Many Days in Dublin is Enough?
If you’re planning a family trip to Dublin, you may be wondering how long you should stay in the city to experience its main attractions. The answer to this question depends on your family’s interests and preferences.
However, we recommend staying in Dublin for at least three to four days to explore the city’s highlights. During this time, you can visit popular attractions.
Some of our favorite sites include:
- the Guinness Storehouse
- Trinity College (the Book of Kells was a highlight during my trip)
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- the National Museum of Ireland
Additionally, you can take a stroll through the charming streets of Dublin and experience the city’s lively culture and nightlife. Definitely make sure to experience an Irish musical show as we did.
Transportation for Day Trips from Dublin
When planning day trips from Dublin, it’s essential to consider transportation options. Fortunately, there are several ways to travel around Ireland, including trains, buses, and car rentals. Each mode of transportation offers unique advantages and may be better suited for different destinations and preferences. It’s important to weigh the options and choose the best transportation method for your family’s needs.
Trains
Day trips from Dublin by train are a popular mode of transportation. Irish Rail operates trains throughout the country, including to many popular destinations for day trips such as Cork, Galway, and Belfast. Train tickets can be purchased online or at the station, and schedules are available on the Irish Rail website.
Buses
Buses are another convenient option for day trips from Dublin without a car. Bus Eireann operates bus routes throughout Ireland, with frequent departures from Dublin to destinations such as Kilkenny, Waterford, and the Cliffs of Moher. Other private companies, such as City Sightseeing Dublin and Dublin Bus, also offer day trip bus tours.
Tickets for Buses, Trains, and Ferries:
Car Rentals
For families who prefer more flexibility and independence, renting a car is an excellent option. Car rental companies offer a range of vehicles to suit different family sizes and budgets. However, families should be aware that driving in Ireland can be challenging due to narrow roads and driving on the left-hand side of the road.
Small Group Day Tours from Dublin
Small group day tours from Dublin are a popular transportation option for families who prefer to let someone else do the driving. These tours typically offer a more personalized experience, with smaller group sizes and the opportunity to interact with knowledgeable guides.
There are a variety of small group tour companies to choose from, offering day trips to destinations such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Giant’s Causeway.
Prices vary depending on the tour and the company, but many include admission fees and transportation, making them a convenient and hassle-free option for families. We’ve resourced the best day tours for you to choose.
Day Trips from Dublin
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a charming medieval town located about 130 km southwest of Dublin. It’s a popular day trip destination for families as it offers a range of attractions and activities that are sure to keep everyone entertained. The town is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, narrow streets, and lively cultural scene.
One of the must-visit destinations in Kilkenny is Kilkenny Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. The castle has been beautifully restored and is now open to the public, offering guided tours that provide insight into the castle’s rich history. Families can explore the castle’s grand halls, towers, and beautiful gardens, and learn about the lives of the families who lived there.
Wicklow
Wicklow is a picturesque county located just south of Dublin. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling green hills, sparkling lakes, and a rugged coastline. Wicklow is an ideal destination for families who love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, cycling, or just taking a leisurely walk. One of the top attractions in Wicklow is Glendalough, a glacial valley with a 6th-century monastic settlement nestled in its heart. Families can explore the ancient monastic ruins, take a walk around the peaceful lakes, or hike up to the nearby hills for stunning views of the valley.
The highlight of a half-day trip from Dublin to Wicklow for families is the Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. The estate features a magnificent 18th-century house, which is now a luxury hotel, and beautifully landscaped gardens that are home to a stunning array of flowers, trees, and shrubs. Families can explore the gardens and enjoy a picnic on the lawns, or take a walk in the nearby hills and enjoy the stunning views of the Irish countryside.
Newgrange
Newgrange is a prehistoric burial mound located just an hour’s drive from Dublin. Built over 5,000 years ago, it is older than the Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. The ancient site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for families interested in history and archaeology.
The burial mound features an impressive stone facade, with a unique entrance passage and a perfectly aligned roof box that allows sunlight to penetrate the chamber on the winter solstice. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the site and learn about the ancient civilization that built it.
The tour includes a visit to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, where families can learn more about the history and significance of the site. There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and books about Newgrange and the surrounding area.
A visit to Newgrange is a great short day trip from Dublin for families who want to experience the rich history and culture of Ireland. The site is accessible by car, bus, or train, making it easy to incorporate into your itinerary.
Cliffs of Moher
Located on the west coast of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular natural attractions. They offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline of County Clare. Families can enjoy the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin on a day trip. Take a leisurely walk along the cliffs and take in the stunning scenery. For a different perspective, families can take a boat tour and experience the cliffs from the water.
Cork
Cork is a vibrant city located about 250 km southwest of Dublin. It’s known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and lively cultural scene. Cork is a great day trip destination for families as it offers a range of attractions and activities.
The highlight of a day trip to Cork for families is the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone. The castle dates back to the 15th century and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Families can climb the castle’s narrow stairs to reach the top and kiss the Blarney Stone, which is said to give the kisser the “gift of the gab” or the ability to speak eloquently.
Cork is also known for its scenic beauty, with the River Lee flowing through the city center and the hills of County Cork providing a stunning backdrop. Families can take a leisurely walk along the river or explore the city’s historic streets and buildings.
Waterford/Wexford
Waterford and Wexford are two counties located in the southeast of Ireland that offer plenty of attractions and activities for families. Waterford is known for its crystal factory, which has been producing high-quality crystal since the 18th century. Families can take a factory tour and watch skilled craftsmen at work, or even purchase crystal gifts from the factory’s store. We toured the factory and it was so interesting to learn all about how they make their beautiful crystal.
In addition to the crystal factory, Waterford is also home to the Waterford Greenway, a 46 km cycling and walking trail that takes visitors through stunning countryside scenery and along the coast. The city of Waterford itself has a rich history, with Viking and Norman influences that can be seen in its architecture and museums.
Wexford, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful beaches and charming towns. Families can spend a day at the beach, building sandcastles, swimming in the sea, or even taking part in water sports like surfing and kayaking. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are plenty of historic sites and museums to explore, including the Irish National Heritage Park and the 13th-century Hook Lighthouse.
Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle is a must-visit destination for families who want to experience medieval Ireland. The castle, which dates back to the 15th century, has been fully restored and is now open to the public. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, learning about its history and the people who lived there.
One of the main attractions at Bunratty Castle is the medieval banquet. Families can enjoy a delicious feast while being entertained by costumed performers. The banquet takes place in the castle’s Great Hall, which is decorated with authentic medieval furnishings.
In addition, for families who want to experience medieval life even more fully, Bunratty Castle also offers an overnight stay in the castle’s own 19th-century village. Guests can stay in one of the village’s thatched-roof cottages, which are fully furnished with antiques and period-style decor.
Belfast and Giant’s Causeway
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and a city with a fascinating history and culture. Families can explore the city’s rich heritage by visiting historic landmarks. Some include the Belfast City Hall and the stunning Titanic Belfast Museum. The museum tells the story of the ill-fated Titanic, which was built in Belfast. It also offers interactive exhibits and a ride through a replica of the ship’s interior.
Families can also take a Dublin day tour to the Giant’s Causeway. The Causeway is an incredible natural wonder on the coast of Northern Ireland. The site features interlocking basalt columns that were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. It’s an unforgettable sight to behold.
Galway and the Wild Atlantic Way
Galway is a charming town located on the west coast of Ireland. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. Families can explore the town’s narrow streets and alleyways together. Visit historic landmarks such as the Spanish Arch, and enjoy live music and street performances.
The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic coastal route. It stretches from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. Families can explore this stunning region and take part in a range of activities, such as hiking, cycling, surfing, and kayaking. They can also visit attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and the Connemara National Park.
Day Trips Beyond Ireland
In addition to plenty of exciting day trips in Ireland from Dublin, families may also be interested in exploring nearby destinations outside the country. Here are two possible options for Dublin day trips beyond the Emerald Isle:
London
It may surprise some to learn that a day trip from Dublin to London is possible. Families who want to experience the energy and excitement of one of the world’s great cities can do so without having to book a separate trip. It certainly makes for a long day, though.
Families can travel to London for the day from Dublin by taking a flight or a ferry. Flights from Dublin to London take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are several airlines that operate flights between the two cities.
Ferries from Dublin to Holyhead in Wales take approximately 2 hours. From there, families can take a train or a bus to London. At the same time, note that taking a day trip to London from Dublin can be quite tiring due to the long travel time. Families may want to consider staying overnight to make the most of their visit.
One of the best ways to maximize your time in London is to purchase the London Pass. Our family used it during our last visit and we were able to get the best bang for our buck on the attractions we saw.
Some of the top attractions families can see in London include:
- the British Museum
- the Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- the Natural History Museum
- the London Zoo
Scotland
Another exciting option for families looking to take a day trip from Dublin is Scotland. Ferries run from Dublin to Holyhead in Wales, where families can then take a train to Scotland. Alternatively, there are direct flights available from Dublin to Scotland.
Some of the top attractions families can see in Scotland include:
- Edinburgh Castle
- the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition
- the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Families who love the outdoors will also appreciate Scotland’s stunning scenery and opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities.
FAQs: Visiting Dublin and Ireland
Conclusion: Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland
Taking day trips from Dublin is a great way for families to explore all that Ireland has to offer. Whether it’s exploring medieval castles in Kilkenny, marveling at the Cliffs of Moher, or soaking up the culture and history of Belfast, there are endless possibilities for day trips from Dublin.
And if you have the time, why not venture beyond Ireland to nearby destinations like London and Scotland?
By taking advantage of these day trip options, families can maximize their time and make the most of their trip to Ireland. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Thinking about renting a car in Ireland? Find out all you need to know about driving, including which side of the road they drive on in Ireland.
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