Day Trips from Dublin

Getting Out of the City

One of the best things about living in Dublin is how easy it is to escape. Within an hour, you can be hiking in the mountains, walking along cliff-top paths, exploring ancient monastic sites, or enjoying a seaside fish and chips lunch. The DART train, in particular, makes coastal destinations incredibly accessible.

Howth: The Classic Coastal Walk

Distance from Dublin: 30 minutes by DART
Best for: Walking, seafood, fresh air, dramatic coastal scenery

Howth is a fishing village and peninsula just north of Dublin city. The Howth Cliff Walk is one of the best things to do in the Dublin area. The full loop is about 12 km (8 miles) and takes 2.5 — 3 hours, with impressive views of the Irish Sea, Lambay Island, and as far as the Mourne Mountains on a clear day. There are shorter sections if you want a gentle stroll: the path from the harbour to the Baily Lighthouse is a popular 5 km round trip.

After the walk, head to McDonagh's or Beshoffs for the best fish and chips in Dublin, or try the Oar Yard for upscale seafood. The Howth Market (weekends) has artisan food stalls. The DART drops you right at the harbour: no car needed.

Tip: Go on a weekday if possible: weekends are very busy, especially in summer.

Bray & Greystones: Seaside Fun

Distance from Dublin: 45 minutes by DART
Best for: Beach day, cliff walk, family-friendly activities

Bray is Dublin's traditional seaside resort. The promenade is perfect for a family day out: ice cream, amusement arcades, and the Bray Sea Life Centre. For walkers, the Bray Head Cliff Walk to Greystones is a must: 7 km (4.5 miles) of beautiful coastal views, taking about 1.5 — 2 hours one way. The path starts at the base of Bray Head and ends at the harbour in Greystones.

Greystones is a charming, quieter alternative to Bray. It has a lovely harbour, good restaurants (The Happy Pear is a famous vegetarian café), and a beautiful beach. You can walk Bray→Greystones and take the DART back from Greystones station.

Alternative: If you prefer a shorter walk, just do the promenade in Bray and enjoy the beach. The DART makes it an easy door-to-door trip.

Glendalough: The Monastic Valley

Distance from Dublin: 50 minutes by car / 1.5 hours by bus (St. Kevin's Bus from Dawson Street)
Best for: History, hiking, beautiful scenery

Glendalough (from Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, 'the valley of the two lakes') is one of Ireland's most beautiful and historically significant sites. The 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin is set in a impressive glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The round tower, stone churches, and Celtic crosses are remarkably well-preserved.

There are walks for all levels. The Lakeside Walk (gentle, 1 — 2 hours around the Upper Lake) and the Spinc Walk (more strenuous, 3 — 4 hours, with spectacular views from above the valley) are the most popular. Bring rain gear and good shoes: this is the Wicklow Mountains, so the weather changes fast.

Getting there without a car: St. Kevin's Bus runs from Dawson Street (€15 — €20 return). Alternatively, take a Bus Éireann service to Laragh village and walk in. Many tour companies run half-day trips from Dublin city centre.

Wicklow Mountains: The Garden of Ireland

Distance from Dublin: 30 — 60 minutes by car
Best for: Hiking, driving tours, photography, escaping the city

The Wicklow Mountains offer the most accessible wilderness near Dublin. The Wicklow Way is a 127 km (79 mile) long-distance walking trail, but you can walk sections for a few hours. Popular short walks include Djouce Mountain (easy 2-hour loop with panoramic views) and Turlough Hill (a dramatic man-made reservoir).

For a scenic drive, the Military Road (R115) through the Sally Gap is spectacular, especially in autumn when the heather turns purple. Stop at the Wicklow Heather Restaurant in Laragh for lunch.

Malahide: Castle, Coast & Village

Distance from Dublin: 25 minutes by DART
Best for: Families, castle history, gardens, relaxed day out

Malahide is a beautiful coastal village north of Dublin. The star attraction is Malahide Castle & Gardens, a medieval castle that was home to the Talbot family for over 800 years. The grounds include a walled garden, a butterfly house, and a large playground. There's also the Malahide Mini Train, a hit with younger children.

The village itself is charming, with good pubs (Duffy's, The Cockatross), restaurants, and a lovely marina. The DART station is a 10-minute walk from the castle. Great for families who want a gentle day out without extensive walking.

Dalkey & Killiney: Celebrity Coast

Distance from Dublin: 25 minutes by DART
Best for: Walking, coastal views, ice cream

Dalkey is a picturesque coastal town with Georgian architecture. Killiney Hill offers some of the best views in the Dublin area: on a clear day you can see across the Irish Sea to Wales. The DART connects Dalkey and Killiney seamlessly. Vico Baths and White Rock are popular swimming spots for the brave (the water is cold!).

As featured on Normal People, Dalkey has a strong literary connection: James Joyce, Maeve Binchy, and many other writers lived here. It's also home to several celebrities, including Bono and Enya.

Newgrange: Older Than the Pyramids

Distance from Dublin: 1 hour by car / tour bus
Best for: History buffs, prehistoric sites, World Heritage

Newgrange is a 5,200-year-old passage tomb in County Meath, built before Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The winter solstice sunrise aligns perfectly with the entrance passage, filling the inner chamber with light. The visitor centre at Brú na Bóinne is excellent and the guided tour is unforgettable.

Booking well in advance is essential: visitor numbers are limited. Many tour companies offer day trips from Dublin.

Quick Reference: Day Trip Options

Getting Around Without a Car

You don't need a car for most of these trips. The DART serves Howth, Malahide, Bray, Greystones, Dalkey, and Killiney directly. St. Kevin's Bus goes to Glendalough. Many tour companies run day trips from Dublin city centre (Paddywagon, Wild Rover, Irish Day Tours) for €30 — €60 per person. For the Wicklow Mountains and Newgrange, a car is convenient but a tour bus works well.