Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital and home to the country’s busiest airport, is a no-brainer starting (or ending) point for your Irish adventure.

There’s plenty to see and do in Dublin—you could easily spend a few days soaking up the sights, history, and pints—but don’t stop there! Some of Ireland’s most incredible spots are just a day trip away.

The best part? You don’t even need a car to get out and explore. Whether you prefer to do your own thing or hop on a guided tour, there are loads of great options.

Below, I’ve rounded up 6 fantastic day trips from Dublin you can do on your own or with a tour group, plus one can’t-miss experience that’s only available as a guided tour—and a couple I’d recommend skipping altogether.

This article is also available as the Traveling in Ireland podcast, episode 261.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article & get tour links.

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Dublin might be perched on Ireland’s east coast, but thanks to its great bus and train links, it’s a perfect jumping-off point for exploring all over the island.

In the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, just 30 minutes south of Dublin, the hermit monk St. Kevin founded a settlement that would become one of the country's great ecclesiastical centres of learning. The remains of the monastic city, including the round tower, date from the 10th-12th centuries.

Do It Yourself day trip from Dublin Hop aboard the Glendalough Bus at St. Steven's Green. Spend time in the Glendalough Visitor Centre (an OPW Heritage site) before exploring the monastic site. Wear good hiking boots and dress in layers to get out end enjoy some of the nearby marked walking trails. 

Join a Guided Tour You'll find quite a few tour options that will take you through the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, and some will even include the magnificent Powerscourt Estate.

The village of Malahide is a terrific half-day getaway from Dublin.

Do It Yourself day trip from Dublin Take the train from Connolly Station in Dublin city centre in under 30 minutes or Dublin Bus route 32 or 42. Enjoy a guided castle tour and explore the gardens. Enjoy the village's charming shops and tasty restaurants.

Pro tip: Malahide Castle & Gardens makes a terrific spot for photos! Here's how we did it.

The small coastal village of Howth, just north of Dublin, is popular for it's beautiful cliff walk and charming harbour. Howth also has a charming castle with grounds to wander and the Abbey Tavern hosts a Traditional Irish Show that features a 3-course meal.

Do It Yourself day trip from Dublin The train from Connolly Station to Howth takes about 30 minutes. Dublin Bus 6 or H3 take about 45 minutes.
From the train station turn left to head toward the harbour and cliff walk, or right to visit the castle.

Join a Guided Tour

Kilkenny is a wonderfully walkable city with loads to do! Plan a full day to enjoy everything the city has to offer!

Do It Yourself day trip from Dublin Take the train from Heuston Station in just 90 minutes or direct bus routes on Dublin Coach or JJ Kavanagh & Sons. If you want to enjoy the highlights of medieval Kilkenny plan to arrive early and plan a full day's adventure.

Once in Kilkenny you can easily explore the highlights of the Medieval Mile, from Kilkenny Castle to St Canice's Cathedral. Join the Shenanigans Walk for fun insight into the city or hop aboard a guided boat trip on the River Nore. If you enjoy a pint, be sure to check out the Smithwick's tour.

Join a Guided Tour 

Galway is a bustling harbour city with a lively traditional vibe.

Do It Yourself day trip from Dublin The train from Dublin city centre takes just 2.5 hours or CityLink Express bus service takes only slightly longer. Visit historic Galway sites like the Galway Museum, Spanish Arch, Kerwin's Lane and The Claddagh. The Latin Quarter is a busy spot filled with shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Join a Guided Tour Once in Galway you have a few great tour options in the city.

Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is both Irish and British, and has a very different vibe than Dublin.

Do It Yourself Day Trip from Dublin It takes just 2.5 hours to reach Belfast by train from Dublin city centre.

Titanic Belfast is an incredible tour, and includes the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship.
Book a Black Taxi tour to help you understand the history of The Troubles and sign your name to the Peace Walls that still divide the city.
Or take in the city at your own pace on a Hop-on Hop-off bus.
More time? Consider the Ulster Muesum, Botanic Gardens, or CS Lewis Square.

Join a Guided Tour

A day tour into the heart of ancient Ireland – the Boyne Valley in County Meath – can't be created in a DIY trip without a car. The sites are too far apart, and some are too rural, to be easily connected by bus.

But if the Neolithic and Celtic history of Ireland interests you, a tour through the Boyne Valley should be at the top of your day trips from Dublin list.

There are 2 trips from Dublin that you may be surprised are not on this list: The Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway.

There are 2 reasons for that. The first being that you really can't DIY these tours from Dublin.

But, more than that, I don't recommend these trips as day tours due to the length of the day. Most trips to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin are 12 hours long. And over 7 of those hours are spent driving. And Giant's Causeway trips from Dublin are 13 hours, with the majority of your time being spent on a bus.

If you want to day tour to the Cliffs of Moher, I recommend spending at least one night in Galway and enjoying a full tour of the Burren, there is so much more to see and do in that area.

If you want to explore the Causeway Coast, do that day trip from Belfast. One thing to note with any bus tour along the Causeway Coast: no large bus tours visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, they only stop at a viewpoint. If that site is high on your list, you will need to invest in a private tour.

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Known as the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny offers visitors a unique blend of ancient stories, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. As you wander through the narrow alleyways, you can't help but feel transported to another time, where each street corner holds a door to a new tale waiting to be discovered.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Nevin Cody, owner of Shenanigans Walks in Kilkenny. If you prefer to listen to the podcast you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

For some, the medieval city of Kilkenny surpasses popular tourist destinations like Cork and Galway in terms of its rich history and captivating atmosphere. A stroll along the Medieval Mile – the direct walk between Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral – offers your first indication the city's charming people and terrific attractions.

The city of Kilkenny is compact, and easily explored on foot. The most popular attractions include

Additionally, the city offers a range of experiences, including festivals, shopping, independent stores, cafes, restaurants, and music.

While you are in Kilkenny be sure to slow down and take the time to engage with the people you meet, linger in the local establishments, and immerse yourself in the Irish culture.

Kilkenny is not just about the city itself; the county offers a plethora of attractions worth exploring.

Just a short distance from Kilkenny, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of Kells Priory, the largest walled monastic priory in Ireland.

The picturesque village of Graiguenamanagh invites you to explore its river walks and discover the fascinating history hidden within its streets.

And for those seeking adventure, Castlecomer Discovery Park offers exhilarating activities such as zip-lining and archery.

If you are looking for a central location for easy touring to multiple locations, Kilkenny is also a terrific base for the following day trip:

Nevin Cody's Shenanigans Walks provide an immersive and entertaining way to experience Kilkenny. These tours go beyond the traditional guided experience, incorporating magic effects, interactive storytelling, and a touch of Irish humor.

Nevin's aim is to bring the history and energy of the city to life, ensuring that visitors not only learn about the past but also connect with the present. From the fascinating story of the Smithwick's experience to a witch's test, these tours offer a unique perspective on Kilkenny's heritage.

Join Shenanigans Walks via the website or follow the craic on Instagram and Facebook.

Jerpoint Abbey & Jerpoint Park – learn about the ‘lost town' of Newtown Jerpoint, view the grave of St. Nicholas, and explore the ornate cloister of the Cistercian monastery.

Kells Priory – the largest walled monastic priory in Ireland.

Graiguenamanagh – an amazing little village with maintain and river walks, as well as charming pubs and restaurants. Home to Cushendale Woolen Mill, a traditional woolen mill that still operates as they did 100 years ago.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 227

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Round towers are an -almost- uniquely Irish structure. (Only 3 ancient round towers exist outside of Ireland.)

In Irish they are called cloitheach (cloy- cach), meaning bell house, and were probably built between the 9th and 12th centuries.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page.

At least 120 round towers are thought to have existed in Ireland. Today about 20 towers survive in complete condition.

The monastic settlement of Glendalough, located in the Wicklow Mountains, is a popular day trip from Dublin. The round tower stands tall in the ‘valley of the two lakes', almost presiding over the cemetery, churches, and cathedral. There is quite a lot to see and do here, including some wonderful walks around the lake and along mountain paths.

Clonmacnoise was a major centre of learning and trade from the 8th to 12th centuries, located at one of the most important crossroads of ancient Ireland. You'll find two round towers here, though one is missing a top. Clonmacnoise also has 3 high crosses; the Cross of Scriptures is 13 feet tall and absolutely magnificent.

The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster until 1101 when it was donated to the church by the reigning king. The round tower is the oldest structure on the site. The sight of the magnificent castle structure atop the stony outcropping and reigning over the surrounding farmland is one that will leave you in awe.

Many visitors make the pilgrimage to Kells in County Meath as that is where the Book of Kells was held until 1654, before it was presented to Trinity College in 1661 (where you can see it today). The round tower, though still standing, has lost its cap. Five high crosses, in various states, are also here.

If your itinerary doesn't take you near any of those popular spots there are plenty more round towers to visit. These are some of my favorites.

Rattoo round tower in County Kerry was the first round tower I saw in Ireland. In 2002 I was following the route that would become the Wild Atlantic Way when I saw the cone in the distance. As I drove the road became more narrow, finally becoming a path. And there it stood. I had it all to myself… It was magical. The Rattoo round tower is the only complete round tower in Kerry and also has a sheela na gig.

Ardmore, County Waterford, is believed to be the oldest Christian settlement in Ireland, founded by St. Declan in the 5th century. Rising from a hill overlooking the town below, the round tower dates to the 12th century. The round tower marks the end of the cliff walk, which begins at the beach, following the coast past St. Declan's Stone, up the (steep) hill past the Cliff House Hotel (amazing spot to stay), and then to the holy well and the ruined church, before continuing along the cliffs to the cathedral and church yard.

You're likely to pass near Kilmacdough Monestery in County Galway if you are driving between Galway city and the Cliffs of Moher. The round tower is noted as the tallest standing round tower in Ireland.

Scattery Island, in the Shannon Estuary , is owned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is (obviously) only reachable by boat. Scattery Island Tours offers daily sailings during the season. The round tower on Scattery is unique as the door is at ground level. The island also has seven small churches, a holy well, a lighthouse, and an artillery battery.

The round tower at Turlough Abbey in County Mayo appears rather short and squat when compared to other towers. This abbey is one of few that survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII and, later, Oliver Cromwell. If you visit the National Museum of Ireland Country Life in Castlebar the round tower can be seen from there and makes a nice addition to your visit.

A round tower, locally known as The Steeple, still remains from an ancient monastic settlement in the town of Antrim, Northern Ireland. Nearby is a ‘witches stone', the story being that a witch, upset by the construction of the tower, climbed to the top and jumped off, landing on the stone and leaving the impression of her knee and elbow. Legend says that one hollow never runs dry.

The round tower at Glasnevin Cemetery, built in 1855 to commemorate Irish political leader Daniel O'Connell can be climbed, but it is not quite as impressive as scaling an ancient round tower.

Just west of Dublin Kildare Cathedral, also known as St. Brigid's Cathedral, was built on the site of an important Celtic Christian abbey said to have been founded by Saint Brigid. The round tower can be climbed – be sure to note the Romanesque decoration around the doorway -and do visit the cathedral which also has a sheela-na-gig.

St. Canice's Cathedral, at the opposite end of Kilkenny's Medieval Mile from Kilkenny Castle, has a climbable tower which was built in the 9th century. The Cathedral is Early Gothic in design and is the second longest cathedral in Ireland, St. Patrick's in Dublin is longer. Purchase your tickets to climb the 100 foot tower inside the cathedral.

Devenish Island in County Fermanagh had two round towers, though one remains intact and can be scaled. This is the only high tower you can climb that still retains a conical cap. The base of the cap has a decorative cornice with a carved head above each of the 4 rectangular windows, Commercial boat tours of Lower Lough Erne can take you to the island, which also has multiple church ruins and an intricate high cross.

Traveling in Ireland Episode 193

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We've spent two days at Lyrath Estate in County Kilkenny.

I'll be sharing more about our experience, but first, a wee chat with John Dugan, owner of Hawkeye School of Falconry, which you will find at Lyrath.

This article is also available as a podcast. To listen please scroll to the player at the bottom of the page to listen.

Located just minutes from Kilkenny city, Lyrath Estate is a perfect base for exploring the counties of Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Laois, or an escape for a relaxing break.

The hotel is a charming blend of the old estate and modern luxury.

The expansive grounds are perfect for exploring, with a mix of paved and mown pathways.

On site you'll find a playground, falconry and archery with Hawkeye Falconry, a pool and health club, and a spa.

Every meal we've experienced has been delicious. (Maybe too delicious.)

Afternoon tea was divine. Breakfast, an extensive buffet, had absolutely everything you could want. And dinner, served in The Grill & Bar showcased local food with imaginative flavor pairings and presentation.

Thanks to Bespoke Excursions for arranging our stay at Lyrath Estate.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 171

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Hello again from Ireland!

I missed podcasting the past couple of days.

On Thursday I had absolutely no connectivity and Friday night half of my hotel room had no electricity – so I was in the dark. The very sweet maintenance man came from home to try to fix it, but left his industrial flashlight so I could have light in the bathroom.

I'll give you an update of the past few days, but first, a listener question.

Shannon R has been following my travels (thanks Shannon!) and asked: I noticed you are in Kilkenny- have you ever done a hurling tour in the city or elsewhere?

I haven't had the opportunity to do a hurling tour – yet. But it is on my list of things to do.

That said, I spoke with James Kavanagh of Hurling Tours Ireland in Kilkenny in podcast episode 151.

We talked about the sport, how it is played, and why Kilkenny is the ‘home of hurling'.

I have had quite a few of my vacation coaching and custom itinerary clients try their hand at hurling in Kilkenny – and all have sent rave reviews.

In my last podcast we had driven from Doolin in County Clare to Lough Eske Castle just outside of Donegal town, County Donegal.

Lough Eske Castle is one of my favorite places to stay because it is so quiet and tranquil. There aren't a lot of on site activities so you really can relax and unwind.

The next day (Thursday) we drove along the dramatic Donegal coast to Glencolumbkille for a sheepdog demonstration from James at Away to Me.

This was a terrific demonstration. You could really see the love the dogs had for James and his handling of them showed that it was fully returned. They were so excited to work and James answered every question we had. We never felt rushed or pushed to end our visit. I highly recommend it if you are in the area and haven't seen sheepdogs work.

From there we retraced our route back to Slieve League Cliffs. With another sunny (and hot) day Ireland was showing us her best.

For those planning a self-drive visit: you can park at the base of the cliffs and walk up. It's a very nice walk on a fine day. Or you can pay at the new visitors centre to take the shuttle up to the top.

Private vehicles are not allowed to drive to the upper parking area of the cliffs.

We made a quick stop in Killybegs to check out the massive fishing ships, then back to enjoy the castle before a group dinner.

Friday we said goodbye to Lough Eske Castle and made the trek back to Dublin with stops at Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland, and the Hill of Tara, where Ireland's ancient kings were chosen.

And today I drove to Cappoquin, County Waterford, where I will be rusticating at an 18th century Georgian mansion. (Kind of.)

I'll fill you in on that tomorrow.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 163

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