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.

The post Day Trips from Dublin (no car required!) appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Planning to visit Derry/ Londonderry?

This city in Northern Ireland is well known for its defensive city walls, murals, and the tragic Bloody Sunday history during the period known as The Troubles.

Located at the westernmost end of the Causeway Coastal Route and the northernmost tip of the Wild Atlantic Way, Derry makes a terrific base to for touring portions of these scenic drives.

This article is based on the Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 116, featuring Gleann Doherty, the owner of Derry Guided Tours. Gleann is a Derry native, raised in the city all through the conflict. He holds a B.A. Honours Degree graduate of Irish History and Politics from the Magee campus University of Ulster.
If you prefer to read the article, it continues below the podcast player.

The city's original Irish name is Doire, which translates to ‘the oak grove'. That was anglicized to Derry.

In 1613 King James I changed the name to Londonderry for the London Guild who financed the building of the city walls.

Locally the city is generally referred to as Derry.

The Derry Walls are the largest ancient monument in state care in Northern Ireland and have the longest, complete circuit of ramparts of any of the remaining 30 walled towns in Ireland. 

The walls were built during the Plantation of Ulster, a colonization of the province of Ulster by the British to populate the area with British and Scottish Protestants. The walls were the main defensive structure for the plantation of the area.

The Derry walls are massive! You could actually drive a car on top of them in many areas! And the experience of walking above the city is so unique.

The Ulster Overview itinerary takes you through the highlights of Ulster, including the Giant’s Causeway, Belfast, and Derry – while introducing you to places along the Causeway Coast that you’ve not heard of!
The itinerary is suitable for all ages and includes 3 levels of lodging recommendations.
Get the FREE Ulster Overview itinerary here.

Derry is a city known for its murals located in an area known as Bogside.

The murals began in the late 70s as a rather fluid political message, often a form of protest in the Catholic Nationalist community.

The murals that people see today were painted from the mid-90s and early 2000s, but were designed to be ‘static' and explain the modern history of Derry.

Gleann leads tours of the Derry walls, as well as the Bogside for individuals, tour groups, and schools.

Visit Derry Guided Tours website to make a booking enquiry.

Or find Gleann on Instagram and Facebook.

 Doagh Famine Village – history before, during, and after the Great Hunger

The Inishowen Peninsula – The Inishowen 100 is a spectacular ring drive

West Donegal – including the Gaeltacht and Slieve League Cliffs

These Donegal sites – and others- are shared in this article.

Waterloo Street in Derry is known for Traditional Irish Music.

Read about a tour with Gleann here (as mentioned in the podcast).

The post Derry Guided Tours appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

When you think of the Great Famine, your mind likely drifts to the midlands of Ireland. However, a unique and deeply moving famine experience exists in Northern Ireland at Gorta, located above Friel’s Pub in Swatragh, Mid Ulster. Here, you can step into history and uncover the often-overlooked impact of the famine in this region through an immersive and well-researched exhibit.

This article is based on a podcast episode with Dermot Friel, owner of Friel's Pub and the Gorta Famine Story. If you would prefer to listen to this information the podcast player can be found at the bottom of the page.

Gorta is not just another famine museum—it’s the only dedicated famine soup kitchen experience on the island of Ireland. The experience takes you through the history of famine relief efforts, particularly focusing on a soup kitchen established on-site by Dr. Mooney, a key figure in the community during the 1840s.

During the early 1990s, a famine pot was discovered on the property, leading to research that uncovered the site’s history as a charitable soup kitchen. Unlike government-run relief programs, this initiative was supported by local donations and managed under the direction of the Mercers Company, a London-based organization that once controlled vast lands in Ireland.

As you walk through Gorta, you journey from the pre-famine era, through its devastating effects, and finally, the relief efforts made by local communities. Storyboards, audio recordings, and visual exhibits guide you through the narrative, making it an accessible and digestible experience. The compact size of the exhibit means you can complete your visit in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal stop during your travels.

One of the most remarkable discoveries on-site was a low-lying window, believed to have been the serving point for the soup kitchen during the famine. This window, uncovered during lockdown, remains intact and serves as a physical link to the past.

Gorta is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, from April through September. Visitors can purchase admission at Friel’s Pub and explore the self-guided exhibit, with occasional insights from Dermot Friel and Cathy O’Neill, who also leads an Emigrant’s Walk up the nearby Carntogher Mountain.

For those looking for a deeper connection to Irish history, combining the Gorta experience with Cathy’s guided hike offers a profound look into the struggles of famine-era Ireland and the stories of those who emigrated.

While visiting Gorta, you also have the chance to experience Friel’s Pub, a fourth-generation family-run establishment that has been a staple in the community since 1903. Dermot Friel, who took over the business at just 18, continues to uphold its legacy alongside his wife, Katrina, and their children. The pub is not only a gathering place for locals but now also a stop for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking authentic Irish experiences.

To keep up with evolving tourism, the Friels have expanded the property to include a motorhome park and will soon introduce glamping-style shepherd’s huts, providing visitors with unique accommodation options.

If you’re traveling through Ulster make sure to add Gorta and Friel’s Pub to your itinerary.

Click here to get the FREE Ulster Overview itinerary

Whether you’re drawn to history, cultural heritage, or simply a great Irish pub experience, Gorta and Friels offer a meaningful and educational stop that sheds light on an often-overlooked chapter of Ireland’s past.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 258

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You've probably heard of the Causeway Coastal Route – it's one of the most scenic drives in the world. But Ulster, Ireland's northernmost province, saves some stunners for people who aren't afraid to get off the tourist path. Way, way off the tourist path.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Adam Stewart, the owner of Flat Cap Adventurers. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Adam Stewart, owner of Flat Cap Adventurers

Ulster is one of the four historic provinces of Ireland.

Located in the northern-most part of the country, Ulster includes the 6 counties of Northern Ireland, as well as 4 counties in the Republic of Ireland.

Get the FREE Ulster Overview itinerary.

The Giant's Causeway and entire Causeway Coastal Route are among the most popular spots in Ulster.

From the town of Ballycastle, and other spots along the coastal route, you can see Rathlan Island and, on a very clear day, Scotland.

Among the old fishing villages is Ballantoy, which became well known when the harbour was used as a setting for Game of Thrones.

The most scenic train ride in Ireland is along the Causeway Coast from Coleraine to Derry, passing underneath Mussenden Temple.

If you only want to drive the Causeway Coast and stop at a few places you need to plan a full day. But you should really plan to stay longer to fully explore this incredible area.

A terrific central base for touring the Causeway Coastal route is Bushmills. Known for its whiskey – Bushmills is the oldest continually operating distillery in Ireland – the village is an area of conservation.

Get off the tourist trail and visit places most people never see.

Adam's tours will take you off road and into places where you will only see sheep – and amazing scenery.

In the Sperrin Mountains Adam will take you to visit a shepherd to learn about sheep farming.

On the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal you can experience a famine village, take a heart -pounding ride to the top of a mountain, and see seals on beaches that only a 4×4 can reach.

Learn more at FlatCapAdventurers.com and find Flat Cap Adventurers on the socials: Instagram – Facebook – message on WhatsApp.

Doagh Famine Village

The Point Bar at Magilligan for a meal at the end of the Inishowen 100

Cross Lough Foyle on the ferry from Magilligan to Greencastle.

Episode 257: Flat Cap Adventurers

Episode 147: On & Off the Tourist Path in Ulster

The post On-and-Off the Tourist Path in Ulster appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Is Northern Ireland on your itinerary? Today's guest, Jamese McCloy, is going to give you a dozen reasons to venture off the tourist trail and explore the heart of Mid Ulster in Northern Ireland.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Jamese McCloy, shepherd at Glenshane County Farm. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Embrace the ‘old Ireland' you've imagined!

Get the FREE Ulster Itinerary to help plan your own visit to Ireland's northern counties.

The Sperrin Mountains are relatively untouched; they are a beautiful, spiritual place

Slemish Mountain, where St. Patrick is believed to have been a shepherd

Seamus Heaney Homeplace – Seamus Heaney won the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature

Bronagh's Bakehouse – Irish baking experience and dining

Lough Neagh Stories – tour with a fisherman

Davagh Dark Sky Observatory

The Ponderosa – the highest pub in Ireland

Crosskeys Inn – Ireland's Oldest Thatched Pub

Friel's Bar – historic pub and Gorta Famine Story

Easy day trips to the Causeway Coast, Belfast, and Derry!

Jamese McCloy is a fourth-generation shepherd who wants to show people sheep farming and particularly his highly trained team of working sheepdogs. He invites visitors to his farm set deep on the beautiful, little-known landscape of the Sperrin Mountains.

At Glenshane County Farm you can expect a bucolic Irish farm experience. Watch the sheepdogs at work, try your hand at shearing, cuddle a baby lamb, and even stay a while at the 5-stay Glenshane Country House.

Learn more Glenshane Country Farm

Connect Facebook – Instagram

Get an unbeatable quote on your car rental in Ireland with Irish Car Rentals!
Click my exclusive link to save 10%!

Brohagh's Bakehouse or Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen – Irish baking experiences

Dalriada Kingdom Tours – unique, private, and personal experiences

Episode 256: Glenshane Country Farm

Episode 97: Mid-Ulster – The Heart of Northern Ireland

The post Mid Ulster – the Heart of Northern Ireland appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Do you ‘knead' a taste of Ireland right now? Today's guest has an Irish bread making experience you can try in your own home – or in her thatch cottage in the North of Ireland.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Tracey Jeffery, the owner of Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

Tracey welcomes you into her home kitchen – admittedly not the tidiest or fanciest – but one that is lived in and loved. Her thatch cottage is located on the shores of Strangford Lough, just 30 minutes from Belfast, in County Down.

An area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Strangford Lough is the largest inlet of water in the British Isles. As a protected body of water there is a large amount of wildlife. It has over 300 tiny islands and is a perfect place for kayaking and an island picnic.

County Down is known for its ‘drumlins', small, low, rounded hills that resemble a basket of eggs.

The Mourne Mountains in the south of the county are mystical, magical, and beautiful.

County Down is an unspoilt area, and definitely the ‘road less traveled'.

Read More: Spots You Shouldn't Miss When Traveling in Northern Ireland

Tracey welcomes you into her home for a traditional breadmaking experience – with tea and plenty of her home baked treats!

The ‘Canoe & Cake' experience lets you enjoy the peaceful beauty of the lough before returning to her home for delicious treats.

Tracey Also Offers

Afternoon Tea
Video courses
Video tutorials on her YouTube channel

Website – Facebook – YouTube – Instagram

Scrabo Tower
Strangford Village – ferry to Portaferry, Castle Ward (GoT), shops, restaurants
Mourne Mountains – 12 peaks, CS Lewis, mystical, not overcrowded

Planning to visit the North of Ireland?
Download my FREE Ulster Overview Itinerary!

Episode 255

Episode 101

The post A Tasty Trip into County Down at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Step into the enchanting world of Belleek Pottery, nestled in the picturesque County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

Belleek Pottery is synonymous with Irish craftsmanship. Whether it's a beautiful white vase decorated with shamrocks or one of the delicate woven baskets, Belleek is instantly recognizable.

This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Patricia McCauley, Manager at the Belleek Visitor Centre in Fermanagh. If you prefer to listen to the podcast, you can find the player at the bottom of the page.

If you're a pottery enthusiast or a curious traveler, a visit to Belleek promises to unveil the allure of one of Ireland's most cherished treasures.

Belleek Pottery's story begins with a serendipitous discovery by John Caldwell Bloomfield, an amateur mineralogist, and he did a survey and discovered the feldspar, the kaolin, all the different ingredients which went to making pottery, on the Castle Caldwell estate on Lough Erne.

William Armstrong, who had expertise in ceramics and who was also an architect, joined him and David McBurney, was the financial guy from Dublin.

Situated on the banks of the River Erne, this purpose-built factory, established in 1857, continues to produce the renowned Parian china, celebrated for its creamy translucence and delicate beauty.

The Belleek Visitor Centre offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the pottery-making process. Visitors can engage in guided tours, meeting the skilled craftspeople who bring each piece to life.

At the visitor centre, you’ll find a range of options to explore and enjoy. There is a lovely tearoom serving light meals or sweet treats, and a museum featuring pieces dating back to 1857. There’s also a showroom and an audio-visual presentation available in multiple languages.

The highlight for most visitors is the guided tour, which runs Monday to Friday. This 30-minute tour takes you into the heart of the pottery factory, where you can meet the craftspeople, see their work up close, and learn about the production process.

You can also enhance your visit with additional options. Start your morning with the guided tour followed by tea or coffee and scones, served on Belleek tableware with views of the River Erne. Or choose an afternoon tea package, which includes the tour and a relaxing tea experience.

For a more interactive visit, the hands-on experience lets you join the guided tour and then work with a craftsperson to paint your own pottery piece.

Book into your Belleek experience online at Belleekpottery.ie or follow on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

County Fermanagh, known as the Lakeland County, offers more than just Belleek Pottery.

Explore Enniskillen Castle, a 16th century stronghold that now houses a state of the art visitors centre and two museums.

The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark are an incredible cave system (the tour begins with a boat ride!) and also include the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark.

You can never go wrong spending a fine day on Lough Erne.

Belleek Pottery is more than just a destination; it's a journey into the heart of Irish craftsmanship and culture. From its humble beginnings to its global recognition, Belleek continues to enchant visitors with its timeless elegance and dedication to quality. As you plan your visit to Northern Ireland, let Belleek Pottery and the wonders of County Fermanagh be a part of your unforgettable Irish adventure.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 241

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