Day Trips from Dublin

Whether you're planning a special road trip for the family or just looking for a simple weekend retreat, Dublin is the perfect starting location. From the sprawling Cliffs of Moher to the lively atmosphere in Belfast, we've got you covered with several options for a trip that suits you best.

So pack your bags, get behind the wheel and start exploring.

Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher

Experience the staggering natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. Hugging Ireland‘s rugged Atlantic coast, the heart-stopping cliffs are 214 meters tall at their highest point, sprawling five miles along County Clare’s western seaboard.

Once there, take a coastal walk, stop off at viewing platforms dotted across the landscape or even head out on a cruise along the base of the cliffs themselves. Once you’ve worked up a hearty appetite from all the exercise, drop into StoneCutter’s Kitchen where the staff ply you with bowls of Irish stew so big you could swim in them.

We recommend planning your trip in advance, as the cliffs of Moher are a popular tourist destination. If you’re packing your camera to snap some scenic shots, then a visit during the off-season (Oct-Feb) is a must to avoid the crowds.

It’s also best to check ahead when it comes to the weather, as the area can be pretty misty and damp. Pack a flashlight and some water-resistant gear to stay dry and safe. But it’s not all gray! Add some sunscreen to your pack too – when the sun does make an appearance, you’ll need it.

Getting There: The Cliffs of Moher is a pretty straightforward drive from Dublin, taking you east to west along the M6 in about three to four hours. You may want to stop in Galway (a little way north of the cliffs) on your way there and be sure to soak up the stunning views on your approach. There’s a decent-sized parking lot opposite the visitor center.

Dublin to Glendalough

A day trip from Dublin to Glendalough, or ‘the valley of the two lakes’, provides the perfect antidote to heady city life. Its crown jewel, the Glendalough Monastic Site, is a hauntingly beautiful mix of the thousand-year-old Round Tower, cathedral ruins and a teeny church named St. Kevin’s Kitchen.

Spend a couple of hours taking in heart-melting views before tucking into a divine steak lunch at rustic family-run restaurant Wicklow Heather. If you have time, stop off at Powerscourt Estate on your return drive, as well as the 18th-century Palladian house, sweeping gardens and an ornamental lake. The highest waterfall in Ireland is close by too, at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.

Getting There: The more scenic driving route from Dublin to Glendalough is through the mountains and takes a little under two hours. From central Dublin head out on the M50, then pick up the R115.

Also known as the Military Road, this route will take you along the Sally Gap, built by the British Army to flush out rebels from the hills during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. It’s one of two east-to-west passes across the Wicklow Mountains and offers beautiful views of the surrounding blanket bog and mountains.

It’s also worth stopping off at the picturesque Glenmacnass Waterfall at Laragh before you head into Glendalough itself, where there’s parking available at the Round Tower.

Dublin to Brú na Bóinne

Meaning ‘mansion’ or ‘palace’ of the Boyne, Brú na Bóinne is not only one but a cluster of hugely important structures. The UNESCO World Heritage site, perched on a bend of the River Boyne, is one of the world’s most significant prehistoric landscapes.

Three hefty tombs: Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth are the headline attraction here. Spanning back 5,000 years, these tombs are packed with a mammoth collection of megalithic art. An additional 90 monuments nearby make this one of the most spectacular best day trips from Dublin.

Getting There: The drive to Brú na Bóinne can vary depending on the route you take and the traffic conditions. It takes less than an hour to reach Brú na Bóinne by car on the M1. Once you arrive, head for the Visitor Center, which acts as a gateway to the prehistoric site. Parking can fill up quickly during peak season, so it’s a good idea to head out early and plan your trip accordingly.

Dublin to Belfast

Belfast has shaken off its troubled past and is now a must-visit city. Each of its ‘quarters’ is unique – start at the Cathedral Quarter in the heart of the city to explore its cobbled streets, lively pubs and exceptional restaurants. Then there’s the green-tinged Queen’s Quarter, a charming place to go for a coffee and to roam the lush Botanical Gardens.

If you’re a history or architecture buff, check out the Belfast City Hall and the surrounding area for some of the most fascinating Edwardian-style architecture. Then visit the Ulster Museum for a deep dive into the history and culture of Belfast and Northern Ireland. And don’t miss Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, stood on the shipyard site where the ill-fated ocean liner was built.

Round off your stay in the capital by clapping along to traditional music and dancing in the Gaeltacht Quarter, west of the city. Take a break from all things touristy to explore the St. George market. Here you can try out some of the local food and shop for souvenirs before you get back to your trip.

Getting There: From one capital to another, it will take you around two hours to get to Belfast from Dublin. Take the M1 and then the A1 before re-joining the M1. Belfast is a compact city, so you should be able to take in quite a few sights before heading back. Parking can be quite tricky, especially in peak times.

Dublin to Cork

Cork is Ireland’s second city, making it a perfect destination for a day trip from Dublin. A rainbow of pastel-hued buildings reflected in waterways, snug pubs with sprightly music, meandering 17th-century alleyways – you’ll probably end up wanting to stay for longer.

Foodies will have a permanent grin here: its southern location means you can find fresh seafood by the truckload. Do try out the local specialty Irish Stew made from lamb, potatoes and root vegetables. Scratch more than just the surface of the city by booking a spot on a Fab Food Trail, then get your art fix at the Lewis Glucksman Gallery – admission is free, and the architecture is spellbinding.

It’s hard to miss festivals in Cork. Even if you don’t catch the big-hitters, like the jazz festival and film festival, there’ll be another along in no time. In fact, the city averages two every month.

There are plenty of great spots to explore around Cork, too. On the way there, stop off at the beautiful Cahir Castle near Ballyglasheen. Sited on a rocky island on the River Suir, it’s one of Ireland's largest and best-preserved castles. You could also take a detour into County Waterford to check out the smaller Lismore Castle, once occupied by Elizabethan adventurer and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh.

About five miles outside Cork is Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone. For the past two centuries, millions of visitors – including the great and the good – have leaned backward to give the stone a kiss that is meant to be rewarded with the gift of eloquence.

Getting There: It will take you around three hours to drive from Dublin to Cork. From central Dublin head out on the M50, then join the M7 and finally the M8. Some of the roads can be a little narrow, so it's a good idea to take your time when there's traffic.

Dublin to Cork is a relatively long drive, so it's a good idea to take some breaks in between. There are rest areas available along the route, where you can pull up, use the facilities and grab a snack or just relax.

Do you have a favorite day trip from Dublin? Let us know how you dream of spending your days in Ireland by tagging us on Twitter.

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