etraveladmin Dublin, Ireland’s capital, is a vibrant city rich in history and culture. Aside from the charm of this small city, there are numerous day trips from Dublin that will give you a true taste of the Emerald Isle.
Dublin has a distinct atmosphere that combines European, English, and Celtic influences. The vibrancy of the Irish people, known for their friendly spirit and national pride, greets visitors here. If you fall in love with Dublin (as many tourists do), you’re in luck: the Emerald Isle has so much more to offer, and Dublin is an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of Ireland.
- How to Get Around Ireland
Ireland is now one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, thanks in large part to its recent economic and cultural boom known as the Celtic Tiger years. Furthermore, Dublin is the hub for both budget airline Ryanair and Ireland’s flag carrier, Aer Lingus, making it easy to fly here from the rest of Europe. Because of its proximity to the United States, it is also convenient for Americans to visit. You’ll most likely arrive in Dublin, no matter how you get there. It also includes longer journeys to the most popular tourist destinations. So, let’s get started!
- The Phoenix Park
One of the best day trips in Dublin is still in the city for those with limited time or who don’t want to spend a lot of time in transit! When I first moved to Dublin, I assumed (as many Americans do) that Phoenix Park was simply “Dublin’s Central Park.” How wrong I was! First and foremost, it is more than twice the size of New York’s famous Central Park – seriously! Second, it is unquestionably not central. It’s actually about 5 kilometres west of town. Dublin is a small city, and you can walk between all of the major tourist attractions in less than 20 minutes. As a result, many visitors bypass Phoenix Park in favour of more convenient attractions and activities. However, if you have the time, you should definitely visit this vast recreational area! Phoenix Park is a short day trip from Dublin by bus or car, and you can easily spend the entire day there.
- Howth is the most popular day trip from Dublin!
Howth is a stunning seaside town unlike any other, so it’s no surprise that it’s a popular Ireland day trip destination.
I visited Howth at least four times during my first year at Trinity College Dublin, as did the majority of my classmates. It’s a true classic, easily accessible, and well worth a visit!
The Howth train station puts you right in the heart of this picturesque seaside town, which has a plethora of small shops and restaurants. Stop at Leo Burdock’s for some fish and chips for a truly Irish experience. After a short walk along the beach, you’ll arrive at the start of the famous Howth Cliff Walk. A visitor centre along the way provides maps of various hiking routes of varying difficulty. However, the easiest and most popular stroll is well-marked and simple to follow.
- Bray wants more hiking and fewer tourists
Bray, Howth’s southern neighbour, is another easy Dublin day trip. Go to any of the above-mentioned train stations and take the DART in the opposite direction. Bray is located approximately 10 minutes from Howth. As soon as you step out of the station, you’ll see the sea. Walk between the local park and the beach to reach the trailhead of the Bray Head Cliff Walk.
- Malahide has culture and a castle for the kids.
Malahide is located north of Dublin city near Howth and is accessible by DART. In fact, because the train routes are identical until the stop at Howth Junction, you can easily visit both of these towns in a single day. For visitors interested in learning more about Ireland’s history and culture, Malahide offers the best of both worlds. When the train arrives, you have two options: Malahide Castle to the right and Malahide Village to the left. Let’s begin our Dublin day trip with the castle.Kilkenny’s traditional Celtic culture. For an authentic Irish experience, take a day trip from Dublin to Kilkenny. This small town is straight out of a fairytale, and it has everything Ireland has to offer. By taking the train from Dublin Heuston station, you can arrive in under 2 hours. Buy your tickets at the station or online ahead of time to save time! Trains leave every 2 hours and arrive at the convenient Kilkenny MacDonagh station.
