There are lots of things to see in Dublin.
But the rest of Ireland has a rich history and natural beauty that’s well worth exploring too.
Want to head outside of Ireland’s capital, but not sure where to start?
Check out my guide to some of the best day trips from Dublin!
Table of Contents
1. Northern Ireland (Belfast and Giant’s Causeway)
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland.
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland.
The recent history of the city is marred by the sectarian violence between Catholics, who favored uniting with the rest of Ireland, and Protestants, who remained faithful to the British crown. The worst period of violence was known as The Troubles and lasted from the late 1960s until 1998.
Today, the city is more peaceful thanks to the Good Friday Agreements of 1998.
What to see
- Painted murals: Colorful political murals are found all over the city. They are nearly all political in nature and you can easily tell which part of town you’re in (Catholic or Protestant) based on what is depicted.
- Peace walls: The gates that divide the Irish nationalist Catholic neighborhoods and the British loyalist Protestant neighborhoods are still closed and locked at night.
- Titanic Belfast: Belfast was once a great shipping center and it was here that the Titanic was built. This modern museum tells the history of the Titanic, its building and infamous sinking, and contains artefacts from the doomed ship.
How to get there
There’s an Aircoach bus between Dublin and Belfast. A one-way trip takes around 2.5 hours.
If you rather not make the arrangements yourself, I personally recommend this tour, which visits both Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Be aware with the tour, however, that for the Belfast city portion, you’ll need to choose between seeing sights related to The Troubles or visiting the Titanic museum.
2. Cliffs of Moher
On the west coast of Ireland lie the legendary Cliffs of Moher. Rising to a maximum of 214 meters (702 feet), they are an area of outstanding beauty that have been welcoming visitors for centuries.
If the cliffs look familiar to any movie buffs out there, it’s for good reason. They are a popular filming location – in the Princess Bride, they are the “Cliffs of Insanity.”
What to see
- O’Brien’s Tower: Built in 1835, this crenellated tower marks the highest point of the cliffs.
- Wildlife: Birdwatchers in particular love visiting the cliffs. Approximately 30,000 birds from 29 species – including the beloved Atlantic Puffins – make the cliffs their home.
How to get there
It’s not the shortest option for a day trip – getting to the cliffs is a 3-hour drive in each direction.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. As a result, many tour operators run day trips from Dublin.
3. Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains
For several centuries, Ireland was known for its unique brand of Christianity, which developed separately from the Roman Christianity found on the European continent. This religious environment, which flourished mainly in the early Middle Ages, produced a number of saintly men and women.
One of the more ancient Christian sites is Glendalough, which was founded in the 6th century when the monk St. Kevin built a monastery here.
What to see
- Monastery ruins: The monastery may not exist anymore, but you can still visit the ruins. It remains a pilgrimage site and locals continue to be buried in the churchyard. You can also see one of the Irish round towers that were once used as bell towers or a shelter from invading Vikings.
- Wicklow Mountains: An area of lush forests and lovely lakes with ample hiking trails. According to legend, St. Kevin retreated to the upper lake to live the life of a hermit after growing tired of monastic life.
How to get there
It’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Dublin by car.
No car? No worries! You can visit both Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains with this tour. If you have more time, add the next site on our list as well with this full-day tour (which I recommend from first-hand experience).
4. Kilkenny
There’s lots to do in Kilkenny, located in the south of Ireland.
The town was first founded in the early 6th century. It later became a Norman market town in the 12th century and a center for brewing in the 17th century. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination.
What to see
- Kilkenny Castle: Kilkenny Castle was built in 1260 by William Marshall, regarded as the greatest knight who ever lived. Guided tours are held regularly.
- St. Canice’s Church: A Church of Ireland cathedral dating from the 13th century. It has one of the few rounds tours in Ireland that you can climb.
- Medieval Mile Museum: A wonderful introduction to the city’s history with lots of artifacts.
- Rothe House: The best-preserved 16th century house, it was once the home of merchant John Rothe Fitz-Piers. If you’re a fan of Tudor-era houses, this is the place for you.
How to get there
Intercity trains connect Dublin and Kilkenny; the journey lasts about 1.5 hours each way. By car, it’s 2 hours.
This tour, which combines Kilkenny with Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains (and a sheep farming demonstration!) takes the hassle out of planning or transporting yourself.
5. Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel, and Cahir Castle
These three sites in the south of Ireland are a history lover’s dream.
What to see
- Blarney Castle: This medieval castle is known the world over as the home of the Blarney Stone – kiss it, and you’ll be given the gift of the gab. Sounds simple? Well, as long as you’re comfortable lowering yourself upside down to reach the stone, have at it!
- Rock of Cashel: Set atop a limestone rock known as the Rock of Cashel are a collection of medieval buildings. The rock was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster and it is said that St. Patrick converted the king here in the 5th century. Buildings include Cormac’s Chapel, the cathedral, and yet another round tower.
- Cahir Castle: This medieval castle has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including The Tudors and The Last Duel.
How to get there
Getting to each site is possible from Dublin via car or public transportation. A one-way trip will last about 2.5 hours to the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle, and about 3.5 hours to Blarney Castle.
If you want to see all three sites, why not check out this tour.
6. Ancient Sites of the Boyne Valley
County Meath, just outside of Dublin, is steeped in ancient history. There are several Neolithic sites you can explore.
What to see
- Brú na Bóinne: Also known as the Boyne Valley tombs, comprised of dozens of burial mounds, passage tombs, and standing stones. One of the most important Neolithic sites in the world, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Newgrange is the most famous passage tomb.
- Loughcrew Cairns: The ancient tombs and Neolithic art found here date from the 4th millennium BC. A word of warning – it’s bit of a steep climb. I’m reasonably fit and even I was a little winded getting to the top.
- Hill of Tara: It was on this hill that the High Kings of Ireland were crowned in ancient times. The top of the hill is crowned with the Lia Fáil, the Stone of Destiny.
Also around the Boyne Valley is the Hill of Tara. Here you can see the Stone of Destiny where the ancient High Kings of Ireland were crowned.
How to get there
A car is recommended, as the sites aren’t very easily accessible via public transportation. (The exception being the Hill of Tara, which is accessible by a 1.5 hour bus ride from Dublin.)
By car it takes between 50 minutes (Newgrange and Hill of Tara) and 1 hour 15 minutes (Loughcrew) on a one-way drive from Dublin.
If you prefer a tour, there are options. This one takes to Newgrange and the Hill of Tara. If you are interested in seeing Loughcrew and the Hill of Tara, I recommend this tour.
7. Trim Castle
When the Normans invaded Ireland in the 12th century, they employed the same strategy to maintain their newly conquered land as they had done in England: they built castles. The best-preserved Norman castle in Ireland is Trim Castle.
What to see
- Trim Castle: This really is the big draw for the area. Fun fact: The castle served as a filming location for Braveheart.
- The oldest bridge in Ireland: The oldest intact and unaltered bridge in Ireland is found just a few meters away from the castle. It dates from around 1393.
Check out my full guide to Trim Castle here.
How to get there
You can drive or take a bus. Both options will take around 1 hour each way.
Want to combine Trim Castle with ancient sites of the Boyne Valley? Check out this tour, which I recommend.
8. Waterford
The city of Waterford, near Ireland’s southeast coast, has its origins in Viking times – it is said to be one of Ireland’s oldest cities. Once the country’s second most important city behind Dublin, it was nicknamed “The Untaken City” after surviving a number of sieges.
What to see
- House of Waterford: Starting in the 18th century, exquisite finely cut glass was manufactured in the city and Waterford crystals became famous the world over for its impeccable quality. While mostly no longer made in Ireland, you can still witness the incredible glass making with a factory tour.
- Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum: Waterford has several
How to get there
Buses department regularly from Dublin. The trip down to Waterford takes around 2 hours 15 minutes.
Prefer to take a tour? Try this one!
9. Malahide Castle
This delightful little castle is right outside of Dublin. Founded in the 1100s, it was the longtime seat of the Talbot family, before passing into the hands of the Irish state in 1975.
What to see
- Malahide Castle: The exterior of the castle alone is worth a visit. Inside of the castle is accessible by guided tour.
- Talbot Botanical Gardens: The castle’s extensive gardens are another draw. Check out the various plants, the Butterfly House, and Fairy Trail
How to get there
Malahide is easily accessible by train from Dublin’s city center; the journey takes about an hour.
Which day trip are you most excited to check out? Let me know in the comments!
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