Dublin is well placed for day trips. The Wicklow Mountains begin barely 20 km south, with the monastic ruins of Glendalough in their glacial valley the standout destination. Howth headland to the northeast gives you cliff walks and fresh seafood in 30 minutes on the DART. The coastal villages of Dalkey, Killiney, and Dún Laoghaire are all on the DART line and worth a couple of hours each. Closer to home, the castles and great houses of north County Dublin — Malahide Castle and Newbridge House among them — make easy outings, while Powerscourt Estate in Co. Wicklow, with its 47 acres of formal gardens backed by Sugar Loaf Mountain, fills a pleasant half-day by car or tour bus.
Destinations
Day Trips from Dublin
01
Wicklow Mountains
Wild upland moorland and granite peaks an hour south of Dublin, with the monastic ruins of Glendalough at its heart.
02
Howth
Fishing village and headland on Dublin Bay, half an hour from the city on the DART, with clifftop walks and fresh seafood.
03
Dalkey
Coastal village south of Dublin, with medieval castles, island views, and easy DART access
04
Dun Laoghaire
Dublin Bay harbour town with Victorian streets and two long granite piers used for seaside walks.
05
Glendalough
Wicklow Mountains glacial valley with early Christian monastic ruins between two dark lakes.
06
Powerscourt Estate & Gardens
Grand Palladian mansion with 47 acres of gardens