Best Day Trips from Dublin by Train & Bus (2026)

Best Day Trips from Dublin by Train & Bus (2026 Guide)

Dublin is a great city to visit, but one of its underrated advantages is that it’s also one of the best base cities for day trips in Europe. The country is small, the public transport is decent, and within 1-2 hours in any direction you’re somewhere completely different — mountains, cliffs, castles, ancient tombs, coastal villages.

This guide covers the 6 best day trips from Dublin, all reachable by train or bus (no car rental needed). Each one includes transport options, what to see, how long to spend, and a sample itinerary.

The 6 best day trips, ranked

Let’s go through each.

1. Howth — Dublin’s nearest coastal escape (half-day)

Distance: 16km NE of Dublin Travel time: 30 minutes by DART from Pearse Station or Connolly Cost: DART is €3-5 each way Best for: Cliff walks, fresh seafood, sea air, sunset Time needed: Half-day (3-4 hours) or combine with Malahide for full day

Howth is the closest “different place” to Dublin. A working fishing village turned weekend escape, on a peninsula that juts into Dublin Bay. The cliff walk is the main event.

What to do in Howth

The Cliff Walk (Howth Head) — 6km loop around the peninsula, taking 2-3 hours. The path goes along the cliff edge with views of Ireland’s Eye (the small island), Dublin Bay, and on clear days the mountains of Wales. The east side is the more dramatic side — the Baily Lighthouse at the tip is the easternmost point of mainland Ireland.

Eat at the harbour — Howth is famous for seafood. Aqua (right on the harbour) does the best seafood in the area — their fish and chips is legendary, booking essential on weekends. The Oar House is the casual alternative. Octopussy is the splashy cocktail-and-fish option for a treat-yourself dinner.

Take the boat to Ireland’s Eye (summer only, weather-dependent) — a small uninhabited island just off Howth, 30 min boat ride, great for seabirds and views back to Dublin.

Sample Howth itinerary

10am: DART from Connolly Station (every 15-20 mins)
10:30am: Arrive Howth, walk to the harbour
11am-1pm: Cliff walk loop (Baily Lighthouse, cliff edges, views)
1:30pm: Lunch at Aqua or The Oar House on the harbour
3pm: DART back to Dublin
4pm: You’re back in the city, ready for the evening

2. Malahide — Castle, beach, family-friendly (half-day)

Distance: 18km N of Dublin Travel time: 30 minutes by DART from Connolly Station Cost: DART €3-5 each way Best for: Castle visit, beach, kids, slow afternoon Time needed: Half-day (4-5 hours)

Malahide is the gentler, more family-friendly version of Howth. Less dramatic cliffs, more of a “Dublin suburb that happens to be on the sea” feel. The castle is the main draw.

What to do in Malahide

Malahide Castle & Gardens (€12 adult, kids free) — 800-year-old castle, the Talbot family lived there for 800 years until 1975. Tour the rooms (Victorian furniture, kids loved there), then walk the botanical gardens. The walled garden is a highlight.

Malahide Beach — long sandy beach, popular with Dubliners on weekends. Less dramatic than the west coast beaches but good for a walk.

Malahide village — small, walkable, full of restaurants and pubs. Gibney’s is the famous old pub, a Dublin institution. Old Street is a nice restaurant.

Sample Malahide itinerary

10am: DART from Connolly
10:30am: Malahide Castle tour
12pm: Walk the gardens
1pm: Lunch in the village
2:30pm: Walk on the beach
4pm: DART back

3. Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains — the day-trip classic (full-day)

Distance: 50km S of Dublin Travel time: 1 hour by bus (St. Kevin’s bus, Bus Éireann route 133) from Dublin city centre Cost: Bus €15-22 return Best for: Mountains, lakes, monastic ruins, scenery Time needed: Full day (8-10 hours)

This is the day trip from Dublin. Glendalough means “valley of two lakes” in Irish — a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains, with a 6th-century monastic settlement, two lakes, walking trails, and the kind of scenery that makes you forget you’re 50km from a city.

What to do in Glendalough

The Monastic Site — founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The round tower is the iconic image. The site is small enough to walk in 30-45 minutes.

The Two Lakes — Upper Lake (more dramatic, surrounded by cliffs) and Lower Lake (where the main visitor centre is). Walking trails around both, ranging from easy lakeside strolls (45 mins) to serious mountain hikes (3-4 hours).

The Spinc and White Trail — the classic Glendalough walk, 9km, 3-4 hours, takes you along the cliffs above the Upper Lake with views back down the valley. Not for bad weather or unsure-footed walkers, but spectacular when dry.

Powerscourt Waterfall — 30 min drive from Glendalough, Ireland’s highest waterfall (121m). Worth a stop on the way back if you have a car, or you can take a local bus.

Sample Glendalough itinerary

9am: Bus from Dublin (St. Kevin’s Bus, departs from Hawkins Street, booking recommended)
10:15am: Arrive Glendalough
10:30am: Monastic site + visitor centre
12pm: Lakeside walk (Lower Lake to Upper Lake, 1 hour)
1pm: Lunch at the Wicklow Heather restaurant or bring a picnic
2pm-4pm: The Spinc walk (or shorter lakeside walk if weather/time tight)
4:30pm: Bus back
6pm: Back in Dublin

Practical info for Glendalough

Dress for weather. Mountain weather changes fast, even in summer. Layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes.
Bring food and water. The on-site café is overpriced and busy.
The bus is cheaper than driving (no parking fees, no car hire, no Dublin traffic).
Avoid weekends if you want quiet — Dubliners flock there on Saturdays and Sundays in summer.

4. Newgrange & Bru na Boinne — older than the pyramids (half-day)

Distance: 50km N of Dublin Travel time: 1 hour by bus from Dublin (Bus Éireann 100X stops at Donore, 15 min walk to visitor centre) Cost: Bus €15-20, Newgrange entry €18 adult Best for: Ancient history, archaeology, things that make you feel small Time needed: Half-day to full-day (3-6 hours)

If you do one day trip from Dublin, do Newgrange. A passage tomb built in 3200 BC, 500 years older than the pyramids of Giza. The engineering precision (the winter solstice alignment) is staggering. The tour takes you inside the tomb through the original entrance.

What to do at Newgrange

Newgrange itself — the main event. The tour is mandatory (every 30 mins, 45 mins long). You’re inside the tomb for about 10 minutes, the rest is the approach and the visitor centre.

Knowth — the sister tomb, 10 min drive from Newgrange. Less famous but actually more impressive — the kerbstones have more elaborate carvings. Book a tour (€5) or you can walk to the top of the mound for a view.

Dowth — a third tomb, not open to the public but visible from Knowth.

The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre — the exhibition explains the context. Allow 30 mins.

Sample Newgrange itinerary

9:30am: Bus from Busáras (Bus Éireann 100X)
10:30am: Arrive Donore, walk to visitor centre
11am: Newgrange tour (booking essential, especially in summer)
12:30pm: Lunch at the visitor centre café
1:30pm: Knowth tour
3pm: Bus back
4:30pm: Back in Dublin

Pro tips for Newgrange

Book the tour online in advance. Walk-ups get the next available slot, but in summer that might be 2 hours later.
Visit on the winter solstice if you can (21 December) — the sunlight enters the tomb and lights up the inner chamber. Lottery system for tickets.
The visitor centre is the most under-appreciated part — the exhibition on the astronomy and engineering of these tombs is genuinely fascinating.

5. Kilkenny — Ireland’s best-preserved medieval city (full-day)

Distance: 130km SW Travel time: 1.5 hours by bus (Bus Éireann 600 from Busáras) or train (Dublin Heuston to Kilkenny) Cost: Bus €18-25 each way Best for: Medieval history, Irish design, food scene, slow pace Time needed: Full day (8-10 hours)

Kilkenny is the best-preserved medieval city in Ireland. Cobbled streets, castle, cathedral, breweries, design shops, and one of the best food scenes outside Dublin.

What to do in Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle (€10 adult) — 12th-century castle, beautifully restored, the Butler family lived there for 600 years. The parkland is free and lovely for a walk.

Smithwick’s Experience (€15, booking essential) — the brewery tour of Kilkenny’s most famous beer. The tour is better than Guinness (more intimate, smaller scale, better storytelling).

St Canice’s Cathedral (€5) — 9th-century cathedral, climb the round tower for the view.

Kilkenny Design Centre (free) — Ireland’s best design shop. Worth a visit even if you’re not buying.

Butterslip — the street, full of restaurants and pubs. The Left Bank and Matt the Millers for food. Tynan’s Bridge House and P. Mac’s for trad sessions.

Sample Kilkenny itinerary

8:30am: Bus from Busáras
10:15am: Arrive Kilkenny
10:30am: Kilkenny Castle
12:30pm: Lunch on Butterslip
2pm: Smithwick’s Experience (book ahead)
4pm: St Canice’s Cathedral + round tower climb
5:30pm: Walk the design centre, browse
6:30pm: Bus back
8pm: Back in Dublin

6. Belfast — Northern Ireland, 2 hours away (full-day)

Distance: 165km N Travel time: 2 hours by train (Dublin Connolly to Belfast Lanyon Place, direct) Cost: Train €20-30 each way Best for: History, Titanic, food scene, alternative-day-trip Time needed: Full day (12+ hours including travel)

Belfast is the most ambitious of these day trips but absolutely doable. The train is comfortable, the journey is scenic, and Belfast in a day is intense but rewarding.

What to do in Belfast

Titanic Quarter (free, allow 2-3 hours) — the Titanic Belfast museum is the main event (£24), but the area is walkable for free: the Titanic slipways, the SS Nomadic (Titanic’s tender ship, £12), the Harland & Wolff cranes “Samson and Goliath”. The museum is genuinely excellent.

Cathedral Quarter — the food and pub area. The Duke of York (pint of Guinness in a gorgeous old pub), Bittles Bar (Victorian tiled interior), The Dirty Onion (bar, restaurant, courtyard).

Belfast Castle (free, taxi up the hill) — 19th-century castle, free entry, great views of the city.

St George’s Market (Friday-Sunday) — Belfast’s best market, food stalls, local crafts, live music.

The Peace Wall (Falls Road) — the political murals, sobering, worth seeing.

Titanic Distillers (in the Titanic Quarter) — new(ish) whiskey distillery, £18 tour with tastings.

Sample Belfast itinerary

7:30am: Train from Dublin Connolly
9:30am: Arrive Belfast Lanyon Place
10am: Walk to Cathedral Quarter
10:30am: Coffee at Established Coffee
11am: Titanic Quarter (museum or free walking)
1pm: Lunch in Cathedral Quarter
2:30pm: St George’s Market (if it’s Fri/Sat/Sun)
3:30pm: Peace Wall + political murals
5pm: Early dinner at The Muddlers Club (book ahead) or whatever’s on
6:30pm: Train back
8:30pm: Back in Dublin

Notes for Belfast

The political history is heavy. Read up a bit before you go (or hire a Black Taxi tour for £40-50, the drivers are ex-combatants who lived it).
Bring your passport or driving licence — Northern Ireland is UK territory, but there’s no actual border check.
Belfast is a working city, not a tourist town. The pace is different from Dublin.

Day trip FAQ

What’s the best day trip from Dublin? Depends on your interests. For most visitors: Howth (half-day, closest) or Glendalough (full-day, the classic). For a bigger day: Belfast.

Do I need to rent a car? No. All 6 trips on this list are reachable by public transport.

How much should I budget for a day trip?

Transport: €10-30 return
Entry fees: €0-25
Lunch: €15-25
Coffee: €5
Total: €30-80 per person for a comfortable day trip

Can I do two day trips in one day? Some combinations work (Howth + Malahide are 5 min apart by DART), but most don’t. The travel time between regions is too long. Pick one solid day trip per day.

What about Cliffs of Moher? Don’t as a day trip. 3.5 hours each way by bus — you’d spend 8 hours in transit. Save it for a longer west-coast trip.

Is the Giant’s Causeway worth it? The Giant’s Causeway itself is amazing (40,000 basalt columns, UNESCO site), but it’s 3 hours north. Better as an overnight from Belfast or part of a longer north-coast tour.

When’s the best time for day trips? May, June, September are the sweet spot — long days, less rain, fewer crowds than July/August. Avoid bank holiday weekends.

Should I book tours in advance? For Newgrange, yes — the tour slots fill up. For others, walk-up usually works except in peak summer.

Based in Dublin for your day trips? Stay at Dublin Citi Hotel on Dame Street — 5 min walk to Connolly Station and Busáras, your gateways to every day trip on this list. For trad sessions and live music in the evenings, Trinity Bar Venue is 2 minutes away.