Key takeaway
Discover the best day trips from Dublin, Ireland, including Wicklow, Newgrange and Howth, with public transport options and typical costs.
Ireland's compact geography means some of its most iconic scenery is within easy reach of Dublin. Here are the best day trips, most accessible without a car.
Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough
Often called the 'Garden of Ireland', County Wicklow offers dramatic mountain scenery just an hour from Dublin. Glendalough, a monastic site set among two lakes, is the standout destination. Public transport options include St Kevin's Bus (direct from Dublin city centre) or organised day tours (from roughly €30–€45), which often combine Glendalough with other Wicklow highlights like Sally Gap.
Howth: Coastal Walks and Seafood
Howth is a fishing village on Dublin's northern coast, reachable in about 30 minutes via DART (Dublin's coastal rail line) for a standard public transport fare (a few euro each way with a Leap Card). The cliff walk offers spectacular sea views, and the harbour has excellent fresh seafood restaurants and chippers.
Newgrange and the Boyne Valley
Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Neolithic passage tomb older than the pyramids of Giza, sits in County Meath about an hour from Dublin. Access is via the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, and tickets (around €18–€20 for adults) should be booked in advance as visitor numbers are capped. Guided minibus tours from Dublin are the easiest option without a car, typically €40–€60.
Kilkenny: Medieval City
Kilkenny, about 1.5–2 hours from Dublin by train or bus, offers a well-preserved medieval city with Kilkenny Castle, narrow medieval streets, and a strong food and craft beer scene. It's easily done as a train day trip (Irish Rail, roughly €20–€40 return depending on booking window) or with organised tours.
The Cliffs of Moher (Longer Day Trip)
Ireland's most famous cliffs are a stretch for a single day trip from Dublin (around 3.5 hours each way by car), but full-day organised coach tours (from roughly €45–€65) run regularly and are popular with newcomers wanting to see the west coast without renting a car.
How to Choose Between Public Transport and Organised Tours
For nearby, well-connected destinations like Howth or Kilkenny, public transport (DART or Irish Rail) is cheap and simple. For destinations with limited public transport, like Glendalough or the Cliffs of Moher, an organised day tour is often more time-efficient and cost-effective than trying to combine buses and taxis yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest day trip from Dublin without a car?
Howth is the easiest — a 30-minute DART ride from Dublin city centre with frequent departures, no advance booking needed, and a low standard public transport fare.
How much does a Newgrange day trip cost from Dublin?
Entry to Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and Newgrange is around €18–€20 for adults; organised minibus tours from Dublin cost roughly €40–€60 including transport.
Can I visit the Cliffs of Moher on a day trip from Dublin?
Yes, though it's a long day — around 3.5 hours each way by car. Most newcomers use an organised full-day coach tour (roughly €45–€65) rather than driving themselves.
Is Glendalough accessible by public transport from Dublin?
Yes, St Kevin's Bus runs direct from Dublin city centre to Glendalough, or you can join an organised day tour combining it with other Wicklow sights.
How far is Kilkenny from Dublin?
About 1.5–2 hours by train or bus, making it an easy full-day trip with time to explore Kilkenny Castle and the medieval city centre.
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.