Day Trips from Dublin, Cork & Galway: Best Excursions in Ireland

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Living in Ireland provides easy access to stunning landscapes, historic sites, charming villages, and dramatic coastlines—all within a few hours of major cities. Whether you’re in Dublin, Cork, or Galway, countless day trip opportunities let you explore Ireland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage without needing an overnight stay.

This guide covers the best day trips from Ireland’s three main cities, including specific destinations, what to see and do, how to get there, costs, and practical planning tips. From the Cliffs of Moher to ancient monastic sites, coastal villages to mountain ranges, you’ll find inspiration and information for memorable excursions from your base city.

Day trips from Dublin

Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains (90 minutes south)

What to see:

  • Glendalough monastic site (6th century ruins)
  • Round tower and stone churches
  • Two glacial lakes
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Walking trails of varying difficulty
  • Visitor center with historical exhibits

Activities:

  • Walk around Upper and Lower Lakes (easy)
  • Hike to Spinc viewpoint (moderate, 2-3 hours)
  • Explore monastic ruins
  • Visit Wicklow Way (famous hiking trail section)
  • Photography opportunities
  • Pub lunch in nearby Laragh village

Getting there:

  • Drive: 1.5 hours via M50 and R115
  • Bus: St. Kevin’s Bus Service from Dublin (€20 return)
  • Tour: Various operators (€35-€50)
  • Car recommended for flexibility

Costs:

  • Free entry to monastic site
  • Parking: €4
  • Visitor center: Optional
  • Lunch: €15-€25

Tips:

  • Go early to avoid crowds
  • Wear hiking boots if planning trails
  • Weather changeable (bring layers)
  • Can combine with Powerscourt Gardens
  • Summer weekends very busy

Howth Coastal Walk (30 minutes north)

What to see:

  • Cliff walk with stunning sea views
  • Howth Harbor and fishing village
  • Howth Castle grounds
  • Ireland’s Eye island (offshore)
  • Baily Lighthouse
  • Seals at the harbor

Activities:

  • Cliff walk loop (2-3 hours, easy-moderate)
  • Fresh seafood lunch at harbor
  • Browse village shops
  • Visit Howth Market (weekends)
  • Book boat trip to Ireland’s Eye
  • Beach walk at Dollymount

Getting there:

  • DART train: 30 minutes from city center (€3.30 each way)
  • Drive: 30 minutes (limited parking)
  • Public transport ideal for this trip

Costs:

  • DART fare: €6.60 return
  • Parking: €4-€8 if driving
  • Lunch: €15-€30
  • Boat trip: €15-€20

Tips:

  • Walk is free and spectacular
  • Can be windy—bring jacket
  • Fish and chips at harbor restaurants excellent
  • Combine with Malahide Castle nearby
  • Dog-friendly walk

Newgrange and Boyne Valley (45 minutes north)

What to see:

  • Newgrange passage tomb (5,000 years old, older than pyramids)
  • Knowth and Dowth tombs
  • Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
  • Winter solstice illumination chamber
  • Hill of Tara (ancient seat of High Kings)
  • Battle of the Boyne site

Activities:

  • Guided tour of Newgrange interior (pre-book essential)
  • Visit Knowth exterior
  • Learn about Neolithic Ireland
  • Walk Hill of Tara
  • Explore visitor center exhibits
  • Drive through scenic valley

Getting there:

  • Drive: 45 minutes via M1
  • Bus: Bus Éireann to Drogheda, then taxi
  • Tour: Recommended (€45-€60)
  • Car gives access to multiple sites

Costs:

  • Newgrange tour: €18 adults
  • Hill of Tara: Free
  • Parking: Free
  • Total: €20-€40 per person

Tips:

  • Book Newgrange tour weeks in advance (popular)
  • Tours limited to 20 people
  • Tours fill up in summer
  • Photography inside tomb not allowed
  • Allow 3-4 hours minimum
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kilkenny City (90 minutes southwest)

What to see:

  • Kilkenny Castle and grounds
  • Medieval Mile (historic city center)
  • St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower
  • Narrow medieval streets
  • Craft shops and galleries
  • Smithwick’s Experience (brewery tour)

Activities:

  • Tour Kilkenny Castle (€8)
  • Walk the Medieval Mile
  • Climb cathedral round tower
  • Browse Butler Gallery (free)
  • Lunch at medieval-themed restaurant
  • Shop for Kilkenny Design crafts

Getting there:

  • Drive: 1.5 hours via M9
  • Train: 1h 45m from Heuston Station (€20-€30 return)
  • Bus: Frequent service from Dublin
  • Car allows side trips

Costs:

  • Castle entry: €8
  • Cathedral: €5
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Shopping: Variable
  • Total: €30-€60

Tips:

  • Very walkable city
  • Good restaurant scene
  • Combine with Jerpoint Abbey nearby
  • June: Cat Laughs Comedy Festival
  • August: Kilkenny Arts Festival
  • Allow full day to enjoy

Powerscourt and Enniskerry (45 minutes south)

What to see:

  • Powerscourt House and Gardens
  • Formal Italian gardens
  • Japanese gardens
  • Waterfall (Ireland’s tallest at 121m)
  • Wicklow Mountains backdrop
  • Charming village of Enniskerry

Activities:

  • Explore formal gardens
  • House exhibition
  • Walk to waterfall (separate site)
  • Café overlooking gardens
  • Visit village shops and pubs
  • Combine with Glendalough

Getting there:

  • Drive: 45 minutes via M50 and R117
  • Bus: Dublin Bus 44 to Enniskerry (€3.30)
  • Walk 30 minutes from village
  • Car more convenient

Costs:

  • Gardens: €12
  • Waterfall: €7
  • Combined ticket: €17
  • Parking: Free
  • Lunch: €15-€30

Tips:

  • Spring and summer most beautiful
  • Allow 2-3 hours for gardens
  • Waterfall 6km from house (drive separately)
  • Good for families
  • Photography permitted
  • Terrace café has great views

Cliffs of Moher (3 hours west)

What to see:

  • Ireland’s most famous cliffs (214m high)
  • 8km of cliff edge walks
  • O’Brien’s Tower
  • Visitor center built into hillside
  • Atlantic Ocean views
  • Seabird colonies

Activities:

  • Walk cliff edge paths
  • Climb O’Brien’s Tower
  • Visit interactive exhibits
  • Watch seabirds (puffins in summer)
  • Photography
  • Coastal walk to Doolin (1 hour)

Getting there:

  • Drive: 3 hours via M4/M6/M18
  • Tour: Most popular option (€45-€65)
  • Bus: Bus Éireann but less convenient
  • Long drive but worthwhile

Costs:

  • Parking/admission: €8 per person
  • O’Brien’s Tower: €2 extra
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Tour: €45-€65

Tips:

  • Go early or late to avoid crowds
  • Can be extremely windy
  • Keep distance from edge
  • Combine with Burren and Doolin village
  • Allow 2 hours at cliffs
  • One of Ireland’s must-see sights

Day trips from Cork

Blarney Castle (20 minutes north)

What to see:

  • Blarney Castle (15th century)
  • Famous Blarney Stone (kiss for eloquence)
  • Castle dungeons and battlements
  • Poison Garden
  • Blarney House and gardens
  • Rock Close with ancient structures

Activities:

  • Kiss the Blarney Stone (lean backwards over edge)
  • Explore castle interior
  • Walk extensive grounds
  • Visit Poison Garden
  • Shop at Blarney Woollen Mills
  • Lunch in village

Getting there:

  • Drive: 20 minutes from Cork city
  • Bus: Frequent from Cork (€8 return, Bus Éireann)
  • Tour: Available but unnecessary
  • Very accessible from Cork

Costs:

  • Castle and grounds: €18
  • Parking: €5
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Shopping: Variable
  • Total: €40-€60

Tips:

  • Can be touristy but worth it
  • Lines to kiss stone (30+ minutes in summer)
  • Wear comfortable shoes (stairs narrow)
  • Allow 2-3 hours
  • Combine with Cork city sightseeing
  • Weekday mornings quieter

Kinsale (30 minutes south)

What to see:

  • Colorful historic harbor town
  • Charles Fort (17th century star fort)
  • James Fort across harbor
  • Narrow streets and craft shops
  • Art galleries and boutiques
  • “Gourmet capital of Ireland”

Activities:

  • Walk Scilly Walk coastal path
  • Tour Charles Fort (€5)
  • Lunch at renowned restaurant
  • Browse galleries and shops
  • Seaside walk
  • Visit fishing harbor

Getting there:

  • Drive: 30 minutes south of Cork
  • Bus: Bus Éireann from Cork (€8 return)
  • Car recommended for flexibility
  • Very accessible

Costs:

  • Charles Fort: €5
  • Lunch: €20-€35 (restaurants excellent)
  • Parking: Free in car parks
  • Shopping: Variable
  • Total: €30-€60

Tips:

  • Book restaurant for dinner (very popular)
  • October: Gourmet Festival
  • Very walkable town
  • Good boutique shopping
  • Can combine with Timoleague and Courtmacsherry
  • Beautiful in any season

Cobh (30 minutes east)

What to see:

  • Titanic Experience museum
  • Cobh Heritage Centre
  • St. Colman’s Cathedral (stunning architecture)
  • Colorful terraced houses
  • Spike Island (Ireland’s Alcatraz)
  • Last Port of Call for Titanic

Activities:

  • Visit Titanic Experience (€12)
  • Tour Spike Island (ferry €18)
  • Climb cathedral
  • Walk waterfront promenade
  • Explore colorful streets
  • Learn emigration history

Getting there:

  • Drive: 30 minutes from Cork
  • Train: 25 minutes from Cork Kent Station (€7 return)
  • Very accessible by public transport
  • Train recommended (scenic route)

Costs:

  • Titanic Experience: €12
  • Spike Island: €18
  • Cathedral: Free (donation welcome)
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Total: €30-€65

Tips:

  • Spike Island tours book up (reserve ahead)
  • Cobh very photogenic
  • Important Irish emigration history
  • Half-day sufficient
  • Can combine with Fota Wildlife Park nearby
  • Train journey along water beautiful

Ring of Kerry (2.5 hours southwest)

What to see:

  • 179km scenic loop around Iveragh Peninsula
  • Mountain ranges
  • Coastal views
  • Killarney National Park
  • Ladies View viewpoint
  • Skellig Ring alternative route
  • Charming villages (Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville)

Activities:

  • Drive the full loop (4-6 hours)
  • Stop at viewpoints
  • Walk in Killarney National Park
  • Visit Muckross House
  • Ross Castle
  • Gap of Dunloe (dramatic valley)
  • Lunch in village

Getting there:

  • Drive essential: 2.5 hours from Cork to Killarney
  • Tour: Available but limits flexibility
  • Long day trip but feasible
  • Start early

Costs:

  • Free to drive
  • Muckross House: €10
  • Parking: Various locations (€5 total)
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Petrol: €25-€35
  • Total: €55-€85

Tips:

  • Drive clockwise (easier with tour buses)
  • Start from Killarney
  • Allow full day
  • Summer very busy (go early)
  • Stop at Ladies View
  • Weather unpredictable (layers)
  • Consider stopping overnight in Killarney

Waterford City (1.5 hours east)

What to see:

  • Waterford Crystal factory
  • Medieval Mile (Viking Triangle)
  • Reginald’s Tower (13th century)
  • Three Viking museums
  • Medieval walls and towers
  • Waterford Greenway start

Activities:

  • Factory tour at House of Waterford Crystal (€18)
  • Walk Medieval Mile
  • Visit Viking museums
  • Lunch at waterfront
  • Browse craft shops
  • Walk sections of Greenway

Getting there:

  • Drive: 1.5 hours from Cork
  • Bus: Bus Éireann regular service
  • Train: Irish Rail connection
  • Car most flexible

Costs:

  • Crystal factory tour: €18
  • Museum combo ticket: €14
  • Parking: €3-€5
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Total: €50-€70

Tips:

  • Factory tours popular (book ahead)
  • Viking history significant
  • Good restaurant scene
  • Greenway great for cycling (46km)
  • Allow half to full day
  • Less touristy than other Irish cities

Day trips from Galway

Connemara Loop (1-2 hours west)

What to see:

  • Dramatic mountain and bog landscape
  • Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Gardens
  • Sky Road loop (Clifden)
  • Connemara National Park
  • Twelve Bens mountain range
  • Traditional villages (Roundstone, Cleggan)
  • Coastal scenery

Activities:

  • Drive scenic loop (full day)
  • Visit Kylemore Abbey (€15)
  • Walk in National Park
  • Stop at Alcock and Brown monument
  • Browse craft shops in Roundstone
  • Lunch in Clifden
  • Diamond Hill hike

Getting there:

  • Drive: Essential for flexibility
  • 1 hour to Clifden start point
  • Loop takes 5-6 hours with stops
  • Tour: Available but limits freedom

Costs:

  • Kylemore Abbey: €15
  • National Park: Free
  • Parking: €5 various locations
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Petrol: €20-€30
  • Total: €55-€85

Tips:

  • Full day required
  • Start early for best light
  • Weather very changeable
  • Sky Road loop highly recommended
  • Bring layers and rain gear
  • Roundstone beautiful village
  • Can split over two days

Cliffs of Moher (90 minutes south)

What to see:

  • Already described in Dublin section
  • Closer from Galway (90 minutes vs 3 hours)
  • Same spectacular cliffs
  • O’Brien’s Tower and visitor center
  • Burren nearby

Getting there:

  • Drive: 1.5 hours via N67
  • Bus: Bus Éireann service available
  • Tour: Very popular from Galway (€25-€40)
  • Easiest access from Galway

Additional options from Galway:

  • Combine with Burren
  • Visit Doolin village
  • Poulnabrone Dolmen
  • Aillwee Cave
  • The Burren Perfumery

Tips:

  • Tours often include Burren
  • More accessible from Galway than Dublin
  • Can easily fill entire day
  • Book tour if not driving

Aran Islands (1 hour ferry)

What to see:

  • Three islands: Inis Mór (largest), Inis Meáin, Inis Oírr
  • Dún Aonghasa fort (Bronze Age cliff fort)
  • Traditional stone walls
  • Irish-speaking communities
  • Dramatic coastal scenery
  • Traditional lifestyle preserved

Activities:

  • Bike rental on island
  • Walk to Dún Aonghasa
  • Visit Seven Churches
  • Explore stone walls and landscape
  • Traditional music in pubs
  • Buy Aran sweaters
  • Beach at Kilronan

Getting there:

  • Ferry: From Rossaveal (45 minutes) or Doolin
  • Flight: 8-minute flights from Connemara Airport
  • Ferry recommended: €25-€30 return
  • Book ferry in advance in summer

Costs:

  • Ferry: €25-€30 return
  • Bike rental: €10
  • Dún Aonghasa: €5
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Total: €55-€75

Tips:

  • Inis Mór best for day trip (largest)
  • Bring layers (wind protection)
  • Book first ferry out, last ferry back
  • Bike ideal for getting around
  • Can be rough crossing (seasickness tablets)
  • Weather dependent (ferries cancelled in storms)
  • Irish spoken as first language

Clifden and Sky Road (1 hour west)

What to see:

  • Connemara’s “capital”
  • Sky Road loop (stunning coastal drive)
  • Clifden Castle ruins
  • Atlantic coast views
  • Mountains backdrop
  • Colorful town center

Activities:

  • Drive or cycle Sky Road (15km loop)
  • Browse Clifden shops
  • Walk to castle ruins
  • Lunch at town restaurant
  • Beach visit at Mannin Bay
  • Explore nearby islands
  • Visit during Arts Week (September)

Getting there:

  • Drive: 1 hour from Galway via N59
  • Bus: Bus Éireann service available
  • Car recommended for Sky Road
  • Very scenic drive

Costs:

  • Petrol: €15-€20
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Shopping: Variable
  • Free to drive Sky Road
  • Total: €30-€50

Tips:

  • Lower Sky Road best (coastal)
  • Can cycle if fit (hilly)
  • Good base for Connemara exploration
  • August: Pony Show
  • Combine with Kylemore Abbey
  • Beautiful any time of year

Westport and Croagh Patrick (90 minutes north)

What to see:

  • Westport town (Georgian planned town)
  • Croagh Patrick mountain (pilgrimage site)
  • Clew Bay views
  • Westport House
  • Quay area
  • Matt Molloy’s pub (The Chieftains musician)

Activities:

  • Climb Croagh Patrick (challenging, 3-4 hours)
  • Walk Westport Greenway
  • Explore colorful town
  • Lunch at quay
  • Traditional music session
  • Visit Westport House (€14)

Getting there:

  • Drive: 1.5 hours from Galway via N17 and N5
  • Bus: Bus Éireann service available
  • Car recommended for flexibility
  • Scenic route

Costs:

  • Croagh Patrick: Free (donation box)
  • Parking: €5
  • Westport House: €14 (optional)
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Total: €35-€55

Tips:

  • Croagh Patrick climb challenging (bring stick)
  • Pilgrimage day: Last Sunday July (avoid if not participating)
  • Westport one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns
  • Good restaurant scene
  • Can combine with Achill Island (1 hour further)
  • Allow full day

Practical day trip planning

Transportation options

Driving (car rental): Advantages:

  • Maximum flexibility
  • Access to remote areas
  • Set your own schedule
  • Multiple stops easy
  • Better for groups (split costs)

Disadvantages:

  • Rental costs (€35-€70/day)
  • Petrol costs
  • Navigation on narrow roads
  • Parking fees
  • Left-side driving adjustment

Tips:

  • Book rental in advance
  • Get full insurance
  • Use GPS/Google Maps
  • Download offline maps
  • Respect speed limits

Organized tours: Advantages:

  • No driving stress
  • Guide provides information
  • Transport and entry included
  • Meet other travelers
  • See multiple sites efficiently

Disadvantages:

  • Fixed schedule
  • Limited time at each stop
  • Can feel rushed
  • More expensive (€40-€90)
  • Less flexibility

Popular tour operators:

  • Wild Rover Tours
  • Paddywagon Tours
  • Lally Tours
  • Day Tours Ireland
  • Local operators from each city

Public transport: Advantages:

  • Cheapest option
  • No driving stress
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Works for some destinations

Disadvantages:

  • Limited schedules
  • Doesn’t reach many rural areas
  • Time-consuming
  • May miss last bus back

Best for:

  • Coastal trains (Howth, Cobh)
  • Major towns (Kilkenny, Waterford)
  • Aran Islands ferries
  • Budget travelers

Weather considerations

Ireland’s climate:

  • Unpredictable and changeable
  • Rain possible any day
  • “Four seasons in one day” accurate
  • Wind common, especially coastal
  • Summer: 15-20°C typical
  • Winter: 5-10°C typical

What to pack for day trips:

  • Waterproof jacket (essential)
  • Layers (temperature varies)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen (UV even when cloudy)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Small backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks (rural areas limited)

Best seasons:

  • Spring (April-May): Flowers, fewer crowds
  • Summer (June-August): Longest days, warmest, busiest
  • Autumn (September-October): Beautiful colors, less busy
  • Winter (November-March): Quiet, cheaper, shorter days, rain likely

Budgeting for day trips

Typical costs by transport:

Driving yourself:

  • Car rental: €40-€60
  • Petrol: €15-€35
  • Parking: €5-€15
  • Entry fees: €10-€30
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Total: €85-€165

Organized tour:

  • Tour cost: €40-€90 (includes transport and often entry)
  • Lunch: €15-€25 (usually not included)
  • Total: €55-€115

Public transport:

  • Transport: €10-€25
  • Entry fees: €10-€30
  • Lunch: €15-€25
  • Total: €35-€80

Money-saving tips:

  • Pack lunch and snacks
  • Use heritage cards if visiting multiple sites
  • Travel off-season
  • Book tours in advance online
  • Choose free attractions
  • Share car rental costs
  • Bring refillable water bottle

Making the most of your trip

Planning tips:

  • Check opening hours (many sites close in winter)
  • Book popular sites in advance (Newgrange, Kylemore)
  • Start early to maximize daylight
  • Check weather forecast
  • Download offline maps
  • Charge phone fully
  • Bring portable charger

Photography:

  • Golden hour best light (early morning/evening)
  • Bring camera fully charged
  • Respect private property
  • Use visitor center views first
  • Take photos quickly at busy sites
  • Respect “no photography” signs

Respect and safety:

  • Stay on marked paths
  • Respect private property
  • Close gates behind you
  • Take rubbish with you
  • Don’t damage historical sites
  • Keep distance from cliff edges
  • Don’t disturb wildlife

Combining day trips with settling in

Work-life balance:

  • Day trips help prevent homesickness
  • Explore Ireland while living here
  • Better work-life balance than some countries
  • Weekend adventures combat stress
  • Makes Ireland feel like home

Meeting people:

  • Join hiking or photography groups
  • Tours good for meeting travelers
  • Share car rental costs with colleagues
  • Make friends through shared experiences
  • Social aspect of day trips

Understanding Ireland:

  • Day trips deepen cultural understanding
  • See rural Ireland beyond cities
  • Experience different regions
  • Understand Irish history
  • Appreciate natural beauty
  • More than Dublin city life

Additional resources

Planning tools:

  • DiscoverIreland.ie (official tourism)
  • IrishRailways.ie (train schedules)
  • BusEireann.ie (bus schedules)
  • Met.ie (weather forecasts)
  • AllTrails.com (hiking routes)
  • Google Maps (directions)

Booking platforms:

  • GetYourGuide (tours)
  • Viator (tours and activities)
  • HeritageIreland.ie (historic sites)
  • IrishFerries.ie (Aran Islands)

Related guides:

Day trips from Ireland’s major cities open up the country’s remarkable landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic cliffs, ancient monasteries, colorful villages, or mountain hikes, accessible adventures await within a few hours of Dublin, Cork, or Galway.

Take advantage of living in Ireland to explore beyond your base city. These experiences enrich your time in Ireland, help you understand the country more deeply, provide breaks from work routine, and create lasting memories. From weekend escapes to spontaneous adventures, Ireland’s compact size means incredible destinations are always within reach for memorable day trips.