Last updated on April 13th, 2024 at 10:34 pm

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This post goes over all the best day trips from Dublin.

Ireland is a pretty small country, and most of the major sights can be seen as day trips from Dublin. This is a great option to see Ireland if you don’t want to rent a car- there are many day tour operators that run group tours from Dublin all over the country. Here, I outline six of the best day trips from Dublin, including information about tour operators and costs in 2023.

1. Cliffs of Moher and Galway

The Cliffs of Moher are stunning 650 foot tall cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. This spot is a must-see on any visit to Ireland, and apparently, one of the most popular selfie spots in the world! The Cliffs of Moher are located on the West Coast of Ireland, about a three hour drive from Dublin.

• I visited the cliffs on Moher on a bus tour with Finn McCools Tours. The tour took about 13 hours in total, and cost €60. This tour also stopped in Galway, and at the Burren.

2. Northern Ireland- Belfast and Giant’s Causeway

A day trip to Northern Ireland is a must for your trip to Ireland. One of the most popular places to visit in Northern Ireland is Giant’s Causeway. Giant’s Causeway filled with interlocking basalt columns, formed by a volcanic eruption. This stunning beach is one of the most unique spots in Ireland, and in my opinion, a must-see if you are going to travel to Ireland.

A trip to Giant’s Causeway can easily be combined with a visit to Belfast. My tour included a ‘black taxi tour’ in Belfast, which was a solemn, but eye opening look into the political struggles and division that Ireland has faced in the past, and sadly, continues to face today. Another popular attraction in Belfast is the Titanic museum. The Titanic was constructed in Belfast, and this museum outlines the history of how it was built, as well as its voyage.

• I did a bus tour to Belfast and Giant’s Causeway with Wild Rover Tours. This tour cost €75.00 and offered the option of visiting the Titanic museum or doing the black taxi tour. It also included a stop at Dunluce Castle– the ruins of what was once a fabulous castle by the Ocean. Apparently this castle was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

3. Blarney Castle

A day trip to Blarney Castle is another must-do day trip from Dublin. This castle is famous for the Blarney Stone that is inside of it- legend has it that if you kiss this stone, you will gain the “gift of the gab.” While the stone might be a bit of a tourist trap, it is still absolutely worth it to visit Blarney Castle. The grounds are beautiful, and the castle is pretty well preserved. The Blarney stone is at the very top of the castle, so you get to walk all throughout the castle to get there. The roof of the castle also offers great views of the surrounding area!

• The day tour I did to Blarney Castle was operated by Paddywagon Tours. It cost €70 and included a stop in the beautiful town of Cork.

4. Wicklow Mountains

The Wicklow Mountains are located only about an hour from Dublin City Center, and can even be visited in a half day. This beautiful region is home to Glendalough, a valley with two lakes, and some lovely walking trails. There is also a monastic site in Glendalough that was founded in the sixth century! This is spot is definitely a must-see for nature lovers.

• I visited Wicklow on a half day tour with Paddywagon Tours. It cost €33 and we were back in Dublin by about 1:00.

5. The Ring of Kerry

This Ring of Kerry makes for a very long day trip from Dublin, but is definitely doable, and worth it. The Ring of Kerry is a circular scenic drive in Southwest Ireland. There are a few cute seaside villages along the way, as well as lots viewpoints, lakes, and farms. One of my favourite stops along the Ring of Kerry was at Kell’s Sheep Center, where I got to watch a sheepdog demonstration. Such a cool experience!

• I visited the Ring of Kerry on a day trip with Rail Tours Ireland. It cost €134, and took 16 hours in total. Such a long day, and a bit pricey, but definitely worth it in my opinion.

6. Boyne Valley

The Boyne Valley is a great spot to visit for history lovers. This area is one of the oldest in Ireland, and is home to the Hill of Tara, an ancient burial site. It is also home to Loughcrew Celtic Tombs, a fascinating archeological site with cave paintings that date back 6000 years, as well as several interesting castles and tombs.

• I visited the Boyne Valley on a day tour with Irish Day Tours. It cost €65.00 and lasted about 10 hours.

Hopefully you’re feeling ready to start planning your trip to Ireland! With so many amazing day trips from Dublin, and so much to do in Dublin itself, you can have the perfect trip to Ireland while basing yourself in Dublin. If you’re looking for activities to do while you’re in Dublin, check out my Dublin travel guide, which not only lists the best sights, but also goes over general travel tips for your trip to Ireland. Happy travelling!

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