Best Excursions & Day Trips From Dublin

Dublin is the cultural centre of Ireland, but it’s also the gateway to many other counties and day trips such as the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Limerick and much more!

Take a look at this extensive guide for inspiration on the best day trips from Dublin, based on their price range, reviews, ratings and itineraries!

1.Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic Way and Galway tour from Dublin

Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic Way and Galway tour from Dublin

Overview

Escape the bustling city of Dublin and enjoy the chance to reconnect with nature on this stunning day tour to the Cliffs of Moher. You’ll enjoy unparalleled views of the famous Emerald Coast and take a trip along the Wild Atlantic Way where you’ll see various sites such as Kilmacduagh Abbey. Make sure you’ve packed your camera for this trip as you’re sure to spot some epic encounters with wildlife on this tour!

Highlights

  • See the beautiful Cliffs of Moher
  • Cruise along the Wild Atlantic Way and admire the views from your high vantage point
  • Visit Kilmacduagh Abbey and various quintessentially “Irish” towns as part of the trip

Includes

  • Live commentary of the sites as you drive
  • Entrance fees
  • Luggage compartment if needed
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional and knowledgeable tour guide

Duration: 14 hours

Rating: 5

2.Game of Thrones Tour from Dublin

Game of Thrones Tour from Dublin

Overview

Fans of the hit HBO TV show “Game of Thrones” are sure to love this epic sightseeing tour from Dublin as you travel to the most famous filming locations in Ireland. You’ll stop at Giant’s Causeway, Cushendun Caves and Dunluce Castle (Greyjoy House); giving you the opportunity to see how many locations you can recognise for yourself!

Highlights

  • Cruise along the Causeway Coastal Route as you make your way to as many filming locations as possible
  • See the location that was portrayed as “Braavos” in the show (Carnlough)
  • Try on some awesome Game of Thrones costumes and pose for pictures in the locations!

Includes

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • All taxes and fees
  • Chance to don various characters’ costumes for pictures
  • Free Wi-Fi on board the transport

Duration: 13 hours

Rating: 5

3.Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Day Trip from Dublin

Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Day Trip from Dublin

Overview

Visit some of the top attractions in Northern Island on this action-packed day trip from Dublin. Discover the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway and make your way to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge where you’ll get the chance to admire the ethereal views of the spectacular natural landscape.

Highlights

  • Pay a flying visit to Belfast and the Dark Hedges (a Game of Thrones filming location)
  • Drive along the Coastal Route and wander over the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
  • Drive over the Glens of Antrim for incredible views

Includes

  • Professional tour guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Lime commentary on board as you travel

4.Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin

Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin

Overview

Make the most of your time in Ireland as you make your way from Dublin to some of the country’s top attractions on this awesome day trip. See the gorgeous countryside BlarneyCastle where Blarney Stone is found, as well as the Rock of Cashel Cathedral and Cahir Castle. Your tour guide will also be able to provide you with plenty of facts about the history of all these sites.

Highlights

  • Kiss the famous Blarney Stone as part of an Irish tradition
  • Visit County Tipperary and make your way around the Rock of Cashel
  • See Cahir Castle on your trip as an added bonus

Includes

  • Entrance fees
  • Driver and tour guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Duration: 12 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

5.Kerry Highlights Day Tour from Dublin

Kerry Highlights Day Tour from Dublin

Overview

This 14-hour day tour from Dublin takes you on a trip around the best attractions and sites in Kerry. You’ll discover the spectacular, winding roads in the Killarney National Park, and you’ll make numerous stops off in quaint towns and villages such as Aghadoe and Adare. This tour also shows you some of the best natural attractions in the region including Black Valley, the Torc Waterfalls and the many Lakes of Killarney. It’s a fantastic tour to enjoy if you’re based in Dublin as it allows you to see so much in just one day!

Highlights

  • Cruise along the Wild Atlantic Way
  • See the Lakes of Killarney and many villages in the surrounding area
  • Visit Tralee Bay and Dingle Bay on your way back to Dublin

Includes

    Includes:

    Driver and tour guide

    All taxes, handling charges and local fees

Duration: 14 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

6.Howth Day Trip from Dublin

Howth Day Trip from Dublin

Overview

Escape to the beautiful Irish countryside from the busy city of Dublin on this day tour and experience the incredible sites in Howth. Take a tour around the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain, enjoy a blustering sea cliff walk and pay a visit to Howth Castle and its lush gardens.

Highlights

  • See the Martello Tower and Baily Lighthouse
  • Try and snap pictures of eagles, seals and guillemots as you wander along the sea cliffs
  • Hike up to the top of the hill to Ben of Howth and enjoy the amazing views below

Duration: 6 hours

Rating: 5

7.Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin

Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin

Overview

Escape the bustling city scene of Dublin and take a trip to the lush countryside of the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. On your way, you’ll pass through Limerick town and see Bunratty Castle and the quiet gardens of Folk Park. You will also drive along Galway Bay and admire the stupendous countryside views as you go.

Highlights

  • Great way to see the Irish countryside by train and coach from Dublin
  • Visit the Folk Village and Bunratty Castle
  • Enjoy a long and leisurely scenic drive from Dublin to Galway Bay

Includes

  • Train tickets
  • Driver and guide on coach journeys

Duration: 15 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

8.Dalkey Castle and Killiney Hill Tour

Dalkey Castle and Killiney Hill Tour

Overview

This tour is ideal for visitors on a short trip to Dublin as you get the chance to see as much as possible during your time there. Pay a visit to Dalkey town and browse the quaint village shops where you can pick up gifts to take back to friends and family at home. See Killiney Park and Hill and enjoy a pint of the finest Irish Guinness at Johnnie Fox’s pub.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the sweeping views of Dublin from the top of Killiney Hill
  • Try some Irish beer in one of the oldest traditional Irish pubs
  • Wander around leisurely in Dalkey Town

Includes

  • Driver and guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
  • Fees, handling charges and local taxes

Duration: 6 hours

Rating: 5

9.Belfast Day Trip from Dublin

Belfast Day Trip from Dublin

Overview

Travel from one city to another as you make your way from Dublin to Belfast on this full day tour. You’ll get to enjoy a visit to the acclaimed Titanic Experience where you’ll learn all about the history of the ship and its tragic fate back in 1912. See the Belfast Peace Wall and learn about the city’s enigmatic political past.

Highlights

  • Visit Belfast City and tick off the top highlights and attractions
  • Pay a visit to the Titanic Experience
  • Wander around the nearby harbour and city docks

Includes

  • Tickets to the Titanic Experience
  • Political Black Taxi Tour
  • Driver and tour guide for the day

10.Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and Kilkenny Day Tour from Dublin

Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough and Kilkenny Day Tour from Dublin

Overview

See some of the country’s best natural wonders on this full day tour from Dublin as you explore the Wicklow Mountains and the wonderful lakes of Glendalough. Known as Ireland’s medieval capital, you will then travel to Kilkenny where you’ll have some free time to explore the town on your own, collect some souvenirs and take plenty of pictures.

Highlights

  • Explore Kilkenny’s medieval monuments
  • See Glendalough’s incredible ancient ruins and lakes
  • Wander around the gorgeous countryside of Wicklow National Park

Includes

  • Free Wi-Fi on board the coach
  • Walking tours in Glendalough and Kilkenny
  • Professional tour guide and driver

11.Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Whiskey Tasting tour from Dublin

Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Whiskey Tasting tour from Dublin

Overview

This jam-packed tour from Dublin takes you on a 14-hour expedition to explore the surrounding area’s top locations. You’ll travel through the idyllic Giant’s Causeway to one of the world’s oldest whiskey distilleries. Here you’ll get to try a few 10- and 12-year old whiskeys while learning from a top whiskey expert about how they’re made and produced. Next, you’ll travel to the Dark Hedges, most recently made famous thanks to its appearance on hit HBO TV show “Game of Thrones”. Your tour will also take you to Belfast where you’ll spend a quick 1-hour exploring the city and seeing as many highlights as you can before you head back to Dublin

Highlights

  • Enjoy tasting some of the finest Irish whiskey at the famous Bushmills Whiskey Distillery in Giant’s Causeway
  • See the Ballymoney Dark Hedges and learn about its significant history
  • Enjoy a flying visit to Belfast City before your tour comes to a conclusion

Includes

  • Fees and taxes paid for all attractions
  • Tour guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transportation

Duration: 14 hours

Rating: 4/5

12.Giant's Causeway & Belfast City Day Tour from Dublin

Giant's Causeway & Belfast City Day Tour from Dublin

Overview

Travel through the Giant’s Causeway and across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge as you make your way to Belfast for a fun-filled day of exploring. Learn more about the political history of Belfast with an optional tour in a Black Taxi, or just choose to wander around the city and explore it for yourself.

Highlights

  • Cruise through Giant’s Causeway and make regular stops to take pictures of your surroundings
  • Enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery as you drive to Belfast
  • Take an optional extra tour in a Political Black Taxi

Includes

  • Free Wi-Fi on selected coaches
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tour guide and driver

Duration: 14 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

13.North Coast and Malahide Castle Day Tour from Dublin

North Coast and Malahide Castle Day Tour from Dublin

Overview

Take a half day tour from Dublin to the North Coast and explore the enigmatic history of the 12th-century Malahide Castle. Walk around the 800-year-old fortress and then make your way to the quaint town of Howth where you’ll take in the sights of the adorable fishing village.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a free hop-on hop-off bus tour of Howth as part of your tour
  • Take a tour around Malahide Castle and learn more about its fascinating history
  • See the views of the sea as you drive along the coast

Includes

  • Expert tour guide and driver for the day
  • Free walking tour with a Dublin Historian
  • Free guided tour of Malahide Castle
  • Free Hop-on Hop-off

Duration: 5 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

14.Connemara and Cong Village Day Trip from Dublin with Kylemore Abbey and Killary Fjord

Connemara and Cong Village Day Trip from Dublin with Kylemore Abbey and Killary Fjord

Overview

See the lovely villages of Connemara and Cong from Dublin on this full day trip. Pay a visit to Kylemore Abbey and enjoy the journey around Connemara’s many mountains, villages and lakes. Your tour will also take you through the hidden gem that is Lough NaFooey Valley, as well as the Killary Fjord. This tour is an epic sightseeing adventure and one that you certainly won’t want to miss!

Highlights

  • See the stunning village of Cong, used as a backdrop in the 1950s film “The Quiet Man”
  • Visit Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Abbey
  • Admire the beauty of Cong village and visit the 14th-century Ross Erilly Friary

Includes

  • Live commentary on board the coach
  • Driver and tour guide

Duration: 14 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

15.Wicklow, Powerscourt, and Glendalough Tour from Dublin

Wicklow, Powerscourt, and Glendalough Tour from Dublin

Overview

This day trip takes you from Dublin on whistle-stop tour of County Wicklow, Powerscourt Gardens and parts of the Wicklow National Park. The scenic drive around the destinations is all part of the fun and adventure and you certainly won’t get bored of looking at all the incredible scenery!

Highlights

  • Stop at filming locations for films such as “Leap Year” in Enniskerry
  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Powerscourt Gardens at your own pace
  • Pay a visit to Glendalough and pass by the Guinness Estate

Includes

  • Local guide
  • Driver

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

16.Game of Thrones® & Giants Causeway from Dublin

Game of Thrones® & Giants Causeway from Dublin

Overview

Game of Thrones fanatics are sure to thoroughly enjoy this tour from Dublin as you’re taken to various filming locations from the hit TV show. Most notably, you’ll experience Giant’s Causeway for yourself which makes for the most magical backdrop in pictures. Your tour guide will provide you with constant knowledge and trivia from the show and point out top locations such as Dark Hedges and the Antrim Coast as you drive along.

Highlights

  • Enjoy learning about top-secret knowledge and trivia of the show
  • Take a trip through Giant’s Causeway and stop to admire the impressive views
  • See the most famous filming locations from Game of Thrones

Includes

  • All attractions and entrance fees
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transport
  • Professional tour guide

Duration: 13 hours

Rating: 5

17.Private Newgrange Tour from Dublin

Private Newgrange Tour from Dublin

Overview

Pay a visit to one of the oldest Neolithic burial sites in the world that dates back more than 5,000 years as you travel from Dublin to Newgrange. Next, you’ll make your way to Monasterboice where you’ll see the High Crosses and the Melifont Abbey that’s almost 900 years old! The tour also visits the Battle of Boyne site, made famous by the epic battle between King James and King William in 1690.

Highlights

  • See the Battle of Boyne site
  • Visit Neolithic burial sites
  • Enjoy wandering around Melifont Abbey

Includes

  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 5

18.3-Day Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher Rail Tour

3-Day Cork, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher Rail Tour

Overview

This grand 3-day tour from Dublin takes you on a journey to some of the best sites in Ireland via train. You’ll visit Cork, Blarney Castle and the Cliffs of Moher. You’ll also enjoy an overnight stay in Killarney as part of your tour.

Highlights

  • Epic 3-day tour from Dublin to Cork, Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher
  • Kiss the Blarney Stone as a sign of good luck
  • Enjoy learning about the incredible culture of Cork

Includes

  • Train tickets
  • Coach rides
  • 2 days’ breakfast
  • 2 nights’ accommodation

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