Top Dublin Day Trips

Day trips from Dublin include entertaining excursions to Ireland’s stunning cliffs, mountains, and castles. Here are some day trips that past travelers rate highly:

• Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin
• Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Wild Atlantic and Galway Tour
• Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant's Causeway from Dublin
• Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin
• Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges and Belfast

Yes, it’s absolutely worth it to take a day trip from Dublin. On a scheduled tour, you leave the driving to someone else, so you can admire the passing Ireland countryside from your comfortable seat aboard a coach or minivan. No need to navigate unfamiliar roads on your own: A Dublin day trip is a convenient way to see some of Ireland’s iconic sights, from the Cliffs of Moher to the Giant’s Causeway.

The price of a Dublin day trip tour depends on the length of the excursion, what sightseeing stops and admission fees are included, and whether you book a group or private tour. They can start at as little as about US$40 per person for a trip to Glendalough and Kilkenny to US$1,000 or more for a private tour to the rugged Wild Atlantic Way.

Yes, you can do a day trip from Dublin to Galway, known for its vibrant pedestrian city center filled with excellent shops and pubs. Some day trips from Dublin combine a visit to Galway with other key sightseeing highlights on Ireland’s western seaboard, such as the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin.

Yes, Cork can be a day trip from Dublin, as Cork is about 160 miles (257 kilometers) southwest of Ireland’s capital. It’s a long day trip (about 12 hours), but you can visit Cork, the Rock of Cashel, and Blarney Castle, on a scheduled group tour.

To see Dublin’s main sights, you’ll want to have three full days in the city. That allows time to visit Trinity College with its 9th-century Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Guinness Storehouse. You might like to stroll through Dublin’s green city parks, listen to live music in a few Irish pubs, and shop for souvenirs. You can also squeeze in a day trip to nearby Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Dublin aside from day trips. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Rail Tours

• Bus Tours

• Hop-on Hop-off Buses

• Cooking Classes

• Walking Tours

Dublin day trip prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Dublin: Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Sheepdog demonstration

• Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Half-Day Morning Tour from Dublin

• Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Afternoon Tour from Dublin

• Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow, and Kilkenny Full-Day Guided Tour

• Howth Coastal Half-Day Bus Tour from Dublin with Live Guide

Before booking a Dublin day trip, read the tour specifics—pay special attention to the pickup location, duration, and any inclusions, such as lunch or snacks. Consider whether you prefer to travel in a small or large group. Some excursions offer flexibility on pickup time, so check ahead if this would benefit you and your group.

To best enjoy your Dublin day trip, follow any tour information provided about suggested attire, such as walking shoes and jackets. If you will be away for the day, pack layers in case there's a change in weather. Even if it’s cloudy, bring sunscreen and a hat if your tour includes time exploring outside.

Dublin often has chilly and rainy weather, but if you dress appropriately, that shouldn't keep you from having a fun day trip, no matter the time of year. Most day trips include a drive in a van or bus, and once you get to your destination, you can gear up in warm clothing and waterproofs if needed. That said, Dublin typically enjoys the most pleasant weather in spring and summer, from around May to September.