Ireland, the Emerald Isle, captivates visitors with its dramatic coastlines, ancient castles, vibrant cities, and legendary hospitality. From the rugged Cliffs of Moher to the lively pubs of Dublin, Ireland offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and Celtic culture that enchants travelers year-round.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
The Cliffs of Moher rise straight out of the Atlantic along County Clare's coast, and a paved path runs the length of them so you can walk from the visitor centre out toward O'Brien's Tower. Paired with the Burren just inland, a limestone karst landscape of exposed rock pavement, sinkholes and wildflowers growing out of the cracks, this trip covers two completely different landscapes in one day. It is a long day from Dublin, so most people either drive themselves or take an organised coach that also stops in the Burren or Doolin.
Highlights: Cliffs rising 214 metres above the Atlantic - one of Ireland's most iconic natural sights · O'Brien's Tower at the highest point with panoramic Aran Islands views · The Burren's alien limestone karst landscape with rare Arctic-Alpine wildflowers · Doolin village with excellent traditional music pubs
Kilkenny City
Kilkenny is a compact medieval city built around Kilkenny Castle and a network of narrow lanes, or 'slips', that still follow their original medieval layout. It's an easy rail trip from Dublin with a direct train from Heuston, which makes it one of the more relaxed day trips on this list. The city centre is walkable, so a day here means castle, cathedral, and streets rather than a lot of transit time.
Highlights: Kilkenny Castle - 12th-century Norman fortress with beautifully restored state rooms · The Medieval Mile Museum in the 13th-century St. Mary's Church · Smithwick's Experience - Ireland's oldest operating brewery · Medieval lanes, artisan craft shops, and excellent restaurants
Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains National Park
Glendalough is a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains centred on the remains of an early medieval monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin, with two lakes and marked walking trails running up into the surrounding hills. It's close enough to Dublin to do without an early start, and the monastic site itself takes only an hour or two, leaving the rest of the day for walking. St. Kevin's Bus runs directly from Dublin city centre if you're not driving.
Highlights: 6th-century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in a glacial valley · Two mountain lakes surrounded by ancient oak woodland · Round tower and ruined medieval churches · Multiple waymarked trails from 30-minute strolls to 5-hour mountain hikes
Newgrange and Boyne Valley
Newgrange is a Neolithic passage tomb older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, famous for the narrow roof-box above its entrance that aligns with sunrise on the winter solstice. Access is controlled through the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre, which buses visitors out to the site rather than allowing direct access, so this is a trip that needs to be booked rather than just turned up to. The wider Boyne Valley also holds the Hill of Tara and the 1690 Battle of the Boyne site if you want to extend the day.
Highlights: Newgrange passage tomb - older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids (3200 BC) · Knowth and Dowth megalithic tombs nearby · Winter solstice chamber illumination (lottery entry required) · Hill of Tara - ancient seat of Irish High Kings
Galway City
Galway is a compact west-coast city built around the River Corrib, with a medieval core in the Latin Quarter that's dense with pubs, shops and street performers. It has a different character from Dublin - smaller, more coastal, and oriented toward the sea via the Salthill promenade. The train ride out gives you a full day in the city itself once you arrive, since the centre is entirely walkable.
Highlights: Latin Quarter cobbled streets with traditional music pubs and seafood restaurants · Galway Market on Saturdays with local produce and crafts · Spanish Arch and the medieval city walls · Gateway to Connemara's dramatic bog and mountain scenery
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised day tours from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher €50-70, Newgrange €45-65, Giant's Causeway €55-75; book through Dublin Tourism or Paddywagon Tours
- Private
- Car hire from €35-60/day gives maximum flexibility; essential for Ring of Kerry, Connemara, and Wild Atlantic Way sections
- Public
- Irish Rail and Bus Éireann serve major cities (Kilkenny, Galway, Cork, Waterford) with multiple departures daily; less frequent to smaller destinations
- Rental
- Car rental from €35/day (economy manual) from Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt at Dublin Airport; automatic transmission costs extra but recommended for narrow rural roads
Multi-day tours from Ireland
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from IrelandWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — the Cliffs of Moher and Glendalough are vastly more enjoyable before 10AM when coach tours arrive
Book Irish Rail tickets in advance online for savings of up to 50% on intercity routes
A car is essential for properly exploring the Ring of Kerry, Connemara, and Wild Atlantic Way scenic routes