Visitors to Ireland are often tricked by the huge sightseeing offer of the country in proportion to its size. At just 486 kilometers long and 275 kilometers wide, it is no wonder many tourists panic at the thought of cramming in every single little corner.
While many prefer the car to travel the island, other people prioritize costs and peace of mind by resorting to public transport. Dublin has an excellent and comfortable bus and railway network and plenty of hotspots to unfold a stone’s throw from its downtown.
The following list tackles the best 5 day trips from Dublin without a car. Get ready to dive into breathtaking train journeys, monumental cities, majestic castles — and not-so-trodden gems — of the Emerald Isle. Now that your hands are off the wheel, that can only mean one thing: more photo opportunities!
Belfast
Yes. Northern Ireland’s capital city is our hot ticket. With only half the population of Dublin, Belfast is a match made in heaven for urban lovers. While other tours might include The Giants Causeway, we think soaking into Belfast’s cultural and historical heritage will take up the whole day.
Local pubs brimming traditional drinks and with local history (The Crown and The Dirty Onion, to name a few), peace walls that attest to the country’s turbulent recent past, some impressive architecture (Queen’s University, we’re looking at you), and a vibrant nightlife at Cathedral Quarter all make for an unforgettable city break.
With several out-and-inbound daily trips from Dublin Connolly Station, this is probably your best (and easiest) option if you are after the perfect bundle of history, art, and cuisine.
Speaking of which, Belfast has dining options for all tastes and budgets:
- The Irish hospitality transcends its local pubs and cafés and boasts its finest local produce and technique at awarded restaurants like Deane’s at Queens and Six by Nico.
Estimated time needed: 8-10 hours
Local’s tip:
- Make sure to book your train tickets with Irish Rail to guarantee a saver fare.
Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains
Mythical Ireland salutes. At only an hour and 20 minutes by bus from St Stephen’s Green North, Glendalough National Park is a green oasis of calm a stone’s throw away from the capital. Located in a valley amidst the stunning Wicklow Mountains, and overlooking two serene lakes, the park boasts a monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century.
Its landscape, where rolling green hills and lush vegetation abound, is a true testament to Ireland’s legendary past. Once you’ve taken in the scenery, there are several trails to complete your journey.
There are tour options that also include the charming Powerscourt House and Gardens, a private estate built in Palladian style, featuring ornate Italian gardens and its own waterfall. Once the residence of the Anglo-Irish Powerscourt family, it is now a filming location: Barry Lyndon, The Count of Monte Cristo, and King Arthur have all featured in this unique spot.
Estimated time needed: 3.5 hours, 6 hours including getting there and back.
Kilkenny
County Kilkenny’s namesake capital might be one of Ireland’s true hidden gems. At only 90 minutes away from Dublin’s fair city, it packs everything you need on your day trip. A 12th-century castle, a lively craft scene, century-old pubs, cobbled lanes, and secret laneways all make Kilkenny an unrivaled mix of small-town charm and big-city hustle.
Offering medieval plays, brewery tours, and design exhibitions, the city transforms at night, bursting with energy thanks to lively traditional music sessions, the mightiest craic, and some of the island’s best festivals.
And the good news is that Kilkenny can be reached both by bus and train:
- Buses leave every two hours from Burgh Quay and the journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes, which makes it ideal to go and return on the day.
- If you prefer a more comfortable ride over a similar journey time, the train is for you. They leave from Dublin Heuston, and, as it happens with Belfast, tickets tend to cost less online. The train station is located at the edge of Kilkenny’s center, a 10-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle.
Estimated time needed: 5-6 hours
Local’s tip:
- Train tickets must be printed at the ticket machine in the station, so count additional time for that when planning your journey.
Brú na Bóinne
Dublin’s strategic position means day trips go in the four winds of heaven. This time we’re going north.
Brú na Bóinne, Co. Meath, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects the largest collection of megalithic art in Europe, including more than 90 monuments. The three most spectacular and best-known sites in the valley are Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth, and luckily for you, they can all be packed into a day trip.
If you wish to enjoy this day trip from Dublin without a car, the fastest route starts with:
- Bus line 901 from Drumcondra Rail Stop, and it stops at Donore Road.
- Then, you hop on bus 163 and get off at Newgrange Lodge. The journey takes approximately 1h 15 min.
- Once there, start from the visitors center and learn about life in the megalithic period like never before.
Newgrange is perhaps the most impressive of the three. The 80-meter tumulus erects from the green pasture and hosts a narrow passageway leading to one of the best-preserved chambers of any Neolithic structure. Three smaller cavities contain basin stones that house the deceased’s cremated remains, completing the structure.
But what makes Newgrange particularly interesting is its light:
- Every December 21st, during the winter solstice, a single beam of light passes through the monument through a perfectly positioned opening in the ‘ceiling’ at the entrance, illuminating a golden path to the burial chamber located right in the center.
- While archaeologists are still trying to figure it out, visitors keep fighting for tickets.
- Be sure to book yours in advance if you’d like to witness this one-of-a-kind milestone.
Estimated time needed: 5 hours
Bray
Bright days are somewhat rare in Ireland, but when the sun shines, the Irish flock out to soak it up. The Irish coastline reveals a joyful combination of clear skies and pristine waters that is best appreciated from a scenic route. This town in County Wicklow offers a laid back, easy walk along its coastal trail.
At only 39 km from Dublin’s city center, this quaint seaside town can be accessed by bus and Luas (Dublin’s tram service) if you’re staying outside the city center, or by short-distance train (DART). For the latter, get to Connolly train station and take DART E238 Bray-bound. 45 minutes later, you’ll reach your destination.
Once you get into Bray, picturesque houses above the cliff await, as well as a unique panoramic of Dublin’s Bay. Look out for Bono and Enya’s residences, as well.
If you’re feeling peckish:
- Dockyard No. 8 is a conveniently placed restaurant at the harbor, so a meal with a sight is guaranteed. A plate of fish and chips or a full Irish after, and you’ll be ready to hike on.
- Round off the day, with a local 99 cone (who knew ice cream here was only 99 cents?). It is best enjoyed while strolling along the Victorian Seafront.
Estimated time needed: 5-6 hours
As you can see, there is no shortage of options when it comes to day trips from Dublin without a car. Other local favorites include colossal monuments like Malahide and Trim Castle, but we’ll leave those for another day. Pack up your bag, and hop on your bus or train: adventure awaits.
