Are you in Dublin for work, leisure, or celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? Fantastic destinations are just a short drive or train ride away, from medieval castles and coastal villages to stunning mountains and historic sites. There’s no shortage of places to explore.
Here are five incredible day trips, all within an hour of our Dublin hotel.
1. Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough
Distance: 50 minutes by car
If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery and fresh mountain air, the Wicklow Mountains National Park is a must-visit. Home to the stunning valley of Glendalough, this area is known for its peaceful lakes, walking trails, and a fascinating early medieval monastic site.
Top things to do:
- Walk the Spinc Trail for stunning views of the valley and lakes.
- Visit the Round Tower and Monastic City, dating back to the 6th century.
- Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Upper Lake or grab a coffee in nearby Laragh.
- Take the Wicklow Way, one of Ireland’s most famous hiking routes.
If you prefer a relaxed day, you can drive through the Sally Gap, one of the most scenic routes in Ireland. The landscape here is often used in films and TV shows – you might recognise the landscape from movies like “Braveheart” and “P.S I love you”
2. Malahide & Howth
Distance: 40 minutes by train
For a coastal escape, head north to Malahide and Howth. Both towns offer a mix of history, seaside views, and some of the best seafood in Dublin.
In Malahide, explore the impressive Malahide Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest castles, surrounded by stunning gardens. The town is also home to great cafés, restaurants, and a beautiful marina.
Howth, a short train ride away, is a cute village known for its spectacular cliff walks and lively atmosphere.
Top things to do:
- Tour the Malahide Castle & Gardens and learn about its 800-year history.
- Walk the Howth Cliff Path Loop for panoramic views of Dublin Bay.
- Enjoy fresh seafood at Aqua or a traditional fish and chips at Beshoff Bros.
- Explore the Howth Market for artisan food and crafts.
3. Newgrange & Brú na Bóinne
Distance: 50 minutes by car
Step back in time with a visit to Newgrange, one of Ireland’s most famous prehistoric sites. This 5,000-year-old passage tomb is older than the Pyramids of Egypt and a must-visit for history nerds/
Part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site, Newgrange is known for its winter solstice phenomenon, where the rising sun illuminates the inner chamber. A structure that provides us an insight into old Irelands ingenuity.
Top things to do:
- Explore the Newgrange and Knowth tombs, with expert-led tours.
- Visit the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to learn about Ireland’s ancient past.
- Discover the Battle of the Boyne site, just a short drive away.
This area is rich in history, making it one of the best day trips from Dublin for those interested in Ireland’s past.
4. Kilkenny
Distance: 1 hour by train or car
Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most charming medieval cities, packed with history, culture, and fantastic restaurants. The Medieval Mile, running through the city centre, is lined with historic sites, craft shops, and cosy pubs with delicious pints.
Top things to do:
- Tour the stunning Kilkenny Castle, overlooking the River Nore.
- Walk the Medieval Mile, stopping at St. Canice’s Cathedral and Rothe House.
- Experience Smithwick’s Brewery Tour, perfect for beer lovers.
- Visit the Butler Gallery, showcasing contemporary Irish art.
Kilkenny is also a great foodie destination, with restaurants like Campagne and Ristorante Rinuccini offering some of the best dining experiences in the country.
5. Powerscourt Estate & Waterfall
Distance: 50 minutes by car
Just south of Dublin, Powerscourt Estate is home to one of the world’s most beautiful gardens, ranked third globally by National Geographic. The Powerscourt Gardens cover 19 hectares, featuring Italian, Japanese, and walled gardens with stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain.
A short drive away, you’ll find Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s highest waterfall at 121 metres. It’s a peaceful spot for a nature walk or a picnic.
Top things to do:
- Explore the Powerscourt Gardens, designed in the 18th century.
- Hike to Powerscourt Waterfall and enjoy the surrounding parkland.
For golf lovers, Powerscourt Golf Club offers two championship courses with stunning scenery.
Choosing the Perfect Base in Dublin
After a day of adventure, return to Aspect Hotel Park West for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Located just outside Dublin city centre, our hotel offers modern, spacious rooms, a fantastic restaurant, and excellent transport links to make exploring even easier.
Our hotel is a great base for exploring Dublin and beyond, offering easy access to top attractions while providing a quiet and comfortable stay just outside the city centre.
- Spacious and modern rooms for a comfortable stay.
- Free parking and excellent transport links to Dublin city centre.
- Delicious dining options at The Restaurant, perfect after a long day out.
- A quiet and convenient location, just minutes from the M50 and main train routes.
Whatever you’re looking for – be it history, nature, or coastal views, these day trips offer something for everyone. If you need help planning your itinerary, our team is always happy to assist.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a resident writer for Aspect Hotel Park West Dublin, a modern hotel, delivering exceptional accommodation and dining experiences for leisure and corporate travelers across Dublin. Writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle is one thing she finds enjoyable, next to petting her cat.
