The 5 Best Day Trips From Dublin

Some days, time away from the crowded streets of the city is just the ticket. There’s more to Dublin than its pubs, and those with a thirst for adventure will find plenty to explore beyond the outskirts of the city. Just a train journey or car drive away are eccentric ancient cities, weather-beaten cliffs and miles of pristine rolling landscape that you’d be mad to miss.

Limerick

Limerick is one of Ireland’s oldest cities, punctured with rows of Georgian townhouses and home to the medieval-era St Mary’s Cathedral. The city is bursting with a cultural vitality that’s evident in its art museums, kooky organic markets and passionate rugby fans. While days can be lost kayaking on the Shannon River, its historic bones hold the heart of the city in their crumbling, ivy-twisted ruins.

1. Limerick City Walking Tour

Tours, Activities

Experience the charm of Limerick through the eyes of a local. Led by guides who were born and raised in the city, you will be introduced to architectural gems and plunged into the dark depths of its past to discover a city rich in history and character. Put yourself in the shoes of soldiers battling bloodthirsty wars as you explore the unforgiving stonework of King John’s castle, and sharpen your photography skills with a quintessential shot of Limerick from the Treaty Stone. A dip into the word of art is also on the menu, with a trip to the city gallery before a classic pub lunch in a traditional boozer.

Moher

2. Cliffs of Moher Day Tour

Tours

If your breath isn’t stolen by the whirling coastal winds, the sheer magnitude of the Cliffs of Moher will likely do the trick. This cruise glides over the swirling waters of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and sails under the craggy outcrops of the monstrous 700-foot-high (210-metre-high) sea cliffs. As you crane your neck to spot O’Brien’s tower sitting on the grass-topped summit, you may see the nests of Puffins tucked away in the sheltered nooks of the cliff face or catch the blur of a swooping Guillemot. A live on-board commentary ensures you are in-the-know, and if you are lucky, a dolphin or two may make an appearance along the way.

Wicklow

Wicklow is a county town founded by the Vikings and as a result is rife with the artifacts and architectural remains of its seafaring warrior roots. Sitting south of Dublin on the east coast, the town is hugged by undulating foothills that rise into rugged mountains and the crescent shaped bays of honey-coloured beaches. Amidst the surrounding countryside is also the cascading torrent of Ireland’s highest waterfall, set near the Powerscourt estate and its sprawling manicured gardens.

3. Half Day Fatbike Tour of Wicklow Ballinastoe

Tours, Activities

Geared towards adventurers with a decent level of fitness, this tour ventures over eight kilometres (five miles) of epic mountain trails, a heart-seizing way to view the county’s untamed wilderness. Sitting on mountain-friendly fatbikes – whose chunky tires are a godsend when traversing rocky terrain – you will follow a friendly guide past Guinness Lake. One of Ireland’s most photographed spots, its deep ebony waters are fringed by frothy white sands that have been purposefully imported by the Guinness Family to resemble their iconic beverage. Also on the agenda is the picturesque Sally Gap – its flourishes of purple plant life may be a familiar sight for fans of P.S. I Love You (2007).

Kilkenny

Kilkenny earned the centuries-old name of “The Marble City” for its distinctive black marble – once exported to the British Empire and used to construct the bones of many of the city’s buildings. Glimpse into the city’s medieval heritage at Kilkenny Castle, explore the remnants of defensive walls such as Talbot Tower, or delve into its religious roots with a trip to its 13th-century cathedral. Kilkenny also put its stamp on the map as the site of Ireland’s first witch trial.

4. Ultimate Hurling Experience

Activities

Ireland has a rich sporting heritage and this two-hour tour delves into one of the oldest and most intriguing sports of them all: hurling. Taking place at Nowlan Park – the home stadium of the Kilkenny Cats hurling team – you will be guided through the sport’s history, from conception to the modern game. There will be the chance to explore the stadium and visit the Legends Hurling Museum, where the sport’s story comes to life. Learn all about the players who made names for themselves and the history of the 3,000 year-old ancient Celtic Games – then hit the pitch and try your hand at this sport which is entirely unique to Ireland.

Tipperary

A vast landlocked county in the heart of Ireland, Tipperary is named after the titular town that was once the site of a World War I military barracks and hospital. Its name is recognisable as the subject of ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’, the song that became entrenched in history when it was sung by a marching Irish regiment during the war. Outside the medieval walls are miles of pristine emerald landscapes, set with looming mountains and cavernous valleys.

5. Creative Irish Cooking Class and Locally Sourced Meal with a Local

Activities

Whether you’re Irish or otherwise, there’s always something you probably didn’t know about Irish cuisine. Hosted by a local food fanatic in a Tipperary cafe, this private cooking class will equip you with tips and insights into three of the county’s best-known dishes. Ingredients wise, you’ll only work with dairy, meat, and vegetables that are locally grown and sourced. To round off the experience, you and the rest of your group will sit down together for a cultural dining experience and get to know your local host a bit better, before taking your newfound culinary skills back home to recreate your meal many times over.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.