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On my first visit to Dublin, I spent a weekend in the city drinking around town. We thought about doing a day trip out to the countryside, but ended up prioritizing our stay in Dublin.
Don’t make the same mistake I did!
Dublin may be the most popular city in Ireland, but you need to leave the city to really experience the country.
Luckily, Dublin is a great launching point for tours!
These four tours are the best day trips starting in Dublin.
Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway
One simply can’t go to Ireland without seeing its most popular attraction, the Cliffs of Moher. This iconic landmark offers views of dramatic cliffside views and ever-changing light. It may be cloudy on your visit- but just wait a few minutes and the cliffs will appear like ghosts in the mist.
Keep in mind that about half of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is closed for safety concerns, though the Visitor Center and designated viewing platforms remain open for visitors to enjoy.
This tour also includes a visit to Galway- easily one of my favorite cities in Ireland. If you can’t stay overnight in Galway, you should at least visit it for a little while. A complimentary walking tour of Galway is available if desired.
This tour company offers return seats to Dublin on their tour the following day, depending on availability, so you even have the option to stay overnight if you find yourself falling in love with Galways.
These two stops take up the bulk of the 13 hour day trip, but driving along the Wild Atlantic Way is an attraction in and of itself as you pass by Bunratty Castle, Dungaire Castle, and Burren National Park.
Cost: $87.03
Time: 13 hours (approximately)
Size: 63 person max
Blarney Stone, Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castles Tour from Dublin
Whomst among us hasn’t heard of kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle? This tour gives you the opportunity to spend two hours at Blarney Castle, as well as an hour each at the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle- it’s basically three castles for the price of one tour!
It’s the perfect tour for fans of medieval castles!
Although Blarney Castle is known for it’s Blarney Stone, granting the “gift of gab” on those brace enough to plant a kiss on it, I was surprised to find how much I adored the castle grounds- make sure you budget some time to explore the gardens here!
All admission tickets are included in this tour so all you have to worry about is making sure you see as much medieval architecture as possible.
Cost: $90.75
Time: 12 hours (approximately)
Size: 99 person max
Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains Half Day Tour from Dublin
If you’re looking for a less intense trip out of Dublin, my favorite option is this half-day tour to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains! Only five hours, you’ll spend a minimal amount of time on a bus, and about two hours at the famous Glendalough Monastic Settlement, which you may recognize from movies like “Braveheart” and “PS I Love You”.
There’s time enough to walk along the valley and explore the two lakes that this area is famous for.
You’ll also spend about 20 minutes exploring Wicklow Mountains National Park, admiring the garden-like views that Ireland is famous for.
Cost: $38.54
Time: 5 hours (approximately)
Size: 64 person max
Dublin to Belfast Titanic Dunluce Castle Giants Causeway Tour
If you’re looking to scratch another country off your list while you’re in Ireland, head to Northern Ireland!
This tour simplifies the border-crossing trip and offers a tour of the Titanic Belfast Experience in Northern Ireland’s capital city- a huge draw for most! You’ll spend two hours here, exploring the interactive history of the doomed ship.
You’ll also stop by the iconic Giant’s Causeway with its huge interlocking basaltic rock columns. This rock formation is incredible to see in person and is a World Heritage Site! There is some hiking available, or you can choose to take a leisurely lunch.
If that’s not enough for you, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit Dunluce Castle, with the admission ticket already included.
Cost: $98.64
Time: 12 hours (approximately)
Size: 63 person max
Select Your Tour:
Now, some of you may be looking at this 12 and 14 hour travel days and thinking to yourself that there’s no way you’d spend that much time on a bus- and I totally see where you’re coming from!
Dublin is located way on the East coast of Ireland, and much of its most popular attractions are located in the South and the West of the country- that’s part of the reason I recommend staying in at least two cities when visiting Ireland.
To experience Ireland properly, you really do need to leave the city and get out into the countryside and these tours are perfect for those who want to explore Ireland without having to repack their bags and move every few days! It is simply a matter of preference!
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