Nestling on a bay, ringed by mountains, Dublin has to be one of the world's most beautifully-located cities.

We thought it was high time you guys knew about these affordable and easy day trips from Dublin.

It's also a great chance to educate yourself on Dublin's extensive public transport system.

Hopefully you've already absorbed our list of quirky, non-touristy things to do in Dublin and also our favourite traditional pubs. If not, you know what to do!

Now, read on intrepid Dublin daytripper! You'll soon understand how easy it is to explore the incredibly scenic coast and quaint suburbs of Dublin, Ireland's capital city.

 

🚉 The Rail System In Dublin Explainedda

⬇️ South: The Bray and Greystones line

⬆️ North: The Malahide line

↗️ Northeast: The Howth line

A map of the different DART routes and each stop it makes

If you're touring with us, take note of the location of the Grand Canal Dock station.

This is the best stop for the Grand Canal Hotel, our tour pick-up and drop-off pointin central Dublin.

It's only a 2 minute suitcase-trundle away!

 

🚊 Dublin's Tram System Explained

The on-street tram system in Dublin is called the LUAS.

The Red LUAS line runs roughly east-west and the Green LUAS line runs north-south.

The Cross City line (blue in the image below) connects the other two lines and then extends northwards to Broombridge.

Luas Map

💡 ATTENTION FACT FANS! LUAS means 'speed' in Irish

🚏 Dublin's Bus Network Explained

For all the places that Dublin's rail and tram lines don't reach — like Dublin airport — there's an extensive public bus network available to you.

Dublin Bus is the main provider.

You'll notice the distinctive blue and yellow, double-decker buses everywhere around Dublin.

Dublin Bus on Dame Street in Ireland

Remember that, in Dublin, you have to hail an approaching bus to make it stop. Just stick out your arm and give a wave.

Another hot tip? It's a long-held tradition that people in Ireland always thank their bus driver when exiting.

Just spreading the love!


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What’s The Best Way To Get Around Dublin?

Before delving into a few of our favourite easy day trips from Dublin, let us tell you that one of the best, cheapest and easiest ways to experience Dublin is using the Visitor Leap Card.

The Leap Card is a pre-charged swipe card that gives you access to Dublin public tranport.

A leap card which is used to pay for public transport in Dublin and surrounding areas

For €10 a day, this touch-on, touch-off card will give you unlimited use of all the buses, trains and trams mentioned above.

Hop on a Dublin Bus, DART or LUAS in Dublin city centre.

Then hop off as many times as you like!

Easy Day Trips From Dublin By Public Transport

1. Malahide

This is the last station along the northern Malahide DART line. It's hard to miss!

An exterior view of Malahide Castle in the sunshine

When in Malahide, visit beautiful 12th century Malahide Castle. Owned by the same family for 800 years, the castle has a long and interesting history. There are a few good ghost stories too! Learn about the castle and see the wonderful gardens on a guided tour. The 2022 admission price is €14 (€9 for seniors).

Check out our blog on best guided Ireland tours for seniors.

Other things to do in Malahide

🍔 Indulge in delicious food at the Avoca Café at Malahide Castle. There's also a great gift shop here.

🛍️ Stroll Malahide village for chic boutiques and coffee shops.

🍺 Gibney’s in the town centre is a great traditional Irish pub.

⛵ Malahide is located on the coast. A seaside wander around the marina and estuary is well worth your time!

2. Howth

Howth is the last stop on the northern Howth DART line.

Howth harbour in the sunshine with a view of the pier and the lighthouse

Howth is a popular spot on a sunny day. Howth harbour is ideal for a short stroll. Watch fishing trawlers mingle with yachts and dinghies.

Hike Around Howth Head

Looking for stunning views of Dublin Bay? Howth is yer only man!

Colourful heather blooming on Howth Head with an amazing view of Howth in the distance as the sun is setting

Walk around Howth head, starting directly from Howth DART station. The views from Howth Head are some of the best in Dublin. Look north to Lambay Island and the Mourne Mountains on the horizon. As you round the headland, Dublin Bay opens up, with the city and the Wicklow Mountains coming into view to the south.

Other Things to Do in Howth

🦐 Head to Howth harbour for amazing seafood restaurants down on the marina. Go fancy with fresh lobster. Or try Irish fish and chips!

🍦 Tuck into delicious ice-cream while strolling on Howth pier. Just watch out for swooping seagulls!

Find more info on things to do in Howth

3. Killiney

Heading south from Dublin on the Bray/Greystones DART line, you'll find the charming little village of Killiney.

The DART passing through Killiney in the sunshine with a view of Dalkey Island in the distance

Killiney Bay has been compared to Italy’s Bay of Naples for its beautiful curving contours and mountainous backdrop.

Enjoy panoramic vistas of Dublin Bay to the north; the Wicklow mountains to the south.

On a clear day, you might even spy the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales, 50 miles away across the Irish Sea.

Other Things to Do in Killiney

🐚 The pebble beach in Killiney is ideal for a picnic, walk or even a refreshing swim.

👀 Hike up to the top of Killiney Hill Park for the best views. The park was gifted to the state in 1887 by Prince Albert Victor of Wales, for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.

😎 Go Bono-spotting. The U2 frontman lives locally. You never know who you might bump into!

4. Dalkey

Dalkey has culture, history and craic in abundance.

Head south on the Bray/Greystones DART line to reach Dalkey.

An exterior view of Dalkey Castle in the sunshine

Dalkey boasts not one but TWO medieval Norman castles.

A visit to Dalkey Castle is a must. It's located right on the main street.

Actors from a local theatre comapny passionately recreate the story of Dalkey from early Christian era right via up to the medieval heyday of the Normans and towards modern times.

✍️ While you're at Dalkey castle, meet the many writers who have passed through the area at the Writers' Gallery.

They include James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Maeve Binchy, and even Bono.

Other Things to Do in Dalkey

Three young people kayaking int the sea around Dalkey Island

🐐 Meet wild goats on Dalkey Island. You can kayak your way to this tiny piece of rock lying just offshore. Or hitch a lift with ferryman Ken.

🧗 Feeling energetic? Go rock climbing in Dalkey quarry.

🍻 Now that you've built up an appetite, head over to the Magpie Inn for friendly service, good food and a superb beer selection.

5. Bray

Bray is a scenic Victorian seaside resort town. It's the penultimate stop on the southern Bray/Greystones DART line.

A bandstand on Bray seafront with a view of Bray Head in the distance

Start your Bray day on the seaside promenade. This mile-long walkway offers magnificent views of Bray Head, towering above the town.

The promenade dates back to Victorian times when Bray attracted holidaymakers and daytrippers from Dublin city.

Other Things To Do in Bray

🏰 Take a short taxi ride up to Kilruddery House and Gardens. As well as regular events, there's a farmer's market here on Saturdays. Believe it or not, Kilruddery has been in the hands of the Brabazon family since 1618.

An exterior view of Killruddery House and Gardens in the sunshine, Bray, Co. Wickow

🚶🏽 Fancy something a bit more vigorous? The Bray to Greystones cliff walk is just the ticket. Hike this cliffside trail for 10 km (6.4 miles). Or just take in a portion. Keep your eyes open for seabirds and seals bobbing on the glistening waters below.

☂️ If the weather isn’t behaving, check out Platform Pizza or the Harbour Bar for lunch. Both full of 'delish grub'. Both towards the north end of Bray promenade.

6. Greystones

This charming harbour town is the last stop along the southern Bray/Greystones DART line.

Greystones is known for its quirky shops and great dining. Try any of the following for amazing eats:

  • The Happy Pear - Vegan-friendly meals, healthy treats and outstanding hot chocolate.
  • Chakra - Upmarket Indian restaurant and takeaway.
  • Fat Fox - Best coffee in Greystones, allegedly.

Other Things To Do In Greystones (apart from eating)

🍹 Funky cocktails and retro styling make Mrs Robinson's bar on the main street stand out from the crowd.

🚶🏽 You could start or end the Bray Head walk here (see full entry in Bray section, above).

😀 Meet our founders! Rob and Amy Rankin live in Greystones. Keep an eye out for Rob, painting his boat at the harbour or Amy swimming on South Beach

7. Dún Laoghaire

Dún Laoghaire (pronounced dun-leery) is a city in itself. It lies only 11km (7 miles) south of Dublin on the Bray/Greystones DART line.

A view of Dun Laoghaire Harbour with boats sailing in the sunshine and people walking on the pier

The story of Dún Laoghaire is all about the sea. Its harbour was built in 1817. The town then sprouted up around it. The original Victorian architecture features strongly here; from grand red brick buildings to 19th-century bandstands.

🚶‍ The classic Dún Laoghaire activity is a stroll along the pier. There are two piers; east and west. The wind whips in off the sea here, so wear layers!

Other Things To Do In Dún Laoghaire

🍦 Dubliners love to grab an ice cream from the famous Teddy’s stall on the west pier before stretching their legs.

📖 Bookworm? You may enjoy the James Joyce Tower and Museum. This is a genuine Napoleonic Martello Tower that featured in Joyce's masterpiece, Ulysses.

🏊‍ Feeling brave? People take a dip all year round at the 40 Foot swimming spot in Sandycove. Ah, go on, it's only a bit of snow!

Read more about Dublin and some of the best cities in Ireland

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