Hidden Gems in Dublin
A few Dublin spots that don't make the typical top-ten list, from a converted distillery chimney to a Victorian garden most visitors walk straight past.
Best Day Trips from Dublin
From the cliff walk at Howth to the monastic site at Glendalough, here are day trips that work without a car — and where you'll need one.
By Ireland Spots Team
Photo: Superbass / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Dublin's location makes it a good base for day trips — the coast, the mountains and several smaller towns are all within reach without a car for most of them.
Howth
A working fishing village on a peninsula at the northern end of the DART line, about 25–30 minutes from the city centre. The Howth Cliff Path Loop — around 7.8km, roughly 2 hours at an easy pace — is the main draw, with views over Dublin Bay, Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island, alongside fresh seafood at the harbour. See our full Howth guide for a route breakdown.
Getting there: DART to Howth station, direct from Dublin city centre.
Malahide
A quieter coastal town also on the DART line. Malahide Demesne — the parkland and gardens around Malahide Castle — is free to enter; the castle interior itself is a paid, ticketed tour. Full current prices and hours at malahidecastleandgardens.ie.
Getting there: DART to Malahide station, then about a 10–15 minute walk to the castle.
Glendalough, County Wicklow
A monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, set beside two lakes in the Wicklow Mountains — part of Wicklow Mountains National Park, Ireland's largest national park. It's one of the most-visited sites in the country outside Dublin, and the setting holds up even on a grey day.
Getting there: St Kevin's Bus Service has run this route from Dublin since 1927, departing St Stephen's Green North; the journey takes around 80 minutes. There's no direct train. Check current times and fares at glendaloughbus.com before travelling.
Powerscourt Estate, County Wicklow
A large landscaped garden and estate near Enniskerry, roughly 45 minutes from Dublin by car, with a waterfall (Ireland's highest, a separate site a short drive from the main house) as a possible add-on. Best reached by car or an organised tour; public transport options are limited. See powerscourt.com for current opening details.
Planning tips
- Howth and Malahide both work as half-days if you're short on time, and can be combined with a morning or afternoon in the city.
- Glendalough deserves a full day once travel time is included.
- Check the weather before heading into the Wicklow Mountains — they catch cloud and rain the city often misses.
- Book Malahide Castle and any Powerscourt house tour in advance in peak season; the grounds at both don't require booking.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car for day trips from Dublin?
Not for Howth or Malahide, both on the DART line. Glendalough is reachable by St Kevin's Bus from Dublin city centre, or by car; there's no direct train.
Practical details last verified 22 September 2026. Source: https://www.glendaloughbus.com/
More in Dublin
Best Parks and Walks in Dublin
From Phoenix Park's deer herd to the Dublin Bay Biosphere at Bull Island, Dublin's best green spaces and waterside walks are all free to visit.
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Howth Guide
A fishing village 25 minutes from the city centre by DART, with a 7.8km cliff walk and views over Dublin Bay, Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island.