The Irish Road Trip

13 Best Day Trips from Dublin (Tried + Tested for 2024)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

13 Best Day Trips from Dublin (Tried + Tested for 2024)

In this guide, you’ll find 1, the best day trips from Dublin for those of you with a car and 2, some great day tours from Dublin for those of you without a car .

While there are plenty of things to do in Dublin , it’s well worth exploring the wealth of attractions that lay a short distance away.

And, although the likes of Wicklow tends to be the ‘go-to’ of the Dublin day trips, there’s plenty more on offer!

Below, you’ll find organised Dublin day tours for those of you looking for someone else to do the driving and some mighty day trips from Dublin for those of you with a car.

Table of Contents

The best day trips from Dublin by car

best day trips from Dublin by car

Click to enlarge

If you’re driving, there’s countless places to visit near Dublin by car, once you know where to look.

Below, you’ll find the ‘old favourites’ like Glendalough and Newgrange, but you’ll also find some often missed Dublin day trips, like the Cooley Peninsula and more.

1. Wicklow (55-minute drive)

Glendalough walks

Photos via Shutterstock

Also known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’, Wicklow is one of the best day trips from Dublin for good reason! Well-known for its outstanding natural beauty, the county is blessed with glittering lakes and monastic villages and ruins.

I’ve been taking half day trips from Dublin to Wicklow for years and the itinerary that I tend to use is this one:

  • Head to Glendalough, first, as the car park can be a pain
  • Pick one of the Glendalough walks , e.g. the Spinc Loop
  • Get a post-hike lunch at the brilliant Wicklow Heather
  • Head up and do the Sally Gap Drive
  • Stop at Lough Tay , Ballinastoe Woods and Glenmacnass Waterfall

If you’re looking for slightly different Dublin day trips, tackle one of the longer Wicklow walks over the course of a morning and afternoon!

2. The Cooley Peninsula (1.5-hour drive)

Carlingford Town

Photos by Tom Archer via Tourism Ireland

The Cooley Peninsula is one of the more overlooked Dublin day trips. There’s plenty of things to see and do here and there’s a clatter of great places to eat.

Depending on whether or not you want to include a hike in your trip, here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Pick a walk (options – Ravensdale Forest Walk , Annaloughan Loop Walk or the Slieve Foye Loop )
  • Spin into the town for breakfast/lunch (Liberty Cafe and Ruby Ellen’s are solid options)
  • Take a tour of the castle or rent a bike and spin along the Carlingford Greenway)

There are heaps of other things to do in Carlingford if the options above don’t tickle your fancy!

3. Meath (35-minute drive)

Trim Castle

County Meath is another of the best day trips from Dublin by car. It’ll take you around 35 minutes by car to reach and there’s an endless number of things to do in Meath to keep you busy.

If you’re looking for a day-out in the Boyne Valley, here’s a mini itinerary to tackle:

  • Book tickets for Newgrange in advance and do the tour
  • Grab lunch in nearby Inside Out in Slane
  • Take a ramble around the trails in Slane Castle
  • Visit the ancient Old Mellifont Abbey

Or, of you fancy seeing more of Meath, check out the Hill of Tara , one of the most important archaeological sites in the country or Trim Castle , the best-preserved of the many Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland . 

4. The Mournes (2-hour drive)

Tollymore Forest Park

One of the more impressive places to visit near Dublin by car are the Mourne Mountains in County Down.

Now, you’ll need to do a bit of planning if you opt for this Dublin day trip, as there’ll be a fair bit of walking involved.

If you’re visiting the area for the first time, I’d  strongly  recommend heading into Tollymore Forest Park (above) and then heading for lunch in Newcastle followed by a stroll on the beach.

Or, if you fancy a hike, there’s  heaps  of Mourne Mountain walks to tackle, like the tough Slieve Donard hike .

5. The Ring of Gullion + Newry (1.5-hours)

Cloughmore Stone

© Tourism Ireland photographed by Brian Morrison

One of the best day trips from Dublin that’s very regularly overlooked is the trip that takes in both the Ring of Gullion and a glorious corner of Rostrevor.

Start your road trip with the Slieve Gullion Drive or walk, depending on how you’re feeling (the walk is steep). Head into nearby Gather and Brew after for a bite-to-eat!

When you’re ready, take the spin out to Kilbroney Park – it’s here that you’ll find the Cloughmore Stone and the aptly named Kodak Corner.

If you’re looking for day tours from Dublin with plenty of walks, this one is hard to beat!

6. Kilkenny ( 1.5-hour drive)

Kilkenny Castle

Another of the best day trips from Dublin is Kilkenny. Now, while there are  plenty  of things to do in Kilkenny , many people make the mistake of think that there’s only the castle.

Head for the supposedly haunted Dunmore Cave , first, and take the tour. Then spin into the city and you have everywhere from the Smithwick’s Brewery and the castle to the Medieval Mile to choose from.

Food wise, there’s plenty of options in the city. If you need a reccy, both foodworks and Aroi Asian Fusion are worth a bash. Round off your day with a visit to Jerpoint Abbey . 

7. Options that require 2.5-hours+ driving

Legnabrocky Trail

Although we’ve tackled several places to visit near Dublin by car above, there’s endless day tours from Dublin if you’re open to driving a bit further.

One of the more popular road trips from Dublin is to Cuilcagh (above) in Fermanagh. It’s around a 2.5-hour spin.

If you’re not afraid of a bit of driving, you could visit Waterford ( Coumshingaun Lough’s a tough but rewarding hike), Wexford and plenty more.

The best day tours from Dublin (organised / guided tours)

best day tours from Dublin

The second section of our guide is for those of you without a car and it contains a handful of carefully selected half day tours from Dublin with great reviews online.

If you don’t fancy taking an organised tour, we have a guide to some great day trips from Dublin by train , too.

Note: if you book a tour through one of the links below we  may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Cliffs of Moher, Kilmacduagh Abbey + Galway

cliffs of moher at sunset

I’m going to kick things off with arguably one of the best day tours from Dublin when it comes to reviews (it has 4.8/5 from 8,900+ reviews at the time of typing).

If you’re looking to escape the capital and explore a chunk of the west coast, this day tour from Dublin takes in the Cliffs of Moher , Dunguaire Castle , the Burren and plenty more.

Key info on the tour:

  • Starts at: 6:45 AM
  • Length:  13 hours
  • Reviews: 4.8/5 from 8,900+ reviews
  • Cost:  From €83 p/p

2. Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce + Belfast

giants causeway tours

Next up is another of the best day tours from Dublin when it comes to reviews (it has 4.8/5 from 4,000+ reviews at the time of typing).

This is a half day trip from Dublin that takes in some of the top attractions on the Causeway Coastal Route , like Dunluce Castle , The Dark Hedges and the Giant’s Causeway along with a 1.5-hour stop in Belfast City.

  • Length:  12 hours
  • Reviews: 4.8/5 from 4,000+ reviews
  • Cost:  From €88 p/p

3. Kilkenny, Wicklow + Glendalough with Sheepdog Show

upper lake Glendalough

If you’re looking for short day trips from Dublin, this organised tour requires much less travelling than the previous two, and it currently has 4.8/5 from 1,400+ reviews.

This is one of the more popular half day trips from Dublin and it takes in Glendalough , the ancient city of Kilkenny and a very impressive sheepdog demonstration.

  • Starts at: 08:00 AM
  • Length:  9 hours
  • Reviews: 4.8/5 from 1,400+ reviews
  • Cost:  From €40.80 p/p

Read more + buy tickets

4. Rock of Cashel, Cahir + Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle

The next of our half day tours from Dublin is going to appeal to those of you looking to visit some of the most impressive castles in Ireland .

This is a 12-hour tour that includes the entrance fees to each of the attractions.

And, while there’s a good bit of driving involved, it’s broken up with the stops at Blarney Castle (the home of the Blarney Stone ), the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle.

  • Starts at: 06:50 AM
  • Reviews: 4.6/5 from 350+ reviews
  • Cost:  From €85 p/p

5. Newgrange and the Boyne Valley

Newgrange

Another of the best one day trips drom Dublin takes you into the heart of the brilliant Boyne Valley to explore counties Louth and Meath.

You’ll take the tour of Newgrange, explore the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and see the ancient Monasterboice which is home to some magnificent Celtic Crosses .

  • Starts at: Check when booking
  • Length:  8 hours
  • Reviews: 4.6/5 from 230+ reviews
  • Cost:  From €75 p/p

6. Connemara Dublin Day tour

Kylemore Abbey

The last in our guide to the best day tours from Dublin is the Connemara tour – and it’s a busy one!

This Dublin day tour takes you across Ireland, past the Maumturk Mountains and on to Killary Harbour for a 1.5 hour boat cruise of the fjord.

It then continues on to Kylemore Abbey one of the more imppressive buildings in Ireland, before heading to Galway City where you can ramble around for just over an hour.

  • Reviews: 4.2/5 from 467+ reviews

Dublin day trips: Which ones have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out a brilliant day trip from Dublin (or 7!) from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about the best short day trips from Dublin

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘day trips in Ireland by car from Dublin? to ‘What are the most unique places to visit outside Dublin?’

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best day trips from Dublin?

In my opinion, the best day tours Dublin has to offer are Wicklow, Meath and Louth as they’re 1, close and 2, home to endless things to do.

What is the best organised one day trip from Dublin?

It depends. There are endless Dublin day trips to tackle. The tours above, particularly the Wicklow one and the Galway one, are worth checking out.

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Irish day tours

Welcome to Irish Day Tours

last stop tour

WELCOME TO IRISH DAY TOURS

DAY TOURS AROUND IRELAND – DAY TRIPS FROM DUBLIN

Irish day tours is Ireland's leading day tour company. Our one-day trips depart daily from Dublin 364 days a year to some of the most iconic locations in Ireland & Northern Ireland . We currently operate seven one-day trips, by coach from Dublin, which includes;

Cliffs Of Moher 

Giant’s Causeway

Blarney Castle 

Cliffs of Moher Premium tour

Celtic Boyne Valley 

Premium Wicklow & Glendalough tour

Wild Connemara

All of our trips are fully led by our legendary guides who will bring the tour to life with wonderful stories from Irish history and folklore. 

We pride ourselves on our customer service and have a 98% satisfaction rating on Tripadvisor with an overall rating of 5 stars.  

You can buy tickets for your one-day trip by making the booking online or calling one of our Tourist Offices in Dublin, located at 37 College Green and 69 O'Connell Street.

Check out one of our day tours?  

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THE 10 BEST Dublin Tours & Excursions

Dublin tours.

  • Cultural Tours
  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Beer Tastings & Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

sightseeing day tours from dublin

1. Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

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2. Dublin Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse Guided Tour

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3. Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Wild Atlantic and Galway Tour

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4. Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant's Causeway from Dublin

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5. Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

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6. Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour

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7. Blarney Castle Day Tour from Dublin Including Rock of Cashel & Cork City

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8. Storytelling Performance of Irish Myths and Legends

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9. Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Guide and Little Museum Entry

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10. Dublin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

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11. Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin

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12. Guinness Storehouse Experience

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13. Dublin Private Walking Tour

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14. Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges and Belfast

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15. Titanic Belfast Experience,Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle Day Trip from Dublin

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16. Dublin in a Day: Book of Kells, Guinness, Distillery & Castle

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17. Sustainable Dublin to Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway by Rail

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18. Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour

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19. Dublin to Wicklow and Glendalough Guided Tours with Horse Riding

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20. Techno Rave Parties - Club Night Parties

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21. Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour

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22. Dublin Jameson Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tastings & Cocktail

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23. Dublin to Newgrange, Bru Na Boinne, Monasterboice Monastic Site

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24. Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner

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25. Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle, Cobh Cathedral by Train and Coach

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26. Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey, with Guide

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27. Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Burren & Galway Day Tour From Dublin

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28. Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee

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29. Big Bus Dublin Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Tour with Live Guide

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30. Guinness Storehouse Ticket and Big Bus Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour

What travelers are saying.

  • Grace O 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Convenient, beautiful, enjoyable Very convenient and enjoyed tour guide Rory and bus driver Marcin (?). Beautiful views even though it rained quite heavily when I went. Loved Galway. Probably would've benefited from an extra half hour at each location. Read more Review of: Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin Written April 30, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

millie m

  • Mike B 2 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Like having a family member leading your tour. Pasquale was terrific. He knows Dublin with incredible detail. He was very candid and gave us his personal insights on many topics. Tour had a great balance, of culture, history, shopping sites, music. He also gave us terrific suggestions in terms of stores and dining. Read more Review of: Dublin Private Walking Tour Written April 28, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4 of the best day trips from Dublin

Apr 15, 2024 • 7 min read

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Take time to explore beyond Dublin's city center with these top day trips © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

The richly layered city of Dublin  – full of culture, community spirit and character – has plenty of things to keep you busy and entertained, with even more beyond the capital that's worth seeing on a day out.

Within a 40km (25-mile) radius of Dublin's center you can travel back in time to the neolithic era, visit grand Georgian estates and explore one of the most beautiful valleys in the country, at the foot of which are nestled the ruins of a 6th century monastic settlement. A little closer to the city are some seaside suburbs, including one that is a popular weekend destination for Dubliners looking for a scenic walk and some of the best seafood around.

Here's our guide to the best day trips from Dublin.

A sea view from Howth near Dublin, Ireland

1. Get the DART to the seaside village of Howth

Travel time: around 45 minutes

Tidily positioned at the foot of a bulbous peninsula, the pretty port village of Howth (the name rhymes with "both") is a major fishing center, a yachting harbor and one of the most sought-after addresses in town.

It's an easy hop out of the city – the DART drops you right by the harbor, where you can take a stroll among the fishing boats or pop into  Howth Market for a coffee and a snack. But the real appeal comes a little further afield. Walk about 10 minutes along the coast and you'll be at the start of the Howth Cliff Path Walk, a 6km (3.7-mile) loop that takes you over the headland for gorgeous views of the grassy slopes that run down to the sea. If you want to do a proper hike, there are longer routes that lead to the Baily Lighthouse and back over rough, mountainous terrain.

And when you’re done, there are great restaurants where you can try some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere in the city, including  Octopussy’s for seafood tapas,  Aqua for more elegant fare and, if you like your seafood served deconstructed, the superb Mamó , a modern bistro with an excellent value set lunch.

How to get to Howth from Dublin:  Howth is at the northern end of the DART line.

Fancy seeing more of Ireland on foot? Here's our guide to the country's best hiking routes

The vast bulge of burial mound set in grassy countryside

2. Visit the neolithic passage tombs of Brú na Bóinne

Travel time: 1½ to 2 hours

The vast neolithic necropolis known as Brú na Bóinne (the Boyne Palace) is one of the most extraordinary sites in Europe. A thousand years older than England's Stonehenge, the tombs, burial mounds and passages here are a powerful testament to the mind-boggling achievements of prehistoric humankind.

All visits begin at the superb visitor center, where you can learn the history of the site as well as get a fascinating insight into the times, complete with a little digital razzmatazz. There’s also a reconstruction of Newgrange’s interior passage.

From here, shuttle buses take you to the passage tombs: the most popular tour takes in Knowth and Newgrange. You can’t go into  Knowth , but the tour covers the collection of megalithic art carved into the exterior slabs of stone: keep an eye out for the depictions of the lunar cycle.

The star of the show is  Newgrange , one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe. The white quartz walls of the mound are impressive, but that pales in comparison to when you set foot into the passage and make your way to the center. Once there, the guide turns off the lights and a thin shaft of amber light starts to make its way down the tunnel – a simulation of the actual winter solstice ceremony, when on December 21 the whole passageway is illuminated by sunlight piercing its way through the roofbox above the main entrance. Even the simulation is a mystical experience.

How to get to Brú na Bóinne from Dublin:  If you’re driving, Brú na Bóinne is 50km (31 miles) north of Dublin; take exit 9 off the M1 and follow the signs. The easiest way to get there by public transport is to get the train or bus to Drogheda and then hop on the  Local Link 163 (40 minutes; three times daily) which goes from the train station and the Spar opposite the bus station. Alternatively, you can get there by organized tour from Dublin; one of the better options is  Mary Gibbons Tours (€75), which operates full-day tours with plenty of historical knowledge.

A person in a blue coat stands looking at Glendalough, a valley carved by a glacier.

3. Walk around the monastic ruins of the beautiful Glendalough

Travel time: around 1 hour

It’s only about an hour south of the city, but  Glendalough feels like a place lost in time. This gorgeous valley (the name Glendalough comes from the Irish, Gleann dá Loch, meaning "Valley of the Two Lakes") is one of the most beautiful corners of the whole country and the epitome of the kind of rugged, romantic Ireland that probably drew you to the island in the first place.

At the heart of it are the ruins of a monastic settlement established by St Kevin around 498 CE. These include a 1000-year-old round tower, a ruined cathedral and the tiny church known as St Kevin's Kitchen.

The substantial remains of this important monastic settlement are certainly impressive, but an added draw is the splendid setting: two dark and mysterious lakes tucked into a long, glacial valley fringed in forest that have some great walking trails and a couple of hikes up the surrounding mountains. It is, despite its immense popularity, a deeply tranquil and spiritual place, and you will have little difficulty in understanding why those solitude-seeking monks came here in the first place.

If you've got your own car, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland is along the Military Rd between Laragh (1.5km/0.9 miles from the car park at Glendalough) and Glencree, on the road to Enniskerry. The road, so-named because it was built in the early 19th century by the British Army, traverses the beautiful Glenmacnass Valley (and a fabulous waterfall) and the Sally Gap, where a slight detour will bring you to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking Lough Tay. Another detour by the Glenmacnass Waterfall car park takes you to a scenic spot over heart-shaped Lough Ouler.

How to get to Glendalough from Dublin:  Glendalough is tucked into the Wicklow Mountains 68km (42 miles) south of the city center. To get there by car, follow the N11 south and take the R755 at Kilmacanogue; the narrow road winds its way through the mountain. A popular alternative is to take the bus:  St Kevins Bus departs from the bus stop on St Stephen's Green North in Dublin at 11:30am, with the latest return bus leaving Glendalough at 4:30pm.

Exploring Ireland by road? Here are the country's best driving routes

A stately home set in landscaped gardens with water features

4. Pore over the grandeur of the Powerscourt Estate

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Wandering through the exquisite formal gardens of the 64-sq-km (25-sq-mile)  Powerscourt Estate should give you an idea of how extravagantly the 18th-century artistocracy lived – and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside they enjoyed. At the heart of Wicklow’s most visited attraction is a beautiful Palladian mansion, which was designed by Georgian architect Richard Castle between 1730 and 1741.

Most of the 68-bedroom house is not open to the public, but there's a fine cafe and several gift and homewares shops, while the grounds are home to two golf courses, a garden center and the best  hotel in Wicklow. If you’re driving (or part of a tour), about 6km (3.7-miles) south of the house brings you to  Powerscourt Waterfall , the tallest in Ireland and a popular picturesque spot that is best enjoyed after heavy rainfall.

When you’re done in the estate, a short walk down the hill brings you to the village of Enniskerry, which was established for the estate workers but is now a nice spot for a bit of lunch.

How to get to Powerscourt Estate from Dublin:  Powerscourt is off the M11/N11, 27km (17 miles) south of the city center. Get off the N11 at Exit 7 and loop around, rejoining the N11 going northward and take the first exit toward Enniskerry Village.

Dublin Bus No 44 and  Local Link 144 go from the city center to Enniskerry village taking between 45 minutes and 1 hour). From here, the walk to the house should take about 20 minutes (the main entrance to the estate is 0.5km/0.3 miles up the hill from the village). You can also get the 185 bus in Bray, which is on the DART train line.

This article was first published Mar 2, 2016 and updated Apr 15, 2024.

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Top Tours in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin tours.

  • Cultural Tours
  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Beer Tastings & Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

sightseeing day tours from dublin

1. Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

sightseeing day tours from dublin

2. Dublin Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse Guided Tour

sightseeing day tours from dublin

3. Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Wild Atlantic and Galway Tour

sightseeing day tours from dublin

4. Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant's Causeway from Dublin

sightseeing day tours from dublin

5. Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

sightseeing day tours from dublin

6. Dublin Book of Kells, Castle and Molly Malone Statue Guided Tour

sightseeing day tours from dublin

7. Blarney Castle Day Tour from Dublin Including Rock of Cashel & Cork City

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8. Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Guide and Little Museum Entry

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9. Pub Crawl Walking Tour Through the Heart of Irelands Capital

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10. Dublin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

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11. Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Sheep Dog Trials, Day Trip from Dublin

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12. Guinness Storehouse Experience

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13. Dublin Private Walking Tour

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14. Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges and Belfast

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15. Titanic Belfast Experience,Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle Day Trip from Dublin

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16. Dublin in a Day: Book of Kells, Guinness, Distillery & Castle

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17. Sustainable Dublin to Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway by Rail

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18. Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour

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19. Dublin to Wicklow and Glendalough Guided Tours with Horse Riding

sightseeing day tours from dublin

20. Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour

sightseeing day tours from dublin

21. Dublin Jameson Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tastings & Cocktail

sightseeing day tours from dublin

22. Dublin to Newgrange, Bru Na Boinne, Monasterboice Monastic Site

sightseeing day tours from dublin

23. Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner

sightseeing day tours from dublin

24. Original Dublin Pub Tour

sightseeing day tours from dublin

25. Dublin to Cork, Blarney Castle, Cobh Cathedral by Train and Coach

sightseeing day tours from dublin

26. Dublin Sightseeing Cruise on River Liffey, with Guide

sightseeing day tours from dublin

27. Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Burren & Galway Day Tour From Dublin

sightseeing day tours from dublin

28. Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee

sightseeing day tours from dublin

29. Big Bus Dublin Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Tour with Live Guide

sightseeing day tours from dublin

30. Guinness Storehouse Ticket and Big Bus Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour

What travellers are saying.

  • Grace O 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Convenient, beautiful, enjoyable Very convenient and enjoyed tour guide Rory and bus driver Marcin (?). Beautiful views even though it rained quite heavily when I went. Loved Galway. Probably would've benefited from an extra half hour at each location. Read more Review of: Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin Written 30 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

millie m

  • Mike B 2 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Like having a family member leading your tour. Pasquale was terrific. He knows Dublin with incredible detail. He was very candid and gave us his personal insights on many topics. Tour had a great balance, of culture, history, shopping sites, music. He also gave us terrific suggestions in terms of stores and dining. Read more Review of: Dublin Private Walking Tour Written 28 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Anamaria

  • Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin
  • Guinness Storehouse Experience
  • Original Dublin Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
  • DoDublin Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour with Live Guide
  • Dublin:Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Wild Atlantic and Galway tour
  • Original Dublin Walking Tours & Experiences
  • Love Irish Tours
  • Vagabond Tours
  • Dublin Tour Guide - Private Tours
  • Travelling Ireland
  • Irlanda Oculta- by Paseando por Irlanda
  • Dublin Free Walking Tour
  • Little Gem Private Tours of Ireland
  • SANDEMANs NEW Europe - Dublin
  • Tours De Dublin En Français
  • Shamrocker Irish Adventures - Day Tour
  • Wild N Happy
  • Adventure Time
  • Game of Thrones Tours
  • Sean Patrick Tours - Private Tours
  • Irlanda in Italiano

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14 best dublin tours: pub crawls, game of thrones & more.

Explore everything from busy pubs to medieval castles on one of these guided adventures.

The Best Dublin Tours

Dublin, Ireland- People dining outside of a colorful bar with traditional Irish music in the city of Dublin, the capitol of the Republic of Ireland located on Ireland's eastern coast.

Getty Images

One of the best ways to explore Dublin is on a tour. Whether you're interested in a pub crawl, a ghost tour, a history adventure or a sightseeing excursion, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Whether you want to absorb the sights and sounds of Dublin , taste traditional Irish food and drinks or explore the scenic countryside, the following guided tours have got you covered. The trips, identified by U.S. News as the best using both traveler and expert input, focus on Dublin's history and heritage with unique twists. Some focus on its biggest attractions , others engage participants with fearsome tales and there are even a few that explore film locations from popular movies and shows. But all have one thing in common: knowledgeable guides to share the insights of a local.

Viking Splash Tours

Price: Adults from 33 euros; kids from 27 euros Duration: 75 minutes

Explore Dublin's streets and the Grand Canal Basin via amphibious vehicles with Viking Splash Tours. Along the 75-minute ride, passengers see popular sights, such as Georgian Dublin, various cathedrals and U2's recording studio. Outings begin and end at St. Stephen's Green . Viking hat-wearing guides win praise for their funny and informative storytelling. Tickets cost around 33 euros (about $35) for adults, with discounts for seniors, students and children ages 3 to 14. Children younger than 3 are not permitted on this tour. Tours take place multiple times a day, every day.

View & Book Tickets: Viking Splash Tours

Dublin Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl

Price: From 19 euros Duration: 2.5 hours

Described as a "moving concert," this 2.5-hour tour is led by two professional musicians who regale patrons with both tunes and information about traditional Irish music while traveling to pubs around the city's Temple Bar area. Revelers rave about the relaxed pace, the music and the storytelling. Tours last from 7:30 to 10 p.m. and are available four nights a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) from May to September. The tour operates on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in April and October, and every Saturday (plus select dates around St. Patrick's Day) in March. The pub crawl costs 19 euros (approximately $20) to attend; alcoholic beverages cost extra. Travelers can also opt for a 5:30 p.m. pub crawl dinner show with Irish dancing for 55 euros (about $59) per person.

View & Book Tickets: Musical Pub Crawl

Secret Food Tours Dublin

Price: Adults from 79 euros; kids from 65 euros Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Sample a variety of favorite Irish dishes on this leisurely 3- to 3.5-hour stroll through Georgian Dublin – a small area in the southern region of the city. The tour includes four to six stops for samples of Irish potato cakes, Irish stew, ice cream, smoked salmon and a surprise dish. Guides provide commentary on the area's history and, of course, its cuisine. Foodies find this a satisfying way to learn about the city's dining and drinking culture, and the guides are regarded as dedicated and accommodating. Tickets start at around 79 euros (about $84) for adults; an upgraded drinks package that includes an Irish tea and a glass of beer or wine (plus a total of eight stops) is available for an additional 18 euros (about $19). Children (ages 3 to 12) and teenagers (ages 13 to 17) can participate at discounted rates of 65 euros ($69) and 69 euros ($73), respectively. Start times range from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. daily. Be aware that this tour cannot accommodate dietary restrictions or substitutions.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Best Dublin Tours

Courtesy of Vintage Tea Trips

Vintage Tea Trips – Dublin Afternoon Tea Trip

Price: Adults from 49.50 euros; kids from 27 euros Duration: 70 to 80 minutes

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea service while seeing Dublin's top sights on this 70- to 80-minute bus tour. The double-decker buses depart the Temple Bar area and drive past tourist hot spots like Phoenix Park and Christ Church Cathedral. Along the way, you'll sip tea and eat treats, such as scones and tea sandwiches. Travelers like the tea and food; they also say the experience is a novel way to see the city and enjoy the guides' commentary. Tours depart Thursday through Monday at 1:15 and 3:30 p.m.; there's an additional 11 a.m. start time on each of these days except for Monday. Adult fares start at 49.50 euros (around $52); tickets for children start at 27 euros (about $29).

Wild Rover Tours – Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge Ocean Walk & Galway City Day Tour from Dublin

Price: Adults from 75 euros; kids from 70 euros Duration: 13 hours

Wild Rover Tours' buses take riders across Ireland to see some of the country's best natural sights. The first stop is the Cliffs of Moher for views of the Atlantic Ocean and thousands of seabirds. You'll then see Burren National Park and enjoy views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. The final stop is a visit to the city of Galway for a guided walking tour. Tour-takers rave about the stunning views as well as the professional, knowledgeable drivers and guides. The daily tour starts around 7 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Tickets cost 75 euros (about $80) for adults and 70 euros (roughly $74) for kids. The tour cannot accommodate anyone younger than 2. The price covers admission to all sites visited, but it does not include lunch. Wild Rover also runs day tours featuring the Giant's Causeway and Belfast, among other options.

Finn McCools Tours – Giant's Causeway and Titanic Tour from Dublin

Price: From 83 euros Duration: 13 to 14 hours

Travelers looking to hit several sites throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland in one day will want to consider this daytrip from Dublin. Buses depart from Dublin City Gallery on Parnell Square North at 6:45 a.m. and head to the ruins of Dunluce Castle for a photo op, followed by longer stops at Giant's Causeway – a group of thousands of basalt columns formed by a volcanic eruption, which stretches from Northern Ireland to Scotland. Next, you'll head to the Dark Hedges (an avenue of intermingling beech trees seen in the "Game of Thrones" TV series). After that, you'll spend about 1.5 hours exploring the Titanic Museum (admission is included), followed by a half-hour wandering through Belfast on your own. The bus returns to Dublin between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Travelers recommend the tour and say it's "worth every penny." Tickets cost around 83 euros (about $88) per person, regardless of age. The company offers several other tours throughout Ireland that depart from Dublin, as well as tours with departures from Belfast and Galway.

Dublin Free Walking Tour – Free Tour South Side

Price: Free Duration: 3 hours

Travelers regard guides of this walking tour as extremely knowledgeable about the city and its history. During this three-hour stroll of Dublin's south side, you'll see top city sights like Trinity College , Temple Bar and Dublin Castle, among others. The tours are offered every day at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. While the morning walks tend to focus on popular attractions, afternoon outings may stop at more off-the-beaten-path spots. There is no charge for these walks, though guides appreciate tips at the conclusion of the trip. Dublin Free Walking Tours also runs a walking tour of the north side of Dublin.

View & Book Tickets: Dublin Free Walking Tour

Best Dublin Tours

Courtesy of Gary McParland | Game of Thrones Tours

Game of Thrones Tours – Winterfell Trek from Dublin

Price: From 70 euros Duration: 11 hours

"Game of Thrones" fans regularly praise this tour, calling the featured stops and the stories shared by guides incredible. During this daylong outing, you'll visit the Tollymore Forest Park (the backdrop for many of the first scenes of the series), see Inch Abbey and have lunch at a local pub. The highlight of the tour is a hike through Old Castle Ward, which served as the filming location of Winterfell. Though you'll be transported to the different locations via coach, there is a lot of walking involved on the tour; patrons suggest wearing sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Tickets, which start at 70 euros (around $74), include entrance to the castle as well as use of cloaks and other cosplay props. It does not include lunch. Note: Children younger than 12 may not take the tour and children ages 12 to 17 must have a signed parental consent form. Schedules vary by season, but tours typically take place Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday during the summer months, and Wednesday and Saturday in the winter, spring, fall. Groups typically depart at 7:45 a.m.; buses arrive back to Dublin around 7 p.m. The company also offers this tour with a departure from Belfast.

Rural Tours – Dublin Mountain Pub Tour

Price: From 45 euros Duration: 5 hours

After you've had your fill of the pubs in central Dublin, check out what the rural pubs have to offer on this five-hour evening tour. You'll visit three rural pubs, including one of Ireland's oldest and most highly elevated. Tour-takers find the guides entertaining and hospitable and the beer and music first-rate. Tickets cost 45 euros (about $48), which includes transportation from and back to Dublin. Tours run on various days depending on the season and start at 6:30 p.m. year-round; they usually end around 11:30 p.m. Check the company's website or Viator for schedules and booking availability. Participants must be at least 18 years old to tour. Rural Tours also runs a pub tour in the Wicklow Mountains, among other options.

SANDEMANs New Europe – Dublin Dark Side Tour

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 hours

The Dublin Dark Side Tour explores the spookier side of Ireland's folklore and legends. The 2.5-hour walk through cemeteries and back alleys (as well as to landmarks like St. Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle ) features tales of serial killers, ghosts and the Gaelic festival that spawned Halloween. Guides are consistently lauded as gifted, humorous storytellers who make the excursions fun rather than frightening (though other tour-takers note some stories are graphic). Tours start from Barnardo Square at 5 p.m. every day except Monday and Wednesday. Tickets are free, but tips are encouraged. SANDEMANs also operates a free walking tour of the city and a couple of ticketed private tours.

View & Book Tickets: SANDEMANs New Europe

Collins Day Tours – Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full-Day Tour

Price: Adults from 40 euros; kids from 25 euros Duration: 9 hours

Highlights of this daylong excursion include Wicklow Mountains National Park, walking tours of the medieval city of Kilkenny and of the sixth-century monastic settlements in Glendalough Valley. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Guides regularly win praise not only for their insight, but also for their enthusiasm and warmth. Tourists also find they are given plenty of time at each stop. Buses depart from Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin at 8:45 a.m. every day and return to the city at 6 p.m. Tickets cost 40 euros (roughly $42) for adults, 35 euros (about $37) for seniors and youth ages 12 to 17 and 25 euros (approximately $27) for children ages 3 to 11. The price does not cover lunch or entrance to Kilkenny Castle.

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Irish Day Tours – Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Dublin

Price: Adults from 75 euros; kids from 37.50 euros Duration: 12 hours

Irish Day Tours' Cliffs of Moher tour makes for a great daytrip from Dublin. The tour departs the city at 6:50 a.m. Guides will take patrons through the iconic cliffs, stop in the charming village of Doolin at lunch time (though meals are not included in the cost of the trip), admire the rocky landscape of the Burren and spend some time wandering through Galway City before returning to Dublin around 7 p.m. Past visitors say the bus drivers and guides are highly entertaining and knowledgeable. Tickets start at 75 euros (about $80) for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Irish Day Tours also conducts daytrips to Blarney Castle and Cork, as well as to the Connemara region, among other excursions.

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DoDublin – Ghostbus Tour

Price: From 35 euros Duration: 2 hours

Listen as skilled storytellers recount legends of terrible acts and sinister figures – including the doctor believed to have inspired novelist Bram Stoker's Dracula character – while being shuttled around Dublin to a graveyard, a church and other purportedly haunted sites. Participants say there is a great deal of laughter during these lighthearted explorations of Dublin's dark side. The Ghostbus Tour lasts approximately two hours and takes place every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, departing at 7 p.m. at 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at 35 euros (about $37). Tour-takers must be at least 14 years old to participate.

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Price: From 15 euros Duration: 2.5 hours

This walking tour is a kind of roving theatrical performance during which professional actors recount scenes from the city's storied history and its literary heritage, while quoting its most celebrated authors. During the roughly 2.5-hour walk, you'll visit four historic pubs in the city, as well as Trinity College. Book lovers declare the performers to be entertaining and memorable. The walk begins at 7:30 p.m. at, appropriately enough, a pub: The Duke Dublin. Outings are offered every evening from April through October and Thursday through Sunday from November to March. It costs about 15 euros (nearly $16) – slightly less for students – to take this tour. Drinks are not included in the price.

You may also be interested in:

  • The Best Things to Do in Dublin
  • The Best Hotels in Dublin
  • The Best Places to Visit in Ireland
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Ireland Tours & Trips from Dublin

Find your perfect adventure! We have 196 tours of Ireland that start in Dublin, Ireland. The most popular month is June, and tour lengths range between 1 and 15 days.

196 Ireland tour packages from Dublin with 6,392 reviews

7-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Sightseeing

7-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour

Weather was iffy for a few days, but then cleared up to show the beautiful countryside. Pat O’mara, our driver and guide, had excellent plan B’s. He was so knowledgeable about so many topics! Accommodations were OK. So much was packed into 7 days!

Great Tour of Ireland ( 7 days ) Tour

  • Coach / Bus

Great Tour of Ireland ( 7 days )

Irish Highlights (Summer, 7 Days) Tour

Irish Highlights (Summer, 7 Days)

The Irish Highlights Trafalgar Tour was excellent. The tour director and driver were great and the events and scenery were amazing. The weather was very hot and it was good that fans were available in the rooms.
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland Tour

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

Wild'n Happy are a great small group tour. We were taken off the beaten track to discover the real Ireland. We would definitely recommend this tour. Amazing!

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland Tour

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

Incredible trip. Very well planned. Helpful and accommodations where spectacular. Don't worry about luggage!

10 Day Wild Irish Experience  - Small Group Tour Tour

10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

Our tour guide Lee Jones was amazing! He was very educated about everywhere we went. He always looked out for everyone on the tour. I enjoyed all his stories and all the history he educated us on! I would recommend Lee for all my friends who want to do a Irish tour!
  • €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Ireland (10 Days) Tour

Best of Ireland (10 Days)

This was my first time in Ireland. I absolutely loved everything about this trip. Tour guide and bus driver were amazing. Totally worth every penny. Would go back in a heartbeat

8 Day Castles & Coast Experience  - Small Group Tour Tour

8 Day Castles & Coast Experience - Small Group Tour

More information needed prior to booking about amount of walking involved. E.g.walk from B&Bs to centre of city and restaurants. And from bus parking to sites visited. It was also disappointing that group was scattered between 3 or 4 B& Bs well separated making meeting up for dinner at end of day difficult

7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland Tour

7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland

Small Bus touring is the way to go!

Introduction to Ireland Tour

Introduction to Ireland

Great trip to Ireland!

7 Day Ultimate Atlantic Adventure – Small Group Tour Tour

7 Day Ultimate Atlantic Adventure – Small Group Tour

Really good selection of hiking and biking activities. Days were well paced with really well chosen towns for overnight stays that provided true Irish experience. Daytrip to Arun islands an enjoyable daytrip.

Focus on Ireland (Classic, 7 Days) Tour

Focus on Ireland (Classic, 7 Days)

I have been on many tours and Greg is one of the best tour guides that I have ever had. He has a love and passion for his job and he made everyone on the tour share his feelings for the places we went in Ireland. I was amazed at how much he knew from memory about Ireland and its history. He made this vacation very special.

5-Day Spectacular South and West small group Tour of Ireland Tour

5-Day Spectacular South and West small group Tour of Ireland

Our tour guide Mark was the best! He was very patient, knowledgeable, kind, and honest when giving us recommendations for things to do. He was very flexible and always gave us other options if the weather was bad. I appreciated that he asked the group as a whole for their opinions before making a decision if a change in the plan was needed. He also constantly checked in with the group, and made sure we made plenty of rest stops so we weren't in the van for too long. The trip was so much fun and I liked that it was a smaller tour (14 people). I also loved that our accommodations were bed and breakfasts/inns rather than hotels/motels. It added to the magic of the trip. We really enjoyed our time and would definitely recommend to anyone!

Kerry Royal Tour

Kerry Royal

Adrian was a great driver, I felt he did a wonderful job navigating the treacherous roads. Gordon, our team guide, was a good sport and tried his best to keep us all on schedule. He was knowledgeable, interesting and entertaining. I am not sure that he liked the driver though. There seemed to be some tension between them. I thought the Dingle peninsula area was spectacular. I loved the sheep dog demo, the farm visits and nature visits throughout. The hotels were all comfortable and clean. The breakfasts were plentiful. The entertainment options were lovely.

Emerald Isle Tour

Emerald Isle

The tour was well organised and executed, led by a Tour Director, Kathryn Dolan, who was very knowledgeable, informative, approachable and, in short, always in control of the situation. I came away feeling that I had learned a lot about Ireland, which I had wanted to visit for many years, but had never got around to organising it myself.

What people love about Ireland Tours from Dublin

Mike was amazing! We had such a great group of people, Mike was so full of knowledge about the history and culture of Ireland, and it was so laid back. We got to explore each destination at a leisurely pace and enjoyed most evenings checking out the local bars. Highly recommend!
The entire trip was wonderful, very well organized, and satisfying. Peter Flood was an excellent tour guide. He was as knowledgeable as could be, funny, and helpful; and really seems to love what he does.
This tour was so good! We experienced more of Ireland than the itinerary indicated (because of stops we made along our journey, which I loved!), but never felt rushed. Our guide Diarmuid is such a professional - he provided us with interesting information about the places we stopped and Ireland in general, kept us on schedule with a relaxed demeanor, and is genuinely a very nice person. I've never traveled with a tour group before and this one couldn't have been any better. The Emerald Isle is so beautiful and everyone is so friendly that, even when there was a bit of rain, it was still fun. Many thanks to Mick and Diarmuid (the best!!) for making this a most memorable trip. PS the accommodations were fantastic - especially the breakfasts!

Tours starting from Dublin

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Day tours in Dublin

Group of people standing outside Malahide Castle and Gardens.

The monastic ruins of Glendalough in Wicklow and the neolithic tombs of historic Boyne Valley are popular highlights, but Ireland's Ancient East has so much more to explore with a couple of hours drive from the big smoke.

In theory you could even take a day-trip to most other major cities on the island, including Cork and Kilkenny, Galway and Belfast which are all just a few hours away, though these warrant at least one sleepover if you can swing it. Within the county limit there are some cleverly inclusive ways to get to know a new neighbourhood, from bike shares and scooters to Malahide's famous road train, which makes its castle gardens, village and beaches accessible to all.

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Wicklow Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour - Collins Day Tours

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Newgrange and Hill of Tara Tour - Mary Gibbons

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Edge Ocean Walk & Galway City Day Tour From Dublin - Wild Rover Tours

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Blarney Castle and Cork Day tour – Irish Day Tours

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Belfast, Titanic & Giants Causeway - Wild Rover Tours

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Wild Wicklow Tours

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Waterford Crystal & Kilkenny City Tour - Railtours Ireland First Class!

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Toots, The Malahide Road Train

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Connemara & The Wild Atlantic Way Tour - Railtours Ireland First Class!

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Cliffs of Moher by Paddywagon Tours

DoDublin Logo

Visitors can now book VIP seating for their afternoon tea experience onboard the Vintage Tea Trips bus, get yours now! Read More

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Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Dodublin are the no.1 hop-on hop-off tour provider in dublin city. enjoy an open-top city sightseeing tour like now other..

The DoDublin city sightseeing tour has been Dublin's No.1 tour for over 35 years with more 5-Star Reviews on Tripadvisor than any Hop-on hop-off tour in the World!

DoDublin Bus at St. Stephen's Green passengers are getting on the bus

24 Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour

See the best of Dublin City in one day! The 24 Hour Sightseeing tour ticket allows you to hop on and hop off as often as you like and visit the best sites and attractions all around Dublin City.

Sightseeing tour bus at Dublin Zoo

48 Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour

There's a lot to see in Dublin, so If you're in town a little longer then it's worth investing a little more and getting the 48 hour ticket. Take your time, go "off the beaten track" and ask your tour guides about Dublin's hidden gems!

Dodublin bus at guinness gates

Hop-on Hop-off + Guinness

Combine your City Tour with the Guinness Storehouse - Voted Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction 2023! and Save! - Options available for 24 or 48 hour City Tour with this combo deal.

Dublin Express and Hop-on hop-off buses

Airport Transfer + Hop-on Hop-off Combo - Save €5

Combine your Hop-on Hop-off Ticket with an airport transfer for one great price!

sightseeing day tours from dublin

Cruise Passengers Deal - City Tour + Train

For Cruise Ship Passengers arriving at Dún Laoghaire port. Book a 24 hour Hop-on hop-off tour with return train ticket on the DART from Dún Laoghaire to Dublin City Centre - the DoDublin tour has a stop right outside the train station! Save €5!

german tour at guinness storehouse

Live German Tour

DoDublin provides the only Hop-on hop-off tour of Dublin with a live German tour guide. All our German tour guides are native german speakers who live in Dublin and know the city like a local!

live spanish tour in phoenix park, dublin, ireland

Live Spanish Tour

New: DoDublin now provides the open top bus, live tour of Dublin city with a live Spanish guide. All the DoDublin Spanish guides are native Spanish speakers who live in Dublin city.

the hop on hop off bus driving through dublin and a church in the background

Days Out Card Plus

Combine the DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour with the Days Out Card and get 48 Hours on Dublin's Best City Tour along with access to six of the best cultural attractions located in the city centre all for one great price. Save 25% off all!

DoDublin is a part of Dublin Bus and our Tour Guides are all Dublin Bus drivers. They know the city like the back of their hands and they're all great entertainers with many insights about Dublin city you won't hear anywhere else. All of our tour guides are also Fáilte Ireland trained,

The DoDublin hop-on hop-off tour operates 7 days a week from 09:00 until 17:00 in Winter and 19:00 in Summer season. There are 25 bus stops on the tour, each one positioned close to a top tourist attraction. They tour route covers the entire city centre so wherever you go, you'll only be a few minutes walk from a DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off bus stop.

DoDublin City Sightseeing tour offers 24 hour & 48 hour tickets. One child (u15) goes free with each adult ticket and there are discounted rates for Students and Senior Citizens. We'll also offer Free entry into the Little Museum of Dublin with every ticket purchased. All of our tour buses are open-top double decker buses so you'll get a great view of the city's landmarks and historic sights as you travel around.

The hop-on hop-off tour lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes and starts and finishes on O'Connell Street (Dublin City's main street) Your city sightseeing tour guide will deliver an entertaining and informative commentary throughout the tour, telling you about the city's most important historical sights, architecture, places of interests from cultural centres to shopping districts and much more besides.

Our unique route covers many iconic and hidden Dublin City attractions - Plan your next adventure with us!

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South Coast tour to Glendalough & Powerscourt

10% discount when you book online.

The Glendalough & Powerscourt tour is one of Ireland's best day's out.

Take the tour and find out why!

  • Visit the lakes and medieval city at Glendalough
  • Roam the elegant Georgian gardens at Powerscourt
  • Enjoy lunch or tea and scones at the Avoca Cafe
  • See the stunning scenery of Wicklow and the Wicklow mountains
  • 2 Children go Free with each paying adult

Experience two of Ireland's most beautiful destinations, situated right on Dublin’s doorstep on a perfect day tour to Wicklow. You'll visit Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, voted No.3 in National Geographic's Top 10 Gardens of the World, and historic Glendalough, home to Ireland's oldest monastic city.

Glendalough

Departing from Dublin City Centre, the tour takes in the beautifully developed Docklands area of Dublin City, before travelling along the great sweep of Dublin Bay, passing by Beach Road at Sandymount. The tour then travels inland, climbing the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, and continues to the enchanting old world village of Enniskerry, home to Powerscourt Estate and Gardens.

Powerscourt Estate & Gardens

Formal Gardens at Powerscourt Estate

Set in the wild Wicklow countryside, overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain, Powerscourt is one of the best sites to visit along Ireland's Ancient East. With over 47 acres to explore, visitors will experience formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, as well as the stunning house and an opportunity to have lunch looking at one of Ireland's best views. Voted No.3 in the Top 10 Gardens in the World, Powerscourt is a must see location, and is also the setting for many films.

Experience 300 years of garden design and visit the walled gardens, the Italian garden, the dolphin pond, the Japanese gardens, Pets Cemetery and the Pepperpot Tower, among other features and attractions.

To make the most of your time at Powerscourt - check out Dublin Sightseeing's overview of Powerscourt .

Glendalough - Historic Monastic Site in the Garden of Ireland

Passengers on the tour can then explore the highlights of Glendalough with a visit to this monastic settlement, which was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century.

Steeped in both natural beauty and history, Glendalough is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wicklow and Ireland. It is little wonder, given the stunning landscape, historic ruins and beautiful walks in the area.

Glendalough (Gleann Da Loch, meaning ‘The Valley of the Two Lakes’) is situated in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The ancient monastery is a fascinating site, having been founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. The round tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area.

To get a full overview of Glendalough - check out Dublin Sightseeing's guide to Glendalough

On returning to Dublin, the tour will pass through even more spectacular landscapes and the ever changing scenery of the Wicklow and Dublin Mountains. Visitors have approximately 1 hour - 1 hour 10 minutes in each location.

*2 Kids under 14 go free with each paying adult. Offer does not apply to group or discount bookings.

Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough Tour

Departs from Dublin City Centre just after 8.00 and returns at 18.15.

Tour Information

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Tour Highlights

Dun Laoghaire

Dun Laoghaire

Perhaps Ireland's oldest town, Dún Laoghaire is named after its founder, the High King of Ireland who used the area as his sea-fort for raiding into Britain and France. The harbour is notable for it's two granite piers. The East Pier is particularly popular with walkers, while the West Pier is heavily used year-round by windsurfers. Other features of the town include the National Maritime Museum of Ireland and a Martello Tower in nearby Sandycove, known as the James Joyce Tower. The famous Peoples Park Farmers Market is also there every Sunday.

Sandycove

Sandycove is a pleasant little harbour where the James Joyce Museum can be found in the Martello Tower built in 1804. This tower was lived in briefly by James Joyce and became famous as the setting for the opening of Ulysses. The museum was opened in 1962, featuring memorabilia, letters, first editions of Joyce's works and other Joycean memorabilia.

Enniskerry

The picturesque village of Enniskerry is located east of The Wicklow Way. The heart of the village retains its elegant Victorian feeling with its most distinctive feature is the clock tower dating from 1843. It was erected as a memorial to the Wingfield family then owners of the nearby Powerscourt Estate.

Powerscourt

Powerscourt

Powerscourt House and Gardens are probably the finest in Ireland, both for their design and their dramatic setting at the foot of Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. Richard Wingfield, the first Viscount Powerscourt, commissioned the house and grounds in the 1730's. It now incorporates a range of specialty shops as well as a restaurant, golf course and formal gardens.

Glendalough

Glendalough, known as the “Valley of the Two Lakes” is an area as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in historical significance. Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. It is here that St. Kevin founded a monastery in the 6th century. Most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries. Despite attacks by Vikings over the years, Glendalough thrived as one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical foundations and schools of learning until the Normans destroyed the monastery in 1214 A.D. and the dioceses of Glendalough and Dublin were united.

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