Weekend & Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland

1. Belfast

Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital and is around two hours from Dublin. Belfast is an exceptional city to visit for learning about ancient history as well as being immersed in contemporary pop culture. The land Belfast is on has been settled since the Bronze Age. Visitors can visit a 5,000year-old stone henge named The Giant's Ring nearby as well as many Iron Age forts hidden within the hills surrounding Belfast, and 12th-14th-century castles.

Many visitors to Belfast come to see the Titanic Belfast, which is the largest Titanic exhibit in the world, and the SS Nomadic which was the Titanic's tender ship. The iconic Samson & Goliath Cranes, Titanic Memorial Garden, Hickson's Point, Belfast Whiskey Club, Belfast Cathedral, are other great attractions. People who love Game of Thrones visit Belfast from all over the world to attend the filming locations of the HBO hit show and historic castles.

2. Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle is where the famous Blarney Stone is found in Cork, Ireland and is three to four hours from Dublin. Trains are available from Dublin to Cork regularly, and visitors should plan to spend half a day at the Blarney Castle and Gardens. Blarney Castle was constructed in 1446 by the King of Munster and remains standing for visitors to explore all year around. There is also a cave, lake, Rock Close gardens, and dungeons that can be visited. A café is available for light food and lunch items, and a coffee hut is located inside the castle entrance. Visitors over eight years climb up the tower and kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck! If the visitor is under eight years old their kiss will be at the discretion of an employee.

Blarney Castle, Cork, Ireland, Phone: 00-35-32-14-38-52-52

3. Burren National Park

Visitors looking for a quiet and tranquil day away from Dublin can travel just a few hours to Burren National Park and enjoy walking trails, beautiful habitats of limestone grassland and woodlands, and several local townlands. The terrain at the park is exceptionally rocky, and there are several deep fissures, loose rock, cliffs, and cracks in the foundation. Visitors must stay on the marked paths for their safety and take caution when the limestone is wet. The weather often changes, so wear comfortable, water-resistant clothing. Burren National Park is open year-round to the public.

Burren National Park, Clare Heritage Center, Corofin, Phone: 06-56-82-76-93

4. Charleville Castle

The Midlands of Ireland in County Offaly is home to Charleville Castle, just outside of Tullamore. Charleville Castle is found within the oldest oak woods forest in Ireland which Ireland's ancient druids once settled. The castle was constructed in 1798 for the Earl of Charleville, Charles William Bury and is said to be Ireland's finest example of gothic-revival architectural style. The castle is open for tours during summer months daily and the rest of the year by appointment only. Visitors wishing to get the most out of their experience can participate in Offaly Enchanting Tours, go the Windmill Restaurant, play a round of golf at Tullamore Golf Club, or the Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre.

Charleville Castle , Tullamore Offaly, Republic of Ireland, Phone: 35-35-79-32-20-40

5. Cliffs Of Moher

The five-mile stretch of cliffs towering 700 feet above Ireland's coast is one of the most visited places in the country, partly because the cliffs were a filming location in the movie The Princess Bride.

The Cliffs Of Moher are just three hours from Dublin in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland and are one of the stops on the Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic route through Ireland. More than 30,000 birds live on the cliffs including Atlantic Puffins. Visitors can walk south of the visitor's center to see the stone tower that dates back tot eh Napoleonic Wars. Coastal walks, or ferry boat tours are another way to see the majestic cliffs. Cliffs Of Moher

6. Connemara

Connemara is a diverse landscape on the west coast of Ireland that is made up of bogs, lakes, and mountains. Just west of Galway, many villages dot the roads of Connemara that can be explored by foot, boat, or bicycle. There is also a mix of deserted and inhabited islands along the rugged coast of Connemara. The rugged landscape makes Connemara perfect for families and visitors that love fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, sailing, horseback riding, and water sports. One of the best times to visit Connemara is during the festivals including the Connemara Pony Festival which the region is known for. This festival occurs annually in August and is followed in September by the Clifden Arts Festivals. Both of these events are highly attended. Connemara

7. Cork

Cork is known as Ireland's Maritime Haven that began as a 7th-century settlement. The county now offers 326 different attractions, 253 places to eat, 206 places to stay and a friendly city of more than 500,000 people. Cork is Ireland's biggest county and features 1000km of Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East Coastlines. Cork City is comprised of several islands and is known for its vibrant artistic culture, craft breweries, and artisan coffees, and fantastic restaurants and English Market which have also dubbed the city Ireland's food capital. Some of the top attractions in Cork include CIT Blackrock Castle, Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol, Elizabeth Fort, Shandon Bells & Tower, St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, and the Fitzgerald Park & Museum.

8. Enniskerry

Enniskerry is a picturesque village in the countryside of Wicklow where visitors can explore the Powerscourt Estate grounds, superb cafes, local boutiques, and The Catholic Church which was constructed by Patrick Byrne in 1843. The cathedral is one of the original churches in Ireland to be built in the gothic revival style of architecture. Some visitors also enjoy taking walks in the forested countryside surrounding the village or fishing in the Glencullen River. The Glencree Visitor's Center in Enniskerry sits at the edge of Wicklow National Park and is an excellent place for hikers to begin their journey through the Glencree Valley. The center is inside the former 19th-century army barracks and also includes the Armoury Café and a gift shop. Enniskerry

9. Galway City

Galway is the only city found on the 2500km Wild Atlantic Way and also marks the halfway point on the route. Galway is a culturally bright city with a bohemian vibe and exceptional food. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches or thriving cosmopolitical city center with cobblestone streets, brightly colored boutiques, and dozens of exciting bars and cafes. The best times to visit Galway are during the festivals held in the city annually including Galway International Arts Festival, Galway Races, International Oyster Festival, the Macnas Halloween Parade, and the St. Patrick's Day Festival, among others. Galway City

10. Glendalough

Found in County Wicklow, Glendalough is known for its tranquil and scenic landscapes. The city's name means 'the valley of the two lakes' and the outdoor recreation combined with the historic and archaeological significance of the city draw thousands of visitors each year. Most visitors come to Glendalough to see the Monastic City which includes churches and the round tower in Wicklow Mountains National Park where there is also access to the lakes and hiking trails. Other outdoor activities include fishing, cycling, horseback riding, and golfing. There are many festivals held in Glendalough that are great excuses for a day trip from Dublin including The Walking Festival, The Bealtaine Festivals, The Festival of St. Kevin, and the Wicklow Gardens Festival. Glendalough