Day trips Tips for Dublin

The DART train from Dublin Connolly Station to Howth is hands down one of the best travel deals in Ireland. For just €6.60 return, you're transported from the city centre to dramatic cliff-top paths with jaw-dropping coastal views — Way better value than those overpriced €45 bus tours that hit the same spots.

The Howth Cliff Path loop takes about 2.5 hours and is absolutely free. Start from Howth DART station, head towards the harbour, then follow the well-marked purple arrows along the cliff edge. The trail passes the Baily Lighthouse and offers incredible views across Dublin Bay to the Wicklow Mountains. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Isle of Man.

After your hike, hit Howth harbour for some of the freshest seafood outside of Cork. Skip the obvious tourist spots and head to Octopussy's (trust me on this name!) for their legendary fish and chips, or splurge at King Sitric for their famous Dublin Bay prawns — These aren't your average tourist trap joints, locals actually eat here. The crab claws at King Sitric are genuinely some of the best I've had anywhere.

The DART runs every 15-20 minutes and the journey itself is scenic as hell, hugging the coastline past Clontarf and Bull Island. Go on a clear day for the best views, and bring layers — It gets windy up there even when Dublin city centre is calm. Exit Howth station and follow signs to 'Cliff Walk' — You literally can't miss it.

One hour south of Dublin and you hit proper wilderness that rivals the Scottish Highlands. Glendalough's 6th-century monastery ruins beside two glacial lakes create this insane backdrop — Like something out of Game of Thrones but real.

Skip the €75 bus tours and rent a car if you're confident with narrow mountain roads. The drive itself through Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap is epic — Switchbacks with massive valley views that'll make you pull over constantly for photos. Dublin Airport car rental starts around €35/day and you'll crush organized tour timing.

Trail options range from gentle 45-minute lakeside loops to serious 6-hour mountain slogs up Lugnaquilla (Ireland's second-highest peak). The Round Tower and cathedral ruins are atmospheric even in brutal weather — Which changes insanely fast up here. Pack proper layers including waterproofs; I've seen flip-flop tourists get caught in horizontal rain and it's not pretty.

Pro tip: hit the Upper Lake trail first (less crowded) then work back to the main ruins around lunchtime. The acoustics in the cathedral ruins are unreal — Sometimes traditional musicians play there during summer and it's genuinely magical. Parking is €4 all day at the visitor center, but arrive early on weekends or you're walking 2km from overflow parking.

Great Sugarloaf in Wicklow is an accessible mountain with incredible views over Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains. Getting there requires a car or checking current public transport options to the Wicklow area.

The hike is well-marked and rewarding. Wear proper walking shoes — It gets muddy and rocky near the top. The views on a clear day are spectacular, stretching out over the surrounding countryside.

Check parking availability before heading out, especially on weekends. Early morning is usually best for parking and photos. Pack water and a light jacket — It's always windier at the top.

Regular boats to Ireland's Eye run April-September from Howth harbour, €20 return. Small uninhabited island with 6th century monastery ruins, massive seabird colonies, surprisingly clear water for snorkelling.

Water visibility 3-5m calm days, lots of wrasse around rocks. Temperature peaks 15-16°C August - full wetsuit essential. No facilities so bring water and food.

Weather dependent so have backup plans. For snorkelling: east side of island more sheltered, avoid rough areas near seal colonies.