

4 day trips from Dublin






There is so much to see and do in Dublin - but sometimes you just need to leave the city behind and explore what else there is!
What should you visit when you want to go outside Dublin for a short break and only want to use public transport? Don’t worry, travel writer Sofia Zetterqvist is happy to share her top tips for things to do on a short trip from Dublin.


Day 1: Hike the wilderness
Visit the mountains and Wicklow National Park from Glendalough!
Explore Day 1The Spink trail
Glendalough Hike Trail
The Spink Route


Take the bus from Dublin to Glendalough Visitor Centre and walk around in the amazing Wicklow Mountains National Park. We walked the route called Spink, which was a great hike for a one-day trip. We were recommended to walk it anti-clockwise to get the best out of the views. On the way you will pass an ancient Monastic village where scenes from Braveheart were filmed. Don’t forget to buy a salad-sandwich (a sandwich where you put all different kinds of salads inside) and one of the gigantic chocolate cakes from Glendalough Green before you start the hike. And remember to look out for Gerry, this is the park where they first met in P.S I love you!
6 km


Day 2: Afternoon tea and seaside views
Time for a castle visit, tea and coastal views!
Explore Day 2Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel
Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel
Afternoon Tea on the Coast


In Dalkey, a 40 min scenic train ride from Dublin, you find the Fitzpatrick Castle on the top of Killiney Hill, right by the park. Here you should book yourself an afternoon tea or if you want something extra you choose the Gin & Tonic version instead of the actual tea! Make sure to get a table inside the hotel bar; it is a cosy place to hang out and pretend like you time travelled into some old black and white movie.
4 km


Day 3: A cosy Dublin coastal town with a touch of history
Today it is time to continue to explore the coast!
Explore Day 3Dalkey
Cosy Dublin Sea Towns
From costal stolls to local bathing spots


Dalkey is a cosy seaside town just outside Dublin with some cute houses and a great shoreline to discover. Stroll along the coast to Sandycove beach and feel the vacation vibe. Here you can visit the tower where James Joyce lived and where the opening scene in Ulysses takes place. Just below you will find the Forty Foot, a tradition Irish bathing place - don’t be surprised if there are a bunch of people swimming, even if the weather feels more like it is about to snow for you. They have been doing so year round for 250 years.


Clissmann Horse Caravans
Day 4: Wildlife and Relaxation
Renting a Horse Carage in Dublin Countryside


Experience the gypsy lifestyle at Clissmann Horse Caravan. Here you can rent your own caravan and horse and ride out into the green countryside. The wooden caravans are all handmade at the farm in a colourful old traditional style; equipped with beds and a kitchen. You don´t even need any horse experience, the wise and calm Irish Cobs will have all the patience you’ll need. If you’d rather stay at the farm there is a glamping area where you can sleep in the caravan without having to move – or you can rent a donkey to go for a walk!
7 km