19+ Best Day Trips from Dublin: A Local’s Guide

The Best Cliffs of Moher Day Tours from Dublin

By far, the most popular and convenient way of getting to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin is by booking onto an organised day tour. The problem is everyone and their mother is offering this day trip option, and let's just say by no means are all tours offering the same value for money.

There are a few things I noticed while researching the best option, some tours list locations, let's say the Burren for example, as an additional visit, when in reality, all they are doing is simply driving by…

So, I have decided to do all the hard work for you, by summing it down the best options depending on your personal preference.

The final verdict?! Well, if I were to choose one from the many Cliffs of Moher tours on offer, it would be the one below. I feel like it really stands out in terms of offerings and value for money.

Can you get Private Day Tours to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin?

Yes, if you are looking to visit the Cliffs of Moher on a day trip from Dublin, but have complete control over your itinerary for the day, then booking onto a private tour is the best way to go.

I had a browse at some of the options available, and this tour seems to be the best value for money. You can travel with up to six people, and the price doesn’t increase when you add extra passengers (unlike most other tours I came across).

At the time of writing, the tour costs €1,100. So, for those travelling in a group of 6 people, it would come in at €183 each. And seems far more enjoyable than standard tours, which average at 55 people per group.

Plus, they offer hotel pick-up and let you set the pace—stop whenever you want, take in the stunning views, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. Seems like a great option for those looking for a little bit more of a private experience.

Getting to the Cliffs of Moher by Car from Dublin

Can you drive to the Cliffs of Moher on a day trip from Dublin? Yes, but can and should are two very different things.

The beauty of day tours is that everything is done for you! There is no stress in planning or navigating your way around the Irish roads.

If you do decide to drive, allow 3/4 hours to get there. There is onsite parking, but you will need to pay €7 per person to use it (which also includes entrance into the visitor centre). Or, alternatively, you can park at Hags Head, in a family-run car park which will only set you back €6 per car. Please note that it is one of the places where you will need cash in Ireland.

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The Best Wicklow Day Tours from Dublin

There seems to be an array of tours available for those planning on visiting Wicklow National Park from Dublin.

The problem is much like the Cliffs of Moher tours, not all of them offer the same value for money.

So, I did a little digging to help you decide which tour is best suited for your individual needs.

LOOKING FOR A TOUR THAT INCLUDES HIKING?

One of the best things to do in Wicklow is go for a hike.

So, if you're thinking there's not much time to get your steps in, then this tour may be worth checking out!

It follows much of the same route as the other Wicklow tours, stopping at sites like Lough Tay, Sally’s Gap, and Glendalough.

But it also includes a guided hiking tour of the Scalp, which is one of the most underrated places to visit in the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains.

Find out more info here

LOOKING TO COMBINE YOUR WICKLOW DAY TRIP WITH KILKENNY?

If you want to make the most of your time, then consider this day tour, which combines both stops in Wicklow and Kilkenny.

I was a bit surprised by this combination, as I think both places deserve their own individual days, but it’s a great option for those stuck for time.

There are a few Wicklow/Kilkenny tours to choose from, all offering slightly different spins.

This one only really visits Glendalough and briefly stops in Sally’s Gap before making its way to Kilkenny.

Whereas this one takes virtually the same route but also includes a sheepdog demonstration, has a slightly better rating, and is more affordable, but you will have slightly less time at each stop.

Find out more info here

The final verdict?! Well, if I were to choose one from the many Wicklow day tours on offer, it would be the one below. I feel like it really stands out in terms of offerings and value for money.

Can you visit Wicklow on a private tour from Dublin?

Yes, and honestly, if you are on the fence in terms of going with a group tour or a private tour, I personally think the private tours seem like a much better option. Now, obviously, they are more expensive so it really comes down to your own personal budget.

I like that the private tours divide the time out well, and they also seem to be the only tour options that allow guests to visit Powerscourt Waterfall. A lot of people do not realise that Powerscourt Gardens and Powerscourt Waterfall are two different places!! It's also important to note that admission into both is generally not included in the tour price as they are located on private property.

This private tour of Wicklow seems to be a great choice, it has excellent ratings, and includes great allocated time for each stop, the Gardens, Waterfall, Glendalough and Guinness Lake (Sally Gap area). The only downside is it is limited to 4 people.

So, I continued looking for alternative options for those travelling in slightly larger groups and came across this private Wicklow day tour that can accommodate up to 7 guests. It doesn't seem to include Powerscourt Waterfall, but I am sure you could ask as generally speaking, private tours can be tweaked according to the guests' preferences.

Getting to Wicklow by Car from Dublin

If you are planning on renting a car when in Ireland, then driving from Dublin to Wicklow is the best way to explore the national park at your own pace.

The good news is, the driving route is fairly straightforward, however, in saying that, you do need to determine what part of Wicklow you would like to visit.

The park is pretty big, and hitting all the beautiful spots in one day is virtually impossible. However, I do have a detailed guide on things to do in Wicklow to help you better decide.

However, I am almost certain you will choose to visit Glendalough, and I came across two pretty cool experiences that I wanted to share with you!

The first is a guided walking tour through the monastery, but there is a rather unique twist, as you will be accompanied by an Irish musician as you explore. I thought that was a pretty cool concept, and something I want to try myself the next time I visit.

I also found this guided hiking tour, which is a great option for those wanting to explore a little bit beyond the monastery and the foot of the upper and lower lakes. The tour part at sunset, where you will hike one of Ireland's most beautiful trails, all while listening to its history from your guide. There is also an opportunity to stargaze upon night sky as the tour comes to an end.

Getting to Wicklow from Dublin by Public Transport

When it comes to getting public transport to Wicklow National Park, your options are pretty limited to just visiting Glendalough.

By Direct Bus: St. Kevin's bus service offers a direct route to Glendalough that runs daily at 11.30am, and arriving in Glendalough by 12.50pm, costing €23 for a return ticket.

The bus departs Glendalough at 4.30pm, which leaves passengers with very limited time to explore. Personally, I think it makes more sense to take part in a day tour like this one for an additional €10, and enjoy other parts of the National Park and Kilkenny too.

By Public Transport: It is possible to reach Glendalough by public transport however, there are no direct route options. Instead, you would need to hop of the 133 bus to Ashford and then transfer onto the 183 bus to Glendalough (see Google Maps for route details).

This return journey costs €16.50 without a Leap Card or €13.40 with one. The last bus departs Glendalough at 18:50 (or 23:15 on Fridays and Saturdays), providing much more time to hike and fully experience what Glendalough has to offer. You may also be interested in the music and history tour that I mentioned above.

It blows my mind that they were created by an ancient volcanic eruption. Something that seems so foreign to the Ireland we now know today!

Although Irish Myths and Legends will somewhat contradict the belief in the formation of the columns. As the story goes, the causeway was created by Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) an Irish Giant, as a bridge to Scotland to confront his rival, the Scottish giant Benandonner.

When Fionn realised that Benandonner was much larger than he was, he ran back to Ireland in fear. His wife decided to disguise him as a baby so that when Benandonner saw him, he would panic, thinking the father must be three times the size. It worked, Benandonner was terrified and fled back to Scotland, tearing up the causeway behind him to prevent disputes.

And while this story is subject to Irish Myths and legend, rather similar basalt columns can be found in Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa off the coast of Scotland. Take from that what you will, but I think there has to be some element of truth to it 😉

💡 Local Tip: The Causeway Coast is in Northern Ireland, so you may need to get a ETA visa depending on your nationality.

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The Best Giants Causeway Day Tours from Dublin

It is rare to have a day trip just purely to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin. Generally speaking, the tour includes some additional stops.

And much like other day tours, the description can be misleading, making it seem like the tour stops in all of these incredible places when in reality they are either ‘driving by' or staying max 15 minutes.

And what good is 15 minutes in Belfast city?! So, I have spent hours researching the best Giant's Causeway tours from Dublin. Let's break down the various options available to you.

The final verdict?! Well, if I were to choose one from the many X tours on offer, it would be the one below. I feel like it really stands out in terms of offerings and value for money.

Can you visit the Giant's Causeway by Private Tour from Dublin?

Yes, if you are travelling as part of a large family or a group, this may be the best option for you. For starters, it gives you far more flexibility to plan your itinerary as you wish. Dedicating more time to the attractions that matter the most to you.

I also noticed that the organised group tours no longer go to the likes of the Carrick a Rede rope bridge, which is a real shame, but with a private tour, it is still possible.

This private tour has a full 5-star rating, it can accommodate up to 6 guests and the price does not change when you add on more people!

Now, it is important to note that a lot of the private tours do not seem to include admission into the actual attractions. I couldn't find any that did. This is not an issue for the likes of the Giant's Causeway, as you only have to pay in if you would like to park or access the visitor centre. The Causeway itself is Free to visit. However, if you do want to visit the likes of the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Bushmills Distillery and the Titanic Museum, I would advise factoring them into the cost.

Getting to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin by Car

Can you visit the Giant's Causeway on a day trip from Dublin by car? Yes, it's possible, would I advise it…not really.

I did it once, back in my college days, and it was INTENSE to say the least. I really wish we had opted for booking a room for the night.

The problem is we did not rush, we took our time, enjoyed the sights, which was great at the time…but as a result we didn't get back to Belfast till 11.00 pm. And we were left desperately looking for food spots that were still open. Which wasn't as easy as you may think. Then we had car trouble, which I won't get into but nonetheless, the 2-hour drive back to Dublin was by no means fun.

Now, that is not to say you can't do it, the drive to the Giant's Causeway takes 3 hours in total. I advise heading straight to the Causeway and then driving back along the coastline towards Dublin.

That way you could aim to reach the Causeway at say 10am, spend 2 hours there and maybe another 6/7 hours checking out the other sites. Providing you visit in the spring/summer months. I don't really see the point in a Giant's Causeway day trip from Dublin when there are reduced daylight hours.

Although kissing the stone sounds like an easy task, I can ensure it does not come without its challenges. The stone is not located in an easy spot. To reach it, you have to dangle headfirst over the edge of the castle and reach for the stone with your lips?! With just castle staff holding onto your legs for support.

The first time I gave it a shot I failed miserably (You can see my attempt in this YouTube Video). But in true determination, I reached it on my most recent visit. Although most of my family and friends said the last thing they want is for me to be able to talk more than I already do. God love them, I haven't shut up since 🤣

Even if you opt out of kissing the stone, a trip to Blarney is a must. It's a beautiful place to explore and relax for the day.

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The Best Blarney Castle Day Tours from Dublin

Thankfully, there are plenty day tour options from Dublin that include a visit to the famous Blarney Castle. I found 3 that are highly rated, yet all offer alternative additional stops to each other, which means there is something for everyone, depending on your travel desires.

Here is the Blarney Castle tours section formatted with the same structure and spacing as the previous ones, while keeping the original wording intact:

The final verdict?! Well, if I were to choose one from the many day tours to Blarney Castle on offer, it would be the one below. I feel like it really stands out in terms of offerings and value for money

Can you visit Blarney Castle on a private tour from Dublin?

Yes, it is possible to visit Blarney Castle from Dublin using private tours. There are a number of ones to choose from, this particular tour does not go up in price when adding additional people and can take up to 7 in a group.

It's new to Viator, but the DM Executive Line that runs it has fantastic ratings on TripAdvisor, the tour brings guests to Blarney, the Rock of Cashel and Cahir.

It could be a great option for larger families or those travelling in a group, however, please be mindful that entrance into the attractions comes at an additional cost, so you would need to factor that into your pricing.

Getting to Blarney Castle from Dublin by Car

If you plan on renting a car when in Dublin, then driving to Blarney Castle is a great day trip option. It gives you full flexibility to explore at your own leisure. Stopping off at as many other attractions as you like on the way.

You could start the trip in Blarney, and while making your way back to Dublin, explore the likes of the Vee Pass, Cashel and Kilkenny. It would be a lovely road trip route, although some spots may need to be missed if you are visiting outside the spring/summer months due to less day light hours.

It is also important to note that parking is not included in the price of the ticket for Blarney Castle and gardens. You will need to pay separately, it is a €2 flat fee.

Getting to Blarney Castle from Dublin by Public Transport

Yes, there are a few ways of getting to Blarney via Public Transport. However, it is important to note that this is quite a long journey with 3 hours and 30 minutes being the fastest possible option.

First you will need to make your way to Cork City by either bus or train.

There are 3 bus companies that connect Dublin and Cork, the Aircoach, City Link and Express Way. I tend to use Busbud for booking my tickets as it shows all the options available from all three companies. This way I can swap around providers for the return journey depending on cost or timetable needs. Ticket prices can vary quite a bit, but generally start at around €15 for a single journey, depending on how far in advance you book.

Alternatively, you could choose to get the train from Dublin's Heuston Station to Kent Station in Cork, again, the prices change quite a bit, but generally speaking, they range from €40 to €60 for a return ticket. The earlier you book the cheaper they tend to be.

Once you arrive in Cork, you will need to take the 215 local bus to Blarney, this is a relatively short journey, taking around 22 minutes in total, and it is possible to use the Leap Card for this.

On the Winter Solstice each year, the passage to the chamber is naturally lit up by the sun. And each visitor gets to experience an artificial version of that experience on their visit. Honestly, it's not to be missed.

Another highlight of the Boyne Valley is Trim Castle. It’s the largest Norman castle in Ireland, and walking around really puts into perspective how big it actually is! The guided tour is fantastic, giving you all the history while offering incredible views from the top.

Then there’s the Hill of Tara, personally, it's my least favourite of the Boyne Valley ‘highlights' don't get me wrong I understand the significance of it, but without seeing from the air, it is kind of hard to fully enjoy it in my opinion. It's nice to see if it is included in a tou,r but I wouldn't rush to visit purely for the sake of it. A bit controversial, but I would prefer to be honest.

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The Best Boyne Valley Day Tours from Dublin

While searching for the best Boyne Valley tours from Dublin, I came across two highly rated options, both of which offer something slightly different depending on your wants and needs.

The final verdict?! Well, if I were to choose one day tour of Boyne Valley from Dublin, it would be the one below. I feel like it, not being able to see Newgrange is a bit of a deal breaker for me. It's one of my favourite attractions in the country.

Can you visit Boyne Valley on a private tour from Dublin?

Yes, there are plenty of private tour options to choose from when exploring the Boyne Valley from Dublin, this tour has an impressive 5-star rating with glowing reviews from previous guests, so it could be a great option to go with!

I like that it doesn't just focus on the highlights you can also explore some of the area's more underrated gems, such as Monasterboice Monastic Site, Mellifont Abbey, and
Four Knocks passage tomb. Also, the beauty of a private tour is that you can explore what is of more interest to you, communicating the options with your guide beforehand.

Getting to Boyne Valley from Dublin by Car

Honestly, if you are planning on renting a car when in Ireland, then that is the best way to see the Boyne Valley from Dublin on a Day Trip.

Having your own mode of transport makes it so much easier to explore at your own pace, check out the highlights such as Newgrange and Trim, but also spend some time in the likes of Slane too.

Getting to Boyne Valley from Dublin by Public Transport

I have great news, it is possible to visit Newgrange, Trim and Slane from Dublin using public transport, however, I would advise choosing one location at a time rather than trying to do them all in one day. I think that is too messy while trying to navigate public transport.

Getting to Newgrange: The most carefree way of getting to Newgrange from Dublin by public transport is by first getting the train from Connolly Station (Dublin) to Drogheda (MacBride). This will take an hour in total, costing €20 for a return ticket. You will then need to use the 163 local bus to the Newgrange (leap card is accepted here). Here is a Google Maps link to the journey.

💡 Local Tip: If you want to visit Newgrange by public transport, I highly recommend booking your entrance tickets far in advance. As the 163 bus timetable is fairly limited, and Newgrange time slots book out all the time. Failing to do this could leave you waiting 2/3 hours for the next bus to come.

Getting to Trim: Getting to Trim (Google Map Link) is far more straightforward, as the 111 local bus will bring you straight there. Again, it is possible to use a Leap Card for this service.

Getting to Slane: If you are looking to do something a little less known in the Boyne Valley, then visiting Slane is a great option. I love walking up the Hill of Slane (short and not too difficult) for 360 views of the area, or visiting the Slane Distillery for a Whiskey Tasting. Thankfully, Slane is relatively easy to visit (Google Map Link) using the 980 commuter bus route, which costs €19 (or 50% off if you use a Leap Card) for a return ticket.

Or if walking is more your vibe, then there are plenty of walking tours to choose from, including the well-known ‘A History of Terror tour', ‘If Buildings Could Talk Tour' or the ‘Walls and Bridges tour'. All three sharing the history of the ‘troubles' in their own unique way, they have all received a full 5-star rating, so picking the one to do really comes down to personal preference.

Alternatively, if you are stuck for time, you could opt for taking the hop on hop off bus tour, although it will have nowhere near as much of a personal touch to it.

And no trip to Belfast is complete without visiting the Titanic Museum, walking along the footprints of where the tragic ship was built and learn about its history.

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Getting to Belfast from Dublin

Thankfully, getting from Belfast to Dublin is fairly straightforward, with plenty of options to choose from.

Driving to Belfast: The drive between the two cities is a little over 2 hours, and is mostly on motorway 90% of the journey. Just be mindful that there are a few toll roads, and once you hit the North, the speed limit will change from kilometres to Miles (I explain more about the driving differences in this guide).

Getting Public Transport to Belfast: You can either opt for a bus or train to Belfast from Dublin. When looking up bus times, I tend to use Busbud as it shows both bus providers, the Dublin Express and the Aircoach. For train options, you can check out the Irish Rail website for trains leaving from Connolly Station.

Day tours from Dublin: If I am being honest, I don't see the point in using a day tour to get to Belfast. It's far too easy to make your own way there, giving you complete freedom to explore at your own leisure. Unless you are hoping to combine Belfast with the Causeway Coast, this tour is the best option as it includes a black taxi tour. Giving you a quick insight into the city in a short period of time. Or, alternatively, I did find this tour, which focuses only on the Titanic Museum and Belfast itself, but with the price of €69, I don't really see the value in it.

Oh! and don't forget to check out the wonderful sites such as Eyre Square, The Spanish Arches and Salthill while you are there! You may even be brave enough to go for a swim in the Irish waters 😉

Getting to Galway from Dublin

I have some good news getting from Galway to Dublin isn't all too difficult, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Driving to Galway: The drive from Dublin to Galway can take anywhere from a little over 2 hours to 3 and a half hours. You really have to time it right as both cities can see their fair share of traffic at rush hour, which can quite literally set you back by an hour or more at times. With that being said, the route is fairly straightforward, motorway 90% of the way, but you will need to be mindful of toll roads. For those renting a car when in Ireland, I recommend checking out my rental guide to make things easier for you.

Getting Public Transport to Galway: You have the option to take either a bus or a train from Dublin to Galway. When checking bus schedules, I usually use Busbud, as it displays both bus providers, City Link and Expressway. For train options, you can visit the Irish Rail website to view trains departing from Connolly Station.

Day tours from Dublin: Much like Belfast, I don't really see the point of visiting Galway on a day tour unless you want to combine it with a trip to the Cliffs of Moher. In that case, this tour is one of the best options with a decent amount of time allocated to the city. Otherwise, I think it is far nicer to make your own way there, either by driving or public transport. That way, you can explore at your own leisure and enjoy the beauty of Galway without any time restraints.

It is such a lovely town to spend the day in, soaking up the Irish History, eating in the many beautiful cafes/restaurants or venturing out to explore Spike Island. Oh! And I almost forgot to mention, Cobh was once known as Queenstown, which was the final port call for the Titanic. The ship that's tradic faith left an impact on the whole world.

No matter what you decide to do, you will love exploring Cobh. I have listed some of the best things to do while you are there down below.

Getting to Cobh from Dublin

Getting from Dublin to Cobh is actually far more straightforward than you may think. The easiest and most convenient way is by using the Irish Rail Service, which does involve one changeover in Cork city. However, the service is relatively frequent. Ticket prices can go up and down, but as a rule of thumb, they tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly way, you could also opt into getting the bus to Cork City (again, check out bus bud for the most affordable options) and then hop on the train to Cobh.

The list is endless with something for everyone, from kayaking down the River Nore, going for a beer tasting at Smithwicks, taking part in a walking tour with a local or taking in the views of the city as you cruise on by in a boat.

Oh! And Kilkenny has some fantastic food, drink and live music options too, the Kilkenny Gig Guide will keep you up to date with all things music happening in the city.

If you are planning to drive to Kilkenny, then consider adding some landmarks and attractions from the wider county to your itinerary. Some of my favourites include Kells Priory, Jerpoint Abbey, Inisteogue, Dunmore Cave and Woodstock Gardens.

Unfortunately, I don't know of any tours that visit the wider county. Therefore, a car is needed to visit these attractions. Or, you could opt into taking some local buses, but that could eat into your time in the city and is best saved for a over night stay.

Getting to Kilkenny from Dublin

So, as we already discussed, it is possible visit Kilkenny as part of a day tour from Dublin when combined with Wicklow National Park. However, I only really recommend this if you are truly stuck for time. There is just so much to see and do in both places, it would be a shame to only dedicate a few hours to each. Nonetheless, this tour is the best value for money for those looking to make the most of their short trip to Dublin.

I do think the easiest and most convenient way of seeing Kilkenny from Dublin is by using public transport. For starters, there is no need to worry about parking or traffic and sometimes it nice to sit back and relax before a jam-packed day of exploring.

You have two options, first make use of the direct train service between both cities, you can book your tickets in advance on Irish Rail. Or, alternatively, you can choose two different bus services, the express local bus which is cheaper when booked online or the JJ Kavangh Route. If I am being honest, it is rare to see the train prices comparable to the bus, but Kilkenny is one of those places where the difference is nothing major!

If you would sooner take some time experience this walk from a local's perspective, then consider checking out this guided tour along the cliffs.

Or, if you are hoping to see the cliffs from an alternative perspective, there are regular boat trips around them or out to Ireland's Eye. Which is a pretty cool place to visit when staying in Dublin.

Or, you could be smart and make the most of your day out of Dublin by ticking off two seaside towns, this boat tour takes you from Howth to Dun Laoghaire. Both towns are serviced by the boat, so transport to and from Dublin is pretty straightforward.

Bray is also a popular spot for those looking to grab a bag of chips and go for a coastal walk down the promenade. Or, maybe even a swim if you're brave!

There is no need to drive or go on an organised day tour to Bray, as it is easily accessible via public transport, and it takes 40 minutes to reach the city centre using the DART service.

And, I have some good news, a few years back, when I first wrote this post, the only real way to explore the Dublin mountains was by car.

However are having a good look around, I have found some tours that may be of interest to those of you looking to explore the area without driving.

This one is perfect for those looking to spend a day out on the hills with a local guide, enjoy some underrated hiking trails, learn stories about the local area and take some time to admire the breathtaking views. Oh! And you will also stop off in a cosy mountain cafe for a bite to eat (additional cost).

Or, if you would prefer to spend some time hopping from one cute pub to the next, exchanging stories with other tour guests, listening to some live Irish music and having a warm bowl of Guinness Stew by the fire, then this tour is one not to be missed! They also have an evening option for those who want to spend the morning exploring the city.

And if you are visiting in the Spring/Summer month you can opt into visiting the haunted ruin that sits at the top of the Dublin Mountains, looking over the city. It is known as the Hellfire Club, a common place for locals to go for an evening walk, but…they already know its terrifying history 😳 If this sounds like something you will enjoy, you can book a guided tour that includes transportation here.

Self-Drive Dublin Day Trips

The next few spots on our Dublin day trip list are unfortunately best visited by car due to poor levels of public transport or lack of day tours on offer. As a result, many of these spots are lesser known.

Leaving walkers feeling as if they are ON TOP OF THE WORLD. Honestly, it is one of my favourite hiking options in Ireland when looking for an easy-to-navigate route. It's one I recommend time and time again.

The stairways are just over a 2-hour drive from Dublin, directions can be seen on Google Maps.

💡 Local Tip: The Stairway to Heaven is in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, which is legally part of the United Kingdom. So, you may need to get an ETA visa depending on your nationality.

A lot of visitors make the mistake of presuming Powerscourt Waterfall and Powerscourt Gardens are the same place. However, the gardens are located a short drive away, onsite there is also a golf course, hotel and Avoca Coffée shop.

It is also important to note that both places are located on private property and separate payment is required for each of them. The Gardens cost €10 per adult, and the Waterfall is €7.50.

If you are looking to see Powerscourt Waterfall from an alternative perspective, then I highly recommend visiting Crone Woods. Here you can walk up to the lesser-known viewing point for a class view! And best of all, parking here is completely free.

I'd advise pre-downloading the maps in advance on All Trails, it means you will have a good guide at hand when walking, incase of any unplanned weather decides to show up and play with the visabilty. And hiking boots are an absolute must on this trail, these ones are my favourite and have travelled Ireland just as much as I have 😂

There is a FREE car park onsite, but it does have the tendency to fill up early, especially on bright sunny days. So, that is something to be mindful of.

It is also worth mentioning that there is plenty more to do along the peninsula. I'd advise going for a lovely stroll along Dollar Bay or checking the ruins of Tintern Abbey.

Hook Head is also one of the best places in Ireland to go sea kayaking, as there are many hidden sea caves in the area.

The stunning scenery, fresh mountain air, and sense of adventure make the Mourne Mountains an unforgettable experience and a great way to recharge your batteries before heading back to the madness of Dublin.

From the top, you can see miles of rolling hills, the Irish Sea, and even parts of Northern Ireland and Wales on a clear day. Trust me, this is an adventure you won't want to miss out on!