The Best Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland

The city of Dublin has some wonderful museums, pubs and lots of great shopping, but you'll miss some of the best things about Ireland if you don't wander outside the city. Here are some of my favorite day trips from Dublin, Ireland.

Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle was inhabited by the Talbot family, lords of the castle from 1185 to 1976. The castle is one of the oldest and most historic in all of Ireland. Malahide is just a half hour north of Dublin, and easily accessible by driving or
taking route 42 on the Dublin Bus. The audio tour of this grand castle is currently only 7.50 Euros per Adult, and is well worth your money. The castle sits on 250 acres in a park called Malahide Demesne. In addition to the castle, the park includes Fry Model Railway, Tara's Palace and Childhood Museum, and Talbot Botanic Gardens. On a nice day, you might enjoy the children's playground, 9-hole golf course, pitch and putt, and numerous walking trails.

In search of Ireland's haunted castles? With 800 years of history there is bound to be a spirit or two lingering, but at Malahide it is said that there are five. Apparently, some guests have seen Lady Maud Plunkett chasing her third husband through the halls of the castle. Miles Corbett is an unhappy ghost who was hanged for his crimes associated with the Oliver Cromwell protectorate. He at first appears as a whole person and then gradually falls into pieces right in front of your eyes. Other ghosts are said to be that of Puck, Sir Walter Hussey, and a beautiful anonymous lady known as "The White Lady".

Newgrange

Did you know that Newgrange is even older than Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt? It was built about 3,200 B.C. in the Neolithic Age. Newgrange is a fascinating piece of Ancient Ireland's history. This prehistoric monument is located in County Meath about 45 minutes from the city of Dublin. You can take one of the many tours leaving from Dublin, or drive there yourself. No one knows for sure what the purpose of Newgrange was, but it is speculated to have been not only a passage tomb but as a temple for an ancient people that worshiped the sun. White quartz was used to inspire life giving energy.

You'll start your guided tour at the Visitor Center, open every day of the year. The center has an exhibition room, restaurant and tearoom, as well as a gift shop. To visit the center and take the tour, admission is just 6.00 Euros.

Wicklow Mountains and National Park

Less than an hour south of Dublin, you'll find much to do in the Wicklow Mountains. Bring your camera, as amazing scenery abounds. Glendalough is the highlight of the area for most visitors. Here you'll find the Visitor's Center, as well as the Monastic City of St. Kevin. You can hike, picnic, visit beautiful gardens as well as experience many ancient historic sites.

It is well worth the drive into Enniskerry, County Wicklow, to visit Powerscourt Waterfall. The waterfall and its setting are truly magical. Many films have been shot at the waterfall, including Excalibur. In fact, the driving tour is on Excalibur Drive.
Scenes were also shot at Sally Gap, and Loch Tay is the home of The Lady of the Lake where the magic sword was thrown into the water.

Howth

Howth, pronounced like both, is located on Howth Head just ten miles from downtown Dublin. Here you can take boat trips to a monastic island, visit a bird sanctuary, visit a lighthouse, or just walk the path around the coastline and take in views of Dublin Bay. Horthy is also a vibrant fishing village , and here you can buy tasty fresh fish at the west pier. If you visit Howth on a Sunday, be sure to take in one of the busiest and best Irish Farmers Markets that are held in the summer.

Kilkenny

County Kilkenny is the home of my ancestors, and Kilkenny city is my favorite in Ireland to visit. Located an hour and a half southwest of Dublin, via a relaxing country drive, Kilkenny is a fascinating medieval city. Narrow, winding roads weave around ancient buildings, with Kilkenny Castle overlooking the River Nore. The tour of this castle is my favorite in all of Ireland. The city of Kilkenny is home to many artists, and known as the best city for art and craft shopping. The city also has some great music venues and delicious gourmet food.