Looking for the best half day trips from Dublin? Check out two that I went on and recommend.
With only three days in Ireland, I had to focus on half day trips from Dublin to maximize my time. I really wanted to go to the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway but decided I’d have to go another time.
As a result, I planned two half days trips from Dublin– one guided and one not. Despite how quick they were, I still enjoyed the rugged and romantic scenery, which you will too!
Read on to see where I went and how.
Half Day Trip From Dublin to Howth Head
Just 30 minutes outside of Dublin via train, there’s a scenic coastal walk beckoning your name. It’s saying, “Come; be enthralled in my beauty. Surround yourself in the greatness of where the ocean waves so hurriedly choose to meet the dramatic cliff sides.”
Yes, that’s what I felt like the air, ocean, and cliffs were saying to me as I hiked around Howth Head. I felt like a small child frolicking around in Mother Earth’s playground.
I hiked a little bit past Howth Head Peak, then turned around and found this hike to be fairly easy. This comes from someone with widespread nerve pain, muscle tension, and chronic fatigue. If you want to walk more than I did, there are four walking routes around Howth Head such as the Bog of the Frogs Loop. You won’t need a map as there’ll be signs for these routes as soon as you get off the station.
This is one of the easiest half day trips from Dublin to do on your own.
To get to Howth Head, you can take the DART train from Connolly, Tara, or Pearse station. Tickets cost €6,15 round-trip as of 4/5/17 (updated fares here), but if you have a Leap Visitor Card, which includes transportation to and from the airport, then your fare to Howth is included!
Another option is to take Bus #31 to get to Howth Station or Bus #31B to go to Howth Summit, but considering you might be stuck in a lot of traffic, I recommend taking the DART like I did!
Tip: My phone died on the train ride out there! Although I had my portable lipstick-sized charger that I’ve owned since 2014, I forgot the cord for my phone! So bring your charger and cord.
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If you don’t have data, then you can still use Google Maps without wifi on your phone.
Half Day Tour from Dublin to Wicklow Mountains National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park is a picturesque place full of dense forests, magnificent views, and peaceful lakes. The trees I even got bit of history with this nature-filled half day by exploring the old monastic ruins at the beginning of the walk.
To get to Wicklow Mountains National Park, I booked a half day tour for €22.
They pick you up at three places in city center in either the morning or afternoon, which makes it quite convenient, and drive you about 45-60 minutes out to the park.
You get 1.5 hours at Wicklow, a really comfortable bus with large windows and USB ports for charging your electronics, and a tour guide to give you bits of information on the way there! Book this tour here.
Good to Know: The departure point is in city center.
If you want more than half day tours from Dublin, there are also full day tours to Giant’s Causeway and Belfast.
My younger brother did the day tour to Giant’s Causeway for €60 because public transportation to/from Belfast then Giant’s Causeway would’ve only saved him a couple of Euros and added a whole lot of hassle. I didn’t go with him because a full 12-hour day is too much traveling for me, but he came back absolutely glowing about the trip.
If you can handle a full day of exploring and only have three days in Dublin, then book a day trip to Giant’s Causeway but if you’re like me and like to take it easy, make sure to take this Wicklow half day tour from Dublin.
I might say that this particular tour is the best half day tour from Dublin because it’s so well taken care of, and you don’t need to plan any bit of it except showing up for the bus!
Need a recommendation for a place to stay?
Check out my post on the Dean Dublin.
Now what are you waiting for? Jump on either of these Dublin half day tours!
Thanks for stopping by! xo.
Check out other half day tours from Dublin here.
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Limon
Tuesday 21st of January 2025
Great suggestions for half-day trips from Dublin! If you're planning a seamless journey to Dublin Airport, consider using Airport Hopper. Their reliable and comfortable shuttle service offers frequent departure, real-time tracking, and eco-friendly travel options. Plus you can easily book your ride online at https://www.airporthopper.ie making your trip even more hassle-free!
Mark
Wednesday 12th of April 2017
Wicklow Mountains National Park looks incredible. I’ve never heard of this up until I read your blog posts. The idea of lakes in the midst of forest land sounds like an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of life. The costal walk you describe at Howth Head looks nice to. If I ever make it out that way will be sure to go for nice long walks outside the city.
Arnold
Sunday 9th of April 2017
Dublin is so awesome - as long as you are not traveling it in the winter. Unfortunately, that's what we did and it was freaking cold. But we had a Dublin Pass which allows you to visit most of the places for free. That's great, isn't it? But don't expect to get bargain prices - it's quite expensive city to travel in.
Sarah
Monday 10th of April 2017
Oh the Dublin pass sounds like a great deal if you're traveling a lot within the city. Yes, the food in grocery stores is more expensive than in Amsterdam! Good observation!
swati sharma
Friday 7th of April 2017
The place is beautiful...I have never been to Ireland but would love to....great pictures... www.crazyaboutcolors.com
Nisha
Friday 7th of April 2017
I have never been to Ireland but it's on my list. I knew it is beautiful with one of the most scenic places in the world but never knew Dublin offered such short trips ! Howth Head and Wicklow Mountains National Park look interesting and I would like to visit them for sure. Thanks for letting us know, I'll bug you again when I go there. :)