Dublin is a wonderful city but if you’re staying longer than a weekend I highly recommend venturing outside of the capital to explore more of what Ireland has to offer. It’s easy and very much worth it to take a train or bus to a nearby destination like Howth for a breathtaking coastal hike. However, if you’re eager to explore the Irish countryside further afield, I strongly suggest joining a guided day tour from Dublin.
I get commissions for bookings made through links in this post.
Where to go for a day trip from Dublin without a car?
For my countryside adventure, I opted for a full-day guided bus tour from Dublin to the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and the medieval city of Kilkenny. After researching various day trips that I could take near Dublin without having a rental car, I chose this particular tour for its excellent value and rave reviews. This tour has over 2,000 five-star ratings on Tripadvisor and with good reason because it truly didn’t disappoint.
This is the exact guided day trip from Dublin I took to visit the Glendalough monastic settlement, Wicklow mountains and Kilkenny city.
Best Dublin Full Day Guided Tour
This full-day guided tour from Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow, and Kilkenny offers an immersive journey into Ireland’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. This adventure is perfect if you’re eager to experience the essence of Ireland beyond the capital, which I indeed was.
The tour takes approximately 9 hours and is conducted on a comfortable coach that leaves from a central Dublin location. Local Irish guides provide insightful commentary throughout the trip and make history come alive with facts and entertaining anecdotes during the scenic drive through rolling hills and green valleys.
I found our guide to be particularly amusing, as a former teacher he was very knowledgeable and also very funny. He took the time to answer questions and connect with all the participants during the course of the trip despite it being almost fully booked.
Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains National Park
After boarding the coach and listening to some introductions, you’ll head towards the Glendalough monastic settlement and Wicklow Mountains National Park first. Known as the “valley of the two lakes,” Glendalough is home to ancient monastic ruins set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
Your guide will take you to explore a beautiful old cemetery, the remains of churches and a round tower whilst giving you ample information and historic facts. Afterwards you’ll be given some time to (individually) explore the nearby Wicklow Mountains National Park by taking a peaceful walk to the Upper Lake.
Just an hour from Dublin, this park is a natural paradise with glacial valleys, serene lakes and dense woodlands. This area has served as a filming location for movies like P.S. I Love You and Braveheart, and it’s easy to see why.
Wicklow Gap and Kilkenny City
After about two hours you’ll continue the journey towards Kilkenny City. On the way to Kilkenny there will be a brief stop to marvel at the panoramic vistas from the Wicklow Gap, capturing the essence of Ireland’s unspoiled countryside.
On arriving at Kilkenny you’ll be greeted by a medieval city boasting narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and vibrant culture. Highlights include Kilkenny Castle, the Black Abbey, and the Kilkenny Design Centre. The city is also known for its lively pubs and local crafts.
At this point you’ll be free to explore on your own for approximately 3 hours. We were fortunate enough to decide to turn into an alleyway called Butterslip Lane and stumble across a charming restaurant dating back from the 1600’s called Petronella. The decor reflected the history, the atmosphere was cozy and the food delicious.
I truly couldn’t have picked a better place to enjoy lunch and recharge for the final part of the trip. Kilkenny city isn’t very big but certainly doesn’t lack in charm or history and I could have easily spent more time here.
I thoroughly enjoyed this country side day trip and it definitely made my first visit to Ireland even more memorable. If you are looking to delve into Ireland’s natural beauty and historical landmarks, I found the Dublin to Glendalough, Wicklow, and Kilkenny full-day guided tour to be an excellent choice. You’ll experience a wonderful combination of stunning landscapes and interesting history.
Joining a group tour is also one of the most sustainable ways to explore. By sharing transportation rather than renting a car, you’re reducing your environmental impact while you get to enjoy the convenience of a professionally organized itinerary without having to navigate or worry about getting lost.
Frequently asked questions about Dublin day trips
What is the best day trip from Dublin?
If you’re visiting Dublin for more than 48 hours I do recommend adding a trip to the Irish countryside. The Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour will give you a great taste of what Ireland has to offer beyond Dublin. If you’re short on time, there is also a half day morning tour available where you’ll visit Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountain after which you’ll return back to Dublin. This tour is with a different operator but it only takes 5 hours and is perfect if you’re on a tight schedule.
Where to go for a day trip from Dublin without a car?
The Glendalough, Wicklow and Kilkenny Full Day Guided Tour is very convenient if you are not planning to rent a car and want to explore the Dublin area without a car. You’ll travel by coach that leaves from a central Dublin location.
Are Wicklow Mountains worth visiting?
In my opinion the Wicklow Mountains are definitely worth visiting. You’ll explore some of Irelands beautiful nature and rich history and it will leave you with a memorable experience of Ireland beyond Dublin.
