

Dublin is a very interesting city with a lot of things to see and to do, but however not just the city itself is great, there are a lot of areas around with beautiful landscapes as well.
So if you live in Dublin or if you visit it during a holiday you shouldn’t just stay in the city only. Make sure to spend some time exploring the surrounding area by doing some nice day trips.
We looked up some spots close to Dublin and easy to get there for everybody.
Howth
During a stay in Dublin it is totally worth spending a day in Howth. From Dublin City it is easy to get there by train and only takes you a 25 minutes journey. Howth is a lovely small fishing village with many Fish & Chips restaurants and a pleasant harbour. You definitely should have some over there but be aware of the seagulls which are sneaking around everywhere for the food.
You might be lucky to see some seals in the sea on a calm day too.
Another “must do” activity in Howth is the stunning cliff walk. There are four routes with different lengths and degrees of difficulty so that you can choose the one which suits you most. The view is stunning!
Malahide & Portmarnock Beach
You wouldn’t expect a beach in Dublin, would you? Well, there are actually many along the coastline! For example at Portmarnock which is located close to Dublin and it only takes you a 20 minutes train ride to get there as well. Another nice destination close to Portmarnock is the charming small town of Malahide. From there it is easy to reach Malahide Castle. It is a majestic castle surrounded by beautiful parklands. You can join a guided tour which brings you back in history to the 12th century or just easily stroll around in the gardens and enjoy the nature.
Wicklow Mountains
Do you like hiking? If yes, the Wicklow Mountains are the perfect place for you to visit! The Wicklow Mountains National Park is located only 50 km south of Dublin and its beautiful wilderness is breathtaking. The easiest way to get there is by car but there are some buses going there from Dublin city as well.
The most popular way to experience the National Park is by visiting the beautiful Glendalough valley. There are many good walks in Glendalough and for all fitness levels. If you are lucky you may see some wildlife there during your walk. There are also ruins of an early Christian settlement which can be seen in the valley and if you are interested in history the Visitor Centre offers guided tours to show you around.
It is also possible to take a scenic drive through the mountains by car as there are three roads traversing the mountains.