Day Trips / Excursions in Dublin

Welcome to Dublin Day Trips, in which we provide a few ideas for something different to do while visiting Dublin, or just for Dubliners who have a day of and are looking for something different to do. Some of these are free, and some cost money, but all are something a little different from the norm. As this is a new page we only have four trips to start with, but we aim to have more as time goes on, as well as providing more images etc. Below are listed a few of these ideas, click on the name to be taken to part of the page which describes it....

Ideas for Daytrips: Howth Head Bray Head Skiing or Snowboarding Karting

A great free(well almost free) Day Trip to take while in Dublin, is a visit to Howth Head. This is a small peninsula(actually a tombolo) just north of Dublin where, when you climb to the summit, you can get a spectacular view of Dublin City set against the Dublin Mountains in the background. It should be warned that this should only really be attempted during clear weather, as when its cloudy there can be no or very little visibility.

To get there, just take the DART North Line to the last stop, which is Howth Village. Howth village is a quaint little fishing village, which is worth visiting on its own. From there, follow the signs to the summit, this takes you past the village and past many housing estates, and evetually to the summit. Once there you can enjoy the view. Also on the other side you can get a view of the island 'Ireland's Eye' which is a bird sanctuary. Once at the top, you can take the cliffside walk back to town, which is a nice stroll and can make this daytrip as long or as short as you wish. The summit can also be a nice place for a picnic, if the weather is good enough. It must be warned that you should be careful when walking along the cliffside, as the cliffs can be very steep and dangerous.

Bray Head is another great viewing area of the city centre. Just South of Dublin, Bray is in County Wicklow, known as 'The Garden of Ireland'. Bray is an old seaside resort, which has now mostly been integrated into County Dublin, as part of its suburbs. There is a nice beach and promenade there, as well as the 'Head' itself. This is a large hill/mountain, beside the sea which from the top offers a great view of the city and Howth Head in the background if its a nice day and visibility is good.

To get there, take the DART South Line to the last stop, which is Bray village. From there, follow the signs to the head and enjoy the view. This is also a nice place for a picnic and a stroll, depending on the weather, and can make the day as long or as short as you wish.

Another good idea for something different, is a trip to Kilternan, Co. Dublin, and a day skiing or snowboarding on their artificial slopes. You don't have to have ever been skiing or snowboarding before as they offer classes by qualified insructors who teach from a beginners to an expert level. All the equipment is also supplied there.

Kilternan is in South County Dublin, within easy access from Dublin City. You can get there on the Dublin bus route 44 which leaves from Townsend St, Dublin 2. This is obviously not a free daytrip, so all information on their prices and conditions are available on their site here.

Another idea for something different, is a day or evening karting. Kylemore Karting, located in Kylemore Industrial Estate, Dublin 10, which is on Dublin's Northside, offer a great karting experience. They include all the driving gear, Race Commentaries, Computerised timing and scoring system and Electronic leaderboard with driver lap times.

Kylemore Karting

You can just show up and drive a few laps, or book for a large party and take part in a grand prix or other race which is completely organised by Kylemore Karting. You can get more info on prices, etc., by visiting their website here.