Exploring Ireland on Weekends: Day Trips and Hidden Gems

Weekend Travel Philosophy

Ireland's compact size makes it perfect for weekend exploration, with most destinations reachable within 2-4 hours from major cities. However, the "best" parts of Ireland are out in the middle of nowhere, far-flung, along small roads, so getting to those places requires more than a little time in a car/bus/vehicle.

Top Weekend Destinations from Dublin

Cliffs of Moher (3.5 hours)

The heart and soul of Ireland lies at the Cliffs of Moher - a series of dramatic and daunting cliffs that run along the jagged North-Atlantic coast. The five-mile-long stretch offers some of the best views of the craggy, verdant Irish coast and surrounding countryside.

Important Note: Experts do not recommend a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin as it's an exceptionally long day with nearly 7.5 hours of driving (10 hours total trip on average) for a very short view of the cliffs. Consider staying overnight in County Clare.

Galway (2.5 hours)

A harbor city on the west coast where the Atlantic Ocean and River Corrib meet. The main hub is Eyre Square, dating back to the eighteenth century, with shops and traditional pubs featuring Irish folk music.

Galway has more pubs than any other place in Ireland – about 475, and boasts the largest Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area in Ireland. Best visited May-September, with May or September offering fewer crowds.

Day Trips from Galway:

• Aran Islands (ferry required)

• The Burren

• Connemara

• Cliffs of Moher (closer access than from Dublin)

Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains (1.5 hours)

Just an hour and a half drive from Dublin, the park boasts nine gorgeous hiking routes, each varying in difficulty and distance, including a walk to the incredible Glendalough monastic site which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Perfect for nature lovers seeking ancient monastic ruins surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, glacial lakes, and woodland walks.

Giant's Causeway (3 hours to Northern Ireland)

The UNESCO World Heritage Site features 40,000 basalt columns that rise from the sea like pillars of the Northern Irish coast. The three-hour drive north provides opportunity to experience Northern Ireland and explore Belfast or Derry.

Kilkenny (1.5 hours)

Medieval city with impressive Kilkenny Castle, cobbled streets, craft shops, and vibrant pub scene. Kilkenny is easily accessible by train from Dublin, making it convenient for day trips.

Kinsale (3 hours)

Picturesque harbor town in County Cork known for gourmet cuisine and colorful buildings. The town holds several yearly gourmet food festivals, with religious sites including St. Multose's Church (1190) and St. John the Baptist Church (1839).

Driving Caution: The road down to Kinsale waterfront where most restaurants, pubs and B&Bs are located is quite narrow and steep, with parking presenting challenges.

Belfast (2 hours)

Famous as birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Belfast is a city of historic sights, exciting culture, and famed Irish music, full of life with quaint local hotels and bars and restaurants known for excellent, homely Irish cuisine.

Top Attractions Ranked 2024

According to the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards, Ireland's most popular visitor attractions for 2024 are:

1. Guinness Storehouse, Dublin - Rated #1 visitor attraction in the world at 2023 World Travel Awards. Always prebook tickets to avoid hours-long waits.
   
   

2. Cliffs of Moher, Clare
   
   

3. Killarney National Park, Kerry - Established in 1932 through donation of Muckross Estate, comprising 25,425 acres with the only herd of wild indigenous red deer. Best visited in summer, with May or September offering fewer crowds.
   
   

4. Blarney Castle, Cork - Features keeps and battlements dating back to the 1200s, famous for the Blarney Stone.
   
   

5. Trinity College & Book of Kells, Dublin - The Book of Kells is a manuscript believed to be from 800 AD and the world's most famous medieval book.
   
   

6. Waterford Greenway - Best explored by bike, particularly electric bikes. Highlights include Mount Congreve Gardens, Durrow Viaduct, and Copper Coast.
   
   

7. Wild Atlantic Way - The longest coastal touring route in the world at 2,500km of pure driving joy offering rugged seascapes, wild landscapes, and dramatic coastlines passing through nine Irish counties: Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.
   
   

Scenic Driving Routes

Yeats Country (Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon)

Known as Yeats' Country in memory of poet W.B. Yeats and artist Jack Yeats who drew inspiration from this area.

Route Highlights:

• Glencar Waterfall (inspired 'The Stolen Child')

• Glencar Lough with two crannogs (artificial islands)

• Ben Bulben mountain views

• Drumcliffe (W.B. Yeats burial site)

• Gleniff Horseshoe Drive (single lane with dramatic mountain views)

• Mullaghmore and Classiebawn Castle

Ring of Kerry

A circular tour 112 miles long going from Killorglin via Cahersiveen and Kenmare to Killarney. One of Ireland's most spectacular scenic routes.

Dingle Peninsula

Breathtaking landscapes with charming towns, ancient sites, and stunning coastal views. Perfect for those seeking less-crowded alternatives to Ring of Kerry.

Weekend Itinerary Suggestions

Two-Day Dublin Weekend

Day 1:

• Start with full Irish breakfast at The Woollen Mills or Old Mill Restaurant (€10 in Temple Bar)

• Trinity College and Book of Kells

• Dublin Castle (€8 self-guided, €12 guided tour)

• Temple Bar area exploration

• Traditional Irish pub for evening music

Day 2:

• Guinness Storehouse (book first or last tour to avoid crowds)

• Phoenix Park

• Day trip to Glendalough or Newgrange

Three-Day West Coast Adventure

Option 1: Galway Base Bus from Dublin straight to Galway, making it good base for Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Connemara.

Option 2: Dingle Focus One night Dublin, then head west to Dingle for two nights. Hike Gap of Dunloe, enjoy pints at Foxy Johns, seafood chowder. Drive from Dingle back to Dublin is about 4.5 hours with stops.

Practical Travel Tips

Booking and Timing

Book tours 3-4 months in advance, especially during peak seasons. Arriving at popular attractions early morning or later afternoon helps avoid largest crowds.

Day Length Considerations

Winter days are especially short with sun setting around 4:00 p.m., while summer days can be extremely long with sunset occurring around 10:00 p.m..

Transportation Options

• Self-Drive: Maximum flexibility but requires confidence with left-side driving and narrow roads

• Tour Companies: Convenient for major attractions, handles driving stress

• Public Transport: Trains to Galway, Killarney, Cork; buses to most destinations

• Private Drivers/Guides: Personalized experience with local knowledge

Sunday Considerations

Many places close on Sunday in Ireland. Sites that do open don't open doors until around 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon.

Hidden Gems

Trim (1 hour from Dublin)

Fabulous town with big castle, great Indian restaurant, and convenient for seeing major Neolithic sights.

Doolin

Charming village near Cliffs of Moher, famous for traditional music sessions and proximity to the Burren's unique limestone landscape.

Cobh

Colorful harbor town in Cork, last port of call for the Titanic, with poignant emigration history museum.

Sligo Town

Underrated town with strong literary connections, beautiful beaches, and access to stunning northwest scenery.

Weekend Markets

English Market, Cork

Historic covered market offering artisanal products, fresh produce, and local specialties. The Farmgate Café dishes out big traditional flavours like classic Irish stew, corned beef with mustard and parsley sauce.

Milk Market, Limerick

Vibrant weekend market with local producers, street food, live music, and crafts.

Essential Advice

Pace Yourself: People who tried to see the whole country in short time periods remember being in a car trying to get from one place to the next rather than experiencing Ireland. Quality over quantity creates better memories.

Weather Preparation: Irish weather is changeable, so dress in layers, wear waterproof shoes, and carry an umbrella for unexpected downpours.

Local Slang: Irish people speak English but use lots of slang terms. For example, courtin' means dating and houl yer whisht means please be quiet. Research common phrases before your trip.