5 trips from Dublin for a weekend getaway

If you're traveling to Dublin for leisure or for an exchange program, you need to visit other cities beyond the capital! The countryside of Ireland is filled with stunning landscapes! That's why today I decided to share with you 5 ideas for trips from Dublin that you can do over the weekend (or during the week, if you're not studying).

Of course, a beautiful and rich country like Ireland has more than 5 destinations for you to explore. But today, my goal is to tell you about the most incredible ones that are not too far from Dublin. After all, the idea is to make a short trip, using Saturday and Sunday, or in other words, two days.

Let's go to the list?

5 Trips From Dublin

Belfast

My first suggestion for trips from Dublin is Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland! The city is known for being the birthplace of the Titanic (the most famous ship in the world) and also because of the Game of Thrones series, which filmed several scenes in its surroundings.

It's important to remember that the currency in Belfast is not the euro, but the pound. Don't forget to exchange some money before you go.

• Distance from Dublin

  
  

Belfast is only 166 km from Dublin.

• How to get there

  
  

You have two good options: bus or car. If you choose the bus, the journey is easy, quick, and cheap. Usually, the buses leave from the central area of Dublin and stop in the central area of Belfast. Buying the ticket online is usually cheaper than buying it at the bus station or on the spot.

The advantage of taking the bus is that you won’t have to worry about anything and can even sleep on the way.

If you choose to drive and don’t have your own car, you can rent one. It's affordable, and the road is good. The only “problem” is that in Ireland, driving is on the left side of the road, meaning you will drive on the right side. It may seem complicated at first, but with a little more attention, you’ll likely get used to it after some time.

• Main tourist attractions

  
  

If you like museums and want to learn more about the history of the Titanic, visit the Titanic Museum. If you prefer outdoor activities, check out the Nula with the Hoola sculpture (Beacon of Hope), walk around the docks, and visit the Glass of Thrones (stained-glass windows honoring the series).

Outside of Belfast, I recommend taking the Game of Thrones Tour. If you're not a fan of the series, book a tour (or go on your own) to see the Rope Bridge and Giants Causeway.

Galway

It is the fourth largest city in the country and is located on the west coast. It is coastal and super charming, with the true Irish vibe, and is also located near the Cliffs of Moher, which is the most visited attraction in the country.

• Distance from Dublin

  
  

It’s 220 km from the Irish capital to Galway.

• How to get there

  
  

You can get there by car, bus, or train. The journey takes about two and a half hours. Usually, the bus is the cheapest option.

• Main tourist attractions

  
  

In the city, visit Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, and admire the architecture of the buildings and houses.

Around Galway, 95 km away in County Clare, lies Ireland’s main tourist attraction. The Cliffs of Moher are cliffs that stretch for 8 km along the Atlantic Ocean coast. The highest point reaches 214 meters, offering a spectacular view of the sea and the rocks! It’s definitely a “must do”.

Cork

It is the second largest city in the country and ranks third on the list of trips from Dublin! Cork has a countryside vibe but is quite lively, don’t be fooled.

• Distance from Dublin

  
  

It’s 260 km from the city to the capital.

• How to get there

  
  

You can go by car or bus. If you drive, you’ll have more freedom to explore along the way, but it might cost a little more. A great alternative is to gather 4 friends and split the car rental and fuel costs.

• Main tourist attractions

  
  

It’s worth visiting Blarney Castle, St Anne's Church, and Bishop Lucey Park. If you're a fan of museums, there’s the Cork Butter Museum. If you’re driving, check out the Cliffs of Ballycotton, which are 40 km from Cork.

Ring of Kerry

One of the most scenic trips from Dublin. The Ring of Kerry is not very well-known by Brazilians, but it’s certainly worth experiencing. It’s a circular tourist route (ring = circle) located in the southern part of the country.

• Distance from Dublin

  
  

Killarney is considered the gateway to the route and is located 310 km from Dublin.

• How to get there

  
  

The best way to do the tourist route is by car. Along the way, you’ll stop several times to admire the scenery and take photos. Take it slow and set aside a full day. The tip is to travel from Dublin to Killarney in one day and spend the next day exploring the ring.

• Main tourist attractions

  
  

There are many great spots on the route, but you can prioritize Killarney National Park, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, and Kenmare.

Bray

Many people consider this city an extension of the capital, a more distant neighborhood. But Bray is an independent city and a great option for a day trip from Dublin, especially if you have little time and want a closer outing.

• Distance from Dublin

  
  

It’s only 23 km between the two cities.

• How to get there

  
  

You just need to take the DART or a bus. Generally, the bus is cheaper, but the difference isn't that big.

• Main tourist attractions

  
  

The city is coastal and has a beach different from those in Brazil; the "sand" strip is made of stones. At first, it may seem strange, but you’ll get used to it.

So, which of the trips from Dublin do you want to take? I think the hard part will be choosing just one! Any questions, leave a comment below or send a message on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/elaeomundoblog !

Kisses and see you soon!