Dublin: Day Trips

Glendalough Tranquil site of 6th-century monastic ruins, set beside mountains and two lakes in an idyllic valley. Take a walk around the lakes to experience the full scenic views. 30 miles from Dublin, County Wicklow; 011-353-4-044-5325; www.heritageireland.ie
family | architecture | culture | garden

Johnny Fox’s The highest pub in Ireland, Johnny Fox’s was established in 1798 and still provides great food, drink, and song every night. It has an old-fashioned feel with stone floors and sawdust, turf fires, and old bric-a-brac hanging from the ceilings. 12 miles from Dublin, County Dublin; 011-353-1-295-5647; www.jfp.ie
history | bar | live music

Malahide The highlight of a visit to this seaside village of Malahide in north County Dublin, just nine miles from the city, is a peek inside the 800-year-old Malahide Castle, set in a beautiful 250-acre estate. 9 miles from Dublin, County Dublin; 011-353-1-846-2184; www.malahidecastle.com
family | culture | outdoors | history

Newgrange and the Hill of Tara Newgrange, in the Boyne Valley, is a 5,000 year-old megalithic passage grave. Some say that on a clear day you can see 23 of Ireland’s 32 counties from the nearby Hill of Tara. 34 miles from Dublin; Brú na Boinne Vistor Centre, County Meath; 011-353-41-988-0300; www.heritageireland.ie
family | archaeology | outdoors | history

Powerscourt Take a trip to the stunning house and 47-acre gardens at Powerscourt Estate, set at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. Stop off at the picturesque village of Enniskerry for lunch. 12 miles from Dublin, County Wicklow; 011-353-1-204-6000; www.powerscourt.ie
family | architecture | garden | history

Tour Dublin Bay by boat View Dublin Bay’s beaches, piers, cliffs, islands and wildlife on a thrilling Dublin Bay Sea Tour with Sea Safari, which departs from Custom House Quay in the city center. Sea Safari, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1; 011-353-1-855-7600; www.seasafari.ie
family | cruise | tour