10 of the best day trips from Dublin by car

It’s just a two-hour day trip from Dublin to Waterford taking in the UNESCO European Geopark and the Copper Coast. Heading southeast from Dublin, you’ll pass through towns including Newbridge, with its 13th-century Great Connell Priory and the medieval town of Kilkenny.

This is a scenic drive, and the journey gets even more interesting once you hit Waterford, the country’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914, and birthplace of Waterford Crystal.

From there, head to Victorian seaside resort Tramore before hugging the coast towards Dungarvan. The hour or so drive takes you along the Copper Coast, named for its 19th-century mining heritage.

Returning to Dublin, you can retrace your route, stopping off in different towns for a potter, or stick to the coastline. The latter will take a little longer, especially as you’ll have to keep parking up to capture the scenery but views like these are worth taking your time over.

It’s just an hour’s drive north from Dublin to the Hill of Tara in County Meath, the inauguration site of the ancient High Kings of Ireland. But, from the highest point of this ridge, you can see a whole lot further - up to a quarter of the country’s landscape, on a clear day (at least, according to locals).

The site is home to Trim Castle where Braveheart was filmed. Even by Ireland’s standards, this area is rich in history. The Stone Age tomb of Newgrange is just ten minutes or so north of the Hill of Tara.

A short drive further on this day trip from Dublin and you’ll reach the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre. The ruins of Monasterboice, an early Christian settlement with two churches and the country’s tallest high cross, are just a 15-minute drive from there.

Ireland isn’t all rolling green hills and sweeping coastal views. It also has lakes and mountains, and this road trip from Dublin is one of the best ways to explore the country’s varied landscape. The Sally Gap winds through the Wicklow Mountains and begins less than an hour south of Dublin.

The drive is characterised by steep climbs and hairpin bends, which is part of its appeal, of course, but you’ll want to take it slow. Especially as there’s so much to see, from the mountain slopes covered with pine trees and purple heather.

Drive south to reach Glendalough, a glacial valley with lakes, walking trails, ancient oak forestry and a 6th-century monastic site.

This Dublin to Killiney road trip is centred on County Dublin, and you could easily complete the round trip within two hours, without stops. But where is the fun in that? Aim to spend at least half a day soaking up the coastal views and catch a glimpse of some of the country’s most lavish residences.

Heading south towards Ballsbridge with its three-arch stone bridge spanning the River Dodder, continue towards the coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire, with its beaches, palm trees and fishing harbour. Then it’s a short, coast-hugging drive to Dalkey, founded by Vikings but since taken over by the rich and famous – stars including Van Morrison and Bono own properties around the area.

This Dublin Bay day trip takes you north of the city to the beautiful coastal town of Skerries, a 45-minute drive from Dublin between Rush and Balbriggan. The area is filled with history with museums and castles to explore as well as a stunning coastline and beaches popular with watersport enthusiasts. The quaint harbour is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes making this a great destination for some down time away from the capital.

Just a short drive north of Skerries you’ll find Ardgillan Castle, a country estate offering castle and garden tours as well as open-air theatre in the summertime. In town you can tour the lighthouse and Skerries Mills where they have been milling flour since the 12th century.

Turning back towards Dublin, Malahide has a medieval castle to explore as well as a marina and great shopping in the independent boutiques.

At Howth village on the peninsula the foodie culture draws young Dubliners for its relaxed weekend coastal vibe.

Driving from Dublin to Galway takes you on a spell-binding journey through the rural heart of Ireland. Without stops you can cover the 130-mile trip along the M6 motorway in around two and a half hours, but there are so many interesting places to see on the drive from Dublin to Galway that it’s worth making some detours.

Your journey takes in the five counties of Kildare, Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon and Galway, with its medieval centre perhaps the most beautiful city in Ireland.

Heading west into Kildare, you enter horse racing country home of the Irish National Stud. If you are feeling peckish, stop off in lively Kildare town or the Kildare outlet shopping village.

Crossing over into Westmeath take time to explore Belvedere House and Gardens by the shores of sparkling Lough Ennell. In County Offaly head for the science centre at Birr Castle.

If you’ve time, meander north back into Westmeath for a stop off in Athlone on the banks of the River Shannon and enjoy a tour of the city’s historic castle district.

When you hire a car from Dublin you are spoiled for choice when it comes to planning a road trip across Ireland itself as well as over the border to Northern Ireland. There are some impressive landscapes to be enjoyed on the scenic drive from Dublin to Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland.

The journey of a little over 100 miles (165km) is an easy enough two-hour drive via the M1 and A1, or you could travel by train in around two hours, but there is so much to see that it’s worth taking a little more time on a route that will offer you castles, mountains, prehistoric art as well as fine stretches of coastline. There’s even a chance to immerse yourself in a Game of Thrones road trip.

Just off the M1 on your way north through County Meath, don't miss the neolithic Boyne Valley tombs, one of Ireland’s three UNESCO world heritage sites. Detour to the village of Slane famous for its rich history as well as the legendary concerts at Slane Castle. Cross the border via the M1 and drive to the Ring of Gullion in the stunning Slieve Gullion Forest park offering views across the counties of Armagh, Louth and Monaghan. It’s then a short hop east into the beautiful Mourne Mountains.

Your last destination before Belfast is Castle Ward beside Strangford Lough. The imposing Natural Trust property is interesting in its own right but also a must for Game of Thrones fans as the setting for the Winterfell location in season one.

A Dublin to Donegal road trip is often the opening leg of a Wild Atlantic Way drive but this 180-mile (285km) 3hr15min journey is deserving of a few stops along the way. If you are planning a few days along the west coast or even just a day trip, the question is where to stop between Dublin and Donegal?

The N3 from Dublin takes you close to the towns of Dunshaughlin, Navan, Kells, Virginia, Cavan, Belturbet, Enniskillen, Belleek and Ballyshannon. Breaks along the way might include stop offs at Cavan Crystal, Ireland’s 2nd oldest glassworks, the pretty town of Belturbet along the River Erne and just over the border in Northern Ireland, Fermanagh’s limestone Marble Arch Caves.

After skirting Lough Erne, at the intersection of the N3 and N15 coast road you’ll reach Ballyshannon, the oldest town in Ireland. Head west for a chance to explore some of the south Donegal coastline before the approach to Donegal itself.

A Dublin to Dingle road trip is at least 200 miles (345km) so you’ll want to factor in a few breaks on your way along the M7 to the south-west through the counties of Kildare, Laois, Tipperary, Limerick and Kerry.

The Kildare Village is a shoppers’ paradise with more than 100 boutiques and cafes, with plenty of parking near junction 13 of the M7.

Eat up some miles on the motorway until junction 27 of the M7 near Newport where you can take a lovely detour to explore the lower reaches of Loch Derg and the River Shannon around picturesque Killaloe.

Take the N69 and follow the coast road. Hug the northern tip of the peninsula and head for the beach at Castle Gregory before spiraling down through the twisting Conor Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland and part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way road trip.

Cork, Ireland’s second largest city, is a bucket list destination. It is steeped in history and surrounded by stunning countryside as well as being within easy reach of a beautiful coastline.

If you’ve only got a few days in the Emerald Isle, you might wonder, ‘can you visit Cork from Dublin in a day?’ As it’s just 160 miles (260km) from a Dublin to Cork road trip takes just under 3 hours on the M7 and M8 motorways. You can also travel by train from Dublin to Cork in just two and a half hours, but with several great places to stop on the way as well as must-see sites around Cork, renting a car from Dublin, is a popular option.

Taking the N81 gives you great views of the Wicklow Mountains. Head to the small city of Kilkenny with its castle, cathedral and medieval mile. From there, weave your way across to Cashel and the imposing Rock of Cashel before turning south for Cork.

If the beauty of the region leaves you lost for words, en route you can stop at Blarney Castle, where kissing the legendary Blarney Stone promises to unlock new powers of eloquence.

With so many attractions across this magical country and a great network of roads, one of best ways to explore is by hiring a car in Dublin giving you the freedom to plan day trips across Ireland. Whether you are arriving by ferry, catching a train into the city or flying in, you’ll find our friendly and helpful Avis teams at locations in Dublin city as well as at the Avis rental desk at Dublin Airport ready to make your dream Irish road trip a reality.

If you are driving in Dublin and Ireland for the first time, there are a few things that may surprise you to learn. You may wonder which side of the road you drive on in Dublin? Unlike in mainland Europe in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road.  There are no toll roads in Northern Ireland, but you'll find tolls on a number of roads in the Republic of Ireland. You can pay toll charges at the toll booths except for the M50 eFlow Barrier System which must be paid online or via an App.

In the Republic of Ireland, you must carry your driving licence at all times.

For more information on national speed limits and the latest advice on driving in Dublin and Ireland, check out our guide to Ireland road rules.