While Dublin is a fantastic city with many things to see and do, while you're there, you should also take the time to enjoy one or more of these ideal day trips from the capital.
Newgrange 
Credit: K.C. Dermody Newgrange, Ireland
Newgrange (Hotels nearby)
Newgrange is not only an easy day trip from Dublin, just 45 minutes north-west of the city, it is one of the most fascinating sites you can experience. Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza, it was built around 3200 BC and is probably best known for the illumination of its passage and chamber by the winter solstice sun. No one knows for sure what its actual purpose was, but it is believed to have been a passage tomb and temple for the sun-worshipping ancients and a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance. White quartz was used to build it to inspire vital energy.
Glendalough 
Credit: K.C. Dermody Glendalough, Ireland
Glendalough (Hotels nearby)
One of the best sites in the country, Glendalough, meaning 'Valley of the Two Lakes', is famous for its spectacular views and ancient heritage. This is the home of a monastic settlement that was established in the 6th century, with its round tower a popular object for photographs. The settlement was a thriving town during its time, complete with houses, a farm, a cathedral and other buildings as one of Ireland's great ecclesiastical centres. Visitors can also explore the breathtaking surrounding landscape by taking a hike on one of the scenic trails.
Malahide Castle 
Credit: Bigstock.com Malahide Castle
Malahide Castle (Hotels nearby)
This charming coastal town is located a short distance from Dublin and is particularly picturesque. Visitors will find its pretty streets lined with lively cafes, restaurants, shops and pubs, while Velvet Strand, which runs along the Irish Sea, is popular for sunbathing and a variety of water sports. But the main reason to come is undoubtedly Malahide Castle, built as a private residence and fortress that was inhabited for almost 800 years. Tours take visitors into its fascinating historical past, which includes accounts of at least five ghosts, including Lady Maud Plunkett, buried in the castle graveyard, and a 16th century caretaker by the name of Puck.
Howth 
Credit: K.C. Dermody Howth, Ireland
Howth (Hotels nearby)
This fishing village is another must-visit near Dublin, where you can stroll along the Bog of Frogs Loop for splendid views of the lighthouse, Lambay Island and cliffs, or enjoy a stroll along the pier for glimpses of Ireland's island is just a 15-minute boat ride away. It is also home to a long sandy beach, birdwatching opportunities and the Martello Tower Museum, which houses a collection of exhibits telling the story of telecommunications from the 1940s to the present day. The famous Howth Market boasts a wide range of Irish handicrafts, handmade jewellery, vintage antiques and a large selection of organic food.
Kilkenny Credit: Mild cat Kilkenny City
Kilkenny (Hotels nearby)
Kilkenny is one of Ireland's most attractive historic cities, with its many historic sites concentrated in a small area in the city centre. It is a mix of medieval and modern, with narrow winding streets lined with ancient buildings, combined with the progressiveness of a vibrant city and a centre for the nation's arts and culture. Kilkenny Castle is the experience not to be missed, a splendid Norman castle dominating the skyline. It overlooks the River Nore and dates back to the 12th century.
Belfast 
Credit: bigstock.com Titanic Belfast.
Belfast (Hotels nearby)
This extraordinary museum may be unlike any you have ever seen. The largest Titanic visitor experience in the world, it has been named the top tourist attraction in all of Europe, beating even the Colosseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Buckingham Palace in London. It would be easy to spend a whole day, or longer, simply browsing through the wealth of exhibits showing ship artefacts, personal letters, clothing and recreated rooms. There are multimedia displays, virtual reality rooms and live cameras that have uncovered the wreck revealing the underwater salvage and research underway today.
Powerscourt Estate and Waterfall 
Credit: K.C. Dermody Powerscourt Waterfall
Powerscourt Estate and Waterfall (Nearby hotels)
The Powerscourt Estate is considered the epitome of 18th century aristocratic elegance. Ranked among the top ten houses and villas in the world by Lonely Planet, it is one of the most scenic places in the country and home to some of the most beautiful landscaped gardens on earth. It includes elaborate Italian gardens, a walled garden, a Japanese garden with a fishpond and a spectacular tree-lined avenue. It is dominated by the grand Palladian villa, Powerscourt House, which houses several shops selling Irish-made goods. Nearby is Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest in the country at almost 400 feet.
Lough Tay, Wicklow Mountains 
Credit: Karen Dermody Lough Tay, Wicklow National Park, Ireland in autumn
Lough Tay, Wicklow Mountains (Hotels nearby)
Wicklow National Park is only 40 minutes from Dublin and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. A large part of the Channel's 'Vikings' series was filmed here - their settlement is housed on the edge of beautiful Lough Tay.The area has been lit by numerous films, such as 2007's 'P.S. I Love You. ' It is very popular for enjoying scenic hikes, with miles and miles of trails. The best time to experience it is in summer and early autumn, when the heather is in bloom. This is when a sea of purple and brown borders the hills while swampy cotton fields cover the landscape below. There are miles and miles of marked trails, and visitors can also enjoy horse riding, cycling and climbing.
Wicklow Town 
Credit: K.C. Dermody Wicklow town
Wicklow Town (Nearby hotels)
Wicklow Town is located south of Dublin City on the east coast of Ireland. It boasts a number of beautiful beaches nearby and in the town, a wealth of attractions. The town, founded by the Vikings in the 8th century, is home to the haunted Black Castle ruins, the historic prison (dungeon) and a much-loved seal known as 'Sammy'. Sammy visits the local fish market three times a day for his meal. Visitors come from all over the world in the hope of spotting the skilled creature.
