With three days in Dublin you can see the city properly and still get out of it for a day. That third day is often the one people remember most: cliffs and seals at Howth, monks and lakes at Glendalough, or a castle at Malahide.
Days one and two: the city
Follow our two days in Dublin itinerary:
- Day one: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St Stephen’s Green, the National Museum of Archaeology, Christ Church and Dublinia, then the Guinness Storehouse.
- Day two: Kilmainham Gaol and IMMA, Jameson Distillery or Collins Barracks, the GPO and the Garden of Remembrance, then the Liffey quays.
Day three: pick your day out
Option 1: Howth, cliffs and seals (easiest)
Take the northbound DART to Howth, the end of the line. It takes about 30 minutes from the city centre, and you need nothing more than a ticket or a Leap card.
The Howth cliff walks start and finish at the DART station. There are four waymarked loops, so you can choose anything from a short stroll to a proper hike around the headland to the Baily lighthouse. Finish on the harbour for seafood and to watch the seals.
Cost: just your train fare, plus lunch. Full guide: Howth day trip from Dublin.
Option 2: Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains
A 6th-century monastic site with a round tower, two lakes and walks into the mountains. Without a car, the St Kevin’s Bus runs from the city centre, or join a day tour, which often adds a stop at Powerscourt or Kilkenny.
See day trips from Dublin for the bus and tour options.
Option 3: Malahide Castle
Take the DART or train to Malahide, then walk a few minutes to the castle and its gardens, with the Casino Model Railway Museum next door. A good half-day for families. See castles and stately homes.
Option 4: stay in town
Prefer to stay put? Spend the morning at Glasnevin Cemetery (from €17) and the afternoon in the Phoenix Park, with the deer and Dublin Zoo (€22.50 online). On a Saturday, you can join a free tour of Áras an Uachtaráin, the President’s house, with tickets given out on the day at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. See how to do the Phoenix Park properly.
Which day trip should you pick?
| Day trip | Best for | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| Howth | Sea views, walking, seafood | DART, about 30 minutes |
| Glendalough | Mountains, history, lakes | St Kevin’s Bus or a day tour |
| Malahide | A castle, gardens, families | DART or train |
| Stay in town | Zoo, deer, Irish history | Walk, bus or Luas |
Further afield
Day tours also run to the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway and Newgrange. They’re long days, mostly spent on a coach. With only three days in Dublin, Howth or Glendalough gives you more for less time on the road.
Where to stay
For a three-day trip with a day out, a base near the river makes the DART and the coach departure points easy to reach. See where to stay in Dublin.
Visiting in the rain? See things to do in Dublin when it rains. On a budget? See free things to do in Dublin.
Prices checked on each attraction’s official website, November 2026.