Studying in Dublin is great because there are always new places to discover in the city centre. However, you must not skip any chance you get to escape the city on a nice day and explore Ireland’s scenic beauty. 

Luckily, there are many fantastic destinations within an hour from Dublin City Centre that make for a fantastic day trip. Here are the five spots that are a must-see for anyone who is new to Ireland and to Dublin!

Howth

Howth is a pretty coastal village just a short 30-minute train ride from Dublin City Centre. The best way to get there is by DART (Dublin’s commuter train). The DART commute will cost you only around a euro with your Leap Card and the trains are quite regular.

My favourite thing to do in Howth is to get my friends together, grab some fish and chips and head to the pier to enjoy the view. However, beware of the seagulls! They are completely ruthless and will steal your food the second you get distracted.

If you are feeling more adventurous, you can venture on the Howth cliff walk. Only 6 km long, it is a favourite among visitors for the breathtaking views of the Howth Harbour and the Irish Sea.

Malahide

Just a bit more North of Howth is another must-visit destination — Malahide. The undisputed highlight of this charming town is Malahide Castle, a 12th-century fortress surrounded by lush gardens and parklands. Here, you can take a walk around the surrounding parks, have a picnic or get a guided tour of the castle.

However, my favourite will forever remain the castle’s butterfly garden! Admission can be purchased separately from that of the whole castle, which makes it rather cheap. Appreciating the beautiful butterflies and the pretty flowers is such a cute and relaxing activity.

Dún Laoghaire

If you take the South-bound DART, make sure to get off at the Dún Laoghaire station. The commute is a mere 20 minutes but that is enough to escape the stress of Dublin City.

The famous East Pier is perfect for a relaxing stroll and has many vibrant cafes where you can treat yourself to a delicious coffee and a pastry.

My favourite day to visit Dún Laoghaire is Sunday because of the People’s Park Market that takes place then. You can find anything from artisanal food to handmade crafts in the market, and the atmosphere is just amazing, so definitely stop by!

On the warmer summer days, Forty Foot on the coast of Dún Laoghaire attracts many swimming enthusiasts. If you are not afraid of the slightly cold water, you should definitely take a dip on a warm summer day!

Bray

If you continue travelling North, you will reach Bray which is approximately 45 minutes away from Dublin city centre by train. Bray is a cosy seaside town which has a lot to offer. You can take a Bray to Greystones Cliff walk, stretching over 7 km along the coast with stunning views. For the more daring, Bray Head is a shorter but much steeper hike that will reward you with a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

If you are feeling less active, Bray promenade is full of delicious restaurants with delicious seafood, ice cream stalls and spots that are ideal for people-watching.

My friends and I always have a stone-skipping competition when we visit Bray, so if you find yourself bored, try it out!

Glendalough Valley

For someone more committed, Glendalough valley offers a true escape into Ireland’s magnificent nature. It is a bit further from Dublin (about 1.5 hours by train) but is definitely worth the trip!

To get there, you will need to take a bus from the city centre which leaves at 11:30 in the morning. The round trip will cost you around €23 (there is unfortunately no student discount!). The last bus leaves at 16:30 in the wintertime and at 17:40 during summertime — make sure to catch it or you will be stuck in Glendalough overnight!

The Glendalough Valley is famous for its ancient monastic site and two glacial lakes. You can take one of the many hiking routes available or take a less strenuous walk to the Upper Lake and have a picnic as the local ducks try to snatch the food from you.

I would recommend bringing some cards or small board games with you which you can enjoy with your friends while appreciating the beautiful surroundings!