Open Travel Guide
Day trips from Leinster

Best Day Trips from Leinster 2026

Leinster's best escapes by distance: what's reachable before breakfast and back by dinner.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Glendalough & Sally Gap Day Trip, Newgrange & Boyne Valley and Kilkenny City & Jerpoint Abbey. This guide profiles 6+ day trips in Leinster, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Leinster is Ireland's eastern province, home to the capital Dublin and encompassing 12 counties stretching from the rolling Wicklow Mountains to the ancient passage tombs of the Boyne Valley. It blends vibrant urban culture with prehistoric monuments, medieval castles, and some of Ireland's most dramatic coastal and mountain scenery.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

67 km from Dublin city centre

Glendalough & Sally Gap Day Trip

Car (N11/R755) or St Kevin's Bus (+353 1 281 8119; stkevinbus.com; departs St Stephen's Green West 11:30 daily; €15 return ~USD 16.40)
47 km from Dublin city centre

Newgrange & Boyne Valley

Car (M1/N2) or Irish Rail to Drogheda (from Connolly; €8–€16 return, ~USD 8.75–17.50; irishrail.ie) then taxi to Visitor Centre
112 km from Dublin city centre

Kilkenny City & Jerpoint Abbey

Irish Rail from Dublin Heuston (1h40m; from €15 return, ~USD 16.40; irishrail.ie) or car (M9; 1.5 hr)
15 km from Dublin city centre

Howth Head & Cliff Walk

DART from Dublin Connolly (25 min; every 15–30 min; approx €4.80 return with Leap Card ~USD 5.24; leapcard.ie)
155 km from Dublin city centre

Hook Head Lighthouse & Dunbrody Ship

Car only — no practical public transport to Hook Head. Allow full day.
15 km from Dublin city centre

Malahide Castle & Gardens

DART from Dublin Connolly to Malahide (25 min; €5.70 return with Leap Card ~USD 6.22; irishrail.ie) then 10-min walk through grounds

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.

Tip

Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.

Tip

Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.

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