As I’m writing this, this time a year ago I was on my first-ever incredible solo adventure to Ireland. My solo adventure to Ireland is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. Throughout my time in Ireland, I decided to create a home base for myself in Dublin (here), given that I am NOT interested in solo driving on the other side of the road – LOLLLL! Not only did my solo adventure teach me tons about myself, but it also taught me so much about Ireland, including how to visit different places within the Emerald Isle and meet so many incredible people and hear so many impactful stories all along the way. During my trip, I took 5 car-free day trips from Dublin, Ireland via local bus tour operators.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Where To Book?!

If you’re considering I highly recommend downloading the GetYourGuide app on your phone to help you select which day trip(s) make the most sense for you. That way, you’re able to see which tour operators have availability on the days that work for you given your group’s interests and preferences.

Additionally, if you’re looking for lodging while in Dublin, Ireland, there are plenty of options to choose from!

5 Car-Free Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland

1 – Cork County

Cork County, Ireland covers the majority of Ireland’s southwest coast upwards. From fertile farmlands and castle country to the North to rugged coastlines and peninsulas to the South, Cork County, Ireland truly has it all. It is also home to Ireland’s second-largest city and the 2nd stop on my Ireland tour … Cork! Cork is home to much of Ireland’s tech hub, having both Apple’s and Amazon’s international headquarters (including several other tech companies) located there. Some of the most notable sights in Cork County (which I saw on my incredible day there) include Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle which is home to the well-known Blarney Stone.

Book your Cork County adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Cork County here.

2 – Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are rugged cliffs that stretch approximately 14 kilometers across Ireland’s Atlantic Way in County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher are walkable and you can *even* hike across them, too, although it may not be highly suggested throughout parts of it. Just like with Netflix’s Irish Wish, the Cliffs of Moher are featured in several well-known films, photos, etc. Truly, I GASPED when I saw the Cliffs of Moher in-person, as it was such a grand sight to see!

Book your Cliffs of Moher adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to the Cliffs of Moher here.

3 – Northern Ireland (Giant’s Causeway & Belfast)

Northern Ireland is apart of the United Kingdom, sitting on a part of the Emerald Isle aka Ireland. Ireland is a predominantly Catholic nation, whereas, Northern Ireland, a British territory has a Protestant majority. Though Northern Ireland has a Protestant majority, it does have a Catholic minority and hence caused conflicts between the residents: a Protestant majority who wanted Northern Ireland to remain apart of the United Kingdom and a Catholic minority who wanted Northern Ireland to reunify with Ireland. From 1968-1998, Belfast as the heart of Northern Ireland, was central to these secular conflicts that created unrest worldwide. As a result of these conflicts, over 3,500 people died with many more people injured and a heightened level of trauma, suffering, and anxiety face and linger amongst the people of Northern Ireland to this day. It is said, according to the tour guide, that the people of Northern Ireland are known to have a darker sense of humor as a way to cope with the things that they’ve been through over the decades. And, in some towns, such as Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the Catholic people and Protestant people remain separated to some extent. I find it important to share the history of Northern Ireland as it shows the power that conflict has in our world as a whole and especially in Northern Ireland and with their people and culture. While a small part of the world, a brutal 3-decades long conflict is still significant as shown throughout Northern Ireland.

Book your Northern Ireland adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Belfast and Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland here and here.

4 – Connemara

Connemara is rather remote for Ireland (which is a country the size of the state of South Carolina in the United States!), yet boasts some unique stories. With a population of ~32,000 people, Connemara is the only region in Ireland where the majority of its population speaks the native Irish language. In fact, Irish families send their kids in ~middle school-high school for a Summer away to stay with a host family in Connemara to learn their native tongue. I learned from my tour guide that some of the Irish’s Summers away in Connemara were where many teenagers experienced their first kiss, went to parties, went on dates, and more! Connemara’s economy is mostly focused on agriculture, fishing, artisan crafts, and tourism. One of the most distinct things about Connemara is its gorgeously unique landscapes and scenery playing homage to Ireland’s only fjord.

Book your Connemara adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Connemara here.

5 – Glendalough

Located in a glacial valley with two stunning adjacent lakes within the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is home to a 6th century monastic heritage sight. This 6th century monastic heritage sight was founded by St. Kevin who resided there as a hermit and attracted followers of the Christian faith who aspired to do the same. Indeed, Glendalough is a placed of pilgrimage and has been for over 1,500 years. While not much is accurately known about St. Kevin’s time at Glendalough, stories have been passed down over the centuries, some of which are of Irish mythology (which is contains a fascinating array of stories in itself!). Surrounded by natural beauty with an upper and lower lake, the Wicklow Mountains, the remains of two mining sites, and the monastic settlement, truly Glendalough is a peaceful place to simply reflect, enjoy your surroundings, and feel pride for those that have done the same before us. Learn more here, including information on the first-ever pilgrimage aka a series of walks on St. Kevin’s day on June 1, 2024!

Book your Glendalough adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Glendalough here.

Wrap-Up

Ireland is truly such a magical country and there are so many options to see the Emerald Isle without the hassle of driving. Dublin is an excellent city and home basis within Ireland, making most of the country easily accessible within a day’s trip reach. Truly, there are SO many car-free day trips to take from Dublin!

XOXO – Katie <3

Long time, NO talk about my incredible solo trip to Ireland back in April of this year! While in the Emerald Isle, I went on several day trips (including Cork County and the Cliffs of Moher) across the country, including a magical 4 hours in Glendalough, Ireland – a gorgeous glacial valley tucked in the Wicklow Mountains that’s home to a 6th century monastery. Truly, getting to visit Glendalough felt as if I was in an Irish lakeside fairytale come true!

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

4 Hours in Glendalough, Ireland

Day Trip Operator:

Just like my day trips to Cork County and the Cliffs of Moher, I used Paddywagon Tours for my half day trip to Glendalough. Paddywagon Tours is an affordable and well-known tour operator with several tours leaving from Dublin (and a few other Irish cities!) for the day. I LOVED how convenient the pickup location was for these tours, too, as it was *just* a couple of blocks from my hotel, making for an easy morning stroll.

About:

Takeaways:

Glendalough is indeed an incredible place. Upon exiting the tour bus for approximately 90 minutes to stroll at the Glendalough (including the heritage site and adjacent lakes and trails to/from it all!), I was able to see the monastic heritage site and both lakes amongst the breathtakingly gorgeous Wicklow Mountains. Upon first glance, I found myself walking across stunning cobblestone bridges like I was *in* an Irish fairytale (!!!!!) to the monastic heritage site. At the monastic heritage site, there is a cemetery of crosses (which is *very* hard to get a slot in nowadays as its super prestigious), the monastic tower, and the cell where St. Kevin would pray and practice his faith as a hermit. Truly, it was an incredible experience to see where so many have come before us to practice the faith that they loved and were so passionate about exploring and touching others’ lives with. Glendalough is such a place filled with love, hope, and beauty!

To top it all off, after a visit to the monastic heritage site, I started my stroll on the trail to the upper and lower lakes nearby. On the way to the lakes, I saw … a waterfall (!!!!!) amongst stunning beautiful green moss. HOW MAGICAL!!!!!! And, well, the perfect home for fairies! The walk (if I recall!) is about a mile and SO worth it to be in a forest amongst waterfalls, mountainous views, and lakeside gushes of wind (when in Rome – am I right?!?!). At the lakes, it was SOOOO relaxing amongst the wind and showers of rain here and there to simply be in the moment. Bodies of water, especially lakes, given my childhood Summers spent at East Grand Lake in Northern Maine, have a special place in my heart!

And, on the bus ride home, our tour guide shared some beautiful Irish mythological stories as we drove through the Wicklow Mountains on our way back to Dublin. While I don’t remember a ton about the stories that she told us, I do remember just enjoying how perfect this morning and the moments were at and around Glendalough. It is such a special place!

Wrap-Up:

Being at Glendalough was such a magical experience. I seriously felt as if I was in an Irish lakeside fairytale. Sadly, no fairies to be seen this time around, but maybe next time!

XOXO – Katie <3

Tag: Glendalough Ireland