Saturday, June 4, 2016

12 DAYTRIP DESTINATIONS FROM DUBLIN: BE INSPIRED!

image from www.dailymail.co.uk (Alamy)
If you have a little extra time in your hand, and you’ve seen all the must see in Dublin City, take a day trip from Dublin! I have a list of suggestions/ Inspiration for you:


1. Malahide Castle & Dublin Bay

image from www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie
Reachable by the DART line, Malahide is a quint village well worth a visit. The Oak Room within the Malahide Castle is one of Ireland most mysterious place with interesting Carvings and paintings lining the Great Hall. Rumour has it that the Castle is roamed by 5 ghosts. It was the residence of Richard Talbot, a knight who accompanied King Henry II of England to Ireland in 1174 until it was presented to the state. Complete this Castle tour with a trip to Dublin Bay.

2. Blarney Castle, Cobh and Cork

image from www.hayfieldmanor.ie
Blarney Castle is famous for its legendary mystical stone which grant you with “the gift of eloquent speech for 7 years” after kissing it. The catch is, you have to hang upside down over a sheer drop from the castle's tower to kiss it. Admission to the Blarney Vastle and gardens worth 12 Euro.
Cobh was the last departure point of Titanic in April 1912, so be sure not to miss that on your way! Famed of its historical landmarks and vibrant cultural scene, Cork is named the Ireland's second city located at the southern tip.

3. Cliffs of Moher

image from www.cliffsofmoherretreat.com
3.5 hours drive from Dublin, the Cliff of Moher is a classic choice for day trips from Dublin.

“The Irish landscape, usually so gentle and well-behaved, reaches a dramatic flourish when it meets the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland’s west coast.”                                                                  --Ireland day tour

Stretching for almost 10km, the Cliffs of Moher forms part of the edge of western Europe. The viewing platform on top of O’Brien’s Tower provides the best vistas, stretching west to the Aran Islands and north to Galway Bay. The entrance to Cliffs of Moher is €6.00. I'd recommend a 2 hours stay to take it all in.

4. Aran Islands 

image frowww.irishtimes.com
A visit to Aran Islands will certainly add to the colour of your trip to Dublin. Just off Ireland’s west coast, it is an perfect quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Immerse yourself in serenity, enjoy the wildflower meadows, wild rocky seascape and many more.

5. Galway Bay & Connemara 

image from www.connemaratours.ie
image from www.runconnemara.com

The Galway’s Atlantic coastline, being a magnet for nature lovers is an easy journey from Dublin. The famous Galway city is a traditional, colourful tribal city which will definitely leave a print in your mind.
The breathtaking Connemara National Park is also a region that you should not miss: the true beauty of the landscape with romantic castle, deserted valleys, fabulous stone walk and mesmorising lakes will leave you speechless!



6. Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland

image from www.dailymail.co.uk (Alamy)
Welcome to the very northern point of Ireland! The first thing that came to my mind: This must be man-made! The image of these unique rock formation consisted of basalt columns rising out of the sea haunted my dreams even several weeks after my visit to the Giant Causeway!
The legendary Giant's Causeway is the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Ireland.
Before reaching the Giant causeway, make sure you do not miss the chance to conquer your fear of height by crossing the world famous Carrick- a-Rede rope bridge! Take in the view of the Mull of Kintyre of Scotland and Rathlin Island!

7. Belfast

image from belfastcitysightseeing.com
It is the capital of Northern Ireland (a part of United Kingdom, not Ireland!)
Being the birthplace of the Titanic, the great city of Belfast had been making headlines since 1969!

8. Howth 

image from www.howthexpress.com
The picturesque village of Howth is great getaway, easily accessible by using the DART (Dublin's light rail network). It is an unspoiled fishing village and the view from the Howth Head is spectacular.
a leisurely way to explore the coastline. The village of Howth, at the far extremity of Dublin's north side is well worth a visit.

9. Glendalough and Kilkenny

image from www.ireland.com
If you have a few days in Dublin, the magical Glendalough is not to be missed. It was featured in PS I Love you. This wonderful day trip to the monastic site will made you fell in love with this picture-postcard version of Ireland. Being the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny is another city worth stopping by. Come and explore the Norman castle ground, the narrow streets of Kilkenny and enjoy a Kilkenny Pint!


10. Celtic Boyne Valley

image from www.virtualtourist.com
Ireland’s most ancient and historic sites! Visit the Royal County, passage tombs of Loughcrew, old town of Trim, Monasterboice and Drogheda! The Trim Castle was featured in the film Braveheart.

11. Kerry

image from www.kerry-ireland.com
Enjoy panoramic views of a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age - 10,000 years ago. A trip to the mystical and beautiful County Kerry will surely be the highlight of your Ireland trip.
Kind reminder: You should never leave without a visit to Dingle peninsula!

Special:
Games of Thrones

Are you a fan of the hit series “Games of Thrones”? If so, this is definitely your kind of FUN!
image from www.huffingtonpost.com
Can you recognise the DARK HEDGES, used as the King's Road during Ayra’s nail-biting escape to Winterfell?
image from winteriscoming.net
Or the picturesque BALLINTOY Habour? Where Theon met Yara when he went back as a hostage to Iron Island?
image from belfastcitysightseeing.com
How about the caves of Cushendun where Melisandre of Asshai gave birth to a shadow baby?



There you go! My humble suggestions.Thank You for Reading! 
This post is based solely on my honest opinion or personal experience. 
 If you have any more destination in mind, 
feel free to share your thoughts with me by commenting below!

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