Day trips around Dublin

If you have a little more time to spend than the average 48 hours in Dublin, then it is definitely worth exploring the city’s hidden gems and surrounding areas once the main must-do guide book locations have been ticked off the list. These little publicised sights can offer a better insight into one of Europe’s greatest cities and will make you see why people keep coming back for more.

First up is St Michan’s Church located on Church Street, which dates back to 1095. The largely uninspiring exterior houses a much more exciting and intriguing interior. The vaults have preserved some of its long term residents to an uncanny level thanks to the limestone walls. These eerie vaults are also said to have inspired Bram Stoker to create the character Dracula.

Swords Castle is over 800 years old and so not all parts remain. However, those that do – the gatehouse, chapel, banqueting hall, knights’ apartment, the Archbishop’s quarters and two large towers – are well worth a few hours exploration. It is also a great place for kids to get an insight into history without having to go to a museum.

There are many walks to do in and around Dublin that will allow you to soak up the city’s character and charm. One of which is along the South Wall to Poolbeg Lighthouse. The four mile wall dates back to the 1700s and there is a stone pier stretching from the lighthouse to the shore built in 1761. The coastline is rather striking and there are great views back to the city. Whether visiting in summer or winter the area is inspiring and dramatic.

Another walk that is popular with locals is along Royal Canal Way. You won’t of course walk all 146km, but a short stroll past Croke Park, Lockkeeper’s Cottage or the O’Connell monument in Glasnevin Cemetery will offer some rejuvenation after a heavy night indulging in Dublin’s social scene.

Howarth, located around 10 miles outside of Dublin and accessed by the DART train is a sight for soar eyes. Rugged beaches, heather covered cliffs, lighthouses and quaint fishing cottages make this a photographer’s heaven. You can also catch a boat from here out to Ireland’s Eye, its only inhabitants being a plethora of sea birds and some ancient monuments.

All these extra sights require extra hotel nights in a city that can be pricey. However, there are plenty of hotels to choose from and if you book in advance through a specialist travel website such as Octopus Travel then finding Dublin hotels to suit your budget and needs shouldn’t be too much of a challenge.