Day Trips from Dublin Without a Car: 6 Easy Irish Escapes by Train or Tour Bus
This site contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Associates Program. At no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission from these links. I only make recommendations based on my experience. See my Disclosure Policy for more info.
One of the best things about using Dublin as a home base is how much of Ireland (and Northern Ireland!) you can see without ever getting behind the wheel.
If you’re anything like me—nervous about driving on the left side of the road and trying to stretch your travel budget—you’ll be relieved to know that Ireland’s train network, bus tours, and guided day trips make it totally possible to experience the country’s most iconic landmarks without renting a car.
I solo-traveled through Ireland twice (first in 2013, most recently in 2025) using only buses, trains, and tours, and honestly? Some of my best moments happened because I wasn’t stressing about navigating narrow country roads or rumbling off a rocky coastal path (looking at you, bus to Cliffs of Moher).
This guide covers 6 of the best day trips from Dublin without a car, including honest cost breakdowns, travel times, and practical tips from someone who’s actually done these trips.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a solo traveler, or just someone who’d rather enjoy the scenery than white-knuckle it through roundabouts, these escapes will show you the best of Ireland beyond Dublin’s city center.
1. Cliffs of Moher
| 🚗 DISTANCE From Dublin 160 miles | ⏱️ TRAVEL TIME Approx. 12 hrs (full-day tour) | 💷 COST Bus Tour from Dublin From €75 |
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most visited tourist sites, and for good reason—they’re absolutely stunning and a must on any Ireland itinerary.
At their maximum height, they rise 214 meters (702 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean, which is about 66% as tall as the Empire State Building. Standing at the edge with the wind whipping around you and the ocean crashing below is one of those experiences that photos just can’t capture.
As a solo traveler fresh out of college, I was looking for something simple and affordable to get me there, which is how I discovered Paddywagon Tours.
Their full-day bus tour from Dublin was perfect for my needs, even if it meant spending 12 hours on a bus.
I’ll be honest—it’s a long day. But I was lucky enough to make friends with the people sitting next to me, so the drive flew by chatting with fellow travelers.
If you’re not as fortunate (though I hope you are in the land of leprechauns), bring headphones for an audiobook or music.
They now offer free high-speed Wi-Fi on board, too, which helps, but I’d still recommend downloading your book or music ahead of time as Wi-Fi may be spotty.
What to See & Do
The Paddywagon tour doesn’t just take you to the cliffs—there are several stops along the way.
You’ll visit the Kinvara Fishing Village, known for its traditional boats called “Galway Hookers,” and a gorgeous ruined Benedictine Abbey surrounded by rolling green hills that looks straight out of a movie.
There’s also a stop at the Baby Cliffs (the “mini cliffs”), a lunch stop in an Irish village, and then the main event—the Cliffs of Moher themselves.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get a clear day like I did. I’ve heard it can get pretty gloomy, and visibility drops significantly, so check the weather if you have any flexibility in your itinerary.
At the southern end, the cliffs reach 120 meters (390 ft), and O’Brien’s Tower near the midpoint is where the tour lets you off.
After the cliffs, the tour stops at Bunratty Castle—the most complete castle in Ireland—before heading back to Dublin.
How to Get There
The easiest car-free option is a full-day bus tour from Dublin. Paddywagon Tours departs from Dublin city center and handles everything for you.
There are public buses that can take you, but the best one-way fare is €27, so €54 round-trip. It’s worth it to just go on a bus tour so you don’t have to worry about any of the details at that rate.
Top Tip
This tour is a bestseller and likely to sell out—book at least 24 hours in advance. Bring layers and a rain jacket no matter what the forecast says; the Atlantic coast has a mind of its own.
RELATED POST: Honest Review of Paddywagon Tours from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher
2. Belfast
| 🚗 DISTANCE From Dublin 103 miles | ⏱️ TRAVEL TIME Approx. 2 hrs by train | 💷 COST Titanic Belfast From £25 |
Belfast is just a two-hour train ride from Dublin, and I genuinely wish I’d realized how easy this day trip was during my first visit to Ireland—I completely missed it!
That’s exactly why I’m flagging it for you now: Northern Ireland’s capital is incredibly accessible from Dublin by train. I paid only €30.40 to get there by train in 2 hours.
This is super convenient, especially if you’re staying at Latroupe Jacobs Inn, which is one short block from one of Dublin’s main stations, Connolly.
The train runs frequently between Dublin Connolly Station and Belfast Central, making it one of the most straightforward day trips from Dublin without a car. No border checks to worry about either—you’ll barely notice you’ve crossed into Northern Ireland.
I had Belfast super-underrated as the home of the Titanic Museum and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour (both great), but it’s so much more: it’s packed with history, culture, and some seriously impressive museums.
I now call it my beloved Belfast and do seriously hope to live there one day, as two weeks were just not enough!
What to See & Do
Belfast’s biggest draw is the Titanic Belfast museum, located in the very shipyard where the Titanic was built. It’s an incredible interactive experience that tells the full story of the ill-fated liner.
Just down the road is also the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world (included in a Titanic ticket)!
Beyond the Titanic, visit Belfast Castle overlooking the city, check out the Ulster Museum (free entry!), tour the lovely Belfast City Hall, make a quick stop at Belfast Cathedral, or head over to Crumlin Road Gaol, which reminded me a lot of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin.
There are also a boatload of lovely places to eat, meet others, and have a pint while listening to music.
Most guides will also suggest seeing the political murals on a Black Cab Tour. I didn’t do this because I needed a minimum of two people to book, and since I was solo, I couldn’t meet that threshold, but I am told it’s a wonderful experience.
How to Get There
Take the train from Dublin Connolly Station to Belfast Central—it runs approximately every hour and takes about 2 hours. Book in advance for the best fares. The city center is within walking distance of the station.
Note: If you’re not an Irish or British citizen, Northern Ireland now requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for some nationalities. Check the requirements before you travel.
I applied for this well before my trip, and no one on the train checked, but you should still apply if needed, as inspections may arise.
Top Tip
Belfast is compact enough that you can see the highlights in a day, but if you’ve got the budget and flexibility, consider overnighting to combine it with a Giant’s Causeway tour the next morning.
3. Giant’s Causeway
| 🚗 DISTANCE From Dublin 163 miles | ⏱️ TRAVEL TIME Approx. 5 hrs by train + bus OR 12 hr bus tour | 💷 COST Tour from Dublin From £47 |
Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, is one of those places that genuinely looks otherworldly—roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by an ancient volcanic eruption (or by the giant Finn McCool, depending on who you ask).
Like the Cliffs of Moher, this is a full-day commitment from Dublin, but it’s absolutely worth it for those dramatic coastal landscapes.
When I visited, I was already in Belfast, so I joined a bus tour there, but you can just as easily hop on one from Dublin to see this world-renowned site.
My top tip from the guide is to take the red trail down and the blue trail back, so this way you’re walking down a steep path rather than up it! I saw a ton of people going the other way, huffing and puffing, while I just leisurely strolled by.
Do note that there is quite a bit of walking here, so if you have trouble on uneven or uphill terrain, you may want to skip this day trip.
What to See & Do
Most full-day tours from Dublin include several stops beyond the Causeway itself. Such as the Dark Hedges—that eerie, atmospheric tree-lined avenue that Game of Thrones fans will recognise as the King’s Road. It makes for an incredible photo opp!
There’s also the possibility of Dunluce Castle, which is perched on an outcropping over the sea, which makes for a dramatic experience.
At the Giant’s Causeway, you’ll have time to climb over the ancient hexagonal stones, snap photos, and soak in the scenery.
I found even just the drive along the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, rated one of the world’s great road journeys, well worth the trip!
How to Get There
There are two main car-free options:
- Full-day bus tour from Dublin—The cheapest tour I found was with Wild Rover tours, which departs Dublin in the morning and returns around 8 pm. Includes a stop in Belfast, Dunluce Castle, and the Giant’s Causeway. However, for a bit more money, you can add the Dark Hedges with Paddywagon tours (a company I loved taking to the Cliffs of Moher).
- Rail + bus—You can also go without a tour, but it would require getting on a train to Belfast, then another to Coleraine, before transferring to a bus to the Giant’s Causeway.
Top Tip
The weather on the Antrim Coast can be wild! It stopped and started raining at the drop of a hat during my trip. Wear sturdy shoes (you’ll be climbing over uneven basalt columns) and bring waterproof layers. These tours are also a bestsellers, so book in advance.
4. Blarney Castle & Cork
| 🚗 DISTANCE From Dublin 161 miles | ⏱️ TRAVEL TIME Approx. 3 hrs by train + 20 min bus to Blarney | 💷 COST Blarney Castle From €23 |
Everyone tells you that you must kiss the Blarney Stone when you visit Ireland. So, guess what? I did!
The Blarney Stone is set into a tower at Blarney Castle, about 5 miles northwest of Cork city. According to legend, kissing it gives you the “gift of the gab”—the gift of eloquence.
This “magical” stone was set into the castle tower in 1446, and since then, everyone from politicians to literary legends to famous actors have kissed it.
But here’s what they don’t always tell you: kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy task. You have to climb a narrow spiral staircase, then lean over backward on the parapet’s edge.
Luckily, there’s someone there to help, plus wrought-iron guide rails and protective crossbars. Before these safeguards were installed in 1897, people were held by their ankles to achieve the kiss!
Note: If you have mobility issues or aren’t a fan of enclosed spaces, you may want to skip the stone itself—but the castle grounds are still well worth the visit.
What to See & Do
The Blarney Stone isn’t the only thing to see at the estate. You can also explore the badger’s cave, the dungeon, the witch stone, the wishing steps, the witch’s kitchen, the lake, and the beautiful castle grounds.
Once you’ve had your fill of Blarney, head back to Cork for the afternoon.
Cork is Ireland’s second city and has plenty to offer—stroll along the River Lee, visit the stunning Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, explore the English Market (a covered food market dating to 1788), and pop into a traditional pub for some live music.
How to Get There
Ireland is well-connected by train, so this trip is very doable without a car.
Take a direct train from Dublin Heuston to Cork Kent Station—it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour ride. The train can be a bit pricey, so if you’re on a budget, check into a bus instead.
From Cork, it’s a short bus ride to Blarney Castle.
Walk from Kent Station to the bus station (about a 15-minute, half-mile walk), then take the 215 bus to Blarney—it’s roughly 25 minutes each way, with two buses running per hour. The bus drops you near the castle gates, and you can buy tickets on board.
Alternatively, several tour companies offer full-day Blarney Castle tours from Dublin that include all logistics.
Top Tip
Blarney Castle is hugely popular, so booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you’re visiting in peak season. Allow about 3 hours for the castle and grounds, plus 7 hours of total travel time if you’re doing it independently by train.
5. The Ring of Kerry
| 🚗 DISTANCE From Dublin 191 miles | ⏱️ TRAVEL TIME Approx. 3.5 hours by train 14 hrs by bus tour | 💷 COST Bus Tour From €89 |
This one’s the longest day trip on the list, but if you want to see Ireland’s most famous scenic drive without renting a car, a Ring of Kerry bus tour is your best bet.
One of the most prominent areas tours explore is Killarney, which essentially looks like what you think of when you watch films set in Irish villages.
This picture-perfect town in County Kerry sits at the edge of Killarney National Park, surrounded by lakes, mountains, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the country.
It’s also the gateway to the Ring of Kerry—Ireland’s most famous scenic drive—and the town itself is full of colorful shopfronts, cozy pubs with traditional live music, and excellent restaurants.
The best part? You can get here by direct train from Dublin in just over three hours, making it one of the most accessible escapes from the capital if you don’t have a car.
If you’ve got some energy in ya or want to explore a less-touristed part of this section of Ireland, head to Kenmare on a bus from Killarney.
It’s one of those picture-perfect Irish towns with a welcoming, unhurried atmosphere. It serves as a gateway to both the Ring of Kerry and the less-touristed Ring of Beara.
What to See & Do
Paddywagon Tours offers a full-day Kerry tour from Dublin that’ll take a scenic loop from Dublin through to Adare (thatched cottages, medieval monasteries), Killarney National Park, the Town of Killarney (voted the best place to visit in Ireland), Torc Waterfall, Killorglin, Dingle Bay, Wild Atlantic Way, and Inch Beach.
I’ll be honest—this is a whirlwind tour and not the best way to deeply explore the Ring of Kerry.
But if you only have one day to devote to this part of Ireland, it’s an incredible way to see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country without having to navigate those winding roads yourself.
Also, if you happen to get car sick, riding a bus may help. When I visited, I took the train from Dublin to Killarney, and then a family friend picked me up in a car. We drove part of the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, and as someone who doesn’t typically get car sick, I felt kinda car sick.
How to Get There
The Kerry tour departs from Paddy’s Palace near Dublin Connolly Station early in the morning (6:30 am).
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to explore at your own pace, you can take the train independently from Dublin to Killarney (about 3.5 hours) and then arrange a Ring of Kerry bus tour locally. There are also Bus Éireann services from Killarney to Kenmare, taking about 45 minutes.
Top Tip
Bring snacks—there’s not a ton of time built in for food stops on this packed itinerary. Also, if you have more than one day to spare, consider spending a night in Killarney or Kenmare to give yourself time to properly soak in the region rather than rushing it in a single day.
6. Game of Thrones Studio Tour
| 🚗 DISTANCE From Dublin 78 miles | ⏱️ TRAVEL TIME Approx. 3 hours by bus 1.5 hrs by bus tour | 💷 COST Studio Tour + Coach From £42 |
If you’re a fan of HBO’s Game of Thrones, this is your moment to visit Westeros!
If not, one of the other day trips from Dublin without a car may be a better pick, as without context, this attraction may not be as enjoyable.
However, it is a great day trip from Dublin on rainy days, as everything is indoors.
The world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour is located at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, the actual filming location where much of the series was brought to life.
At over 100,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest indoor visitor attractions on the island of Ireland.
As someone who used to work in TV and film, I’m a total sucker for studio tours (I loved the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden too), and reviewers consistently compare this experience to that one—GOT is just slightly smaller, but if anything, even more immersive for fans of the show.
There weren’t a ton of people in the time slot I got so I felt I had the ability to look over each detail without being crowded or rushed.
Staff also came up and shared their own stories about the series’ making and their favorite props. Maybe they approached me because I was so engrossed? Either way, I appreciated how much they cared.
What to See & Do
The self-guided tour takes you through authentic sets, including the Great Hall at Winterfell (where Jon Snow was proclaimed King in the North), Daenerys Targaryen’s imposing Dragonstone, and the Red Keep in King’s Landing.
You’ll get up close with screen-used costumes—from Margaery Tyrell’s wedding dress to Jon Snow’s Longclaw sword—and discover the craftsmanship behind the props, prosthetics, and visual effects that made the series so convincing on screen.
What sets this apart from a typical museum is the interactive elements. You can take on the Night King’s undead army through cutting-edge exhibits, design your house crest, and watch how artists’ early sketches were transformed into the massive sets you see before you.
There’s also a Studio Restaurant on-site (I skipped it as I wasn’t hungry), a well-stocked gift shop with tons of merchandise, and some photos and videos you can download to your phone from the tour.
Plan for 2–3 hours inside, though if you’ve taken a coach there, make sure to check your departure time so you don’t miss it.
How to Get There
The studio tour is located between Dublin and Belfast, and they’ve made it easy to visit without a car:
- Coach transfer from Dublin — Several operators offer round-trip coach packages from Dublin city center (pickup near the Molly Malone Statue) that include your admission ticket. The ride takes about 90 minutes each way through scenic countryside, and you’ll typically return to Dublin by 4:30 pm.
- Train to Belfast + coach transfer — If you’re already planning a Belfast day trip, the studio is just 30 minutes from Belfast by coach. You could combine a morning at the studio with an afternoon exploring Belfast, or vice versa.
Note: There’s no parking on-site—even if you have a car, you’ll park at The Boulevard in Banbridge and take a shuttle bus. So you’re taking a bus regardless!
Top Tip
Book in advance—this attraction frequently sells out, especially on weekends and during school holidays. An audio guide is available for download to your phone (bring headphones), or you can purchase the handset upon arrival.
Car-less Day Trips from Dublin at a Glance
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Adult Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cliffs of Moher | 160 miles | ~12 hrs (tour) | From €75 (tour) | Dramatic coastal scenery |
| Belfast | 103 miles | ~2 hrs (train) | From £25 (Titanic) | History & culture |
| Giant’s Causeway | 163 miles | ~12 hrs (tour) | From £47 (tour) | UNESCO site & coastal drama |
| Blarney Castle & Cork | 161 miles | ~3 hrs (train) + bus | From €23 (castle) | Legends & Irish traditions |
| The Ring of Kerry | 191 miles | ~14 hrs (tour) | From €89 (tour) | Ireland’s most scenic drive |
| Game of Thrones Studio Tour | 78 miles | ~1.5 hrs (coach) | From £42 | TV fans & filmmaking buffs |
Note: All prices and travel times are approximate and were last verified in early 2026. Always check websites before your visit, as prices and schedules can change. Train and bus times are approximate and based on direct or fastest routes.
Related Dublin Travel Guides
- 2 Days in Dublin, Ireland: My Solo Itinerary for First-Timers + Map
- An Electrifying Paddywagon Tours to the Cliffs of Moher
- Day Trips from Dublin Without a Car: 6 Easy Irish Escapes by Train or Tour Bus
Want to remember this? Pin this Day Trips From Dublin Without A Car: 6 Easy Escapes By Train & Tour article to your favorite Pinterest board!
