5 Days in Dublin
 

Hello,

I am visiting Ireland for the first time in December. I was wondering what day trips are worth taking that don't require too much driving (4+ hours one way). Or any sights/destinations. Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thank you!

Consider: (a) daylight hours in December are short; (b) December skies are overcast for much of the time; (c) rain is a real possibility.

That said, you might find a clear crisp December day when a drive into the Wicklow mountains would be wonderful - but would you hire a car on the off-chance that you would find a use for it?

Or you could take a train trip to Belfast - cities tend to be easier in bad weather.

I would take a day tour to Wicklow, bus or train to Belfast, two hours. Maybe go to Newgrange. Enjoy Dublin and the coast which is easy to get to by Dart. Dalkey and Howth are both great day trips and walkable. Check out the theater for evening entertainment. There are several with good plays and concerts.

http://www.visitdublin.com/whats-on/

Thank you! Appreciate the suggestions. Are the Cliffs of Moher too far for a day trip? Any must sees in Dublin?

I'd highly recommend a visit t Newgrange if you're in Dublin during the winter solstice. Even otherwise Newgrange and the Boyne Valley are beautiful and full of history, to be seen IMO. Wicklow is also lovely, though we went in summer.

In Dublin I'd suggest visiting Trinity College and the Book of Kells, I found it a little underwhelming but the Long Library was wonderful. Also the Kilmainham Gaol, very important in the history of the Irish independence. And a musical pub crawl in the evening, great fun!

A Black Taxi tour of Belfast is another option, also the Giant's Causeway/Antrim Coast, though again you need good weather:)

http://www.dublinpubcrawl.com/booking_page.htm
Teeling Whiskey since Jameson's will be closed till March

Yes, I think the Cliffs of Moher are too far away for a day trip from Dublin in December, and there is a high risk that even if you took it on, you would see nothing except Atlantic cloud and mist. Atmospheric, perhaps, but would you sacrifice 20% of your holiday for that?

Beautiful cliff walk in Howth. Short dart train ride from Dublin. Nice village or Dalkey.

If the weather is decent, a ride on the DART through Bray to Greystones is very photogenic as the tracks run along the cliff face along the coast.
I'm also quite fond of Kildare, as well. A Cathedral, Round Tower (that you can climb -- if it's open that week), a Holy Well, the National Stud, Japanese Gardens (?) and the Curragh (Home of the Irish Derby. The Kildare Village Outlet Stores MIGHT also be of interest? You could even go a bit further and see Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel.You would need a car for this.
Which brings up the question -- If you are staying IN Dublin, why would you want to rent a car (other than just for a day? Traffic in the city is heavy and confusing for tourists and parking is both difficult and expensive for visitors.