Dublin
 

We will be spending 4 days in Dublin in August, any information on days trips will be appreciated,we are seniors and do not wish to drive whilst there.We have our accommodations, but nothing more as yet.

There are definitely day trips to the Wicklow Mountains area - the village of Glendalough is hoem to the oldest monastic ruins in Ireland - St. Kevin's. It's a lovely site and great for a day trip. Skip the Wicklow Heather restaurant and eat at the Glendalough hotel or better yet, get a boxed lunch from Dublin and bring it with you - it's likely to be cheaper and tastier.

I've heard that Howth is a nice spot to visit for a day or a portion of one but wouldn't be likely to be a structured tour - you could just get there by DART or bus.

The coastal area at the eastern edge of Wicklow just south of Dublin is another possibility. Lots of options but others with first hand expereince will have to suggest the best tour operators.

RE: Owen_ONeil

Can you go to Wicklow Mountains area and the village of Glendalough via public transportation and skip an escorted tour? Would like to do it on our own its not too complicated. Do you know how or what would be a good info source? Thanks for the help.

St Kevin's Bus Service is a private bus service that goes to and from St Stephens Green in central Dublin to Glendalough. Try
www.glendaloughbus.com for details. The idea of bringing your own picnic is a good one - Glendalough is lovely.

Also recommended would be to take the DART to Killiney Beach, and then walk to Dalkey for something to eat - the scenery is lovely and you can admire the houses of the rich and famous.

Howth is well worth a daytrip too - again, use the DART. The pub right beside the station in Howth, The Bloody Stream, does quite good food if you're peckish. If you're feeling flush you could try the King Sitric - fabulous seafood but it's very expensive. Then walk off all the food with a bracing walk on the pier.

Stop in to the Tourist Office on O'Connell Street and they can fill you in on several tours going up and down the east coast from Dublin. Glendalough, Newgrange and Malahide Castle, Wicklow, coastal tours, etc. Of them all, I highly recommend Newgrange.

I would recomand the pop on pop off bus in Dublin. It is the best way to see and Know the city. One day in Dublinis not enough.
Enjoy

I have taken day tours from Dublin, south to Glendalough (unplugged ?) and north to Newgrange (Mary Gibbons Tours). There are many choices. Pat Preston has good descriptions at her site: irelandexpert.com Click on "Ireland Guide" then "Dublin Area" then "Tours from Dublin into the Countryside" Check out "Dublin Sightseeing & Walking Tours" too. One of the "Hop on Hop off" tour buses is a great way to get your bearings in Dublin. Go to the Dublin Tourism office (St. Andrew's Church, 2 Suffolk St.) for information, brochures, tickets, etc. (www.visitdublin.com "Dublin's Top 10" / "Tours of Dublin" Guide Friday)