Dublin
Day Trips
Howth -
Howth was once a monastic community and later a Viking settlement (Howth is a Norse name). In 700 AD a church was established on the island, Ireland's Eye. The Vikings besieged the island until the 10th century, but the church remained for another 300 years. Kids can imagine the Vikings arrival in Howth, sailing into the harbor in their ships.
Howth is a charming little town, and you'll want to walk around the harbor, dotted with fishing boats and sail boats. Stop into one of the local restaurants for a delicious fresh fish or seafood lunch.Motorboats to Ireland's Eye - Ireland's Eye, the offshore island, just invites you to explore, and you can. April to Oct., there are motorboats to the island, every half hour in good weather. Take the motorboats from the breakwater (the east pier). On the ride over to the island, look for sea birds, harbor porpoises and grey seals.Howth Cliff Path - From the town, walk up Balscadden Rd., with lovely views of the Irish Sea. (You'll pass by a Martello Tower that's now a Museum of Vintage Radio.) The road ends in path that goes along the cliff, the Howth Cliff Path - Fingal Way. It's a great day hike, so bring your lunch.Malahide - Just up the coast from Howth, Malahide has an beautifully preserved castle, Malahide Castle, with turreted towers, a great hall, Georgian drawing room, surrounded by gardens and woodlands.
Skerries Mills (Skerries) - Stop into the Skerries Mills Heritage Centre to see two fully restored windmills and a watermill. Self-guided tour and exhibits inside the mills, plus a tea room.
Bray - On the southern side of Dublin Bay, Bray is a relaxing seaside resort town. Take a stroll down the Bray Promenade from harbor towards Bray Head, or just head down to the beach to play in the sand. If you have real hikers, climb up the path to the top of Bray Head.
Powerscourt House & Gardens -
Tara's Palace Museum of Childhood - In the museum of childhood is a doll house that re-creates three 18th century manor houses with incredible furnishings, doll house in a bottle, and one 300 year old doll house.Tip: For an easy getaway out of the city, take DART or the commuter rail north to Howth and Malahide or south to Bray.
