Dublin & Surrounds

Bursting with culture, from stately homes and cathedrals to museums and relics, the Dublin & Surrounds staycation is perfect for culture vultures. Not forgetting Ireland's natural beauty, we've incorporated breath-taking views and coastal scenery into the mix!

Dublin City

Dublin & Surrounds

With a ferry port, airport and multiple train links to and from the city, Dublin is easily accessible to all. Lively and vibrant, Dublin's streets combine old-world charm with bustling cosmopolitan themes. Explore Grafton Street, Henry Street, and St Stephen's Green for Ireland's world famous shopping, discover Temple Bar for food and drink - the Elephant & Castle restaurant is highly recommended, or peruse Dublin's famous Jameson distillery and Guinness brewery for a truly unique staycation. Discover all that Dublin has to offer at: 

https://www.jurysinns.com/blog/city-guides/dublin-city-guide

 

Dublin Castle

Dublin & Surrounds

Since its foundation in 1204 Dublin Castle has been at the heart of the history and evolution of the city. Today, spanning an area of over 44,000 square meters (11 acres), the site contains 2 museums, 2 cafés, an international conference centre, 2 gardens, as well as Government Buildings and the State Apartments. Learn more and plan a visit at:http://www.dublincastle.ie/

Whiterock, Killiney Beach

Dublin & Surrounds

Just a stone's throw away from Dublin and Killiney beach, Whiterock offers a fantastic scenic point and beach, both affording beautiful views of the coastline and beyond.

Belvedere House

Dublin & Surrounds

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Belvedere House Gardens and Park is a magnificent 160 acre Lakeside estate with fully restored Georgian Villa, Victorian Walled Garden, naturalistic designed 18th century parkland punctuated with Romantic follies, including the famous Jealous Wall. Plan a visit at: http://www.belvedere-house.ie/

Wicklow National

Dublin & Surrounds

Discover the breath-taking landscapes of Wicklow Mountains National Park. The open vistas are interrupted only by forestry plantations and the winding mountain roads. Fast-flowing streams descend into the deep lakes of the wooded valleys and continue their course into the surrounding lowlands. Learn more and plan a visit at:http://www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie/

©Wicklow Mountains National Park

Portmarnock Beach

Dublin & Surrounds

Portmarnock's Velvet Strand is a wide strand of sandy beach five miles long, stretching to Baldoyle and adjoining Malahide Beach. It has a lovely view of the Dublin Mountains and Howth Harbour. Plan a trip at:http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/portmarnock-the-velvet-strand-blue-flag-and-green-coast-beach-2014/52757

Book of Kells & Trinity College

Dublin & Surrounds

Located in the heart of Dublin City, a walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed. Inside is housed the Book of Kells - a 9th-century gospel manuscript famous throughout the world. Read more and plan a trip at: https://www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells/

Dalkey Island

Dublin & Surrounds

With the origins dating back as far as 6,500 years, travel back in time and discover Dalkey Island. Explore the ancient 11th century church and marvel at the construction of the Martello Towers - Learn more at: https://www.visitdublin.com/discover-dalkey-an-illustrated-guide

Russborough House

Dublin & Surrounds

Designed in 1741 by Richard Cassels, Russborough House is a stunning Palladian mansion overlooking some of the most impressive views in Ireland. With the Wicklow mountains and Blessington lakes just a stone's throw away, the setting is idyllic - read more and plan a trip at: https://www.russborough.ie/

St Patricks Cathedral

Dublin & Surrounds

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Built in honour of Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick's Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptised converts on his visit to Dublin. Today the Cathedral is open to all people as an architectural and historical site, but principally as a place of worship. Learn more at: https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/

photo credit: Mick Shawnew

Farmleigh House

Dublin & Surrounds

Explore the house, grounds, gardens, gallery and boathouse café of Farmleigh and learn about its interesting history. Built in the late 18th century and owned by the Guinness family until 1999 when the Irish Government purchased the property - learn more and plan a visit at: http://www.farmleigh.ie/

Dublin Writers Museum

Dublin & Surrounds

The Dublin Writers Museum brings three hundred years of writers and writing to life through collections of their letters, portraits, personal items, and of course, their books. Enjoy exhibitions, lunchtime theatre and readings, and for younger guests, there is a room dedicated to children's literature. Read more and plan a trip at: http://www.visitdublin.com/dublin-a-to-z/details/dublin-writers-museum/31258/#53.354366|-6.263985|16

Old Melifont Abbey

Dublin & Surrounds

The first Cistercian monastery in Ireland, Old Melifont Abbey was founded in 1142 by St Malachy of Armagh. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages with fine examples of their craft on display. Learn more at: https://www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlands-eastcoast/oldmellifontabbey/

Staying in the area

Our Dublin hotels sit central to many of the attractions in the Dublin & Surrounds staycation, providing a convenient base to explore all the locations on offer. Start preparing your perfect staycation by browsing the below distances and approximate travel times to each attraction from Dublin city centre. We’ve also included a rough guide on how much time you might expect to spend at each location to make planning your trip that little bit easier!

AttractionsAprx TimeAprx DistanceAttraction Duration (excl travel time)
Dublin City0 hrs0 miles1 day
Dublin Castleup to 0.5 hrs1 mile2 hours
Whiterock, Killiney Beachup to 0.5 hrs12 miles1/2 day
Portmarnock Beachup to 0.5 hrs10 miles1/2 day
Wicklow Mountains0.5-1 hrsAprx 20 miles1/2 day
Book of Kells & Trinity Collegeup to 0.5 hrs1 mile1 hour
Dalkey Island0.5 hrs12 miles2 hours
Farmleigh Houseup to 0.5 hrs5 miles2 hours
St Patricks Cathedralup to 0.5 hrs1 mile1 hour
Dublin Writers Museumup to 0.5 hrs1 mile1 hour
Old Melifont Abbey1 hrs34 miles1 hour
Russborough House0.5-1 hrs20 miles2 hours
Belvedere House1 hrs51 miles2 hours