Excursions from Dublin
December 21, 2009 by Travel Guide Greg
Filed under Ireland
Once you have seen the sights, drunk the Guinness and enjoyed the undoubted welcome Dublin always offers newcomers, there is still much to be experienced within drivable distance of the city as you head out into the neighboring counties to experience rural Ireland at its best.
Arranging car hire in Dublin and going on a self-drive tour is always a popular option. One such example is that to the historic Boyne Valley, which incorporates Tara, Newgrange and Monasterboice through the counties of Meath and Louth. Head out of Dublin on the N3 picking up signs for Navan and make the Hill of Tara your first point of call. This iconic and mysterious landmark is an unreal ancient site set in a former fortress which from above resembles bizarre crop formations. Nearby by Drogheda will be your next port of call. The town is one of the earliest settlements in Ireland and is where the Battle of the Boyne took place as well as Cromwell’s Siege and is also where the Irish Chieftains surrendered to the King of England.
The N51 will take you towards Slane Castle as well as Newgrange, which features a huge tomb believed to date back to the year 300BC. The tomb is characterised by ancient art which covers its walls. To get the full background of those that lie within the tomb, go on a guided tour. This short tour culminates at the 10th-century ruins found at Monasterboice to the north of Drogheda. The ruins here include a cemetery and ‘The Round Tower’ at its centre where you can get amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside as far as the Mourne Mountains.
Another great road trip out of Dublin will take you to the Wicklow Hills – the ‘Garden of Ireland’. This amazing trek leads you through old bog roads, sweeping valleys and dominant mountain ranges. The scenery is nothing short of awe-inspiring as you travel through the Calary Bogs, picking up Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. The Roundwood Reservoir is also a wonder to behold as you near the early Christian settlement at Glendalough, which features an old 6th-century tower, a monastery and is in close proximity of the German War Cemetery at Glencree. From here the route will take you on to the famous ‘Military Road’, which was built to help eradicate Irish rebels during the 1798 conflict. It is here the true beauty of the Wicklow Hills unveils itself in the form of glens, lakes, mountain ranges and the truly stunning Glenmacnass Waterfall.
From Dublin, you can also pick up the Wicklow Way walking route which begins in the city’s Marlay Park and runs through a mammoth 127km. This challenging trek is truly rewarding from start to finish.
Ireland is also famous for horseracing, with two of Europe’s best known racecourses at Punchestown and Kildare easily within driving distance, both making for an exciting and unforgettable day out.
There are also notable Irish towns that make fine day trips not so far away. Carlow – just an hour way – for example is packed with a number of fascinating buildings, including its courthouse built in the 1800s and its beautiful Cathedral erected in 1833. Laois is also within an hour’s drive. The town is perfect if you are looking to buy tasteful gifts and souvenirs from your trip and features pretty cobbled streets and Georgian architecture, set to a backdrop of rolling green hills. Also consider Kilkenny around an hour and a half’s drive away. Not only is it ranked as Ireland’s medieval capital, the city enjoys a lively arts scene and regularly hosts concerts at the Kilkenny Hotel by some of the world’s biggest names.
