Top 3 Day Tour Recommendations from Dublin 2025
If you haven’t been to Ireland before, it is an incredible country and I highly recommend a visit. I have now been twice in less than a year and I have fallen in love with this gorgeous country.
During both visits to Dublin, my husband and I chose not to rent a car. Instead, we spent hours reading reviews of day tours from Dublin as we planned our Dublin itinerary.
We ultimately took three excellent day tours with Wild Rover Tours, each offering unique day trip experiences.
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In this article I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to have an amazing time on any of these day tours from Dublin – just like we did!
Ready to Book? Here are the 3 day tours from Dublin we recommend from personal experience.
⭐️ Giants Causeway & Belfast Day Tour from Dublin
⭐️ Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Way, and Galway City Day Tour from Dublin
⭐️ Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin
Why We Choose Wild Rover Tours in Ireland
Staying in Dublin, we preferred taking day tours over driving ourselves. These day tours alleviated the stress of planning and driving, offering a cost-effective and comfortable way to explore Ireland’s landscape.
For each trip we took we were particularly impressed with the quality of service. The guides were personable and knowledgeable, the coaches were comfortable, and the Irish music played during our drives added a delightful touch.
3 Best Day Tours from Dublin: Our Review
Although there are some limitations with any planned group tour, for first-timers like us, booking a day trip from Dublin provided a convenient and fantastic way to experience Ireland beyond Dublin.
To help you plan your own Ireland trip, here is our Wild Rover Tours review of each tour.
Tour #1: Giants Causeway & Belfast Day Tour from Dublin
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars (5300+ reviews) | ⏰ Tour Time: 13 Hours (approx.) | ☞ Book Now
Personally, this was my favourite of all three day tours in Ireland. It is one I would actually do again. If you can only do one day in Northern Ireland, I highly recommend this Belfast day tour from Dublin.
The combination of historic Belfast, the wonder of the Giants Causeway, and the beauty of Northern Ireland’s coast made this an excellent Dublin to Belfast day tour option.
Stop One: Belfast, Northern Ireland
The first stop of the day is in Belfast in Northern Ireland. For this tour, you have the option to visit the Titanic Museum Experience or take a Black Taxi Tour.
On the tour, we chose the black taxi tour and we were so pleased we had. Learning about Northern Ireland’s history was truly fascinating and something we didn’t really know much about prior to our trip.
On a return visit, we did visit the Titanic Museum. We heard such great things about the attraction from others on our tour that we decided we would have to visit another time. We are so glad we did!
Option One: Black Taxi Tour
The Black Taxi Tours in Belfast was a unique and deeply personal exploration of the city’s complex history, particularly focusing on the political and cultural conflicts known as The Troubles.
Conducted by local drivers who have lived through the era, these small group tours take you through significant neighbourhoods and to iconic murals that depict the stories of this turbulent period. We stopped at various significant sites, including the Peace Walls.
We found our driver to be fascinating and learned so much from his stories. We gained a new appreciation for Belfast’s struggle for peace while at the same time experiencing a truly unique tour of the city. This tour is a great option for those interested in understanding more of Northern Ireland’s history.
⭐️ Tip: You can also book your own Black Taxi Tour in Belfast. You don’t need to be part of a day tour from Dublin to Belfast to enjoy this incredible experience.
Option Two: Titanic Museum
On the other hand, visitors to the Titanic Experience will learn all about the fascinating origins, construction, launch and history of the Titanic.
The museum opened in 2012 with nine interactive galleries. Through interactive displays, personal narratives, and artefacts we learned about Belfast’s industrial era, the building of the Titanic, and its fateful maiden voyage.
As you will have limited time during the tour you will likely have to prioritise the galleries you wish to visit. I recommend deciding on the exhibits that are of the most interest to you before you arrive. This will help you get the most out of your time at this huge museum.
While both options were brilliant, if I were travelling with younger children, I would likely choose the museum.
⭐️ Tip: Purchase tickets to the Titanic Visitor Experience in Belfast even if you can’t do a full Dublin to Belfast tour. You won’t be disappointed!
Stop Two: Dunluce Castle
On our way to the Giants Causeway we made a very brief, 30-minute stop, at Dunluce Castle. These medieval castle ruins are located on the coastal cliffs of County Antrim. One of the most captivating aspects of Dunluce Castle is its dramatic positioning, with the ocean waves crashing against the rugged cliffs directly beneath the castle’s precipice.
This location has made Dunluce a popular subject for photographers and artists, as well as a frequent filming location, notably appearing in the TV series “Game of Thrones” as the House of Greyjoy.
Stop Three: Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. Visitors come to explore the causeway and the surrounding spectacular views. And I know why! What a unique and fascinating place to visit. This site needs to be on everyone’s bucket list.
The Causeway consists of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, mostly hexagonal in shape that were formed as a result of intense volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. This was one of the most interesting and beautiful places I have visited and it was truly worth the drive from Dublin.
While we had over two hours here to explore, we managed to see only a very small part of this unique place. The time just seemed to fly by! Before we left, we stopped in at the little restaurant, The Nook, located at the entrance where we enjoyed a delicious bowl of leek & potato soup.
Overall I highly recommend this tour. It was a great way to see and learn more about Northern Ireland, which is so different from Dublin! The mix of history with natural beauty truly made for a fantastic tour.
Tour #2. Cliffs of Moher, Atlantic Way, and Galway Day Tour from Dublin
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars (14000+ reviews) | ⏰ Tour Time: 13 Hours (approx.) | ☞ Book Now
A trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin is probably one of the most popular day trips from Dublin for visitors. Overall, this would be my next choice of day trips from Dublin to consider.
On this tour, there are two primary stops, the Cliffs of Moher and the city of Galway. The bus drives along the coastal route, the Wild Atlantic Way between the cliffs and Galway City. The tour, however, does not stop at any point along the coast.
When planning our trip to Ireland, I did consider trying to visit the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin on my own. I thought I could take the train to Galway and then get to the Cliffs of Moher from there. After some research, however, I found this was not an easy option.
In the end, an organized day tour from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher was the best option for us.
Stop One: Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are truly a highlight of any visit to Ireland. They are one of Ireland’s most spectacular natural attractions, located on the western coast in County Clare. Towering at 214 meters at their highest point, these sheer rock faces stretch for about 14 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean.
The cliffs offer breathtaking views of the ocean and the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, making them a must-visit for anyone traveling to Ireland.
This was our first stop on this trip and it was truly spectacular! As one of the first buses to arrive, we benefited from fewer crowds and a more serene experience. I recommend heading straight to O’Brien’s Tower if you want to capture panoramic views from above the cliffs.
We spent most of our time outside walking the paths and taking photos from the viewing platforms. We also went into the immersive experience, but with just a short time to visit, I’d recommend spending your time outside exploring the cliffs.
Stop Two: Wild Atlantic Way and the Burren
The journey through Burren National Park along the Wild Atlantic Way was really pretty with its captivating coastal drive. The drive along this iconic route takes about 1.5 hours and you will see stunning views of the coast, the fascinating landscape of the Burren, and traditional Irish towns.
I will admit, this was one of the times that I wish I was driving as there were several times along this route that I wanted to stop and explore more of the area. That being said, these roads were challenging to drive. They were narrow and confusing, and I was glad we had an experienced driver navigating these roads while I could take relax and take in the stunning views.
Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the bus for best views out the window for the route between the Cliffs and Galway.
Stop Three: Galway City
Galway City is the final stop on this bus tour. Galway is renowned for its lively street life, bustling arts scene, and extensive history. The city’s streets include quaint shops, delightful cafes, and bustling pubs, often filled with the music of live performers and traditional Irish bands.
In Galway, we opted out of the guided tour to explore the city at our own pace. We decided to have a leisurely lunch at a local pub, trying the region’s famous seafood chowder, which was just what we needed on a rainy afternoon.
From Galway, we headed straight back to Dublin, with a convenience stop on the way home. The guide provided some great recommendations for attractions, pubs, and restaurants worth visiting back in Dublin during the rest of our stay.
Overall, I am so pleased we did this trip and believe Wild Rover Tours to be the best Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin.
Tour 3: Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars (4700+ reviews) | ⏰ Tour Time: 10 Hours (approx.) | ☞ Book Now
This tour was the shortest of all three of the tours we took. Initially we chose this tour as we wanted to see both the Irish landscape as well as a historic medieval city. It was an excellent tour and we were so glad we went.
Stop One: Glendalough Sheep Farm and Dog Trails
This unexpected gem of the tour featured a sheep farm where we learned about rural Irish life. Watching the skilled sheepdogs in action was fascinating and so much fun.
We then got to hear more about the sheep and even hold a baby lamb. This stop was a delightful surprise that unexpectedly stood out as a tour highlight.
Stop Two: Glendalough
Glendalough, located in County Wicklow, Ireland, is a historic site known for its stunning natural beauty and significant history. Glendalough, or the “Valley of Two Lakes,” is famed for its early medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century and includes several well-preserved ruins including and a cemetery.
Set in a glacial valley with two main lakes, Upper and Lower Lake, Glendalough’s scenery makes it a stunning spot for a stroll through the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Even though it was raining during most of our time here, we enjoyed the guided tour where we learned about the history of Glendalough and had time to visit the beautiful lakes and take some photos.
Stop Three: Wicklow Mountains
This part of the tour consisted mostly of a bus tour through the Wicklow mountains and the Wicklow Gap. We took this tour in November, so while it was beautiful, I suspect that this part of the tour would be much more stunning in the warmer months.
We did stop at the top of the mountains, but due to weather conditions, it was reduced to a brief photo opportunity.
Stop Four: City of Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a historic city in southeastern Ireland. Known for its rich medieval heritage this charming city includes Kilkenny Castle, the Medieval Mile, and the Smithwick’s Experience.
During our time in Kilkenny we enjoyed walking through the town, visiting some of the small shops, and exploring the medieval walls.
If I were to return, next time I would either go inside Kilkenny Castle or in Smithwick’s for a tour. I would also participate in the walking tour offered by the tour guide. We chose to explore on our own and I think we missed out on some of the more interesting history and appreciation of the area.
This tour is a great option for those looking to experience some of the Irish countryside as well as a visit to a fascinating Irish town. It’s also one of the shorter trips for those who have more limited time in Dublin.
Now that I have shared a short summary of each of the trips, here are a few tips we have learned from our experiences.
So, Why Choose a Day Trip from Dublin with Wild Rover Tours?
Structured tours allow you to visit many attractions in a single day without the hassle of driving. While Ireland is small, it still takes time to travel from one location to another, and the tour buses are a convenient and comfortable way to travel across the country.
The drawback is a fixed schedule, which can be less adaptable to weather changes or personal preferences. You are limited by the tour’s timeline and don’t have the flexibility to spend an extra hour in one spot, or skip another altogether.
We did find during our recent trip that a day tour was the perfect compliment to our Dublin itinerary.
Dublin Day Tours are ideal for:
- Those looking to maximize sightseeing in a single day
- Visitors who prefer not to drive and wish to access sites challenging to reach by public transportation
- Anyone eager for front-of-the-line access to popular attractions
Dublin Day Tours are not ideal for:
- Travellers who prefer a flexible schedule and to make travel detours on a whim
- Individuals uncomfortable in large group settings
- Those prone to motion sickness
While it might appear that the days are really long, we found that in reality each day flew by! Having done these trips hundreds of times, Wild Rover has perfected the itinerary for each tour and really knows how to maximize the time in each location.
What You Need to Know About Wild Rover Tours
Purchasing Your Tickets is Easy
Tickets for Wild Rover Tours are easy to book online. As soon as we purchased our tickets, we got an email confirmation with additional details, including contact information. There is an option to cancel up to 24-hours in advance, so you do have some flexibility if your travel plans change.
I do recommend that you purchase your tickets ahead of time, and especially if you plan to visit Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day, or in the summer. These tours are very popular and are likely to sell out on popular dates.
Departing Dublin on the Coach Bus
When you purchase your tickets there are a couple of convenient pick-up locations in central Dublin you can select to meet your bus. We chose the Dame Street location. Here there is a Starbucks located right beside the departure spot, perfect to grab a coffee and use the restroom ahead of your long journey.
The bus is easy to spot and the tour guide will check your name from their list prior to departure. Each bus holds about 50 guests. It is important, however, that you arrive on time for your bus. The bus departs promptly, and on one tour, a family nearly missed the trip after arriving late.
The tour takes place on a luxury coach bus complete with air-conditioning and WiFi. There are no toilets on the bus, but there are convenience stops where passengers can grab a quick snack and use the restrooms.
Tour Guides
The bus includes a bus driver and a tour guide. This allows for the driver to concentrate on the roads while the guide takes care of the guests. On all three trips, the driver and guides were excellent.
They worked really well together and they truly helped to make the tour fun and enjoyable. They help to ensure the trip stays on time, that everyone gets into all of the attractions, and that no one gets left behind!
In addition, the guides are quite knowledgeable, sharing intriguing historical facts and stories throughout the journey.
Cost of the Tours: Are They Expensive?
Though some might consider the tours pricey, they are reasonably priced considering what is included. The comparison becomes apparent when you look at alternatives like our own day trip to Belfast.
The self-managed trip cost us about the same (and perhaps even more) when factoring in train tickets and attraction fees, without the added convenience of a tour.
In addition, there are no hidden costs. In each of the tours what was included and what was not was clearly articulated. The only additional costs are an option tip at the end and your own food and refreshments.
Tips for Taking a Bus Tour from Dublin
- Book early for summer tours.
- Read tour details carefully; some stops might only be drive-by views.
- Expect some stops to be brief.
- Ask if you can stay overnight at a location you like if you want to extend your stay.
- Dress for the weather and always prepare for rain.
- Bring snacks.
- Charge your phone fully; buses may not have outlets.
- Be ready for long stretches on the bus.
Conclusion: Are the Wild Rover Tours from Dublin Worth Taking?
Absolutely. These tours provide convenience, value, and an overview of both the landscape and history of Ireland, making them ideal for first-time visitors to Ireland.
I am so pleased we took each one of these tours and would recommend them to anyone. We learned so much about the history of Ireland and saw some of the absolutely stunning scenery from the convenience and comfort of a well-organized tour.
And, while we did plan our own day trip to Belfast on the train one day, this option was not any less expensive than the bus in the end and it took a lot more planning on my part.
Overall, any one of these day trips from Dublin are a great option for visitors looking to explore Ireland beyond Dublin without the hassle of planning all the logistics. Wild Rover Tours provide an exceptional value and a series of unforgettable experiences.
My Day Tour Recommendations from Dublin
If you skipped to the bottom, here are my three recommendations for the best day tours from Dublin.
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