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!
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
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/
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 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/
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/
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
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/
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
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/
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/
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/
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
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/
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!
| Attractions | Aprx Time | Aprx Distance | Attraction Duration (excl travel time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin City | 0 hrs | 0 miles | 1 day |
| Dublin Castle | up to 0.5 hrs | 1 mile | 2 hours |
| Whiterock, Killiney Beach | up to 0.5 hrs | 12 miles | 1/2 day |
| Portmarnock Beach | up to 0.5 hrs | 10 miles | 1/2 day |
| Wicklow Mountains | 0.5-1 hrs | Aprx 20 miles | 1/2 day |
| Book of Kells & Trinity College | up to 0.5 hrs | 1 mile | 1 hour |
| Dalkey Island | 0.5 hrs | 12 miles | 2 hours |
| Farmleigh House | up to 0.5 hrs | 5 miles | 2 hours |
| St Patricks Cathedral | up to 0.5 hrs | 1 mile | 1 hour |
| Dublin Writers Museum | up to 0.5 hrs | 1 mile | 1 hour |
| Old Melifont Abbey | 1 hrs | 34 miles | 1 hour |
| Russborough House | 0.5-1 hrs | 20 miles | 2 hours |
| Belvedere House | 1 hrs | 51 miles | 2 hours |
Home
Dublin City 
Dublin Castle
Whiterock, Killiney Beach
Dublin Writers Museum
Times & Distances