The Irish capital city of Dublin has much to offer in terms of Irish culture and history. If you’re planning a long trip to Dublin, you don’t have to limit yourself to what’s available within the city limits as there are some amazing places to visit within a few hours. While it’s generally easier to get around if you rent a car, there are several places listed here that you can access either by participating in a guided tour or venturing out on public transportation. Here are the top ten best day trips from Dublin as well as information on how to get there from the city.

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1. Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are a stunning stretch of coastal cliffs that is around nine miles long. The view of the cliffs is dramatic and one of Ireland’s most iconic sights. The rounded O’Brien’s Tower is located at the highest points of the cliffs, and you can climb it for an impressive view on clear days.

As the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most famous points of interest, there are several ways to get there from Dublin. You can rent a car and drive, which is ideal for those who want flexibility. Buses and trains are also available and generally are cheap. The final option is to take part in a guided tour from Dublin to the Cliffs that includes transportation.

2. Howth

The charming and affluent town of Howth, located on the Howth Peninsula, is a popular place for tourists and it’s especially great for a day trip if you’re staying in Dublin because it’s technically part of the city. This means it’s also served by the Dublin Area Rapid Transit so you can take the standard train to Howth without having to spend too much money.

Hiking is a popular thing to do in Howth, so bring sturdy shoes and experience the great outdoors on the Howth Peninsula. You can rent a boat or take a boat tour and explore the waters of Muir Éireann.

3. Wicklow Mountains National Park

The gorgeous Wicklow Mountains National Park is located just an hour’s drive south of Dublin, and there are a few private bus services that you can take advantage of as well. Once you arrive at the park, it’s completely free to enter, and you’ll be treated to lush greenery, majestic peaks, and a thriving ecosystem where animals wander. You can hike through certain areas of the park, and you can even visit historic sites like the ruins in the Glendalough Valley which date back to a Medieval Settlement that was founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin.

4. Kells

The small and historic town of Kells is either an hour drive or an hour and a half journey on the 109 Bus from Dublin. Spend your time exploring the town and visiting historic sites like the Kells Monastic Site which was once a royal residence before becoming a religious settlement. The Monastic Site is also home to the Abbey of Kells, which is where many theorize the ornate Book of Kells was created. If you’re interested in the book itself, you can see it in Dublin at the Trinity College Library.

5. Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle, a medieval castle and historic landmark, is located just about a two-and-a-half-hour drive southwest of Dublin. One of the main attractions at Blarney Castle is the infamous Blarney Stone. It’s a piece of limestone located at the top of a castle tower, and legend says that if you kiss the Blarney stone, you’ll get the gift of eloquence and charm. In the old days, you would do this by dangling upside down from the tower, but today there are guard rails and staff available to help you kiss the Blarney stone safely.

If you don’t want to drive, you can navigate public transportation to the site as several buses go between Blarney Castle and Dublin daily.

6. Cork

Start your day trip to Cork early as it’s a nearly three-hour drive, but when you get there you’ll be able to spend your day exploring historic sites, shopping sites like the English Market, and lush gardens. Stop by the Nano Nagle Place museum to learn more about the history of Cork, and learn about Nano Nagle herself. She was born in the 16th-century to a wealthy family in Cork and spent much of her life working tirelessly to improve the lives of others by doing things like building schools and bringing necessities to the poorer citizens of the city. Cork is located near Blarney Castle, so you could even combine the two trips to see both in one day.

7. Kilkenny

The Medieval town of Kilkenny is a charming destination and is one of the best day trips from Dublin you don’t want to miss. The drive is just under an hour and a half, and there are bus tours available if you’re interested in a more guided experience. Kilkenny is built on the banks of the River Nore and has plenty of historic structures that are worth visiting such as Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House, Black Abbey, and St. Mary’s Cathedral.

8. Galway

One of the best day trips from Dublin is a trip to Galway, a gorgeous point on Ireland’s west coast that has something for everyone. Soak in the natural beauty of western Ireland at Connemara National Park, or visit Dunguaire Castle on the southeastern shores of Galway Bay to learn about life in 16th-century Ireland. While there is at least one bus route between Dublin and Galway, it’s recommended that you drive as the bus journey can take two and a half hours at minimum.

9. Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is a museum and monument that is located on the site of the once active Harland & Wolff shipyard, which is where the RMS Titanic was constructed. You can visit to learn about this iconic ship and the tragic story of its sinking during its 1912 maiden voyage.

To get to Belfast from Dublin, it’s easiest to rent a car and drive the nearly two-hour journey yourself. If you aren’t interested in driving, you might be interested in taking a guided day trip. There’s a fee associated with these trips but you’ll have a guide and transportation, and there are many trips that include multiple locations on this list so you can fit a lot in at once.

10. Giant’s Causeway

A scenic three-hour drive north from Dublin will lead you to the natural beauty of the Giant’s Causeway. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the Giant’s Causeway is a large area of basalt columns and formations that were created due to an ancient volcanic eruption. Spend your time hiking and enjoying the views, and head into the town of Bushmills on your way back for a great meal and some unique shopping experiences.

Video Guide: 10 Best Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland