A Few of Our Favourite Places
If you’re making a little holiday out of your trip to Ireland, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite places to see, eat, drink and explore while you’re here.
A little note before you set off
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A little note before you set off -
We definitely recommend hiring a car if you’d like to explore beyond Dublin. Ireland may look small on the map, but there can be a fair bit of driving!
And please give yourself plenty of time, particularly if your route takes you around Dublin. The M50 is Dublin’s notoriously busy motorway, and Irish traffic has a habit of appearing when you least want it to. Consider yourselves warned. 😂
Not Sure Where to Start? ☘️
Stay local in Trim. Explore Trim Castle, wander along the River Boyne and grab a coffee, lunch or pint in town.
Or, if you’re already in Dublin, visit the Guinness Storehouse (book ahead!) followed by a wander through the city and a proper pint in Devitt’s or O’Donoghue’s.
Head to Slane for Slane Castle & Whiskey Distillery, followed by lunch at Inside Out.
Or keep it Northside with Malahide Castle & Gardens or Howth, where you can do the cliff walk before rewarding yourself with lunch and a pint by the harbour.
Head south towards Wicklow. Explore Glendalough and its beautiful lakes and valley, then stop for lunch at The Wicklow Heather.
Alternatively, combine Powerscourt Waterfall with a trip to the legendary Johnnie Fox’s for food, a pint and some proper Irish atmosphere.
Explore Our Favourites 📍
We’ve pinned a few of our favourite places to see, eat, drink and explore while you’re in Ireland. Have a browse, pick a direction and make a little adventure of it!
Co.Meath & The Boyne Valley
Closest to the wedding venue
Trim Castle
You’re staying in one of Ireland’s most historic towns, so have a wander around Trim Castle while you’re here. It’s the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and sits right in the centre of Trim.
Drive from Knightsbrook Hotel: approx. 5 minutes
Slane
One of our favourite little day trips nearby. Visit Slane Castle, explore the beautiful grounds overlooking the River Boyne and pop into the Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery for a tour and tasting.
The distillery itself is housed in the original 18th-century stable buildings of the estate.
For food, we recommend Inside Out in Slane.
There’s plenty more around the village and Boyne Valley, so check out Visit Slane if you’d like to make a day of it.
Drive from Trim: approx. 25 minutes
Irish Military War Museum
For anyone interested in Irish and military history, the Irish Military War Museum in Collon is well worth a visit.
Drive from Trim: approx. 30 minutes
Emerald Park 🎢
One for the young and young at heart. Emerald Park has rollercoasters, attractions, play areas and a zoo.
Drive from Trim: approx. 30 minutes
North Co.Dublin
For those who would like to keep it Northside 😉
Howth
If the Irish weather decides to behave, head out to Howth for the cliff walk and gorgeous views across Dublin Bay.
Make a day of it and stay for lunch, seafood and a pint around Howth Harbour afterwards.
Drive from Trim: approx. 60 to 75 minutes
Malahide Castle & Gardens
A beautiful castle, gardens and parkland, with the lovely seaside village of Malahide nearby. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and pubs around the village if you want to stay for lunch or dinner.
Drive from Trim: approx. 50 to 60 minutes
Ardgillan Castle
Another gorgeous option if the weather is on your side. Ardgillan Castle & Demesne has beautiful grounds overlooking the Irish Sea and is lovely for a relaxed walk.
Drive from Trim: approx. 55 minutes
Dublin City
If you only have a few hours. You don’t need to cram everything in. Pick one or two spots, have a wander and leave enough time for a proper pint.
Guinness Storehouse
Probably the tourist attraction we’d actually tell you to do! Learn all about Ireland’s most famous pint and finish with a Guinness overlooking Dublin from the Gravity Bar.
BOOK AHEAD. Tickets can sell out, so don’t leave this until you arrive.
Drive from Trim: approx. 50 to 70 minutes, traffic dependent
National Botanic Gardens | Glasnevin 🌿
If you want something quieter, head to the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. Beautiful gardens and Victorian glasshouses, and a lovely way to spend an hour or two away from the busier city centre.
Iveagh Gardens | Dublin 2
One of Dublin city centre’s hidden gems and much quieter than nearby St Stephen’s Green. Iveagh Gardens is perfect for a little wander if you’re already exploring the south side of the city.
Where to get a proper pint 🍺
If you’re looking for a good Guinness and an Irish pub rather than a tourist trap, try Devitt’s on Camden Street.
Or head to O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row, just around the corner from St Stephen’s Green. It’s a Dublin institution and famous for its traditional Irish music connections.
Our advice: order a Guinness, find yourself a corner and settle in.
Wicklow
If you have a full day to spare. If you have a car, some extra time and want to see a little more of Ireland, Wicklow is absolutely worth the drive.
Glendalough
One of the most beautiful spots in Ireland. Head to Glendalough for its famous lakes, valley scenery, walking trails and ancient monastic settlement.
You don’t need to be a serious hiker. There are walks for different abilities and even a gentle wander around the lakes is beautiful.
Drive from Trim: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
The Wicklow Heather 🍴
If you’re going to Glendalough, this is where we’d stop for food. The Wicklow Heather in Laragh is a cosy Irish restaurant just down the road.
Reserve a table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Powerscourt Waterfall
Another gorgeous Wicklow stop. Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest waterfall and is surrounded by beautiful woodland at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains.
Drive from Trim: approx. 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30 minutes
Johnnie Fox’s Pub 🍻
If you want the full traditional Irish pub experience, stop into Johnnie Fox’s, one of Ireland’s best-known pubs, tucked away in the Dublin Mountains.
Food, Guinness, Irish music and plenty of atmosphere. It’s a great stop to combine with a day exploring Wicklow.
Our biggest advice?
Don’t try to do everything. Pick an area, give yourself plenty of time, stop somewhere for lunch, have a pint and enjoy it. Ireland is best explored at a slightly slower pace. ☘️