A day trip from Dublin to Belfast or Cliffs of Moher?

My initial question has to be, have you been to Dublin previously? Or is this your first visit there? If this is your first time to Dublin and you have only three days, I would consider just staying there. Plenty to see in Dublin. For example, the Book Kells/Trinity College, the Guinness Brewery, Christ Church, the pubs and parks, the small coastal towns nearby (Dun Laoghaire & Dalkey to the south, Howth to the north.) And so much more, whatever your interests might be.

But if you want a day trip away from Dublin, in my experience the Cliffs of Moher are beautiful and worthy of a visit, BUT a long trip for a day - all the way across the island. By bus? Rental car?

On the other hand, Belfast is a relatively short (about 2 hour) and cheap train ride, with multiple trains each way every day. A very enjoyable city.

So, for a day trip as you suggest, a clear vote for Belfast. Keep in mind, this would involve going into the UK. Not a problem.

I would also recommend Belfast! We spent the night there and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our highlights were the Titanic Experience, a Black Taxi tour of The Troubles, and dinner at Mourne Seafood. We also went to St George's Market and had a scrumptious breakfast at Harlem Cafe.

Enjoy!

The Titantic Experience surprised me with its quality. For just one day trip, I would go to Belfast. With limited time, I would also skip the Book of Kells. The actual experience is underwhelming, even the artifact itself is amazing.

Well, it’s a question about getting another city experience or see some beautiful Irish nature?

Belfast can be easily reached by train. Go for it, if you want to visit the excellent Titanic Museum and learn about “The Troubles” on a black cab tour.

To visit Cliffs of Moher from Dublin would mean a very long day on a bus tour. I guess you would spend 7 to 8 hours on the bus.
The cliffs are stunning but is it worth it?

I would rather recommend you look for a half-day or day trip to closer destinations for example:

• Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains
• Newgrange & Trim Castle

Paul has beaten me too it. I'd also support his recommendation of stopping in Dublin and visiting either Newgrange (older than the pyramids) or Glendalough, an evocative early Christian site.

Forget Cliffs of Moher. It is a long way to go and they are always very busy and it is difficult to avioid the crowds. They are also best seen from a boat trip rather than from on top.

I agree, a day trip visit to Glendalough is well worth your consideration. It is indeed a mystical place, rich in history. The ruins are fascinating, offering a number of nice walks. Trip down to Glendalough offers a lovely drive though the Wicklow Mountains.

Nearby is the lovely village of Avoca. A nice place for lunch and the woolen mills. It’s the site where the BBC filmed the TV series, Ballykissangel a few years back. Shown on PBS here in the US. Also nearby is Powerscourt House & Gardens. No doubt there are day trip packages out of Dublin.

Newgrange? Been there a couple of times. Interesting, yes, but for me, it was underwhelming. Just my opinion!

I agree that the Cliffs of Moher are not worth a day trip from Dublin. I just want to clarify a few things about the group tours to the Cliffs. First, it's about a 12 hour trip. You leave Dublin around 6:30 or 7:00 AM and return about 6:30 or 7:00 PM. It's a large coach tour. Some of the tours do include a boat ride. If the water is rough you will find that a number of your fellow passengers do not have their sea legs. Makes for a wonderful ride back to Dublin on the bus in stop and go traffic.

Belfast.

Titanic Museum.
Seafood at Mournes by Kelly Cellars pub
Visit Crumlin Road Prison
See the Peace Wall Mural
Meander about St George’s Market

2 hours from Dublin by train or bus. I liked the train.