Hello! My friend and I are going to Dublin but wanted to spend two days in a small Irish town. We originally were planning on visiting Wexford, but now that I am researching trains, there doesn't appear to be a direct train route to Wexford and back. Any hints on favorite small towns near Dublin that have quick bus or train routes to them? Thanks!
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
My favorite is Kilkenny - good train service and a fun little town to visit. Lots of history there (Kilkenny Castle & some churches worth a visit), good shopping and night life. Lots of Dubliners go there on the weekend, so if you have a budget, stay Monday-Thursday when hotel rates are much cheaper.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
It's now a suburb of Dublin, but Dun Loaghaire still has the small town Irish feel to it. I'm not 100% certain, but I think the DART has its southern terminus there.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
The fishing village of Howth north of Dublin is easily accessible via the Dart from Connolly station.
A delightful spot.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
653 posts
I've enjoyed many of the Dart-accessible towns during my trips to Dublin. I'd recommend Howth, Dun Laoghaire (especially on Sunday when they have the organic open air market in the park) and Greystones. The hike around the Howth peninsula is fun - as are the hikes between Bray and Greystones and Dalkey and Dun Laoghaire. These all make nice excursions because of the Dart. I think my favorite is the Bray to Greystones hike. I wouldn't recommend Trim or the Wicklow Mountains.
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
I reccomend Howth also. We stayed at Portpatrick, but had a car which we left at the station in Howth when we went into Dublin. Ate in Howth one night and really enjoyed walking round teh harbour.
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
We stayed in DL and found it to be a nice town.The Dart took us into Dublin and a bus to the airport.Nice B&Bs and places to eat.Nice place after a day in Dublin.
Posted by
Poulsbo, WA, USA
147 posts
Kilkenny gets my vote.
Posted by
OP
Colorado Springs, CO
21 posts
So, if you had to chose would go to Wexford, Kilkenny, or Howth? We will ahve about 24 hours wherever we go. Thanks!
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
In my opinion, Wexford is too far away from Dublin, but it depends how long you want in Dublin. Kilkenny is also a fair distance, whereas Howth is a fast DART ride into Dublin.
Posted by
baton rouge, la, US
269 posts
Kilkenny is great!
Posted by
OP
Colorado Springs, CO
21 posts
great! thanks! we are going to howth.. any great budget places to stay? Thanks!