How to Get to the Cliffs of Moher, Wicklow & Giant's Causeway from Dublin

Distances & Travel Times

Each of Dublin's three most popular day-trip destinations is a different distance away. Approximate one-way driving times from central Dublin are: the Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough (under 1 hour), the Cliffs of Moher via the Burren and Galway (about 3.5 hours), and the Giant's Causeway via Belfast (about 3 hours, crossing into Northern Ireland).

Crossing into Northern Ireland

The Giant's Causeway route crosses from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland (part of the UK) — there's no border checkpoint on this land crossing for most travelers, but currency changes from euro (€) to pound sterling (£), so it's worth carrying a small amount of GBP for snacks or souvenirs.

Essential Day Trip Checklist

• Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes

• A packable rain jacket, even in summer

• Layered clothing — the coast is windier and cooler than Dublin city

• Some euro (and GBP for the Giant's Causeway route) for snacks and souvenirs

• Fully charged phone or camera with extra memory

Make the Most of Your Day

Because each route covers real distance, pick the trip that matches your time in Dublin: Wicklow for a half-day-feeling outing that's back in the city by evening, the Cliffs of Moher for the classic full-day West of Ireland experience, or the Giant's Causeway if you want to add Northern Ireland to your trip in a single long day.