One of the underrated perks of studying in Dublin is easy access to coastal villages, historic estates, and proper “reset-worthy” landscapes. When lectures pause for a long weekend, and your budget is telling you to stay close to home, these side quests are guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable trip with minimal planning. All are reachable by public transport, student-budget friendly, and ideal for going solo or with friends.
Howth
If you haven’t done Howth yet, consider this your sign. Just a short DART ride from the city centre, Howth feels like a different world: sea air, cliff paths, and food that actually justifies the hype.
The Howth Cliff Walk is the main event. It ranges from casual to challenging depending on the route you choose, and on a clear day, you’ll get to see a pretty nice view of Dublin Bay. While you’re there, stop by for a bowl of chowder by the bay, or my personal favorite, the mussels at “Octopussy.” I can guarantee that with the perfect company and a bucket of those mussels, you’ll be back for another trip.
Malahide
Malahide is perfect if you want something slower and greener. The centrepiece is Malahide Castle, along with the butterfly garden, where you can wander woodland paths, explore the grounds, or even just lie on the grass outside and feel like you don’t have 30 lectures to catch up on.
My personal favourite activity is walking along the beach with a picnic blanket and a few snacks, settling in to watch the kite surfers out on the water, and spending the afternoon playing with all the dogs racing across the sand.
As for the village itself, it’s compact but lively, with cafĂ©s and bakeries that make it an ideal half-day escape. It’s also an easy option if you want to be back in Dublin by evening without feeling like you never left.
Wicklow Mountains National Park
When you need a real break from campus life, Wicklow delivers. Known as the “Garden of Ireland,” this area is all rolling hills, glacial lakes, and trails that make you forget emails exist.
Glendalough is the most popular stop, combining scenic hikes with ancient monastic ruins, but the wider national park offers quieter routes if you’re willing to explore. This is a strong choice for a full-day trip or even an overnight stay if you want to properly unplug.
GalwayÂ
If you want a trip that actually feels like you’ve left Dublin, Galway is the move. A few hours by bus or train brings you to a city with a completely different pace and personality. Street musicians, independent cafés, and a strong student presence make it easy to settle in quickly.
Galway also works as a base. From here, you can explore Connemara, take a ferry to the Aran Islands, or simply wander the Latin Quarter and let the weekend unfold. It’s ideal for a two- or three-night stay and gives you the feeling of a proper getaway without leaving the country.
Long weekends are the perfect excuse to step outside the routine of lectures and deadlines and remember that being a student in Dublin also means having incredible places right on your doorstep. Whether you go far or keep it local, these small side quests can make campus life feel more balanced and give you something to look forward to.