Travel topic · Transport
Weekend getaways from Dublin
Take a train to Galway (≈2 h, €15‑20 one‑way) or to Killarney (≈3 h, €25‑30 one‑way) for a 2‑night stay; rent a car for the Burren or Connemara (≈2 h drive, €45‑55/day) and return to Dublin Sunday night.
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Quick choices for 2‑night trips out of Dublin, with transport options, costs and timing so you can decide and book in minutes.
Key facts
- Train to Galwaycheck
- ≈2 h, €15‑20 one‑way
- Train to Killarneycheck
- ≈3 h, €25‑30 one‑way
- Car hire (mid‑size)check
- ≈ €45‑55 per day, includes unlimited km
- Bus to Corkcheck
- ≈2.5 h, €12‑18 one‑way
- Weekend budget (incl. transport, 2‑night accommodation, meals)check
- ≈ €250‑350 per person
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How to get out of Dublin
Irish Rail runs InterCity services to Galway (Heuston → Galway, about 2 h) and to Killarney (Heuston → Killarney, about 3 h). Check the current timetable for exact times and fares.
Bus operators such as Bus Éireann and GoBus connect Dublin to Cork, Limerick and the south‑west in 2‑3 h; fares vary by route and time of day.
For flexibility, rent a car from Dublin Airport or a city‑centre location. Mid‑size models typically cost €45‑55 per day, unlimited kilometres, but fuel and parking are extra.
| Mode | Destination | Travel time | Typical cost (one‑way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Galway | ≈2 h | €15‑20 |
| Train | Killarney | ≈3 h | €25‑30 |
| Bus | Cork | ≈2.5 h | €12‑18 |
| Car | Connemara (from Dublin) | ≈2 h | €45‑55 / day |
Do
- Look for off‑peak rail discounts (e.g., reduced fares after 19:00 on weekdays, if offered).
- Ensure the rental includes full insurance; Irish rural roads can be narrow.
Best 2‑night spots reachable from Dublin
Each destination fits a Friday‑evening departure and a Sunday‑evening return, offering a mix of city life, nature and coastal scenery.
| Place | Distance from Dublin | Travel mode | Travel time | Suggested nights | Key activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galway | ≈210 km | Train | ≈2 h | 2‑3 | Live music, Aran Island day‑trip |
| Killarney | ≈300 km | Train | ≈3 h | 2‑3 | Ring of Kerry drive |
| Cliffs of Moher (stay Doolin) | ≈260 km | Car | ≈2 h | 2‑3 | Cliff walks, surf at Lahinch |
| Burren (stay Ballyvaughan) | ≈250 km | Car | ≈2 h | 1‑2 | Limestone landscape, hiking |
| Dingle Peninsula (stay Dingle) | ≈380 km | Car | ≈4 h | 2‑3 | Slea Head drive, Gaelic culture |
Travel times and distances are approximate; verify current schedules and road conditions (check).
Do
- Book accommodation in Doolin or Ballyvaughan early in summer; they have limited rooms.
- For the Ring of Kerry, consider a guided day‑tour from Killarney to avoid navigation stress.
Show 3 sectionsHideSample 2‑night itineraries, Questions people ask, Related
Sample 2‑night itineraries
These outlines assume a Friday arrival and Sunday departure; adjust for extra nights if you have more time.
| Itinerary | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galway & Aran | Afternoon train to Galway, explore Latin Quarter, dinner at a pub | Ferry to Inis Mór (check seasonal schedule), bike the island, return | Morning market, train back to Dublin |
| Killarney & Ring | Train to Killarney, walk Killarney National Park, lakeside dinner | Ring of Kerry loop (self‑drive or tour), sunset at Muckross | Breakfast, train to Dublin |
| Burren & Cliffs | Car hire, drive to Ballyvaughan, hike the Burren, night in Doolin | Cliffs of Moher walk, visit Poulnabrone dolmen, return to Dublin | Drop car at Dublin Airport |
Ferry times to Inis Mór vary by season; confirm the timetable before booking (check).
Do
- Pack a rain jacket; Irish weather changes quickly even in summer.
- Use a reusable water bottle; most cafés refill with filtered water.
Questions people ask
Weekend getaways from Dublin: what is the short answer?
Take the train to Galway (≈2 h) or Killarney (≈3 h) for a 2‑night stay, or rent a car for the Burren or Connemara (≈2 h drive) and return Sunday night.
Who does it apply to?
Anyone based in Dublin with 48‑72 hours free, looking for a mix of city, coastal or rural scenery without long‑haul travel.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Transport: €15‑30 one‑way by train, €12‑18 by bus, €45‑55 per day for a rental car (2026 estimate, check). Accommodation: €80‑120 per night for mid‑range hotels or B&Bs (2026 estimate, check). Total 2‑night budget ≈ €250‑350 per person, including meals and modest activities (2026 estimate, check).
Do I need a car for the Burren?
A car is the easiest way; public buses run infrequently and may not reach remote trailheads. Rental cost is about €45‑55 per day (2026 estimate, check).
Is it worth taking the train versus driving?
Trains are comfortable, avoid parking fees and traffic, and are cheaper for Galway or Killarney. Driving adds flexibility for off‑the‑beaten‑path spots like the Burren, but includes fuel (≈ €1.70/L, 2026 estimate, check) and parking costs.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialIrish Rail – Timetables & fares
- officialBus Éireann – National routes
- officialDFA Ireland – Travel advice
- officialCar Rental Ireland – Average rates 2026
Ask about Weekend getaways from Dublin
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