Ireland in the summer is something to behold, the longer summer days allow tourists and locals alike to make the most of their adventures and explore the wide and famously green landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Home to a wide range of festivals from TradFest in Temple Bar, to the Puck Fair in County Kerry (where one lucky goat is crowned as \u2018King Puck\u2019), Ireland comes alive in the summer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our 3 campuses in Dublin offer an ideal base to explore Ireland \u2013 it\u2019s no wonder many tour groups exploring the Emerald Isle choose the DCU Rooms campus due to our\u00a0excellent commuter locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With so many activities, breath-taking sights and history to take in, we\u2019ve picked some of our favourite day trips, with DCU Rooms Dublin as your base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A wealth of unique experiences is waiting to be discovered in Wicklow, located in Ireland\u2019s Ancient East. Lovingly known as the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow\u2019s\u2019 rolling mountains, pristine beaches and numerous historic monuments add a beautiful backdrop to your exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glendalough, Wicklow is nestled in the Wicklow National Park and is arguably one of the most \u2018must see\u2019 sites in Ireland. The Glendalough Way is home to a Monastic site \u2013 founded by St Kevin in the sixth century, today you can tour the monastic city \u2013 still home to a round tower, and the ruins of churches and cathedrals all readily explorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a 30-minute drive from Glendalough, take in Ireland\u2019s highest waterfall. Accessible year round, a summer visit allows for longer opening hours. Why not pack your own picnic to enjoy after trekking to the waterfall? Enjoy majestic views while you dine al fresco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A relatively new attraction, Avondale Treetop Walk boasts 360* view over Wicklow, 38 metres above the forest. The viewing platform is fully accessible and for more adventurous visitors, the descent can be significantly quicker via the spiral slide that deposits you back to earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Treetop Walk is on the grounds of the Avondale House and Forest Park, once home to the Parnell family. Visitors have an opportunity to tour the house and explore the walking and cycling trails of the forest Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a short drive from Dublin (just 50km), enter the neighbouring county of Kildare. Kildare is known worldwide for its horse breeding and racecourses \u2013 making it known as \u2018The Thoroughbred County\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enjoy a day at the races! During the summer months, Kildare plays host to plenty of race days at its three large racecourses \u2013 The Curragh, Punchestown Racecourse and Naas Racecourse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most famous is the Curragh Racecourse \u2013 here The Irish Derby takes place every year in the summer, as it has every year since 1866. The first recorded race took place in The Curragh in 1727, however was likely home to unofficial races much earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Located just a 10 minute drive from The Curragh Racecourse, the Irish National Stud and Gardens proves to be a very popular attraction for tourists and locals. The Irish Racehorse Experience delves through the history of horseracing and how the small island of Ireland made such a big impression in horseracing worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Japanese Gardens, located at the Irish National Stud and Gardens, boast a tranquil setting that bring vivid colours as a backdrop to the sound of trickling streams. The gardens are known as a beautiful place for thought and reflection, crafted by horticulturists and admired thousands annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A very different type of racecourse! Mondello Park provides thrill seekers and motorheads a place to come to together. Ireland\u2019s first official motor racecourse was created in 1968, previously racing took place on public roads with much different results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mondello Park hold events throughout the year as well as thrill seeking experiences to those who dare.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What would Ireland be without castles and High Kings? Kilkenny is beautiful small medieval city, just a 90-minute drive or train journey from Dublin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the home to the powerful \u2018Butlers of Ormonde\u2019 family, 800-year-old Kilkenny Castle brings you through the history of this family and their treasures. See the state dining room and the Chinese withdrawing room \u2013 where the ladies would gather after meals, while the men enjoyed port and cigars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout Kilkenny, you will see the prevalence of the Butler family to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Medieval Mile\u00a0\u2013 a route that connects Kilkenny Castle to St Canice\u2019s Cathedral. As the name suggests, along the mile visitors come across some excellent medieval landmarks, including Rothe House, St Canice\u2019s Cathedral and Round Tower. During the summer, enjoy a walking tour of the medieval mile to take you through the city\u2019s vast history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A touch more modern,\u00a0Smithwick\u2019s Experience Kilkenny\u00a0brings guests through the history of the brewing of Smithwick\u2019s Red Ale. Hear the story of how Smithwick\u2019s was originally brewed by monks who were forced to leave their abbey due to religious persecution before eventually settling in Kilkenny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like any good brewery tour you can sample their fine ales to decide your favourite!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s better than the beach on a summer day? Dublin and its surrounding counties have excellent beaches to choose from \u2013 perfect for a day out by the seaside:
\u2022 Bray, Co. Wicklow
\u2022 Howth, Co. Dublin
\u2022 Dollymount Strand, Dublin
\u2022 Sandycove Beach, Dun Laoghaire Dublin<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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