What is there to do outside Dublin?
To the South of Dublin lies the Wicklow Mountains National Park, which extends over 20,000 hectares of breath-taking mountain scenery, right on the cities doorstep! Glendalough Valley, located in the National Park, is known for its outstanding natural beauty and fascinating monastic history. The nearby Powerscourt House & Gardens is one of the most beautiful country estates in Ireland. It really is a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes with secret hollows, rambling walks and beautiful walled gardens. Both these excursions combined make for a peaceful day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city! These are also great stop offs if you are travelling towards Cork.
North of Dublin is the Hill of Tara an archaeological complex that contains a number of ancient monuments, and, according to tradition, was the seat of the High King of Ireland. Just 15 miles from this site is Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb, which was constructed over 5,000 years ago making it older than both Stonehenge in England AND the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. Enhance this historical day trip by having a seanchaí (storyteller) visit your hotel to share tales that are rich in famous battles and magic rituals.