Ireland is a dream: the rolling hills, the ancient castles and the charming villages all make for a magical trip. Let’s explore a few places that you can’t miss on your summer vacation in Ireland; and by the way everything in this travel blog are all under two hours from Dublin!

Day Trip to Powerscourt During Your Summer Vacation in Ireland

Probably the ultimate day-trip from Dublin during a summer vacation in Ireland, Powerscourt Estate is a must! With a vast estate, gardens and even a waterfall to explore you will not be disappointed. Located Enniskerry in County Wicklow, Powerscourt is only about 45 minutes from Downtown Dublin. When you arrive you drive up a long winding country road, with stately homes all around you. You know you that you are about to arrive somewhere very impressive.

While the main house was destroyed by a fire a few decades ago. They rebuilt it to house a large function facility, several cafes and shops, as well as a visitor center. You start your visit at the visitor’s center with a brief video on the history of the property before venturing out to explore.

The main attraction is the gardens, frequently listed amongst the top gardens in Europe, Powerscourt’s grounds are a delight to explore! From the traditional English gardens and water fountains to the Japanese garden the grounds are filled with delightful surprises!

And once you have walked all through the grounds, it’s time to get back in the car and drive down the street to the tallest waterfall in Ireland, which also happens to be on the Powerscourt Estate.

Visit Kilkenny

Kilkenny is about an hour and a half outside of Dublin, which makes it a perfect day trip when you are staying at the nearby Castle Durrow in County Laois.

Kilkenny is an ancient city with plenty of historical sites to explore. The first place you should stop is Kilkenny Castle, right in the heart of Old Town.

A true Medieval castle, it looks like something out of a fairytale. Not only should you walk around the grounds, but you can also tour the interior of the castle as well. In 1172 a wooden castle was built on the site and 30 years later the stone Kilkenny Castle was built. In 1381 the Butler family bought the castle and became the rulers of the area. Remaining the seat of power of Kilkenny for 5 centuries, the Castle was the home of the Butlers. But in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the Butlers lost their fortune and the castle went into disrepair and finally in 1967 the Arthur Butler sold the castle to the town for 50 euros.  It has since then been restored and is now a hot destination for anyone visiting the town.

The other can’t miss historical landmark in Kilkenny is the Round Tower. One of only 2 climb-able round towers in Ireland, Kilkenny’s tower at St. Canice’s Cathedral is impressive.

A narrow round, stone tower, you climb it by ladder inside. Warning, this is not for those scared of heights or those who are claustrophobic. It’s a bit tight inside! But the views are worth it!

Summer in Dublin

When you head back to Dublin during your summer vacation in Ireland some of the can’t miss sights are:

The Guinness Storehouse: Home to Guinness, the Dublin Storehouse is the company headquarters and anyone can tour through the facilities. Probably the best self-guided tour I have ever been on, I highly recommend it whether you are a beer drinker or not. Starting out on the ground level you walk through interactive displays that teach you about the beer making process and the level of influence it has played on Dublin society and economy over the years.

You slowly move your way up the spiraling building. With several floors to go through, there are opportunities to taste the beer, learn how to pour the perfect pint and more!

Dublin Castle: If you couldn’t tell, I love exploring castles! And Ireland has no shortage! In the heart of Dublin you can tour Dublin Castle. Dublin Castle served as the seat of English rule in Ireland from 1204 to 1922. And today it is used for large state dinners and functions and the Irish President is inaugurated there. With some impressive rooms to tour, I would definitely put this on your list if you are a history lover.

Where to Stay During a Summer Vacation in Ireland

Ireland is filled with so many beautiful places to explore, read my other blogs about my time spent at castles and in the Irish countryside! Check out this on on Castle Durrow and this one on Barberstown Castle.

Ireland’s Blue Book has so many amazing heritage properties that are all unique and that you truly have to see to believe. For more information on Ireland’s Blue Book, you can check out all their hotels and restaurants here.