What a castle tour from Dublin is like
Among the castle tours described here, the most common length is about 12 hours. Several of them head for Dunluce Castle, while Trim Castle sits about 50 minutes northwest of the capital. We list 18 tours from Dublin on this page, and the castle stops differ from one to the next. Travellers have left more than 22,092 reviews on the tours we list here, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Castle tours from Dublin: options and formats
Multi-stop trips that include Dunluce Castle
The multi-stop trips run 12 to 12.5 hours and put Dunluce Castle on a route with the Giant's Causeway and Belfast. Depending on the trip, the day also takes in the Dark Hedges, the Glens of Antrim or the Titanic exhibition in Belfast.
Short outing to Howth Castle
A far shorter option takes about 2.5 hours: a guided walking tour with a local guide through Howth's ancient village and harbour, with access to the grounds of Howth Castle Estate and views of Ireland's Eye and Lambay island.
Guided trip to Trim Castle and the Boyne Valley
This 10-hour guided trip goes into the Boyne Valley for Trim Castle, one of Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman castles, and adds the ruins of Fore Abbey and the Loughcrew passage tomb. Rated 4.6 out of 5, it includes transport to and from Dublin and a driver guide.
Which castle tour from Dublin: a comparison
| Type of tour |
★ |
Duration |
Includes |
| Dunluce Castle and Belfast route |
4.8 |
~12h |
Live commentary onboard + guide and separate driver + bus transport |
| Boyne Valley route with Trim Castle |
4.6 |
~10h |
Driver guide + transport to and from Dublin + Wi-Fi and USB on some buses |
Table data is indicative and comes from the GuruWalk catalogue. Each activity's current details, including availability, are the ones shown on its listing when you book.
The Dunluce Castle route and the Boyne Valley route are both day trips by road from Dublin; they differ in length and in which castle anchors the day. The Howth outing is a separate option at about 2.5 hours.
Of the trips shown here, the one with the most reviews is "Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour", with more than 9,986 reviews and a rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Before you book a castle tour from Dublin
Where the Boyne Valley trip starts
"Centric meeting point (Molly Malone Statue)", one listing notes for the Boyne Valley trip; for the other trips we have no meeting-point details, so check each listing for its own before you book.
Castle entry on the Dunluce routes
Two of the Dunluce routes describe a photo stop at the medieval ruins, while a third includes entrance to the castle. If you want to walk through the ruins rather than photograph them, read the inclusions on the listing before you choose.
Castle tours from Dublin: frequently asked questions
What should I know before a castle tour from Dublin in 2026?
Start with the route, because the castle changes from trip to trip: Dunluce Castle is on the Giant's Causeway routes, Trim Castle on the Boyne Valley trip and Howth Castle on the short coastal outing. Then check the inclusions on the listing, since entrance to Dunluce Castle is included on one of the trips described here.
How far is Trim Castle from Dublin?
Trim Castle is about 50 minutes northwest of Dublin. It is one of Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman castles and was a filming set for Braveheart; the Boyne Valley trip we list takes about 10 hours in total.
Is there a shorter castle tour from Dublin?
Yes. The Howth outing takes about 2.5 hours and covers the ancient village, the harbour and the grounds of Howth Castle Estate; the other castle routes we describe here run 10 to 12.5 hours.
Can I cancel a castle tour from Dublin?
Each of the tours covered here carries free cancellation up to 24 hours before, as its listing notes. Check the listing before you book.
