Nature is Free
This port city is the perfect spot to launch into the hills inland and the spectacular coast of Ireland to the north, south, east and west too. Thanks to the sparkling European-funded highways, you can be out to the rugged surf beaches of County Clare or Donegal in three hours. Buses to the West cost between €20-€35 (£18.86-£33.01), but take a little longer. If you’re strapped for time but craving the famous million shades of Irish green, a great tip is to head south to the Wicklow Mountains. The National Park is free to enter and is full of gorgeous vistas, lochs, hills and well-kept hiking trails - as well as historic sites and ancient settlements. Buses head regularly to Glendalough, which is a pretty town in its own right, for €8 (£7.55).
The centrality of the craic to Irish culture notwithstanding, the Dublin area looks much better without the hangover.