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Easy day trips from Dublin

The capital city of Ireland is packed with interesting features and attractions. However, it is good to have a break from touring the city itself and one easy method is to take Dublin's excellent and relatively inexpensive suburban rail system from the city centre. There are several different destinations, all within an hour from Dublin. Each suggestions assumes that you leave the city during the morning and will return that afternoon or evening. Be warned that different train timetables operate on Saturdays and Sundays (the least frequent) but if you are using the DART electric trains, this is not a problem.

DART trips no. 1:

While Malahide is only 45 minutes by DART from Dublin's central Tara Street station, there is a lot to see and do. The chief attraction is the medieval castle, once owned by the Talbot family and now a state museum. The castle is relatively unchanged since the middle ages and you can take a tour. Beside the castle is the excellent Fry model rail exhibition where you can see working models set within various Dublin landmarks. There is even a working model of the ferry between Dublin and Holyhead. Malahide is situated on the coastline and there are beautiful views and short walks. It is close to Portmarnock, home of a famous golf club where international competitions are regularly held. If you want a touch of elegance, have afternoon tea or coffee at the Grand Hotel, close to the harbor. While it is somewhat more expensive than the other restaurants and coffee houses in the village, it is worth the experience. It is also possible to take an outer-suburban express train to Malahide which takes about 30 minutes.

DART trips no. 2: Howth

Howth is served exclusively by DART trains which run every 15 minutes and takes just under 30 minutes (frequency is about every 30 minutes on Sundays). This village is situated on an peninsula, prodding into Dublin bay. If you are somewhat energetic, a 30 minute walk to the Hill of Howth is rewarded with wonderful views over Dublin bay and city, and on an exceptional day you can see Wales. Nowadays Howth is a commuting village for Dublin but you can see its past from the railway station. The harbor is not large but still thronged with fishing boats which accounted for Howth's early prosperity. The modern marina is impressive and you can still buy fresh fish from the fishermen. As well as a good selection of cafes and a few hotels, Howth boasts a large country house (Howth Demesne) where

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