There are several hill and coastal walks accessible from Dublin city centre by public or transport, or an affordable taxi journey. Nearby these walks (and sometimes right at the end) there are some excellent pubs. We've curated a few options that give a visitor to Dublin the opportunity to see some beautiful areas, get a bit of exercise, absorb some culture, and have a well-earned pint or bite of food at the end. Here are our top 3 day trips that give you an experience outside of the city.

First up is a pub familiar to only the most keen pub connoisseurs in Dublin as having the best view of the city. At the front of The Blue Light pub in Barnaculla you get a panoramic vista of the whole of Dublin bay. On a clear day during the summer you can enjoy trying to pick out the Guinness Storehouse from the Dublin skyline, and maybe even stay on into the evening to see Dublin lit up at night.

 

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The pub itself is a genuine example of a Dublin pub full of character. The bric-a-brac, decoration, and worn walls look like they were accumulated naturally, rather than created to fit a design. If I was to pick one word to describe this pub it would be natural; from the look and feel, to the atmosphere, to the location. The crowd is a mix of Dublin city dwellers coming up to see the view for themselves, locals who bring the family, hill walkers and dog walkers enjoying a well-deserved pint, and occasionally some traditional musicians ready to play a few tunes.

Inside or out, you won't regret making the effort to get here. Although there is a bus that goes by the pub, it's so infrequent as to be useless. We would suggest getting the Luas or a bus to Stepaside, and getting a taxi from there. The Three Rock Dublin mountain walking route can be altered to finish near the pub. You can find all the details on that route here.

The next day trip takes us outside of Dublin, but it's still accessible from the Dublin transport network. The Harbour Bar in Bray has gained an excellent reputation as a spot to hear live music of various types, including traditional. The pub has won numerous awards, and will always have a few tunes for you after a hike along the coast.

 

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The pub provides the cosiness of a fireplace on the colder, wet days, and an open and sun soaked beer garden for the sunnier days. It's located very close to the Bray seafront, which gives you the opportunity to get into the sea for a dip to aid the muscles at the end of a walk.

If you want to make the most of the day and to work off some calories before consuming a few pints, we would recommend getting the train to nearby Greystones, and walking the scenic trail along the coast. You can start the trail from Greystones harbour- just follow the people wearing the sports clothes.

It's not too challenging a walk, but there are a few inclines along the way. You'll really have earned that pint and a seat by the end of this extended stroll. You might want to grab some chips or food before going to the Harbour Bar, as they're all about the pints and music there.

 

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Our last suggestion is much closer to the city centre, and is for someone who wants to experience what a rural Irsh pub might feel like without having to journey too far.

The Old Royal Oak pub is in Kilmainham, down a reasonably quiet road, close by to both the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and Kilmainham Gaol. Both of which are well worth visiting for any culture vultures.

This roadside tavern is unlike other Dublin pubs in that it resembles small town pubs in both décor, and character. The steps are uneven, and the toilets are a bit wonky, but this adds to the charm of this unique watering hole. If you can, I'd suggest getting the small back room with a group of friends. It offers some privacy, but it's also a bit of fun to try to fit a group any bigger than 5 in here.

Kilmainham Gaol, along with the Glasnevin cemetery tour, gives one of the best primers in contemporary Irish history that a visitor could receive. Such an experience is best followed by a pint of Guinness in a very traditional, and strangely odd pub.

 

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All of these trips are well accessible from the city centre and well worth seeing. The staff in the Generator are more than able to offer you some assistance in planning your day trip to a pub other visitors would generally not even think of seeing.