overnight trip from Dublin for hiking?

We're in Dublin to next Friday night (Sept 21) before heading to Dingle. But friends are popping over from Denmark to visit us and have a 11:30 AM plane out from DUB on Sunday so that's pretty limiting on choices. Our hotel is paid for through Friday night so where can we get away to with a Saturday morning departure from Dublin (early is fine) and still get them back to DUB in time for their Sunday flight?

We were thinking Wicklow Mountains but appears on a brief websearch that getting to Glendaloch takes a bit long given our time constraints. Is there a better Wicklow destination for hiking that wouldn't have us spend all the time on the road? We have a rental car; they will either rent too or bus/train. And we don't need to head south to Wicklow - any direction that would allow a decent day outdoors is desired. Of course we have the added challenge of needing to book a room(s) for all, hopefully everyone is staying in Dublin taht weekend :)

Any ideas?

Relatedly, any suggestions for inexpensive lodging nearish St Stephens Green for them (mom and 10yo boy) on the Friday night? (I'll check the Dublin FAQ too as soon as I post this!)

thanks!

I'm not sure if I've got it right: You want to go to the country saturday morning and be back at Dublin airport on sunday morning? And Glendalough is too far away for an overnight stay? Hm.
Glendalough is about an hours drive from Dublin, maybe a little more depending on traffic. Even nearer is Enniskerry with Powerscourt House & Gardens. You can do the whole Wicklow tour even as a day tour.

If that is still too much time on the road you can take the DART and head to Howth. There is a nice cliff walk.

i did the cliff walk near howth (north of dublin), it's lovely. you can even go all the way back to dublin (it took me around 5 hours or so). there's also a nice cliff walk from bray to greystones (you can reach both by DART, it's south of dublin) which is around 2 hours. both walks were only day tours.

re: lodging near stephens green: there are several hostels (see www.hostelworld.com</a>) around that area, i'm sure you find some places there.

hth,
lis

Agree with no. 1

However about 2 hours up north in the Mourne Mountains is beautiful for some hiking / hillwalking

Else climb the sugar loaf. You could do that in a morning, and be back in a pub in Dublin by the pm.

I was going to suggest the Howth walk. But as #1 says, Glendalough is not too far from Dublin. If anything, he is overestimating the time. (in light traffic) I am on the Northside and will make Glendalough in well under an hour if I get up early for a hike.

True, Dara, Glendalough is under one hour in light traffic for a Dubliner. But last time I went there (from Glasnevin) I got lost. I always get lost in Dublin embarrassed (culchie me), but I've learned to take the M50 around Dublin which can be draining too, considering the nation's beloveth Red Cow ...
Anyway, strangers to the city do need a bit of extra time to drive in or around Dublin. But as you said, it's not more than one hour to Glendalough.
I'm a she btw ... ;-)