one day tour dublin

One Day in Dublin Itinerary: A Quickie Tour Of The City

When you first meet a local, they might suggest you head straight out of Dublin. But don’t be too quick to follow that advice!

While Ireland’s countryside is breathtaking, with rolling green fields, tree-size rhododendrons, and more sheep than people, Dublin itself is full of life and history worth exploring.

Yes, it’s a bit pricy and rough around the edges, but that only adds to its charm. From historic pubs to fascinating museums, and a surprisingly vibrant food scene, Dublin has plenty to offer.

If you only have one day here, don’t worry — you can still capture the essence of the city.

To show you how, I’ve put together a one day in Dublin itinerary that highlights the must-see spots and gives you a taste of authentic Dublin, including a pint or two at some of the city’s legendary pubs.

Overview of 1 Day In Dublin Itinerary

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you can see with 24 hours in Dublin:

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Chris Church Cathedral
• Trinity College & Book of Kells

Grafton Street

• National Museums

Merrion Square

St. stephen’s green, guinness storehouse.

To make sure you don’t wait in Iines, here are some things to consider booking in advance:

• Kilmainham Gaol ticket
• Book of Kells tour
• Guiness Storehouse ticket
• historic pub tour  (just loved this!)
• guided walking tour
• guided food tour
• Dublin Pass

One Day In Dublin Itinerary

Start your day at  St. Patrick’s Cathedral , one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 12th century, this stunning cathedral is steeped in history.

Legend has it that St. Patrick himself baptized early Christians here using water from a nearby well. As you explore inside, take in the vibrant stained glass windows and the intricate stone carvings.

The cathedral also features beautiful statues and memorials, including one dedicated to Jonathan Swift. He was the author of  Gulliver’s Travels , who served as Dean here. It’s a great way to start your morning, surrounded by centuries of Irish history.

After St. Patrick’s, take a short walk over to Christ Church Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century.

This ancient cathedral boasts striking Gothic architecture, with soaring arches and impressive stonework.

One of the highlights is the crypt—the largest in Ireland.

This is where you’ll find a collection of medieval artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and quirky items like the mummified remains of a cat and rat, humorously dubbed “Tom and Jerry.”

By mid-morning, head east to the lively Temple Bar district. This area is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, covered in flowers.

Stroll through the bustling neighborhood, where you’ll find plenty of pubs, cafes, and street performers.

It’s a great place to take in Dublin’s lively atmosphere and maybe grab a coffee or pint before continuing your adventure.

Some of the most famous pubs in the Temple Bar area include The Temple Bar Pub, The Auld Dubliner, Oliver St. John Gogarty’s, The Quays Bar, and The Palace Bar.

Trinity College

Next, make your way to  Trinity College , the oldest university in Ireland, founded in 1592.

The beautiful campus is worth a visit on its own. But the real star is the Book of Kells, one of the world’s most famous medieval manuscripts.

Housed in the stunning Long Room Library, the illuminated manuscript is a masterpiece of Christian art, created around 800 AD. You can learn about it at the Book of Kells Experience with 3D virtual reality experiences and films.

Even if you don’t go inside to see the book, walking around the historic grounds of Trinity College is a must.

From Trinity College, head down Grafton Street, Dublin’s famous shopping street. It’s always bustling with people, street performers, and musicians.

As you wander, pop into some of the local shops or take a detour down the charming side streets like St. Anne Street and Duke Street.

Duke street is home to three famous pubs — The Bailey, The Duke, and Davy Byrnes. They’ve all been around longer than the pyramids and have connections to James Joyce and literary Dublin .

If you need a splurge, Brown Thomas is one of Dublin’s poshest shops.

Open since 1848, this luxury department store is known for offering high-end brands in fashion, beauty, and homeware. Some items seems to cost as much as your car!

Don’t forget to visit the Molly Malone statue. She’s a well-loved symbol of Dublin.

Her song “Mussels and Cockles” is the unofficial Dublin anthem. Tourists love to pose for a photo with her.

For lunch, you have plenty of options nearby. Bewley’s on Grafton Street is an iconic Dublin cafe, offering delicious food and a cozy atmosphere with gorgeous stained glass windows.

If you’re in the mood for something more traditional, head to The Duke. For something more elevated and refined, check out or Hugo’s.

In the afternoon, dive into Dublin’s rich culture by visiting one of its top museums. They are both absolutey free!

The  National Gallery of Ireland  is perfect for art lovers, with an impressive collection of European and Irish works, including pieces by Caravaggio, Vermeer, Picasso, Turner, Rembrandt, Titian, and Monet.

If history is more your thing, check out the  National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. You can see treasures from 5,000 years of Irish history, including Viking artifacts and the famous bog bodies.

After exploring the museum, take a leisurely stroll through Merrion Square. It’s surrounded by the most elegant Georgian townhouses.

Walk around the square in a clockwise direction. The doorways of these buidings have become something of an icon in Dublin.

Some are brighty painted, with a curved fanlight box and floral arrangement around them.

The park in the center is home to a colorful statue of Oscar Wilde, one of Ireland’s greatest writers. It’s a peaceful spot to relax for a bit before wrapping up your day.

#1 Merrion Square is the house where Oscar Wilde grew up. The first two floors have been beautifully restored to look the way they would’ve appeared in Oscar’s day.

At #58, you’ll find the house where “The Liberator” Daniel O’Connell lived. He didn’t free Ireland from Britain, but from the religious persecution of the Penal Laws.

At #82, you’ll find the gaff (house) of Ireland’s legendary Nobel prize winning poet, W.B. Yeats.

In the late afternoon, take a stroll though St. Stephen’s Green. It’s an absolutely beautiful park in the heart of Dublin.

The most popular entrance to the park is through Fusiliers’ Arch. If you look closely, you’ll notice bullet holes from a gun battle during the 1916 Easter Rising.

Wander along its pathways, admire the Victorian flower beds, and watch the ducks swim in the pond.

The park is full of statues, fountains, and memorials, including one dedicated to the Irish poet W.B. Yeats. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

Around the Green, next to Grafton Street, you’ll see the St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Center. It’s designed to look like a conservatory.

On the north side of the Green is the charming Little Museum of Dublin. It’s housed in a beautiful Georgian dung and features 20th century memorabilia — U2 posters, advertising, and a first edition of James Joyce’s Ulysses .

Before you head to dinner, pre-book a ticket for around 6:00 pm or so to tour the Guinness Storehouse.  Along with a ton of other thirsty tourists.

It’s essentially a beer hall, complete with theatrical flourishes. 

Over 7 floors, you can learn the ins and outs of making beer. When you reach the Guinness Academy, you can discover the secrets of pulling a pint. You can have a quaff and get your certificate.

If you’re hungry, you can feast on some Guinness-laced food in the dining hall. Finish off your visit with a free pint at the Gravity Bar, where you’ll have 360 views of the city.

You won’t be able to visit (in high season) without pre-booking a  timed entry ticket !

End your one day in Dubin with a fabulous dinner. You can opt for some traditional Irish dishes or head to one of Dublin’s trendy restaurants. Just please make reservations, especially in high season!

Here are are the ones that I liked:

• Kari Indian Restaurant (Indian food, naturally)
• Camden Kitchen (neighborhood gem known for its creative, locally sourced cuisine)
• Note (refined, seasonal dishes with a focus on high-quality ingredients)
• Fig (plant-forward restaurant offering vibrant, flavorful dishes)
• Chapter One  (a Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary Irish cuisine
• The Pig’s Ear  (a modern Irish restaurant known for its creative dishes and beautiful Liffey views)
• Variety Jones (Michelin-starred restaurant with a focus on sharing plates and bold, innovative flavors)

Tips For Spending 1 Day In Dublin

How to get to dublin.

The fastest and most common way to reach Dublin is by flying into Dublin Airport, located about 16 miles north of the city center. 

Here are your options to get into the city:

• Aircoach : Offers 24 hour service between the airport and various city locations.
• Dublin Bus : Routes 16 and 41 run between the airport and the city center.
• Taxis : Readily available outside the terminal and typically take about 20-30 minutes to the city center.
• Private transfer : Someone will wait for you to chauffeur you to your hotel.

How To Get Around Dublin

Dublin is a highly walkable city, especially in its central areas. 

Many of the key attractions, landmarks, and popular neighborhoods are located within a relatively compact area, making it easy to explore on foot.

You can also hop on an  e-bike tour , a  walking tour , or take the  hop on hop off bus .

Taxis and Uber are also both available in the city.

Where to Stay In Dublin

Dublin’s most famous hotel is  The Shelbourne . It’s a historic Victorian building in Merrion where both Irish rebels and fancy celebrities gathered.

Inside is the famous Horsehoe Bar, which got a mention in James Joyce’s  Ulysses . Famous guests include Jackie Kennedy, JFK, Elizaeth Taylor, and Richard Burton. Hitler’s half-brother, Aloise, even worked as a waiter there!

A classic five-star hotel located in the heart of Dublin,  The Merrion  is known for its Georgian architecture, beautiful gardens, and Michelin-starred restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud.

Located just off Grafton Street,  T he Westbury  offers contemporary luxury with chic interiors and a prime location. It’s known for its sophisticated afternoon tea in The Gallery and the glamorous Wilde restaurant.

A beauty on St. Stephen’s Green,  The Fitzwilliam  combines modern design with comfort. It’s known for its stylish rooms, personalized service, and the Michelin-starred Glovers Alley restaurant.

A more moderate, but still very nice option, is the  Hyatt Centric . It’s a new hotel well located and has a range of rooms and suites. It’s close to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Temple Bar.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Dublin itinerary. You may find these other Ireland travel guides useful:

• Dublin bucket list
• 2 days in Dublin itinerary
• beautiful places to visit in Ireland
• what not to do in Ireland
• guide to the Rock of Cashel
• guide to Blarney Castle
• guide to the Ring of Kerry
• guide to Dingle’s Slea Head Drive

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Last Updated on October 18, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

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Dublin in a day: 25 insider itineraries vetted by a local.

Getting Around Dublin

The perfect formula for a day out in dublin city.

• Coffee and/or breakfast
• Morning Activities
• Afternoon Activities
• Evening Fun
• Leisurely : No need to get up super-early to start this itinerary which is always good if you experienced a little too much of Dublin's famous craic the night before. Take your time exploring the sights on these itineraries or take detours that you discover on your own in the process of following my suggestions.
• Intermediate : You should be able to comfortably fit in the activities recommended even if you don't get an early start. There is a fair amount of walking involved in these itineraries to get from place to place.
• Ambitious : Lots to see plus a lot of walking. Make sure to get an early start or you won't make it to everything on the list.

What Type of Dublin Visitor Are You?

One day in dublin city for nature lovers.

• Castles and Coast in Clontarf
• National Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin Northside Day Out
• Explore the South Dublin Coast: Greystones, Bray, Dalkey, and Monkstown (Variant 1)
• Explore the South Dublin Coast: Greystones, Bray, Dalkey and Monkstown (Variant 2)
• Explore the South Dublin Coast: Blackrock, Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Monkstown
• From Ballsbridge to Dublin City Centre
• Ballsbridge and Ringsend
• Classic Dublin Sightseeing
• Explore the North Dublin Coast: Howth and Malahide

One Day in Dublin City for Hikers

• Off the Dublin Tourist Trail: Sandymount and Ballsbridge

One Day in Dublin City for History Buffs

• The Liberties and Dame Street
• Along the Liffey
• Dublin History and Literature
• Dublin Food, Shopping, and Theatre
• Dublin's Viking Past
• Dublin Shopping, Culture and Cinema
• Dublin History, Photo-Ops and Theatre
• Dublin History: Tenement and Whiskey Edition
• A Drimnagh Castle Focused Day Out

One Day in Dublin City for People Who Love Literature

One Day in Dublin City for Foodies

• Out and About in Smithfield on the Northside of Dublin
• Ranelagh and Camden Street
• Camden Street to Temple Bar
• Grand Canal Dock and the Dublin Docklands
• A Classic Dublin City Centre Day Out

One Day in Dublin City for People Looking for Non-Touristy Experiences

• From Rathmines to Dublin City Centre

One Day in Dublin City for Visitors Who Love Culture 

One Day in Dublin City for Art Lovers

One Day in Dublin City for Music Lovers

One Day in Dublin City for Photographers

One Day in Dublin City for Visitors Who Want to Shop Til They Drop

One Day in Dublin Itineraries

1. castles and coast in clontarf.

Coast and Castles in Clontarf Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast and coffee: Lotts and Co.
• A morning walk on Bull Island
• Stroll St. Anne's Park
• Eat lunch at Olive's Room in St. Anne's Park
• Explore Clontarf Castle Hotel and St. John the Baptist Cemetery
• Make your choice of Evening Activity
• The Brazen Head
• Davy Byrnes plus Literary Pub Crawl 
• ( Seasonal)  Casino Marino

Check out Castles and Coast in Clontarf in detail here: 

2. National Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin Northside Day Out

National Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin Northside Day Out Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast at McMahon's of Botanic Ave.
• Stroll the National Botanic Gardens
• Learn about Irish history and the road to independence at Glasnevin Cemetery
• Grab lunch and a pint at the Eatyard / Bernard Shaw
• Take an optional detour to see the Brendan Behan statue on the Royal Canal.
• Do a bit of birdwatching in Blessington Street Park
• Go traditional or more exotic for dinner at The Church or Hilan

Planning to try this one day Dublin Itinerary? Check out the National Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin Northside Day Out in detail here:

3. Dublin South Coast Adventure: Greystones to Bray, Dalkey and Monkstown (Variant 1) 

Dublin South Coast Adventure Greystones to Monkstown (Variant 1) Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast at Happy Pear in Greystones
• Explore Kilruddery Gardens in Bray
• Lunch at Corner Note Cafe in Dalkey
• Take a Guided Tour of Dalkey Castle led by actors in period costume
• Have a Pint at Finnegan's Pub in Dalkey
• Dinner at FX Buckley in Monkstown
• Catch a Cover Band at Purty Kitchen

Check out the South Dublin Coast Greystones to Monkstown (Variant 1) detailed itinerary here:

4. Dublin South Coast Adventure: Greystones, Bray, Dalkey and Monkstown (Variant 2) 

Dublin South Coast Greystones to Monkstown (Variant 2) Itinerary Summary

• Explore Kilruddery Gardens near Bray
• Sorrento Park and Killiney Hill Walk for views of Dublin Bay

Explore the Dublin South Coast from Greystones to Monkstown (Variant 2) detailed itinerary here:

5. Explore the South Dublin Coast: Blackrock, Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Monkstown

South Coast Dublin from Blackrock to Dalkey Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast at Bear Market
• Shop Blackrock Market
• Stroll Blackrock Park
• Feel the breeze at Dun Laoghaire Harbour
• Watch crazy locals jump into the freezing Irish Sea at 40 Foot
• Lunch Choices
• Corner Note Cafe in Dalkey
• ( Sundays ) People's Park Market in Dun Laoghaire
• Afternoon Activities 
• Tour Dalkey Castle ( Intermediate )
• Hike Sorrento Park and Killiney Hill ( Ambitious )
• Have a pint at Magpie Inn or Finnegan's Pub in Dalkey

Check out the South Coast Dublin from Blackrock to Dalkey Detailed Itinerary here:

6. Off the Dublin Tourist Trail: Sandymount and Ballsbridge

Sandymount and Ballsbridge Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast at Foodgame in Ballsbridge
• Hike from Sandymount Strand to Poolbeg Lighthouse
• Mulligan's in Sandymount
• Dinner Choices in Ballsbridge
• Paulie's Pizza
• Enjoy a glass of wine at the French Paradox

Planning to try this one day in Dublin City itinerary? Check out Sandymount and Ballsbridge here:

7. Out and About in Smithfield on the Northside of Dublin

Out and About in Smithfield Itinerary Summary

• Coffee and breakfast at Brother Hubbard
• Explore the National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts in Collins Barracks
• Lighthouse Cinema Cafe for Lunch
• Catch a movie at Lighthouse Cinema
• Take the Jameson Whiskey Tour at the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield
• Dinner at L. Mulligan Grocer Gastropub
• Play pinball and video games at Token

Get Out and About in Smithfield with this Detailed Itinerary:

8. From Ballsbridge to Dublin City Center

From Ballsbridge to Dublin City Centre Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast/Coffee Choices in Ballsbridge
• Angelina's Deli
• Photograph the Pepper Canister Church
• Stroll around Merrion Square in the heart of Georgian Dublin and seek out Oscar Wilde
• Admire Ireland's Government Buildings
• Explore Ireland's National Museums
• National Gallery of Ireland
• The Dead Zoo (Museum of Natural History)
• National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
• National Library of Ireland
• Pop into the National Library of Ireland
• Walk Stephen's Green
• Discover Iveagh Gardens
• Hairy Lemon
• Treat yourself to an upscale Dublin dinner
• Marco Pierre White
• Evening Activities
• See a performance at the National Concert Hall
• Catch a show at The Gaiety Theatre
• Imbibe a carefully crafted cocktail at Peruke and Periwig

Learn More About this Ballsbridge to Dublin City Centre Detailed Itinerary:

9. Ranelagh and Camden Street

Ranelagh and Camden Street Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast at Nick's in Ranelagh
• Browse The Company of Books
• Lunch at Cinnamon
• Stroll Ranelagh Gardens Park
• Seek out the swans of Portobello
• The Portobello
• Dinner on Camden Street
• Camden Rotisserie
• Camden Kitchen
• Catch a gig at Whelan's

Check out the Ranelagh and Camden Street Detailed Itinerary:

10. Ballsbridge and Ringsend

Ballsbridge and Ringsend Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast Choices in Ballsbridge
• Ballsbridge Pizza Company
• Walk along the Dodder River path
• Explore Beggar's Bush
• Lunch at Press Cafe
• Tour the Georgian Doors of Dublin
• Beggar's Bush
• Becky Morgan's
• The Schoolhouse
• Dinner in Ballsbridge
• Girl and the Goose
• Places your bets on Irish Greyhound racing at Shelbourne Park
• Experience traditional Irish music and dancing at the Irish House Party

Explore Ballsbridge and Ringsend with this Detailed Itinerary:

11. The Liberties and Dame Street

The Liberties and Dame Street Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast at the Fumbally
• Admire St. Patrick's Cathedral
• Walk in the footsteps of Jonathan Swift at Marsh's Library
• Sample a few wee drams at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery
• Explore ancient religious texts and grab lunch at Chester Beatty Library
• Walk the grounds of Dublin Castle
• Pub Stop in or near Temple Bar
• The Vat House
• The Stag's Head
• Dinner Choices in or near Temple Bar
• Umi Falafel
• Mongolian BBQ
• Rustic Stone
• Go on a pub crawl on Dame Lane

Visit The Liberties and Dame Street in Dublin with this Detailed Itinerary:

12. Camden Street to Temple Bar

Camden Street to Temple Bar Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast Choices near Camden Street
• Bald Barista
• South Brother Hubbard
• Art of Coffee
• Camden Street Shopping and Street Art
• Lunch at Cake Cafe
• Shop for funky finds at George's Arcade
• Visit Cow's Lane
• Check out the street art on Icon Walk in Temple Bar
• Grab a pint of Irish Craft Beer at the Norseman
• Dinner Choices in Dublin City Centre
• Red Torch Ginger
• Cocktails at Pichet
• Comedy at the International Bar
• Watch a performance at the Project Arts Centre
• Catch a gig at the Button Factory

Explore the Camden Street to Temple Bar Detailed Itinerary:

13. Grand Canal Dock and the Dublin Docklands

Grand Canal Dock and the Dublin Docklands Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast Choices in Grand Canal Dock
• Lolly and Cooks
• Il Valentino
• Do a walking loop through the Dublin Docklands
• Grab a burrito for lunch at Boojum
• Discover the heart of the Irish music scene at Windmill Lane Studios
• Go for traditional or peculiar afternoon tea at the Westin
• Dinner at Cafe Bar H in Grand Canal Dock
• Evening Activities in Grand Canal Dock
• See a show at The Lir Theatre
• Cocktails at the Marker Hotel
• Catch a musical at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre

Learn more about the Grand Canal Dock and the Dublin Docklands with this detailed itinerary:

14. Along the River Liffey

Along the River Liffey Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast Choices on the River Liffey in the Dublin Docklands
• Barista Angel
• Learn about the history of Dublin Port at The Diving Bell
• Photograph the Samuel Beckett Bridge and Dublin Convention Center
• Learn about the tragic Irish famine aboard The Jeanie Johnston
• Experience the Irish diaspora at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
• Lunch at Ely's CHQ
• Shop like the locals do on Henry Street
• Walk O'Connell Street
• Pay your respects to those who died in the fight for Irish independence during the Easter Rising at The GPO
• Seek out James Joyce Statue
• Admire the Spire
• JW Sweetman
• Urban Brewing
• Dinner at 101 Talbot
• Evening Activities Along the River Liffey
• See a performance at the Abbey Theatre, Ireland's National Theatre
• Take a chance on some comedy at the Laughter Lounge

Explore Dublin along the River Liffey with this detailed itinerary:

15. A Classic Dublin City Centre Day Out

Classic Dublin City Centre Day Out Itinerary Summary

• Coffee at Coffeeangel, Butlers Chocolate Cafe, or Beanhive Dublin
• Explore the Trinity College Dublin campus
• See the Book of Kells
• Lunch Choices in Dublin City Centre
• Vegetarian comfort food at Cornucopia
• Sandwiches and cakes at Avoca
• Shop Powerscourt Townhouse
• Browse Stephens Green Shopping Center
• Window shop on Grafton Street
• Learn and taste a bit of history at the Irish Whiskey Museum
• Pub Stop at the Lincoln's Inn
• Dinner at the Green Hen in Dublin City Centre
• Evening Activities in Dublin City
• Gaeity Theatre
• Murphy's Ice Cream

Experience a classic day in Dublin City Centre with this detailed ttinerary:

16. Dublin History and Literature

Dublin History and Literature Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast Choices
• Don't miss the divine cruffin (croissant-muffin) at Bread 41
• Have an artisan coffee at Shoe Lane
• Learn about Irish history on the 1916 Rebellion Guided Walking Tour
• Lunch at the Queen of Tarts
• Pay respects to those who died in the fight for Irish independence at the Garden of Remembrance
• Explore Ireland's literary heritage at the Writer's Museum
• Check out the works of art at Hugh Lane Gallery
• Browse for new and second-hand books at Chapters
• Stop for a drink at the Gin Palace
• Dinner Choices on Dublin's Northside
• The Lotts Cafe Bar
• The Winding Stair
• Have a spooky time aboard the Ghostbus
• Listen to Irish trad Music at Merchant's Arch

Read about our Dublin History and Literature Detailed Itinerary here:

17. Dublin Food, Shopping, and Theatre

Dublin Food, Shopping, and Theatre Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast Choices in Dublin City Centre
• Drink a latte and true work of art at the Beanhive
• Indulge in Sicilian treats with your coffee at Dolce Sicily
• Browse for a souvenir to take home at Celtic Whiskey
• Explore Dublin's history at the quaint Little Museum of Dublin
• Stroll Stephen's Green
• Power shop at Stephens Green Shopping Center
• Lunch at KC Peaches
• Take the tour and sip a pint at the Guinness Storehouse
• Find Liberties Street Art
• Pub Stop at the Long Hall
• Spice of India
• Catch an evening of theatre in Temple Bar
• See a show at Smock Alley, the oldest theatre in Dublin
• Check out the tiny New Theatre

Experience Dublin Food, Shopping, and Theatre with this Detailed Itinerary:

18. Dublin's Viking Past

Dublin's Viking Past Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast Choices in Dublin City
• Bear Market
• Coffeeangel
• Ride the Viking Splash
• Lunch at Brasserie Sixty6
• Explore Dublinia, a museum dedicated to Dublin's Viking history
• Look for the mummified cat and the mouse in Christ Church Cathedral
• Look for artifacts around Dublin City Council
• Listen to music while sipping a pint at Darkey Kelly's
• Dinner at 777
• Experience a night out on Dame Lane

Read about where to find evidence of Dublin's Viking past in this detailed itinerary:

19. From Rathmines to Dublin City Centre

From Rathmines to Dublin City Centre Itinerary Summary

• Coffee at two fifty square in Rathmines
• Take a photowalk around Rathmines
• Seek out the Swans of Portobello
• Lunch at Bretzel Bakery
• Enjoy Afternoon Tea
• The Merrion Art Tea
• The Shelbourne
• Grab a pint at Toners
• Pay a Visit to Patrick Kavanagh on the Grand Canal
• Dinner on Baggot Street
• Zakura for Ramen
• Keshk for grilled meats
• Teppanyaki at Chai-yo
• Cocktails at the dylan
• Sink into a comfy armchair and see a movie at The Stella in Rathmines

Check out our Rathmines to Dublin City Centre Detailed Itinerary:

20. Dublin Shopping, Culture and Cinema

Dublin Shopping, Culture, and Cinema Itinerary Summary

• Morning Coffee in Dublin City
• Clement and Pekoe
• Make a pilgrimage to the statue of Molly Malone
• Shop George's Arcade
• Browse Powerscourt Townhouse
• Lunch at the Chester Beatty Library Cafe
• Explore ancient religious texts at the Chester Beatty Library Museum
• Catch a movie at the Irish Film Institute (IFI)
• Forego the pub and grab an evening coffee at Accents
• Dinner Choices
• Moroccan cuisine at Dada
• Tapas at Market Bar
• A celebrity chef experience at Fade Street Social
• Have a nightcap glass of wine
• Fallon and Byrne

Check out our Dublin shopping, culture, and cinema detailed itinerary:

21. Classic Dublin Sightseeing

Classic Dublin Sightseeing Itinerary Summary

• Breakfast at Voila on Baggot Street
• Buy a ticket for the Hop on Hop Off Bus (CitySightseeing Red Route)
• Explore the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
• Understand Irish history at Kilmainham Gaol
• Lunch at IMMA Cafe
• Pay a visit to Dublin Zoo
• Tour Farmleigh House
• Walk Phoenix Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe.
• Drinks at Nancy Hands Bar and Restaurant
• Italian at Wallace's Taverna
• Pub grub with a bit of music and dancing at The Church
• Experience a night out in Temple Bar

Experience our classic Dublin sightseeing detailed itinerary:

22. Dublin History, Photo-Ops and Theatre

Dublin History, Photo-Ops, and Theatre Itinerary Summary

• Java Republic
• Photograph the iconic Pepper Canister church in the heart of Georgian Dublin
• Stroll Merrion Square Park and seek out Oscar Wilde
• Eat a healthy lunch at Sprout
• Explore the historic architecture of Northumberland Road
• Stop and pay your respects at Mount Street Bridge to those who died fighting for Irish independence.
• Visit a classic Irish pub: Grab a pint of Guinness at the Ginger Man
• Dinner at Fowl Play or Musahi
• Spend an evening at the Samuel Beckett Theatre on the Trinity College Dublin campus

Check out our Dublin history, photo-Ops, and theatre detailed itinerary:

23. Explore the North Dublin Coast: Howth and Malahide

North Dublin Coast Itinerary Summary

• Coffee at Steam in Dublin City Centre
• Take the DART train to Howth 
• Hike the iconic Howth Head Cliff Path Loop
• ( Weekends ) Browse Howth Market
• ( Seasonal ) Go Birdwatching at Ireland's Eye island
• Eat a fresh fish lunch in Howth at the Oar House
• Grab a pint or a hot whiskey at the Abbey Tavern
• Take the DART train to Malahide
• Tour historic Malahide Castle
• Eat dinner back at Zaytoons in Temple Bar back in Dublin City
• Catch a gig at SIN É music pub

Discover the North Dublin Coast including Howth and Malahide with this Detailed Itinerary:

24. Dublin History in a Day - Tenement and Whiskey Edition

One Day in Dublin City Itinerary Rating:   Intermediate This Dublin day out itinerary is recommended for people with the following interests:   history, food

Dublin history itinerary summary.

• Sit down for breakfast at Bewley's Cafe on Grafton Street
• Stop at the Seamus Heaney:  Listen Now Again  exhibit in the Bank of Ireland Building on College Green
• Take a guided tour of the 14 Henrietta Street Tenement Museum
• Stroll the grounds of King's Inn Law School
• Try a slice of chocolate Guinness cake with a craft coffee at Proper Order in Smithfield
• Enjoy posh fish and chips with a glass of wine for lunch at Fish Shop Dublin
• Tour Pearse Lyons whiskey distillery which is situated in an 800 year old de-consecrated church in the Liberties
• Sip an experimental pint or two at Guinness Open Gate Brewery
• Eat dinner at The Ramen Bar on South William Street
• Catch a performance at the historic Olympia Theatre on Dame Street

Discover Dublin's history with this Detailed Itinerary:

25. A Drimnagh Castle-Focused Day Out

Drimnagh Castle Itinerary Summary

• Grab coffee and a treat to go at Creed
• Take Dublin Bus to Dublin Citywest
• Tour Drimnagh Castle inside and out
• Eat lunch including fresh baked goods at Farmhouse Cafe on Long Mile Road
• Visit IMMA, Ireland's Museum of Modern Art, and walk the formal garden
• Save the pub stop for later and grab cake and kombucha at IMMA's cafe
• Combine dinner and drinks with a tour of Rascal's Brewery HQ in Inchicore

Discover Drimnagh Castle with this Detailed Itinerary:

Hear my Top Tips for Dublin on WeTravelThere

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24 Hours in Dublin: What to Do When You Only Have 1 Day

It’s impossible to see a city — any city — in a mere 24 hours. It takes months, if not years, to really get under the skin of a place. But as travelers, we don’t always have months (let alone years!). Sometimes all we have is a single day, enough for just a cursory glance and testing of the cultural waters. You’ll never come away with an in-depth understanding of a city that way, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try!

Which is exactly what I had to do when I found myself on an overnight layover in Dublin . I had only twenty-four hours to visit the city and needed to cram a thousand-year-old city into one day of travel.

Was it possible? Yes. Was it hard? Ohh yeah!

Here’s how I spent a day in Dublin:

Table of Contents

8:00am – Wake Up/Shower/Breakfast

9:00am – dublin castle, 9:30am – st. patrick’s cathedral, 10:00am – guinness storehouse, 12:00pm – kilmainham gaol, 1:00pm – lunch, 2:00pm – irish emigration museum, 3:00pm – trinity college/book of kells, 4:00pm – national history museum, 6:00pm – dinner and drinks on temple bar.

Pack some snacks and put on your walking shoes. It’s going to be a busy day! Grab some breakfast at your hostel or somewhere nearby. Ask your hostel staff for recommendations — they’ll have some places to suggest! You’ll be on your feet all day so it’s best to fill up now. You’ll burn those calories off soon enough!

Also, make sure you fill up your water bottle before you leave and that your camera is charged and ready to go!

During your visit, you’ll have the option of a guided tour or a self-guided tour. The self-guided tour won’t cover as many exhibits, though it will be faster so just choose whichever option suits your interest.

Admission is 12 EUR for the guided tour and 8 EUR for the self-guided tour. The castle is open daily 9:45am-5:45pm.

It’s the official National Cathedral of Ireland, though unusually there isn’t actually a bishop here (official cathedrals usually require a bishop). Dublin has another cathedral (Christ Church Cathedral), which is quite rare — usually, only one cathedral is allowed in a city. This is why St. Patrick’s has become the National Cathedral: to avoid conflicting with Christ Church Cathedral as the city’s official cathedral.

The cathedral is open weekdays from 9:30am-5pm and from 9am-6pm on Saturdays (there are limited hours also on Sunday, which vary depending on the time of year). Admission is 10 EUR for adults and there are free guided tours available throughout the day.

There’s nothing like starting your day with a hearty pint! (It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?) Here you can learn all about the history of Guinness, Ireland’s most famous beer.

The factory here was bought in 1759 and has a 9,000-year lease. It produces around three million pints of Guinness a day, and, the end of their 90-minute tour, you can head up to the Gravity Bar for a free pint. The place also provides excellent 360° views of the city. Try to avoid visiting on weekend afternoons as the place becomes standing room only.

Admission is 20-30 EUR depending on the day of the week (which includes a free pint). But if you really want to go all out and get an extra pint with a selfie of your face in it, the Guinness Storehouse + Stoutie option is 28-38 EUR. The storehouse is open Monday-Thursday 9.30am-5pm, Friday and Saturday 9.30am-6pm, and Sunday: 9.30am-5pm. The building remains open for two more hours past the last entry time.

To keep the prison population in check, many adult prisoners were shipped off to Australia .

In 1960, it was restored and opened as a museum in the 1990s. It has a great introductory exhibit, and your ticket gets you a tour that lasts one hour and begins on the hour.

Opening hours vary depending on the month, but it’s usually open 9:30am-5:15pm. Admission is 8 EUR for adults, with discounts available for families, students, and seniors. Be sure to book your tickets in advance as access is only available with a guided tour.

I really enjoyed the area around Mary/High Street. It’s far away from the Gaol, so you need to take the bus. The area is also right near the Dublin Spire and is a big pedestrian shopping area with a lot of restaurants. During the weekend, there are some outdoor food markets.

Ireland has a long and unfortunately not always uplifting history of emigration following famine, political turmoil, religious conflicts, and economic conditions. This museum is a beautiful tribute to the Irish diaspora around the world and features their contributions throughout history.

There are various exhibits on literature, politics, science, music, technology, sports, humor, fashion in a unique visually and audibly captivating experience that encapsulates the touching personal stories of famous Irish immigrants across history.

Open daily 10am-6:45pm (though last admission is at 5pm). They recommend 90 minutes but it’s doable in an hour if you really need to. Tickets are 21 EUR online or 23 EUR at the door.

Self-guided tours start at 19 EUR. You can also do a tour that includes both Dublin Castle and the Book of Kells for 72 EUR.

Finish your day here by learning all about the history of Ireland . The museum covers everything from the Vikings to English rule to Michael Collins and the IRA to independence. It’s a very comprehensive museum so you could easily spend a few hours here (if you want a couple of hours here, just shift your day around so you arrive at 3pm instead of 4pm).

Unfortunately the museum is currently closed for refurbishment.

If you’re not sure where to look, you can go on a pub crawl or just ask your hostel staff. They can help you find a lively pub to spend the evening!

Dublin is a city that requires more than just 24 hours. If you’re on the clock and can only manage a short visit, consider taking the hop on/hop off tour bus. I know it’s super touristy, but it will dramatically cut down your walking time and allow you to squeeze more into your day.

If you have even less time, consider taking a walking tour . You’ll get to see most of the main sights and learn some of the history without having to spend the entire day running around the city (most tours last 3 hours).

I loved my time in Dublin . Twenty-hour hours doesn’t do this place justice but if you’re looking for how to spend a long layover in Dublin or organize your time here, I hope this post helped!

Book Your Trip to Dublin: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite place to stay is Generator Hostel . It’s clean, cheap, and they often play live music.

For more hostel suggestions, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in Dublin . If you prefer hotels, check out this post .

And if you’re wondering where to stay in the city, this post breaks down the best neighborhoods in Dublin .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are mine alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

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