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
- Temple Bar
- 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
Cathedrals
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.”
Temple Bar
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.
Grafton Street
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.
Museums
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.
Merrion Square
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.
St. Stephen’s Green
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.
Guinness Storehouse
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!
Dinner
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, The 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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