For visitors wondering how to spend one day in Dublin let me share the itinerary I used to explore.
Whether it’s your first time in the city or a seasoned Dubliner, this guide is your ticket to a perfect day in Dublin.
From the medieval majesty of Dublin Castle, the tranquillity of Dublin Gardens, to the intellectual haven of Trinity College – where the historic Book of Kells is guarded,
This Dublin itinerary is designed to help you perhaps not just tick things off your Dublin in-a-day bucket list.
My Dublin Guide includes these popular spots:
- Dublin Castle
- Trinity College
- The Books of Kells
- The General Post Office
- The Brazen Head Pub
- Kilmainham Gaol Museum
- Guinness Storehouse
- The Ha’Penny Bridge
- Temple Bar District
Photo Credit: SCStock via Shutterstock.com
One Day In Dublin Itinerary You Should Follow
Stop 1: Dublin Castle
I always love a good castle so of course this would be my first stop. Dublin Castle should be high on your what to see in Dublin list.
I recommend the guided tour as is so engaging and informative. The tour takes you to the staterooms and underground to see some of the original fortifications.
Behind the castle, you will find Dublin Gardens which is beautiful and they have a snack shop with a balcony overlooking the gardens which I highly recommend.
The gardens are designed with six connecting winding pathways that can be seen from the air and resemble the iconic Celtic design.
if like me you can’t pass a library Chester Beatty Library is located directly adjacent to Dublin Castle and is free. I missed this place due to poor time management and I regret it.
They have tours but check the times so you can fit one in.
The library houses the collections of Sir Charles Beatty, who made his name in mining. The guided tours take about an hour. This is one of the things to see in Dublin City Center
Fast-Track Book of Kells Ticket & Dublin Castle Tour.
Stop 2: Trinity College, Long Room Library, and The Book of Kells
These two places were top of my wish list. I opted for the paid guided tour of Trinity College but if I were to do it again I would skip the optional outdoor guided tour to save time.
After your tour head directly to the Long Room Library on campus, which houses the incredible Book of Kells. There is an admission fee to enter the library but in my opinion, it’s well worth it.
Once inside, I also rented the audio tour, which guided me along the way while explaining everything in great detail. I would recommend purchasing the audio tour.
The Book of Kells is a written manuscript of all four of the gospels in the New Testament. The pages are turned on average once every two months, so if you visit again, you will not view the same pages.
The calligraphy is exquisite and the drawings of plants, animals, and people are as well.
Seeing the actual two parts of the Book of Kells on display under glass was a highlight of my trip. The Long Room Library is also incredibly beautiful and looks like something from a movie set.
I allocated 90 minutes here which was sufficient to see everything.
This was one of my top places to visit in Dublin and I’m so glad I got to see it. This is one of the things to see in Dublin city center.
Look into: the Trinity Trails Campus guided Walking Tour.
Stop 3: The General Post Office
The General Post Office in the center of O’Connell St., Dublin’s main street, is one of Ireland’s most famous buildings.
Not only is it architecturally beautiful but it was the main stronghold of the rebels of the 1916 Irish Rising.
If you are spending more than one day in Dublin then perhaps pay to go in and explore the museum. You will also learn more about the uprising.
If this is a one-day trip to Dublin don’t enter the museum just spend 15 minutes getting a feel for the building.
Look into this: Get a City Walking Tour
Stop 4: The Brazen Head Pub, Ireland’s Oldest Pub
If you are looking for an authentic Irish pub experience, The Brazen Head Pub is the place to go.
It is outside Dublin City walls and it is the oldest pub in Ireland operating since 1198.
I can highly recommend the vegan pie here and I’m told the bangers and mash were delicious. And when it comes to beer take your pick.
It is full of history, with pictures and scrolls on its walls. It has that typical Irish charm that is hard to find elsewhere.
The only problem you will have is that you won’t want to leave. Dublin in a day wouldn’t be complete without a trip to some Irish pubs.
Stop 5: Kilmainham Gaol Museum
Kilmainham Gaol Museum is located just outside Dublin city walls. Once used as a prison, It is now a museum run and charts the history of those locked within its walls.
The prison was ‘home’ to many Irish revolutionaries, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising who were later executed.
While perhaps macabre I felt like it documented an important Irish history sensitively and I found it interesting.
Access is by guided tour only so pre-book tickets as they do get booked up. Plan to spend an hour here if you decide to make this stop. I think this is a Dublin must-see.
Go on an Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip
Stop 6: Guinness Storehouse
When it comes to things to do in Dublin Ireland a trip here is an absolute must.
I am not a beer drinker at all. But I could not resist the temptation to tour the world-famous Guinness Storehouse.
Of all the places you visit this one is likely to be the most crowded so be prepared and book tickets in advance or you will be eating for ages, like I did.
The tours are more interesting than you might think and I found it very engaging.
of course, it comes with some of the ‘black stuff’. I opted for a taste test of four varieties of beers.
If you are after the perfect gift for someone I highly recommend a trip to the huge store that has every conceivable Guinness item you could imagine.
I spent about two hours here, that was mainly due to the fact the place is so busy.
When it comes to what to do in Dublin Ireland you have to take a trip here.
Book here: Guinness Storehouse: Entrance Ticket
Stop 7: Molly Malone Statue and O’Neill’s Pub
Now let me take you back inside the walls of Dublin. The first stop is at the mysterious but popular Irish personality, Molly Malone, located on Grafton Street.
Molly’s background is obscure at best. Irish lore has her selling seafood from her wheelbarrow during the day and/or working as a prostitute at night.
No one is quite sure but her statue is dressed very provocatively. Legend has it that if you rub one of Molly’s breasts, you will have a bit of good luck, It is one of the sights to see in Dublin.
If you want to learn more go on a Mythology and Folklore Walking Tour.
This is a popular tourist attraction, but I do not think you will be there for fifteen minutes.
If you need a bit of a rest, I did, head to O’Neill’s Pub & Kitchen located directly across the street from the Molly Malone statue.
It is popular and has been around for over 300 years. It is an authentic Irish pub experience and a great place to rest your weary legs.
Stop 8: The Ha’Penny Bridge
As we head toward the evening and towards the Temple Bar District make a stop at Ha’Penny Bridge. its official name is the Liffey Bridge, but everyone knows it as Ha’Penny Bridge
The name is derived from the cost (ha’penny or 1 1/2 pence) charged to cross when it opened. This is no longer the case but the name stuck.
It’s the perfect place for picture taking especially if you arrive at sunset. If you are wondering what to do in Dublin Ireland I recommend a trip here.
Book tickets here: Go on a Game Of Thrones tour
Stop 9: Trendy Temple Bar District
To finish a perfect day in Dublin head to the popular trendy Temple Bar District. Be warned this place is popular and crowded nearly always. I don’t mind a crowd but I know some find it challenging.
Temple Bar District consists of a few blocks where eclectic restaurants, pubs, and galleries are jam-packed together, It is considered the most popular tourist destination in Dublin.
I headed to the Temple Bar and there was a long line but the wait was worth it. I didn’t spend that long here but it’s an easy place to settle in for the night.
There are also lots of galleries, restaurants, and stores around here if bars are not your thing. This will round off your trip to Dublin nicely.
Go On A Walking Street Food Tour with a Local Guide
Hotels To Stay At In Dublin
The Merrion Hotel
The Merrion Hotel is the ultimate in luxury with Italian marble bathrooms, a 2 Michelin star restaurant, and an incredible infinity pool it’s the height of luxury.
It’s beautifully opulent with landscaped gardens in Dublin’s center it’s a real gem. There is everything you could wish for and more here.
This will improve your Dublin 1-day itinerary.
Number 31
For a special stay, Number 31 is perfect. This award-winning hotel is a classical Georgian townhouse near St Stephens Green.
There is a sunken lounge and an open fire, and the bedrooms are beautifully decorated and appointed.
It is perfect for a romantic palace for your Dublin one-day trip.
O’Neills Victorian Pub & Townhouse
If you are after a true Irish experience how about a stay in a historic pub? Just a 5-minute walk from O’Connell Street and Grafton Street, O’Neills Victorian Pub & Townhouse is in the perfect location.
The rooms are contemporary and comfortable and have everything you need and great food and beer is just below you. What more could you want?
Click here to see more pictures
Packing Tips For Your One Day In Dublin
I hope my tips on how to pack lightly when visiting Dublin for one day will help you!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.
This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.
These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle.
And the replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Read here how to stay healthy on a long haul flight!
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.
I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.
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.Quick Tips For Your One Day In Dublin Itinerary
Here are some tips I learned from my journey and will make yours easier.
- All the street signs are in two languages, Gaelic, the official language, and English, the second language. So don’t panic and look for the English translation.
- Use the Dublin Spire as a landmark to get around Dublin City.
- It juts almost 394 feet into the air, above most city buildings, and is easily and visibly seen around the city. It also makes a great meeting place.
- Sort money out before you go. If you use your card in another country you may be charged.
- Plan and get an app or card loaded with money before you travel or talk to your card company. You don’t want to be hit with high transaction fees.
- Purchase advanced tickets to as many attractions as you can. This will save you time and money. Also book tours if you are short of time as you will see more.
I also have a Two Day Dublin itinerary and a Three Day Dublin itinerary for you to peruse.
How To Get To Dublin For Your One Day in Dublin Itinerary
There are so many ways to get to Dublin. I found flying into Dublin International Airport an easy and delightful experience.
Read here how to stay healthy on a long-haul flight!
From the airport, I got the Airlink Express, Route 747 (now the Dublin Express) from Dublin International Airport directly to Dublin City Center.
You can also get a taxi or hire an Uber but this can be expensive, my bus cost me $10.
Of course, if you live closer you can drive and ferry to Dublin or get a train or a bus.
You can get an airport transfer and a hop on hop off bus for the city combined.
If walking does not appeal to you, purchase a Hop On, Hop Off Dublin Pass, which offers bus transportation around Dublin.
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is also a fast and easy way to get around. And Luas- Dublin’s light rail tram system is a speedy way to get where you want.
Dublin 24 requires you to go to a lot of different places, I didn’t want to spend time waiting on transport which is why I walked.
Here are some places for breakfast in Dublin so you can start your day right.
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Faith Coates
Just a quick note UBER and LYFT don’t exist in Ireland they are illegal so you won’t be able to use them to get from the airport to anywhere in Dublin.
khevii
I also spent a really good time there during my last journey and we came back with a lot of pleasant memories.
Dawn Hurtado
Thank you for your generosity in sharing what you have learned. This will be my first time in Europe, and I will not have much time in Dublin.