What to Do if You Only Have 24 hours in Dublin
Dublin is one of the most-visited cities in Europe, which makes sense considering it’s steeped in history, has friendly locals, and great pubs. And would you believe that around 8 million tourists visit Dublin every year?
We love Dublin, even though it can feel crowded and is notoriously expensive – the city gets a lot of hype for good reason. First off, it’s the home of the iconic Book of Kells and Temple Bar, and it’s also home to Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction – the Guinness Storehouse.
And I know that 24 hours in Dublin may seem like a short amount of time, but you’d be surprised at how much you can squeeze into one day here. As long as you stick to a schedule and follow my list below (in that order, preferably), you could fit up to 9 sights into your day in Dublin.
How I’d Spend a Day in Dublin
Morning – Tick off the city’s top attractions before the crowds arrive
My advice if you only have one day in Dublin is to get up and out early so that you can squeeze as much as you can in as possible, without rushing around too much.
If I had just 24 hours in Dublin, I’d start my morning with a walk down Grafton Street while it’s lovely and quiet – for breakfast I like Hatch & Sons on St Stephen’s Green. After breakfast, I’d take some time to wander around St Stephen’s Green (ideally with a takeaway coffee in hand). This park has ponds, plenty of green areas and a large playground. There are many swans and birds in this park, and it’s the perfect place to take a breather before diving back into exploring the rest of Dublin.
Then, be sure to take a stroll across the Ha’penny Bridge – it’s a really unique, beautiful bridge that’s over 200 years old.
Trinity Library:
The Long Room is the piece-de-resistance here, and it really is so photogenic – albeit a little moody and gothic. With its majestic, vaulted ceiling and endless rows of ancient books, it’s a dream come true for any bibliophile. As you likely already know, the library is home to the world-famous Book of Kells, an intricately illuminated manuscript that dates back to the 9th century.
Dublin Castle:
Dublin Castle was once the heart of British rule in Ireland, and today it serves as a vibrant symbol of Irish heritage. You can wander through its stunning State Apartments, adorned with exquisite art and opulent decor, and explore the atmospheric medieval undercroft. The Chester Beatty Library, within the grounds, houses a world-renowned collection of manuscripts and rare books. And it’s a must-see in my opinion.
Afternoon – Try out some of Dublin’s most unique tours
Viking Splash Tour:
The Viking Splash Tour is a unique land and water experience through Dublin City Centre. Kids can don a Viking helmet as the unique yellow, boat-shaped amphibious vehicle takes you on a ride to remember. Visitors are taken to see key sites in the City Centre, including Christ Church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle, before setting sail in the Grand Canal.
This is a brilliant, high-energy tour with visitors encouraged to roar at pedestrians!
Leprechaun Museum:
The Leprechaun Museum is a quirky themed museum that takes you on a journey through Irish folklore and history. There is storytelling and plenty of photo opportunities. This is Ireland’s first museum dedicated to folklore and storytelling – a rich piece of Irish heritage.
Late Afternoon – Phoenix Park
The Phoenix Park is known as the largest enclosed public park in any European City.
Spanning over 1,750 acres, Phoenix Park is the perfect place for a peaceful walk. The park is also home to a herd of wild fallow deer, adding a touch of enchantment/ magic. Don’t miss out on seeing Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the President of Ireland, while you’re here, or the Victorian People’s Flower Gardens.
There’s a love tea rooms here (Phoenix Park Tearooms) – if you fancy a late lunch.
Early Evening – Guinness Storehouse
Next, you can’t can’t miss the Guinness Storehouse to sip on Ireland’s most famous beer!
This is, would you believe, the number one tourist attraction in Dublin – it’s spread over seven floors of interactive exhibits, each one unraveling the story of how this iconic beer is brewed and its global impact. As you make your way up through the exhibits, you’ll be treated to fascinating insights into the brand’s innovative advertising and the art of crafting the perfect pint. Your experience ends at the Gravity Bar, where you can try a complimentary pint of Guinness while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the Dublin skyline.
As for dinner tonight, I really like WILDE Restaurant on Harry Street.
Evening – Temple Bar
Okay, a little bit of a predictable addition – but, honestly, if you only have 24 hours in Dublin, visiting Temple Bar in the evening is a must-do, even just for a quick walk around to take in the fun atmosphere.
Try to visit one of the many traditional Irish pubs, like The Temple Bar Pub itself, where you can enjoy a pint of Guinness or an Irish whiskey (or something else) while listening to live traditional music – which is on every day!
Where to stay in Dublin:
- If your budget allows, a standout hotel in Dublin is The Westbury, a luxurious five-star hotel, just a stone’s throw from Grafton Street. It’s renowned for its opulent decor and exceptional service.
- The Dean Dublin is another cool hotel option in Dublin, it combines modern design with a lively atmosphere and boasts a trendy rooftop bar and stylish rooms.
- You could also check out one of the awesome Airbnbs in Dublin here.
Slainte!
I hope you enjoyed my guide to spending one day in Dublin – yes, it’s a short amount of time to spend in Ireland’s capital city but you can see a lot of it in 24 hours – provided you’re up early…before the crowds.
You can read my other Dublin blog posts here –
The Best Hostels in Dublin, Ireland
