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How to Spend One Day in Dublin (3 Itineraries)

How to Spend One Day in Dublin (3 Itineraries)

I’ve lived in Dublin for 35 years. In this guide, you’ll find 3 tried and tested one day in Dublin itinerary options that I’m confident you’ll love.

Each of these 24 hours in Dublin itineraries:

  • One: Follows clear, logical routes that take in the best of Dublin
  • Two: Has everything planned for you, from buses/trains to where to avoid
  • Three: Has great pub, food + live music recommendations

What to do in Dublin for a day: 3 itineraries to choose from

the three 1 day dublin itineraries compared

 

The graphic above gives you a very quick overview of where each of the itineraries brings you.

Here’s a quick overview of each one:

Itinerary 1: The tourist trail

This is the Dublin in one day itinerary that’s perfect for first time visitors. You’ll stick to the city centre and see all the major sights including Trinity College, the Ha’Penny Bridge, the Guinness Storehouse and more.

Itinerary 2: North Dublin

Heading north out of Dublin, this itinerary is best suited to those who have seen Dublin City before and who want to see what else the capital has to offer. It takes you, by train, to Malahide and Howth, two scenic seaside towns.

Itinerary 3: South Dublin

This itinerary will also appeal to those who have previously visited Dublin City and who fancy exploring on foot. A car is needed for this one as it takes you to a hike that isn’t easily reached via public transport.

Key things to be aware of

best places to stay in dublin city

 

24 hours in Dublin can be the perfect amount of time to explore a corner of the city, but there are some need-to-knows that are worth considering before you start planning your trip.

1. A central base is key

If you’re only spending one day in Dublin, you’ll need a very central base to explore from in order to make the most of your time. Go for either the city centre (see my where to stay in Dublin guide) or Drumcondra (1/2 way between the airport and city centre).

2. You don’t need a car

Renting a car in Ireland makes sense if you’re exploring beyond Dublin City. If you’re sticking to the city or exploring the coast, you won’t need one. Getting around Dublin on the DART (train), LUAS (tram) and bus is very easy.

3. You should get the travel card

A Leap Visitor Card is handy if you’re doing Dublin in a day. A 24 hour ticket costs €8 and gets you unlimited travel on Dublin City Bus, the Luas and the DART.

4. The Dublin Pass

The Dublin Pass is also a good idea. You buy the pass for around €70 and you get access to the city’s main attractions, like the Guinness Storehouse. You can easily save from €23.50.

Itinerary 1: A day trip to Dublin for first timers

1 day dublin itinerary for the city
 

If you’ve never visited the capital, this itinerary is the only one you really need, as it takes in all the main attractions.

You’ll also sample great food, kick-back in ancient pubs and, if you’re struggling to decide what to do in Dublin for a day, it has a full route with timings to follow.

If you’ve yet to decide where you’re going to stay, see my guide to the top hotels in Dublin.

9:00: Trinity College

map of trinity college map

The first 1 day in Dublin itinerary kicks-off with a visit to Trinity College.

Grab a coffee (Il Caffe Di Napoli on nearby Westland Row is excellent) and then head for a ramble around the grounds.

I’ve outlined the different landmarks on the map above. You’ll want to book into the first Book of Kells exhibit, which kicks off at 9:30am.

Once in the exhibition, you’ll have the opportunity to also linger in The Long Room; one of the world’s most breath-taking libraries.

11:00: Temple Bar

temple bar district

Photos via Shutterstock

A short 8-minute walk will bring you to Temple Bar. Now, you won’t be lingering here – I’m just taking you through en route to the next stop.

This corner of Dublin has been popular with tourists for decades due to its cobbled streets and lively bar scene (see my Temple Bar pubs guide).

As you stroll past the many bars, you’ll hear music wafting through the air. Have a gander at the colourful pub fronts and then continue on to stop 3 of your day trip to Dublin.

 

11:15: The Ha’penny Bridge

Ha’penny Bridge

Photos via Shutterstock

The Ha’penny Bridge is Dublin’s original toll booth, as it happens.

It’s located right next to Temple Bar, and it only takes 20 seconds to cross.

The Ha’penny Bridge has spanned the Liffey River for over 200 years, and it’s arguably one of the most beautiful bridges in the capital.

11:35: GPO Witness History Tour

map of the GPO Dublin

5-minutes further along O’Connell Street, and you’ll arrive at The GPO.

This is where the brilliant Witness History Tour is located.

Visitors here will discover how the GPO played a key role in the Easter Rising of 1916.

Bookings essential! This is regarded as one of the best museums in Dublin for good reason.

When you’re finished, there are a number of landmarks nearby, as you can see on my map above.

 

14:15: Lunch in Dublin’s Oldest pub

Brazen Head

Photos via Shutterstock

Dating back to 1198, the Brazen Head is the oldest pub in Dublin, and it’s where you’ll be grabbing lunch.

It’s a 20-minute walk from the GPO up along the keys. Now, a note – personally, I avoid the side of the quays that has the boardwalk.

There tends to be many dodgy characters that hang around there.

When you arrive at the Brazen Head, you’ll be greeted by a pub that will, literally, transport you back to medieval Dublin.

15:00: Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral Dublin

Photos via Shutterstock

The Brazen Head is a 7-minute walk from the magnificent Christ Church Cathedral.

The Cathedral was founded by Viking King Sitric Silkenbeard during the early 11th century.

900+ years later and Christ Church is one of Ireland’s most impressive landmarks.

You can take a tour of the cathedral that’ll immerse you in the architecture, the history and the legends attached to this bit of ancient Dublin.

 

16:00: St. Patrick’s Cathedral or Dublin Castle

St Patrick's Cathedral Dublin

Photos via Shutterstock

You’ll need to make a choice for stop seven on this one day in Dublin itinerary.

When you leave Christ Church, you’re a 5-minute walk from Dublin Castle and an 8-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Both are steeped in history and each offers an enlightening insight into the city’s past.

Having visited both on several occasions, I’d recommend St. Patrick’s Cathedral, especially as you can pair a visit there with Marsh’s Library (the oldest in Ireland) next door.

17:30: The Guinness Storehouse

guinness tour in dublin

The Guinness Storehouse is a 20-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and a 25-minute walk from Dublin Castle.

Now, the last entry time varies throughout the year, but try and book the 17:30 slot if it’s available.

This is arguably the most popular attraction in this 1 day in Dublin itinerary, and pre-booking tickets is strongly advised (more info here).

 

19:00: An evening in Dublin

Dublin Pubs

When you finish up at the Storehouse, you have a fair few options available to you.

Itinerary 2: One day in Dublin’s north side

dublin layover itinerary 2

 

Itinerary 2 shows you what to do in Dublin for a day if you want to escape the city centre.

This makes a great day trip to Dublin for those that have visited the city and that want to explore the wider county without having to travel too far.

8:00: Take the train from Dublin City to Malahide

map showing the journey from dublin city to malahide

As I mentioned earlier, the second 1 day in Dublin itinerary involves leaving the city and heading to Malahide, first.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • 1: Head to the city’s Connolly Station where you can buy tickets for the DART (train)
  • 2: Get the train from platform 7 that is heading towards Drogheda
  • 3: It’s 9 stops to Malahide and it takes around 30 minutes
  • Tip: Try sit on the right-hand side of the carriage for glimpses of the sea

9:40: Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle

Photos via Shutterstock

The first real stop of this day trip to Dublin is Malahide Castle. You’ll find the entrance to the castle grounds a few minutes from the DART station. 

From there, follow the signs and you’ll arrive to the castle in 10-15 minutes. Now, you can do a tour of the castle, if you like, but you’ll get some great views of it from afar.

When you finish up, head into the town, grab a coffee or some breakfast and then head to the Marina for a nosey.

There’s plenty of other things to do in Malahide if you’d like to linger here.

 

12:00: DART from Malahide to Howth

map showing how to get the DART from Malahide to Howth

Howth is a short journey from Malahide but note that there is no direct train, so you’ll need to change.

Here’s what to do:

  • 1: Get the DART from Malahide towards Bray
  • 2: Get off at Howth Junction (3 stops)
  • 3: Head over to platform 2 and get the DART to Howth Junction

12:30: Howth Market

Howth Market

Photos via Howth Market on FB

When you leave the station, you’ll see Howth Market right across the street.

There’s everything from coffee and sweet treats to savoury bites here.

The market is tiny but it’s a worthy stop before the lengthy walk you’re about to take.

Related read: Have more time to play with? See my guide to 2 days in Dublin or 3 days in Dublin

 

13:30: The Howth Cliff Walk

howth cliff walk map

Noted for being one of the most scenic walks in Dublin, the Howth Cliff Walk is hard to beat.

There are several trails to tackle, ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours. You can read more about these in detail in this guide.

If a cliff walk isn’t your thing, there’s also a lovely walk along the pier that looks out to Ireland’s Eye, and the Church of the Three Sons of Nessan. The pier walk takes about 25 minutes.

15:30: Lunch in Howth village

King Sitric

Photos via King Sitric on FB

After all that walking and indulging in natural scenery, it’s time to refresh and refuel.

When you’re this close to the Irish coast, you really can’t go wrong with some seafood.

There are some great restaurants in Howth. One of the best is Aqua (formal, dine-in spot).

A great casual spot for a feed is Beshoff Bros (get some fish and chips to go and keep an eye out for the seagulls!).

 

16:00: Live music in Howth

McNeill's Pub

Photos via McNeill’s on FB

We’re now over half way through the second 24 hours in Dublin itinerary, which means, if you fancy, it’s pub time.

Have a wander around the harbour if you haven’t already, and then nip into one of the many pubs in Howth.

My go-tos are:

18:30: Back to Dublin City for the evening

live music dublin

 

There’s a direct DART from Howth out to the city centre, you’ll be happy to hear.

It takes 30 minutes and it drops you at Connolly. It’s worth noting that the area around Connolly Station is one of the areas in Dublin to avoid, in my opinion. Don’t linger here!

Here’s some things to do for the evening:

  • Food: You’ll find some outstanding food in Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Featherblade and Pickle
  • Traditional pub crawl: Fancy experiencing the city’s best old-school bars? Follow this Dublin pub crawl route

Itinerary 3: Dublin and Beyond

one day in dublin itinerary 3

 

My third 1 day in Dublin itinerary will get you off the city streets, and out onto the open road.

Now, you will need a rental car for this itinerary (see our guide to renting a car in Ireland), so make sure to book one ahead of time.

This 24 hours in Dublin itinerary will appeal to travellers that have visited Dublin before, and that fancy seeing a different side of the city.

10:30: Drive out to Ticknock

the ticknock walk

Photos via Shutterstock

It’s time to hit the road, and you’re going to be heading south to Ticknock for a scenic walk in the Dublin Mountains.

The drive takes about 40 minutes, and there is parking upon arrival (just note that it’s hard to get on weekend mornings).

The Ticknock walk takes a couple of hours, but the pay-off is breathtaking.

13:00: Lunch in Dalkey

Dalkey

Photos via Shutterstock

It’s time to refuel, so it’s off to Dalkey! A quick 25-minute drive down the road and you’ll be near the coast again.

There are several excellent restaurants in Dalkey, but one of my favourites is Benito’s Italian.

Another great place to eat is DeVille’s if you fancy something more high-end.

 

14:30: Killiney Hill

Killiney Hill Walk

Photo via Shutterstock

Once your hunger is satiated, it’s time to hit the road again to take in the magnificent views from Killiney Hill.

There’s a car park there, and it’s then a quick and easy 20-minute walk to the viewpoint.

This is arguably one of the most beautiful places you’ll visit in any of my 1 day in Dublin itineraries, so you’re in for a treat.

15:30: Coffee and a paddle

Killiney

Photos via Shutterstock

Leave Killiney hill and take the short spin to Killiney Beach – it’s around a 12-minute drive and there’s plenty of parking.

Once you’ve explored the shoreline or had a dip in the sea, you can warm up, or cool down with refreshments from the popular Fred and Nancy’s.

If you fancy seeing more of the coast, both Bray and Greystones are under a 30-minute drive away.

 

17:00: Dublin for the night

SOLE Seafood & Grill

Photos via SOLE on FB

Your 24 hours in Dublin isn’t over just yet, but it is time to get some rest before a night on the town.

So, head back to your accommodation and put your feet up for a while.

When you’re ready:

 

Have more than 24 hours in Dublin?

best ireland itinerary

Now you know what to do in Dublin for a day, it’s time to look at Ireland beyond the capital.

If you’re staying on in Ireland and you need road trip itineraries, we have hundreds of them here that start in Dublin.

Some other guides that may come in handy are:

Still struggling to decide what to do in Dublin for a day? Ask in the comments below!

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