One Day In Dublin Itinerary
One day isn't near enough to even scratch the surface of what to see in Dublin, but if that's all you have, this itinerary will show you the main sights in the city in the morning, then a coastal walk in the afternoon to see the local side of Dublin before coming back to city in the evening for some pints in our legendary pubs.
It's going to be a busy day with lots of steps, but at the end of it, you'll have seen enough of Dublin to make wish you were staying longer.
Plan your perfect Ireland trip in a one hour call with an Irish local.
A Morning in Dublin City
The Main Tourist Spots
Dublin's layout can be confusing with its winding streets so let's get your bearings. Trinity College and its Book of Kells is the centre of Dublin. Use it as your landmark.
In front of Trinity is Dame Street and this is the spine of the tourist attractions in Dublin. It's one street that goes from Trinity to Guinness although it changes names a few times!
Follow this route and you'll pass Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral and Guinness Storehouse. You'll get a look at regular Dublin street life along the walk. The Liberties area near Guinness is more eclectic and local rather than tourist Dublin. There's lots of excellent cafes here, pick up some caffeine & cakes to keep you fueled up.
You'll have time to visit one of the attractions here. Guinness is the obvious one. I really like the Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery that is in a church
Here's much more details on this morning's walk.
Ireland by Locals
Other options for the morning in Dublin.
- I will show you around: Come on a private guided tour of Dublin with me. My Jet Lag Tour is designed for folks on their first day in Dublin,
- Hop-on, Hop-off Bus. If you prefer a bus than walking, take the Hop-on, hop-off bus. You can cover all the main spots in 90 minutes.
Get fresh air, coffee & a guided tour of Dublin with me.
Lunch By The Sea
I want you see more than just the city center. You'll see amazed at how beautiful Dublin's coast is and how close it is to the busy city. Even better, tourists rarely come here. This is off the beaten track Dublin.
Take a quick taxi to Tara Street Station and take the Dart train 20 minutes southbound to DĂșn Laoghaire. Sit on the left side for the best views.
Get the Fish & Chips at Hartleys just outside the station and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Coastal Dublin
After lunch, this 60 minute walk will take you along the sea front through three local villages for a taste of the real Dublin.
DĂșn Laoghaire
DĂșn Laoghaire is an old Victorian seaside town. Watch the boats sail past. Look over at Howth and its cliffs. Have a coffee at the gorgeous Happy Out.
Sandycove
Follow the promenade around to the famous Forty Foot Swimming spot and watch the locals swim in the cold water. You might have seen this on Apple TV's Bad Sister.
Around the corner is the James Joyce Museum in an old Martello defensive tower, it is free to enter and worth it for the view from the top.
Glasthule
Walk back through the lovely village of Glasthule, stopping for coffee or a pint in any of its many cafes & pubs. Then take the train back to Dublin from the Sandycove & Glasthule station.
I do a private guided tour of this walk if you want me to show you around.
The Goat Boat
Instead of walking, you could take the brilliant Goat Boat tour from DĂșn Laoghaire. It's so much fun! One of the best things to do in Dublin. Captain Ed will take good care of you.
Your Dublin Hotel
5pm. Go back to your hotel for a short rest and to get ready for the evening. For a one night stay, you want somewhere extremely central, like NYX, The Grafton or The Green. For 5 star, go with the The Shelbourne or The Westbury. Here are all my favorite hotels.
Ireland by Locals
Dublin At Night
7pm: Grafton Street is the main pedestrian street in Dublin. It's got too many chain stores to be charming, but its buskers are very talented. It's on the side streets off Grafton Street where you'll find Dubliners enjoying their evenings. Wicklow, Drury & Exchequer Streets are my favorites.
Dinner
There are so many restaurants in this area that you can stroll and find your own favorite. Here are some of my favorites.
- Cornucopia is vegetarian food but so tasty and quick.
- Bunsen do an excellent burger
- Pichet is a little more refined. A highly rated French/Irish bistro
- Sole Seafood on Drury is the place for fish.
- Amy Austin. Restaurant in a parking garage sounds strange. Michelin loved it.
- Comet is tipped to get a Michelin star before long
Here are all my best places to eat in Dublin
Ireland by Locals
Classic Dublin Pubs
9pm: After dinner, it's time for some real Irish pubs. You'll have heard of Temple Bar but we're not going there. Temple Bar is a pure tourist trap. Instead, stay in this same area where you had dinner. There's fabulous bars everywhere. Places full of Dubliners not tourists.
- The Long Hall
- The Old Stand
- The Thomas Moore
If you want a private pub crawl, I can bring you around. If you'd prefer a group one, then do this pub walking tour.
Ireland by Locals
This is my guide to the best pubs in Dublin
Tired But Happy
Wow, what a day! You're going to sleep well tonight! If you do this itinerary you'll have seen more than people who spend a weekend here. You'll cover an excellent mix of the tourists sites, but also seen life as a Dubliner too. Here's more things to do in Dublin that might have you changing your flight to stay longer.
Darragh
Coming Back to Dublin Before Flying Home ?
If you're coming back to Dublin the night before flying home, stay at Grand Hotel in Malahide instead of the city. It's a lovely village by the sea and 15 minutes from the airport. It'll be a more relaxing day before your long travel day home and no city parking issues. You can even drop your rental car off the night before.
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