1 Day in Dublin: A Local’s Guide to the Perfect 24 Hours in Dublin

Are you trying to plan 1 day in Dublin, Ireland, but need help creating the perfect itinerary?

Then you’re in the right place!

 I live in Dublin, and love sharing my adopted city with newcomers! Dublin is a lively city rich in history, culture, and a vibrant pub scene. Whether you’re exploring Dublin for a weekend or just spending one day in Dublin, this guide has you covered.

One day isn’t enough to see all of Dublin, but you can still pack in a full day of sightseeing. I’ve crafted this itinerary as the perfect introduction to Dublin for first-timers and have included things to do, how to get around, safety tips, and more!

This Dublin in 1 day itinerary covers some of the top city highlights, from marveling at the Book of Kells to enjoying a pint of Guinness up in the clouds. Read on for all the things to know on how to spend 1 perfect day in Dublin. 

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Where is Dublin?

Dublin sits on Ireland’s east coast, where the River Liffey meets the Irish Sea. 

It’s the capital and largest city of the Republic of Ireland, as well as the island’s largest urban center. The city is divided into North and South Dublin by the River Liffey.

Getting to Dublin

The easiest way to get to Dublin is by plane. Most international travelers fly into Dublin Airport, which connects to major cities worldwide. There are daily flights from cities across North America and Europe. 

Dublin and London share one of the world’s busiest flight routes, making Dublin an easy destination from the UK.

The fastest way to get from Dublin Airport to the center of Dublin city is via taxi, but there are also regular buses that connect the airport to the city. There is no train between the airport and the city.

Getting Around Dublin

Dublin is very walkable, making a walking tour a great way to explore the city. The best way to get around Dublin city center is on foot.

For greater distances, Dublin has an extensive and easy-to-navigate public transit system consisting of buses, trams, and trains.

The DART is Dublin’s commuter rail. It connects the city with the surrounding suburbs, such as Malahide, Drogheda, and Skerries to the north and Dún Laoghaire and Killiney to the south.

Dublin’s light rail system, the LUAS (which means ‘speed’ in Irish), connects the city center to outer residential neighborhoods.

DublinBus is the city’s bus network. It runs regularly and is the most useful public transit option for tourists traveling between attractions.

Another convenient way to get around Dublin is via taxi or rideshare. The Uber app works in Dublin, or you can download the local app, FreeNow. Taxis can be hailed at stands, but they come at a premium. They are easily 3-4 times more expensive than public transit.

Best Time to Visit Dublin

Summer is the best time to visit Dublin. The days are long and the weather is at its warmest and (often) driest (although you can still have fun in Dublin when it rains!). However, the crowds also reach their peaks in summer so prices are higher and accommodations and tours can be difficult to book.

Summer is hands down the best time to visit Dublin. However, if you want to avoid crowds, spring is a great alternative. The days are still long, the temperatures are warming up, and the city is full of tulips and daffodils. If you visit Dublin in March, you may even catch the St. Patrick’s Day festivities which celebrate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

If you don’t care about the weather and short days, winters in Dublin are a great time to experience the city as the locals do. There are practically no tourists at this time of year, and the pubs are cozy and full of Dubliners trying to stave off the winter dampness.

Is Dublin Safe?

Yes, Dublin is safe. The main crime tourists may encounter in the city is pickpocketing. You may also experience people asking for money outside stores. While these experiences can be negative, they are common in major cities around the world and something you need to be prepared for as a traveler. Thankfully, your chance of encountering any crimes more serious than this are very slim, so don’t let that keep you from taking a trip to Dublin. 

As a tourist, you’re most likely to encounter pickpockets in Dublin neighborhoods like Temple Bar and around O’Connell Street. 

Where to Stay in Dublin

If you’ll only be in Dublin for a day, you’ll want to stay in a central location so you can roll out your hotel and get started on your day. Here are some centrally located neighborhoods you should consider when spending 24 hours in Dublin.

Temple Bar

The spot for vibrant nightlife in the heart of the city. This neighborhood is conveniently located near major attractions like Christ Church Cathedral.

City Centre

If you stay in the city center you will be within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and attractions such as the Little Museum of Dublin and the National Museum of Ireland. This is my number one recommendation for where to stay in Dublin – you’ll be in the middle of the city.

Is One Day In Dublin Enough?

Dublin has a lot to offer, and while one day isn’t enough to see everything, you can still have a great day by following this 1 day in Dublin itinerary.

When friends and family visit me, I suggest they spend at least two days here but, ideally, you’d spend 3 to 4 days in Dublin as part of your trip to Ireland.

That being said, with a good day tour, such as this one, you can see many of the top things to do in Dublin in just one day, such as the library at Trinity College and the Ha’Penny Bridge, and still have time for a pint at the famous Temple Bar Pub.

1 Day Dublin Itinerary

Morning: Trinity Library, Christ Church Cathedral, and Dublin Castle

You’ve only got a short time in Dublin, so we’re going to fit as much in as possible! Fuel up for your day with some delicious pastries and coffee at Bread 41 Bakery, then walk across the street to Trinity College for our first stop: The Book of Kells and the Old Library.

Pro tip: Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment (tickets sell out in peak seasons). Try to book the earliest possible time, which is 9:30 AM.

Your visit to Trinity Library starts with an exhibit on the Book of Kells. This beautifully illuminated manuscript, dating back to the 9th century, is a relic of Ireland’s early Christian heritage and its role as a center of learning and culture. 

At the exhibit, you’ll learn how the monks made the manuscript and the painstaking craftsmanship required to produce such detailed illustrations. The experience culminates in a viewing of the book itself, with the pages on display changing frequently.

After you see the Book of Kells you’ll step into the jaw-dropping Long Room of Trinity Library. I’m sure every blog article or book you’ve read on Dublin recommends going here, and they’re not wrong! This grand, wooden-vaulted hall, lined with thousands of books, is one of Dublin’s most famous landmarks. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Some say it even resembles the magical world of Harry Potter! 

The visit takes about an hour, especially if you read all the details in the Book of Kells Exhibit. When you’re finished, take a fifteen-minute walk to Dublin Castle. A tour of Dublin Castle is one of the best things you can do to learn about the city’s history.

From 1204 to 1922, this stately building was the seat of government for English and British rule in Ireland. The current building dates to the 18th Century and is a marvelous example of Dublin’s Georgian architecture.

Enter and take the self-guided tour of the Dublin Castle staterooms, where you’ll learn about how pre-independence Dublin functioned under British rule. The tour includes an audio guide that you access via your cell phone, so be sure to bring headphones. Expect the tour to take between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on your level of interest.

By now you’re probably getting a bit hungry, so grab some lunch along Dame Street (I recommend Rayna Turkish, The Stag’s Head, or Leo Burdock’s Fish and Chips). 

If you’d like, take a quick 5-minute detour to see the exterior of Christ Church Cathedral. 

This is Dublin’s oldest cathedral and arguably one of the oldest in Ireland, making it a significant pilgrimage site for over 1,000 years. The cathedral was once the heart of Medieval Dublin and the original church was founded by Sitriuc, the Norse king of Dublin, in the year 1030.

Afternoon: Kilmainham Gaol

Our next stop on our one-day tour of Dublin is Kilmainham Gaol. This Victorian-era prison has held thousands of men, women, and even children from crimes ranging from stealing bread to murder.

Kilmainham is a 20-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride away. If you choose to take the bus, make your way via the Temple Bar area to the Wellington Quay bus stop (along the River Liffey). Catch the C1, C2, or C3 bus out to South Circular Road (5 stops). 

The jail is probably most famous for housing the Irish men and women who fought for Irish independence from the British.

This fantastic historical Dublin landmark provides visitors with a deep understanding of some of the most momentous events in Irish history. You will be taken on a guided tour through the cells, chapel, and yard where some of Ireland’s most notorious leaders in their struggle for independence were held, tried, and ultimately murdered. 

The visit culminates at the museum, where you can view artifacts and historical documents at your own pace. Expect to spend about 90 minutes at the site.

Pro tip: Avoid scams and book tickets for Kilmainham Gaol on the OPW website. Be sure to book in advance as this popular site sells out!

Late Afternoon: Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Distillery

The final stop on this full day in Dublin is the Guinness Storehouse.

From Kilmainham, take the 13, G1, or G2 bus from Inchicore Library to James Street, then walk 4 minutes to the Storehouse (total transit: ~15 minutes).

Every list of the best things to do in Dublin includes the Guinness Storehouse. This is actually the most visited tourist attraction in the country! A Guinness tour is a must for beer lovers visiting Dublin. It’s a fun experience and the perfect way to cap off your tour of the city.

At the Storehouse you’ll learn the history of Guinness, the brewing process, and the story of the Guinness family. You’ll also get to enjoy a pint (included with entry!) at the gorgeous gravity bar, with views of Dublin city and the Wicklow mountains.

While this is the most popular attraction in Dublin, I understand it may not be for everyone. If you prefer whiskey, Dublin has some phenomenal whiskey tours. 

For this Dublin itinerary, I recommend heading to the Jameson Experience. There, you’ll learn how Jameson whiskey is distilled, enjoy a guided tasting of three different Jameson products, and finish with a complimentary drink in their beautiful wood-paneled bar. 

To get to Jameson from Kilmainham, walk 8 minutes to the Chapelizod Bypass bus stop and take the 52, C2, C3, or C4 eastbound to Arran Quay, then walk 4 minutes to the Jameson Bow distillery (total transit time is approximately 20 minutes). 

Evening: Dinner and Drinks in Temple Bar

We’re almost done with this one-day itinerary, and what better way to cap off a great day in Dublin than with dinner and drinks in the famed Temple Bar neighborhood? 

This area is known for its iconic nightlife, and many pubs have live music going all night. While it’s definitely a touristy area, it’s still a lot of fun and worth it to get a sense of some good Irish craic. If you’re wondering where to eat in Dublin, nearby South George’s Street has some great eateries, like Yamamori Izakaya. 

Take your time to wander the area and enjoy the scene. You really can’t go too wrong.

Final Thoughts: Dublin in a Day

I hope you enjoyed this first-timers guide to a perfect Dublin one day itinerary. Whether you’re taking a day trip to Dublin or spending the night, you’ll find this itinerary just scratches the surface of what Dublin has to offer. There are many more things to see in Dublin, like St Stephen’s Green or St Patrick’s Cathedral, but the itinerary I’ve outlined takes you to many city highlights and provides a general overview of Irish history. Of course, one day is not enough to see every place in Dublin (and there was no time for taking a walking tour, one of my favorite ways to get to know a city!), so you’ll just have to return for your next trip and spend a few nights in Dublin to explore even more!