If you’ve got 1 day in Dublin then you’re in for a lot of fun! Whether you’re taking an Extreme Day Trip or you’re visiting from another part of Ireland or Northern Ireland, Dublin is a great place to visit for one day.
I’ve done lots of 1 day trips to Dublin. Once during a 7 day Irish road trip, as a day trip for business and a day trip for pleasure and I love this lively city!
Here’s how I think it’s best to spend a one day trip to Dublin…
Dublin airport to Dublin town centre
If you’re flying into Dublin then it’s really easy to take the coach from outside the airport into the city centre.
I took the Dublin Express because it was ready and waiting when I came out of the airport but there are other coach brands (such as Air Coach) doing regular return journeys. It took about 25 minutes, cost £12.59 return and the coaches depart every 15 minutes. You can pay by card as you get on the bus.
There were a few stops but I got off at 18-21 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 FV38, Ireland. This was right by Temple Bar so was a good, central place to get off. Don’t worry about missing this stop, this was where almost everyone on the coach got off.
You can get back on the bus at the same stop (pin it into Google Maps) or cross the river and get the bus on the opposite side of the street.
Stroll around the quiet city street
I arrived into the city centre before 8am so I had some time for a wander around while the streets were still quiet. Enjoy it while it’s quiet because it doesn’t stay that way for long!
Breakfast at Bewley’s Cafe on Grafton Street
Bewley’s Cafe doesn’t open until 8.30am and there was a small queue forming from 8.10am.
If you want to get a spot by the fire then I’d recommend getting in the queue! If not, come back when the doors open for a delicious breakfast in a beautiful setting.
This cafe is an iconic spot and if you’ve only got 1 day in Dublin then this is THE place for your one and only breakfast. Bewley’s Cafe is known for its rich history, stunning stained-glass windows and aromatic coffee. It opened in 1927 and has been a meeting spot for artists, writers, locals and visitors alike.
The atmosphere was lovely with really nice staff and the food was delicious.
Trinity college and the Book of Kells
Our next stop is Trinity College where you can do the incredible Book of Kells experience.
Trinity College Dublin was founded in 1592 and is Ireland’s most prestigious university. Its historic campus features cobbled courtyards and the stunning Long Room Library which is home to the famous Book of Kells.
The Long Room Library is giving serious Harry Potter vibes and if you’ve ever read/watched Normal People by Sally Rooney then you’ll love seeing the film locations around campus.
There’s a modern and interactive exhibition in the new Red Pavilion which you get to access with your ticket. The red warehouse is a little jarring among such beautiful buildings but I loved the exhibition inside.
Dublin Castle
From Trinity College I walked to Dublin Castle.
Dublin Castle has stood at the heart of the city since the 13th century. Once the seat of British rule, it now serves as a government complex and cultural site. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but it blends medieval, Georgia, and Gothic styles and it’s gorgeous inside.
The castle also hosts some really fun events so it’s worth checking if anything is on during your visit. I attended a Halloween ball at the castle a few years ago and it was amazing.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
From Dublin Castle I walked to St Patrick’s Cathedral, an incredible Gothic church dating back to 1191.
As part of your entrance fee ticket you’ll get an audioguide and, honestly, at this point in the day it was lovely to just sit down and relax and listen to the history of the cathedral while resting my legs!
Butlers Chocolate Cafe
You’re probably going to need a sweet treat and a little pick-me-up at this point in your 1 day trip to Dublin so head to Butlers Chocolate Cafe to refuel with caffeine, sugar or a bit of both!
There are loads of locations around the city so use Google Maps to find whichever is closest.
Lunch at Powerscourt
Powerscourt is a small, indoor shopping centre just off Grafton Street. The building was once an elegant Georgian townhouse and you’ll find an indoor/outdoor atmosphere thanks to the glass ceiling and all the plants. There are a few cafes and restaurants as well as boutique shops and artists.
If you like pizza then I’d eat at Little Pyg as they’ve been named Ireland’s number 1 pizzeria!
A few more sights to see
After lunch I’d simply take a stroll and stop to look at whatever takes your fancy. Some things to aim for are:
- Molly Malone statue
- Ha’penny bridge
- Umbrellas at Ann’s Lane
- Love Lane art alleyway
- Portal on O’connel street
- Dublin Spire
Guinness Storehouse
No day trip to Dublin is complete without a pint of Guinness, so our next stop is the Guinness Storehouse.
Personally, I didn’t visit during my recent trip because I’ve been three times before and once is enough – so if you’ve been before then I’d probably skip it and go to a nice pub!
Temple Bar
And finally, when you’re done with sight-seeing, head to Temple Bar where you’ll find lots of great bars and pubs.
I didn’t fly home until 22.10 so I had enough time during my 1 day trip to Dublin to sample the famous nightlife. If you’ve got time, I highly recommend popping into a pub or two because this really is a huge part of Dublin’s culture!
Here are some extra things you might need/like to know about spending one day in Dublin
Is it worth getting a spice bag during your 1 day trip to Dublin?
I’d heard so much about these spice bags as everyone on TikTok seems to be raving about them as though it’s the best thing to eat in Dublin.
But I can honestly say it was a bit of a let down!
I went to Xi’an street food (which has an incredible menu btw so worth checking out) and got a spice bag and I was really disappointed. It’s just spicy chips and crispy chicken and felt like the kind of takeaway food you’d get at 2am after an evening of drinking. There was nothing wrong with it but it was nothing to write home about!
Is one day actually enough time to see Dublin?
It depends if you want to ‘see’ Dublin or fully experience Dublin.
I definitely found that one day was enough to see all the main sights and attractions. I arrived at 8am and left at 8pm and 12 hours was a lovely amount of time in the city. You might not soak it up like you would if you had a long weekend but you’ll see a lot.
If you’ve also got the opportunity to spend a night in Dublin and experience Dublin’s nightlife then I would recommend it. Dublin really comes to life at night and is a very fun city after dark.
So yes, one day is enough to see the sights but maybe not enough to fully experience everything Dublin has to offer.
What’s the best way to get around Dublin for a day?
– Walking is the best way. Buses, trams (Luas), and taxis are available but if you’re able to walk then I would.
The only place that is a particularly long walk is the Guinness Storehouse so if you’re struggling with that distance then I’d recommend getting a taxi.
Is it worth visiting the Guinness Storehouse if I only have 1 day in Dublin?
Yes, if you enjoy beer and history. It takes about 90 minutes, and the Gravity Bar is a gorgeous spot for views over the city.
But, like I said earlier, it’s not much fun doing it more than once so if this is your second visit then I’d skip it and head to the pub for a Guinness!