How to Spend a Perfect Day in Dublin, Ireland
So you’ve only got one day in Dublin? With a little planning, you can still get a taste of this fabulous city. No doubt you will be craving a return visit by the end of your day in Dublin. Luckily, the main tourist area of the city is relatively small and easily walkable. This introduction to the city will show you some of the shopping, architecture, history, culture, and, of course, nightlife available in Ireland’s capital.
This website sometimes receives compensation, hosted travel, or products related to blog posts. This article may include affiliate links at no extra cost to consumers. As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from qualifying purchases.
1. Shop Grafton Street.
Grafton Street is one of the main shopping streets in Dublin. Brown Thomas, a famous department store, is great for window-shopping. This pedestrian area has plenty of buskers who provide good entertainment value as well.
2. Stroll St. Stephen’s Green.
At one end of Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green is an urban oasis in the city. Dublin’s answer to New York’s Central Park, this green space has a pond, bandstand, and walks galore.
3. Visit the Little Museum of Dublin.
Across the street from St. Stephen’s Green is the Little Museum of Dublin. Small yet charming and informative, this museum tells the story of the city of Dublin. As a die-hard U2 fan, I could have spent hours just in the room devoted to the band’s memorabilia.
4. Behold the Book of Kells and Trinity College.
Trinity College Dublin is one of Dublin’s oldest and most famous universities. Founded in 1592, Oxford and Cambridge Universities provided the model for Trinity College Dublin. The library, with its soaring arches, is a beautiful architectural masterpiece. Famous graduates of Trinity include Bram Stoker (author of Dracula) and Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels).
The Old Library at Trinity College Dublin holds the famous Book of Kells. The entrance ticket includes an audio tour and an exhibit with background information. Created by monks in the 9th century, this manuscript contains the four Gospels of the Bible. The book is extravagantly decorated with rich colors and intricate embellishments in the Latin script. The dedication, skill and artistry of the monks is readily apparent. It is truly amazing!
5. View St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The famous Irish saint, St. Patrick supposedly baptized the local Celts at a well located outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The tallest and largest church in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Yes, thanks to the history of Dublin under the British, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is protestant even though the country’s majority religion is Catholicism.
6. Tour the Guinness Storehouse.
Since 1759, Guinness beer has been brewed at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Not surprisingly, the Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s most visited attraction. The enormous visitor center tells the story of Guinness beer. Visitors have the opportunity for tastings. You can also learn the art of pulling a pint of Guinness properly.
7. Enjoy a Taste of Irish Nightlife at Temple Bar.
The Temple Bar area makes a great place to end your day in Dublin. Take your pick of establishments because Temple Bar has the highest concentration of pubs in the city. Eat and drink into the night and enjoy the craic in fun-loving Dublin! Want a fun taste of Dublin’s libations? Sign up for a Temple Bar Tour with Guinness and Whiskey Tastings.
8. Cross Ha’ Penny Bridge.
Temple Bar is located near the River Liffey the lifeblood of Dublin for many centuries. The famous Ha’Penny Bridge is an iron pedestrian bridge built in 1816. Prior to the bridge being built, ferries were the only way to cross the Liffey. The name refers to the toll charged (a ha’penny) to use the bridge.
One Day in Dublin Will Leave You Wanting More
After all this sightseeing, you’ll no doubt be tired in Dublin, but certainly not tired of Dublin. You’ll have seen just enough to whet your appetite for a return visit. In fact, everyone is so friendly you may even feel like you’re leaving lifelong friends!
Learn More
Follow these expert tips to plan a vacation in Ireland with kids.
Explore the best family-friendly attractions in Ireland.
View books all British kids read and learn why your kids should, too.
Discover which country has the most islands.
Have you ever visited Ireland? Do you have any questions or additional tips for spending the perfect day in Dublin? Let us know in the comments below!
I am going to Dublin in February. Is it too difficult for an American to rent a car and drive through the country of Ireland?
Can’t wait to go!
Thanks for any insight you can give me.
Laura – The guest author of this blog (Jody Halsted) is an Ireland travel expert and has rented cars there. Take a look at her blog post about renting cars in Ireland for additional information: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/car-rental-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/?wpam_id=6
Dublin is the perfect st. Patrick day country to hang out in. One day I hope I am lucky enough to visit!
I have been saving up for a few years to go to Ireland. I can not wait to go and explore all these great places on Dublin.
It wouldn’t take much to have a perfect day in Dublin, as far as I am concerned.I think Ireland is gorgeous and I would love to visit there someday.
I have never been to Ireland but it is for sure on my list to hopefully get to one day! Looks like lots of stuff to do to spend a perfect day!
Thanks for the resource. This looks like a wonderful destination.
I plan on saving this article for future use (I hope).
I love all that you can do in Dublin, Ireland. The scenery alone is worth the trip! Certainly looks like a lot of culture to experience in Dublin.
Ireland is so beautiful. If I could only just move there and live the rest of my life in the midst of all that beauty. If I were to have a chance to get to Dublin, I would love to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral first.
I thought St. Patricks was beautiful too! There is also Christ Church which is the main Church of Ireland cathedral of Dublin. Both are in walking distance of each other and you can compare the two. I personally prefer the history that came with St. Patricks.
Ireland is #1 on my travel bucket list. I know my husband will be itching to get to Guinness Storehouse. I definitely want to go to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Stephen’s Green plus do a lot of shopping while we are there!
The Guinness Storehouse is 7 floors! It’s definitely a full experience. I liked seeing the old advertisements they had and my husband liked learning how to pull a pint properly. There’s apparently a current angle etc. to hold it.
I have never been to Ireland but it is on my bucket list. It would be amazing to see the book of kells.
Even my kids were enthralled with the Book of Kells. The hours of dedication spent by these monks writing slowly and artistically. It’s a lost art in a time now where everything is so fast, fast, fast.
I have a friend visiting there now and I’m so jealous. It’s one of my number one visit spots!
I’m sure she’ll have great stories to tell!
Ireland has been at the top of my bucket list for places to visit. My goal is to make it in the next 2 years and take the Guinness tour.
I’ve never been to Ireland but it’s a definite on my list and I plan on stopping at many of these places! I can’t wait!
Very nice article and photos you I love it thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading!
Ireland is my favorite European destination. I love their food and beer, but even more, I love the people. They’re so friendly.
I adore the people too! I love the accents and they love to chat.
I love Ireland. It’s such a beautiful country. We’ve been there several times, and we never get tired of it.
Ireland has so much going for it. I am not surprised that you have been several times!