Dublin City welcomes nearly 6 million visitors annually. While it's a relatively small capital city, it's packed full of world-famous attractions and landmarks. You would realistically need a stay of two or three nights to make the most of a trip to Dublin and to see all that it has to offer. But, if you find yourself in Dublin for just one day, here's a walking route that we've laid out that allows you to tick some of the must-see destinations off your list of Ireland's "Fair City". A few years back, we set off on a similar day out, see how we got on doing Dublin in one day.
While Trinity College is best known as the home of the Book of Kells and The Long Room library, both of which are available on the official tour — you are free to stroll through its magnificent grounds free of charge. Located in the heart of Dublin City and with over 17,000 students, Trinity College's campus is known for its lush gardens and collegiate-style Neoclassical architecture. The college dates back to 1592 and was constructed under the orders of Queen Elizabeth I. Notable alumni include Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Bram Stoker. For €5, you can take the self-guided audio tour, taking in the campus' "14 points of interest". These tours are self-paced, and 60–90 minutes here should be more than enough to take it all in.
A five-minute walk northwards from Trinity College will bring you to the River Liffey. Take a left onto Wellington Quay, and after another five-minute walk, you'll see the Ha'Penny Bridge. Officially known as the Liffey Bridge, it was first opened in 1816 to replace the ferry boats that used to connect the north and south banks. The ferry company was given the right to charge people who crossed the bridge a ½ penny for each journey — hence the name. Before the toll was eventually dropped in 1919, it increased by one penny, and the bridge was known for a time as the Penny-Ha'penny Bridge (1½ penny). God only knows what it would be known as today if that rate of inflation continued. Crossing over to the north bank of the bridge and turning left will bring you onto the Liffey Boardwalk, which connects with Gratton Bridge.
After crossing Gratton Bridge, take a right onto Essex Quay, and then left onto Fishamble Street. This will bring you to Christ Church Cathedral. First developed as a Viking church over 1,000 years ago, today it is both an Anglican cathedral and one of Ireland's most stunning buildings. Inside, there is a rare copy of the Magne Carta, as well as the final resting place of Strongbow and the mummified remains of a cat and a rat — found stuck in an organ pipe and known by locals as Tom & Jerry. While there is a charge to enter the cathedral, you can also explore its exterior for free. The church underwent huge restorations between 1871 and 1878, and was very much "Victorianised" to beautiful effect.
A walk of less than 5 minutes, along Castle Street from Christ Church Cathedral, will bring you to Dublin Castle. First built during the 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement, it is here where the black pool (dubh linn in Irish - where the name Dublin originated) is located. Used until 1922 as the British government's administration in Ireland, today the castle is a tourist attraction, a government complex and a conference centre. It's free to walk around the grounds, and the building known as the Chester Beatty is also a free-to-enter library and art gallery. On warm weather days, should you be so lucky, people gather on the large lawn of the castle — picnic baskets, blankets and cups of coffee optional. To enter Dublin Castle, and take a guided or self-guided tour, costs €5 and is well worth it.
Temple Bar is a 5-minute walk, back towards the River Liffey, from Dublin Castle. The area known as Temple Bar is essentially a cluster of restaurants, pubs, cafés and funky shops in the centre of Dublin City. It has become a tourist hotspot in recent years, and its prices reflect this. It's busy pretty much throughout the year, but especially during the summer months. The area is always a very interesting walk-through, with an endless stream of tourists, buskers, and other local characters flowing in and out. You'll find a massive variety of lunch options here, from traditional Irish dishes to Indian, Korean, and Japanese offerings, as well as what seems like an endless supply of burger joints. Insider tip — considering the prices and the wait times, it might be best to grab a sandwich from a nearby deli, and just walk through Temple Bar while sampling its unique atmosphere.
Heading southward from Temple Bar, along South Great George's Street and Aungier Street, and then east on York Street, will bring you to St Stephen's Green — 22 acres of public gardens and parkland in the middle of Dublin City. Having first been developed on a former marsh in 1663, the layout we see today was put in place by Lord Ardilau in 1880. The park is rectangular and is surrounded by busy roads on all four sides (Named St. Stephen's Green North, South, East and West). Taking any of its numerous pathways will lead you past manicured gardens, sculptures (including a bust of James Joyce), and memorial tributes to World War II, the Irish Famine and the Second Boer War. St Stephen's Green is also the ideal place to relax, either on its numerous benches or lawns, and to plot out your next steps. One of Dublin's largest shopping centres, Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, is located on St. Stephen's Green West. Grafton Street, Dublin City's main shopping thoroughfare, is located to the North of the park. The four roads surrounding the park also host numerous Luas (Dublin City's tram service) and bus stops.
It's tricky to advise on the best place to spend the evening in Dublin, as it has so much on offer. Temple Bar is probably best avoided though. The price of drink here is said to be the highest in Ireland — so maybe head somewhere off the beaten track for those après-walk Guinness! The area to the south of St. Stephen's Green has a lot more reasonably priced pubs, with a far more relaxed atmosphere. On Camden Street Lower, you'll find pubs such as Ryan's, The Camden and Devitt's. Nearby you'll also find some of Dublin's most highly-rated restaurants, including Bunsen Burger, Mama Yo, and Delahunt. And for those in the mood to keep the party going — one street over, on Harcourt Street, you'll find the always popular nightclub, Copper Face Jacks.
If you're looking to go a bit deeper, or a bit further afield, here are some other Dublin attractions that may be of interest.
The Guinness Storehouse is Ireland's #1 indoor tourist attraction. Pose for photos outside its famous gates, or head inside for the grand tour.
Covering the history of Ireland's emigration since the 1600s, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is both fascinating and harrowing in equal measure.
Being Ireland's largest Catholic Church and featuring its oldest choir, St Patrick's Cathedral is one of Dublin's two cathedrals, along with Christ Church Cathedral.
Previously known as The O2 and The Point Depot, The 3 Arena is Ireland's main concert venue and is located on the northeast end of Dublin City.
Ireland's national sports stadium and home to the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), Croke Park hosts international music concerts throughout the year and also stages the All-Ireland hurling and football finals.
Nestled inside the former Church of St. James and a five-minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse, you'll find Pearse Lyons Distillery. Opened in 2017, its whiskey continues to grow in popularity.
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Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.
Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.
Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.
Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.
Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.
Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.
An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.
Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.
Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.
A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.
Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.
Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
