Dublin in a Day: How to Make the Most of 12 Hours
Dublin in a day might seem ambitious, but it’s completely doable. Whether it’s your first visit or a quick stopover, this guide will help you make the most of your 10 hours. From arrival at the airport to exploring the city streets/parks, enjoying delicious food, Dublin has it all. Prepare with a goodnights rest, walking shoes, caffeine, and get ready to experience the heart of Ireland’s capital.
My Timeline:
London Stanstead→Dublin Ireland.
Arrival flight: 6:20am-7:20am.
Departure flight-8:pm-9:00pm.
Home in central London by 11:00pm.
Leaving Airport:
Dublin Express 782/784 or Aircoach 700 → City Centre (Trinity College stop).
Takes 35–40 min ~€8–€10 return (buy online or at airport stand).
Breakfast:
City Centre has so many options:
Starbucks
Butlers Chocolate Café
Bewley’s Grafton Street Café
The Matcha Bar
Cafe Nero
Costa Coffee
Start by walking up Grafton Street:
So much shopping!!
Stephen’s Green Park:
Grafton street leads right to the park.
Relax on a bench or stroll the peaceful gardens.
Observe the fountains, birds, and swans.
National Gallery of Ireland (or National Museum):
Free!!
As someone who doesn't love museums, I really enjoyed this one.
Trinity College & Book of Kells :
Walk around Ireland’s oldest university.
Long Room library:
€25 for 1 hr.
Book in advance online.
Really enjoyed this!
Temple Bar:
Grab a Guiness and classic Irish potato pancakes.
Lunch Recs (as per friend that studied in Dublin):
The Woollen Mills
The Church Café
Bunseb
Bambino
Pablo Picante
Elephant and Castle
Xi Street Food
Beoff and Frites
Bar Rua
Kish Fish
Multiple fast food options
Explore Dublin Castle
Afternoon Options:
Leprechaun museum
Phoniex Park
Dublin Spire
Little musuem of Dublin
Walk along river
Guiness Storehouse
2hrs -€27
I personally did not go, but if you are into Guniess and beer, I heard it's worth it
End Day at Pub & Dinner:
See food recs above.
Pub Recs (as per friend that studied in Dublin-some have food some don’t):
Brazen Head
Tapped
Grogans
O'neils
Dis n Dat
Keogans
Banker's Bar
Palace Bar
Head to the Aircoach/Dublin Express stop (O’Connell Street or Trinity area).
By the end of the day, you’ll have a feel for Dublin’s rich history and culture. I personally thought it was more than enough time as Dublin isnt a huge city. I got a feel for city life and would love to return to travel to more of Ireland.
