How to spend a day in Dublin, Ireland
Have you ever heard of ‘Extreme Day Tripping’?! I was recently introduced to a Facebook group of people who go on extreme day trips to places around Europe. Aligning cheap early morning and late evening flights and spending the day somewhere. Whilst this is something I’ve not done, it’s something I’ve seriously considered about several cities. In particular, Dublin in Ireland. With 6am flights leaving Leeds Bradford Airport, it’s a place which would certainly work for a day trip! I think this also would work if there was a large group of you wanting to do a day trip too as it really is a simple journey.
I’ve previously visited Dublin for 3 Days and it got me thinking how I would spent a whole day in the Irish city.
Dublin airport to city centre
First things first, you need to get from Dublin Airport into the city. Thankfully it’s super simple with a regular Aircoach bus service running from outside the airport. I think this has been one of the simplest and smoothest transfers into a city on any of my trips. The airport is located approximately 10km north of the city so it’s not too long of a journey. The Aircoach costs €9 for a return and drops you right in the middle of Dublin. If you have travelled in a big group it may be more cost effective to get a taxi (which is around €20) or pre-order a mini bus from the airport.
8.30am – breakfast
Trust nothing has gone wrong with delays at the airport, you’ll be in the city for 8.30am. Start your day with a traditional Irish breakfast at a local café. Head to a spot like Bewley’s Grafton Street Café, an iconic venue offering a hearty breakfast in a beautiful, historic setting. After all, Ed Sheeran sings about Grafton Street.
10.00am – Trinity College and the Book of Kells
After breakfast, walk to Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. Arrive early to avoid crowds and marvel at the Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript from the 9th century. Don’t miss the Long Room in the Old Library, a stunning hall filled with ancient books and busts of famous scholars.
11.00am – Dublin Castle & Christ Church cathedral
After lunch, walk to Dublin Castle. Take a guided tour to explore its rich history, including the State Apartments, the Medieval Undercroft, and the Chapel Royal. The castle’s architecture and historical significance offer deep insights into Ireland’s past. It’s such a gorgeous building and one of those that really like to delve into the city that they are in’s history.
A short walk from Dublin Castle, visit Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s oldest buildings. Explore the stunning nave, the medieval crypt, and the mummified cat and rat in the crypt’s exhibition.
1.30pm – guiness storehouse
No visit to Dublin is complete without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse. Learn about the history and brewing process of Ireland’s famous stout through interactive exhibits. You’ll even get a chance to pour your own pint! I do think this is probably one of the best tours of it’s kind that I’ve done. You can then end your tour with a complimentary pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar, offering panoramic views of the city. I had the best time here and I don’t even like Guinness! For me, it’s the ultimate must do when you are in Dublin.
3.30pm – Temple Bar District
Another place you HAVE to visit whilst in Dublin is the Temple Bar District. Known for its lively nightlife, cobbled streets, and cultural atmosphere, it’s a great place to enjoy live music and soak up the local vibe. Pop into a few pubs, such as The Temple Bar Pub, for a pint and some traditional Irish music. The Temple Bar Pub itself is an icon of the cobbled street, however it can get seriously busy! There is something happening in most bars in the area and great music.
You could really spend most of your day in Dublin in this district which I’m sure most people do! However, there is so much history and culture to see in Dublin. So many gorgeous heritage buildings and even in a day you’re only scratching the surface of what Dublin has to offer.
5.00pm – Traditional Irish Dinner
Before heading back to the airport to bid farewell to your day trip to Dublin, it’s time to grab a bite to eat. The city boasts a vibrant food scene, with options ranging from cosy and quaint pubs serving hearty Irish stews and fish and chips to Michelin-starred restaurants offering innovative, gourmet dishes. If you are travelling in a larger group, check out Square Meal IE who have plenty of options for private group dining in Dublin. You can end your time in the Irish capital in a very special way.
As mentioned before, the transfer back to the airport is super simple with the Aircoach and taxi options. I’d really love to actually execute an extreme day trip sometime soon. I know places like Dublin and Amsterdam are pretty popular for this. As you can see, you can really cram in a lot into just a day. Even on a day trip to Dublin you can experience lot’s that the city has to offer!
Have you ever done an extreme day trip? Have you been to Dublin?
