I always seem to see Dublin one day at a time. On my last visit I landed at breakfast and took off before dinner had fully digested, and this trip is no different. But even with just 24 hours in Dublin, I manage to get a good taste of the city and find a lot of reasons to return.
24 Hours in Dublin
I start my day in Dublin with breakfast at Clement & Pekoe, a stylish cafe in the heart of the city. It’s known for having some of the best coffee in Dublin, and the flat white that accompanies my meal proves it.
Trinity College Dublin
Caffeinated, I walk over to Trinity College to take in the sights and visit the famous Book of Kells. The 9th-century manuscript is one of the most visited attractions in the city, which seems fitting given Dublin’s rich literary history.
The book is beautiful, but it pales in comparison to what’s upstairs.
The Trinity College Library is one of the most captivating rooms I’ve ever set foot in, with its two tall galleries of leather-bound tomes resting under a breathtaking barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Despite being on a tight schedule, I linger in the library for much longer than planned.
Every time I start to leave, my feet avoid the exit, taking me for one last look at the awe-inspiring interiors. There are few places on Earth I’ve ever been so moved by.
When my shoes finally descend the stairs, I find myself outdoors in a pool of bright sunshine. It’s perfect walking weather, and it whisks me off to continue my 24 hours in Dublin at EPIC Ireland.
EPIC Ireland
EPIC Ireland opened just five days before my trip to Dublin, so I’m lucky to be one of the first to see it.
The museum explores the global journey of the Irish people, following the routes of emigrants and their descendants over the centuries.
Its interactive exhibits bring the story of Ireland’s people to life. Even though I don’t have Irish ancestry myself, I still find the immersive experience both moving and entertaining.
And that’s to say nothing of informative—did you know that Rihanna has Irish ancestry? I didn’t, either.
Lunch in Dublin
From the museum I continue my 24 hours in Dublin by following the Liffey down to the famous Ha’penny Bridge. There I head up a secret set of steps to a restaurant called The Winding Stair.
It’s a book lover’s dream, with shelves of titles lining the walls and rustic tables and chairs straight out of a Parisian bistro.
I linger over lunch, taking in the ambiance and watching the chefs in the open kitchen as the sun streams through the windows.
Shopping and Cafes
Back outside, I drift through Temple Bar and past the famous Christ Church Cathedral on my way to explore Dublin’s shopping and cafe scene.
I wander down colorful roads like Drury Street and South William Street, eventually ducking into the Powerscourt Centre. It’s set in a converted historic townhouse with an airy central atrium, and has cute cafes and great little shops.
I particularly like Article, which has lovely paper goods, and MoMuse, where I could spend all day cocooning myself in cashmere scarves.
By the time I’m through, it’s cake o’clock and I’ve discovered just the place for it. Down a seemingly deserted side street, The Cake Cafe is hidden in a little courtyard with quirky decorations surrounding multicolored outdoor tables.
I settle in for a fat slice of chocolate Guinness cake—when in Rome!—and soak up the sunshine while resting my feet.
Parks in Dublin
Soon my 24 hours in Dublin take me off again to explore, this time in Dublin’s parks.
I’ve always loved St Stephen’s Green, but in an effort to branch out I head to the neighboring Iveagh Gardens. They’re stunning with their little corners full of statues and surprises.
I spy an empty bench and absorb a few chapters of War and Peace as playful dogs chase balls around me.
Dublin Pubs
An hour later, my boyfriend arrives—he’s been speaking at a conference all day—and we head back into the city streets in search of a pub and a pint.
P.Mac’s is just the place, with its quirky vintage lampshades and giant red candles dripping wax on wooden tables. The Guinness is good, and goes down as quickly as the sun.
Dinner in Dublin
The day ends with dinner at The Pig’s Ear, where we enjoy a great meal of Irish dishes in an intimate dining room that blends style and simplicity in all the right ways.
24 Hours in Dublin and Beyond
The next morning we’re up early to catch our flight, and just like that my 24 hours in Dublin come to an end.
But even with such a short time in Ireland, I’ve managed to experience a lot of what the city has to offer and stow away a few ideas for my next trip. I just hope it’s longer than one day.
What would you do with 24 hours in Dublin?
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I’ve been wanting to visit Ireland for so long. I even thought of going over for a day from London but decided not to in the end!Had the best time ever these past days in London. I did your Hampstead walk:)
I hope you get a chance to visit Ireland sometime! I’m glad you enjoyed London and that the Hampstead walk was a good one.
I love the Winding Stairs as well! One of my favs in Dublin.
Nice! I can see why. It’s so lovely!
I’ve only been in Dublin one time, but my favorite places while there were St Stephens Green, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park. taking a stroll along the River Liffey 🙂 was also nice, and the weather was great when i was there.
That’s great! Those are all lovely spots. I’m glad you got good weather, too.
Same as us. We just got back last week
I really love the nightlife in Dublin. I always have so much fun in the Temple Bar area. People are just so friendly!
Yeah! I love how friendly everyone is in Dublin.
Hi Julie, I have to say, you managed to do quite a bit in such a short time! Oh, I love the pictures!
Thanks! Yeah, it was a big day!
Oh my. That library. I would have been there for hours, just inhaling the air and the scent of all those books! 😉
Yeah, it’s such an amazing place!
Love the pictures, which camera do you use?
Thanks! All my camera info is on the FAQ page.
EPIC Ireland sounds like a really interesting museum and I had no idea that Rihanna had Irish roots!
Yeah! It was really fun to explore the museum.
Isn’t that library wonderful? It made my heart sing! And I’m so happy you enjoyed the Winding Stair! Such of a treasure of a restaurant. Dublin is an amazing city – I need to go back soon and have a big slice of that Guinness cake!
Yeah! The Guinness cake was really good. Sounds like we have some of the same favorite places in Dublin!
Great post! I’ve been to Dublin over a dozen times since my stepmom hails from there and stepsisters still live there, and you’ve still managed to find new places I haven’t been and didn’t know about. I’m particularly psyched to check out EPIC Ireland next time I’m in town! Amazing post as always, Lady! 🙂
Thanks! I hope you like EPIC Ireland as much as I did!
I am planning to visit Ireland early next year and this was such a great ‘to see’ list for Dublin. Thanks for the tips and inspiration! I am a new reader and loving the blog. Beautiful work 🙂
xx Carla
Thanks, Carla! I’m glad you found it helpful. Have an amazing trip!
We’re planning our first Ireland trip for this summer! Do you have any hotel recommendations for Dublin that are in the heart of the sighteeing sights?
Not off the top of my head, but I know there are some good ones. Have a great trip!