The Very Best 24-Hour Dublin Itinerary
Dublin is always a good idea, so Travelista’s Editor Jessica Ruth Gibson shows you how to get the very best of the vibrant Irish capital in just 24 hours.
Whether you’re visiting for a short weekend break, are challenging yourself to the current trend of an EDT (extreme day trip) or you’re visiting Dublin as part of a cruise, this Dublin itinerary has been written for people who are short on time but big on experience.
As well as including all of my own Dublin recommendations and tips in this guide, I reached out to the Travelista community to find out your favourite and go-to spots in Dublin. Many of you responded, including lots of Dublin locals. These community recommendations have been featured within this article alongside my own, to bring you as much choice and as many great options as possible when designing your perfect 24 hours in Dublin. So rest assured that all the establishments mentioned in this article have been tried, tested and loved by people in-the-know.
Jump Menu
- Dublin at a Glance
- Getting Around Dublin
- The Best 24 Hour Dublin Itinerary
- Best Irish Pubs in Temple Bar
- Best Restaurants in Dubin
- Best Cocktail Bars in Dublin
- Where to stay – Best hotels in Dublin
Dublin at a Glance
If you’ve never been to Dublin before, let us hit you with some of the main facts. Dublin is Ireland’s capital; it’s an affluent city known for its rich Gaelic history, Irish pub culture and lively atmosphere. It’s particularly popular with stag and hen parties, as well as weekend breaks and culture trips. Alongside a unique collection of pubs, bars, shopping areas and restaurants, Dublin’s visitors can visit top attractions and iconic streets including the Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar, Ha’Penny Bridge, Grafton Street and O’Connell Street.
Dublin is home more than one-fourth of the country’s total population which might help to give an idea of how rural other parts of Ireland truly are. Dublin airport is also a major international hub, meaning it is well connected to regional UK airports, as well as the rest of the world. Cheap flights to Dublin from the UK are often easy to find, especially when travelling outside of major school holidays.
Getting Around Dublin
The good about Dublin is that it’s incredibly easy to explore on foot, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to worry about any modes of transport during your visit. With a pair of comfortable shoes and warm clothing (unless visiting in the height of summer), you’ll be able to easily navigate Dublin’s compact city centre and find the cities most iconic sights and sounds.
The Best 24 Hour Dublin Itinerary
We have designed this 24 hour Dublin Itinerary to be done over two days with one overnight stay at a Dublin hotel. This means you can complete it over the course of a weekend, with no annual leave required. The itinerary starts at 12pm on Saturday and ends at 12pm on Sunday, but feel free to adjust this to your own timing or to do the itinerary across one day in the morning and afternoon.
Saturday
12pm – Fuel up with Lunch
Welcome to Dublin! Drop your bags off at your Dublin hotel and then fuel up with a hearty lunch before going to do some exploring on foot. Here are some great recommendations that I tried and tested during my own trip to Dublin.
Brother Hubbard
4 locations across Dublin
A bright, friendly and inviting cafe space with . There are 4 Brother Hubbard cafe branches around the city, so find the closest one to you with a quick Google search. It’s a great option for lunch and brunch – they have a kid’s menu too.
Shaka Poke
110B Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, Co Dublin D02 V653
Start your Dublin weekend with something light and fresh – this place serves the best Poke bowls in Dublin. Everything is prepped in store daily with love. Choose from delicious sashimi, locally sourced fish, or vegan/vegetarian options. If you can’t decide on a House Favourite, customise your own with the Build Your Own Bowl option.
Balfes
2 Balfe St, Dublin 2
Part of the luxurious Wesbury Hotel, Balfes is a chic and stylish all-day brasserie serving bistro food from their open kitchen. There’s an outdoor terrace to enjoy if you’re visiting in the warmer months. This place would be equally great for lunch or dinner.
1pm – Guided or Self-Guided Walking Tour
As you’re tight for time, enjoy a walking tour of central Dublin that will take you through all of the most iconic streets and sights. We recommend booking onto a guided walking tour of Dublin such as this 2 hour Highlights and Hidden Gems Dublin Walking Tour with an accredited guide. Alternatively, you could simply do your own self guided walking tour.
Here are some great places of interest to stop off in Dublin City Centre to try and work into your walking tour and exploration of the city;
- St Patricks Cathedral
- Christ Church Cathedral
- Ha’Penny Bridge
- Temple Bar
- Brown Thomas on Grafton Street (Department store)
- Powerscourt Townhouse Centre (59 William St)
- Trinity College Dublin
3pm – Experience The Guinness Storehouse
For a true Dublin experience, head to The Guinness Storehouse and learn all about the city’s most iconic drink. Standard entry to the Guinness Store House includes a self guided tour, entry into the Guinness tasting rooms, entry into Gravity Bar to enjoy a pint of Guinness, Guinness 0.0% or a soft drink.
Beyond this, you can enhance your experience with extended tours such as the The Home of Guinness Experience where you’ll receive a guided tour of the storehouse, learn how to pour your own pint of Guinness and even get your own selfie printed on your pint. Whether you’re a lover of Guinness or not, this is a really fun experience that will take you right to the heart of Dublin’s culture and history – even locals recommend it. Pre-booking is strongly advised to get the exact entry time that works for your Dublin itinerary. We recommend allowing up to 3 hours here, especially if you opt for the extended tours. Book tickets to Guinness Storehouse.
Top Tip: If you really can’t stomach a Guinness, head to The Grayson Hotel Rooftop Bar instead of the Gravity Bar at Guinness Store House. If it’s a sunny day, you can enjoy your favourite tipple in the sun.
Image credit: Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
6pm – Enjoy Temple Bar and Temple Bar Market
Temple Bar is an area in Dublin City centre that is famous for being the home of Dublin’s most lively pubs and music venues. There are around 50-60 pubs in total in this area, the most famous being The Temple Bar pub itself. Whether you want to enjoy a traditional Guinness, listen to live Irish band or do some Irish grand national betting, Temple Bar is the place to be and is a must-see during 24 hours in Dublin.
Hidden away in this area, in a little courtyard, you’ll also find Temple Bar Market. With food stalls serving up an abundance of fresh Irish produce including incredible cheeses and freshly caught oysters from County Sligo, it’s a foodie’s haven. Take a pew on the communal tables and have a little bit of what you fancy. The clear mix of locals and tourists is charming and it’s lovely to see Dubliners enjoying their local produce as much as the visitors do.
Here are some of the most popular and best-loved bars in Temple Bar;
Best Bars in Temple Bar – Travelista Top Picks
The Temple Bar
47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725
Whilst also being the name of the general area, there is a pub here with the same name which is as fun inside as it is pretty outside. You can’t miss this iconic red corner building, trimmed with greenery and glittering in lights when it gets dark.
BadAss Temple Bar
9-11 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin
One of Dublin’s premier live entertainment venues. With eclectic music lineups, a buzzing atmosphere and a great food and drink menu, BadAss offers everything you could need for an one-stop-shop night out
The Giddy Dolphin
2-5 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 PK72
The Giddy Dolphin is more of a contemporary take on an Irish pub. As well as all the usual pints, it also serves great cocktails, has live Irish music and even some bar games. There’s plenty of space in here so you’re likely to get a table, even on a busy Saturday afternoon.
Cobblestone Bar
77 King St N, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 TP22
For a truly authentic, no-frills and intimate Irish pub, head to Cobbletstone. What was once just a small corner pub is now an internationally-renowned cultural institution. You’ll find traditional Irish music here every night of the week.
8pm – Dinner and Drinks
If you still have room for dinner after sampling the delights of Temple Bar Market, there is an abundance of amazing restaurants to choose from in Dublin City centre. From fine dining to romantic bistros and authentic pub grub, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of our top rated restaurants in Dublin, all recommended by members of the Travelista community;
Best Restaurants in Dublin – Travelista Top Picks
The Blind Pig Speakeasy
18 Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 NP97
Secretly tucked away in Dublin city centre, there is an underground cocktail bar known for the quality and artistry of its cocktails that truly evoke the mood of a 1920s speakeasy — The Blind Pig. This place also serves a menu of New York Italian style food such as meatballs and fresh lobster. The only way you can get the location of this restaurant is by making a booking, but rest assured it’s only a 5 minute walk from the city centre.
Mister S
32 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 P029
A live fire restaurant experience in the heart of Dublin city. They source from the best produce from across Ireland and cook it up in a warm and inviting setting. A great options for meat and steak lovers.
Mr Fox
38 Parnell Square West, Dublin City, DO1 X9TO
This fine-dining restaurant is hidden away in the basement of a striking red-brick Georgian town house. Expect to enjoy wonderful Irish produce with spectacular flavours and presentation. A great option for special occasions.
Pichet
14-15 Trinity St, Dublin 2, D02 T998
If you love the sound of French food in a buzzy brasserie – give Pichet a try. Serving modern Irish cuisine with a French flair, this restaurant has earned awards such as the prestigious Bib Gourmant from the MICHELIN Guide.
Matt the Thresher
31-32 Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 Y523
Matt the Thresher is an award-winning family owned seafood bar and restaurant. This place has a light, bright and premium aesthetic and specialises in fresh wild Irish seafood. The cocktails are also great.
Elephant and Castle
18-19 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
If you love the sound of American style dishes, chicken wings, great cocktails and a family friendly atmosphere, head to this Dublin institution which has been popular on the Dublin food scene since 1989. Kids menus available.
If sinking pints in pubs is not your thing, there are also some brilliant and creative cocktail bars in Dublin.
Best Cocktail Bars in Dublin – Travelista Top Picks
Pink
34 William St S, Dublin 2, D02 T205
For some great cocktails in sumptuous and decadent surroundings, head to Pink. As the name would suggest, it’s the home of all things pink and is the perfect place to enjoy your flirty and feminine side. A perfect choice for hen parties.
The Sidecar at The Westbury
The Westbury Hotel, Balfe St, Dublin
The Sidecar is a cocktail bar located in one of Dublin’s best loved luxury hotels; The Westbury. It was recently named 2024 Hotel Cocktail Bar of the Year and offers guests a stylish, elegant and modern take on a 1930’s cocktail bar.
Peruke & Periwig
31 Dawson St, Dublin 2, D02 DR58
If you’re looking for the perfect place for some sexy date night cocktails, the award-winning Peruke & Periwig is the one. Think dimly lit plush interiors with flickering candles and and a buzzing atmosphere. The cocktails are all inspired by music of all genres and tastes.
Vintage Cocktail Club
15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Another great option for candle-lit cocktails is the Vintage Cocktail Club. With a speakeasy vibe and vintage decor, this place will transport you away from the streets of Dublin and into the 1920’s prohibition era.
Sunday
10am – Take your pick from one of Dublin’s top attractions
Fill your Sunday morning Dublin itinerary with one of the below activities or places of interest before travelling back home. Whether you love shopping, history, culture or something a little crazy, these are some of the top attractions and hidden gems in Dublin.
Viking Splash Tour – One of Dublin’s most popular and iconic tours. With 28 other ‘vikings’ you’ll roar your way through Dublin City in a unique Land and Water experience on board a WW2 amphibious DUKWs. For ages 3+.
Kilmainham Gaol – This former prison is a key site in Ireland’s struggle for independence. It’s a moving and informative experience that delves into Ireland’s political history. This is a very popular attraction and pre-booking at a specific time slot is essential.
River Liffey Sightseeing Cruise – What could be more relaxing on a Sunday morning in Dublin than to take a river cruise? See all of Dublin’s most iconic the water. You can book this cruise in advance.
Dublinia – An interactive museum where you can explore Dublin’s Viking and medieval history – great for history buffs.
The Irish Museum of Modern Art – A stunning venue for contemporary art housed in a former royal hospital, it showcases Ireland’s modern art scene.
Powerscourt Townhouse Centre – A high-end boutique shopping paradise that combines both food and fashion in one place. An eclectic mix of fashion stores and vintage jewellers come together around an elegant atrium of restaurants and Italian eateries. (Opens 12pm on Sundays)
Iveagh Gardens – Tucked away behind the National Concert Hall (just off Harcourt Street) is this hidden gem of tranquility. The gardens contain a unique collection of features unclosing rustic grottos, a maze, a rosarium, the American garden, rockeries and archery grounds. It’s much-loved by locals but rarely found by tourists.
12pm – Dublin Itinerary ends – your 24 hours in Dublin is complete
Where to Stay – Best Hotels in Dublin
From 5 star luxury to low key boutique, here are some of our top Travelista picks for the best hotels in Dublin for your Dublin itinerary.
The Westbury Hotel
Balfe Street, Dublin 2
The Westbury is a luxurious 5-star hotel that offers a refined and elegant experience. Its central location near Grafton Street makes it ideal for shopping, dining, and exploring Dublin’s cultural landmarks. The hotel features sophisticated decor, high-end amenities, and exceptional service. The Westbury is perfect for luxury travellers seeking a stylish and upscale stay in the heart of Dublin.
Read our Editor’s legacy blog post; a review of The Westbury
The Morgan Hotel
10 Fleet Street, Dublin 2
The Morgan Hotel is a trendy 4-star boutique hotel known for its contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere. The hotel is just a short walk from Temple Bar, making it a popular choice for those wanting to experience the city’s social scene. It has a youthful vibe and modern furnishings, and would be a perfect base for 24 hours in Dublin.
The Grafton Hotel
Grafton Street, Dublin 2
The Grafton Hotel is a stylish 4-star hotel offering a blend of modern comforts and classic Irish charm. Its prime location will base you right in the heart of Dublin’s shopping district, surrounded by high-end boutiques, cafes, and cultural sites like Trinity College.
Hotel Ruby Molly
26-33 East Arran Street, Dublin
Hotel Ruby Molly is a characterful boutique hotel offering a cozy ambiance in public spaces as well as light, bright and airy rooms. The hotel blends contemporary design with vintage touches and is known for its welcoming and friendly service. It’s a short walk from both St. Stephen’s Green and the Aviva Stadium. It’s also listed as a LGBTQ+ friendly hotel on booking.com.
Alternatively, check out the Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Dublin.
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