24 Hours in Dublin: Experience the Best of the Irish Capital

Time constraints don’t have to prevent you from exploring a city. ConnollyCove has created this guide to Ireland’s capital to give you the ultimate experience—even if you’ve only got 24 hours in Dublin. Renowned for its rich cultural and socio-political history, Dublin’s attractions are close to one another, making it very easy to visit the main sights of Dublin in a day.

Dublin is the Irish capital and one of the most visited cities in Europe. It is known for its friendly locals and lively atmosphere. Dublin is home to the iconic Guinness factory and famous writers like James Joyce. Every street showcases live music and endless bars, making every trip to Dublin unforgettable.

Soak up the best of Dublin culture in our guide to 24 hours in Dublin. Our guide will have you exploring the best of Dublin’s attractions and enjoying the fantastic food scene growing on the Irish shores.

24 Hours in Dublin City

Morning in Dublin

If you visit Dublin in a day, gourmet breakfast in one of the city’s finest cafes is a must. The only problem will be the choice. Dublin’s food scene is on the rise, but one of the most highly rated eateries is Lovinspoon, located in the city centre. 

This restaurant offers a delicious breakfast menu with many options to suit many people. For a restaurant in Dublin, it’s pretty affordable, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a meal here. You just have to read some of the reviews on Tripadvisor, and you’ll be sold on the place.

Our guide recommends the second hotspot in Dublin: Tang Cafe, famous for its nutrition-focused food. Tang Cafe is located near Liffey Bridge, central to many Dublin attractions. The breakfast menu features classics like porridge, pancakes, avocado on toast, and unique dishes with Middle Eastern influence.

Visiting historical and fun attractions around Dublin requires energy. Exploring the incredible gastro scene that Dublin city offers will be another highlight of these attractions—an essential start to your day in Dublin. 

Life Is Art: The National Gallery of Ireland

After you have finished a filling breakfast, head to one of the best free attractions in the city: the National Gallery of Ireland, located in Merrion Square. 

This impressive gallery is home to over 10,000 excellent paintings from Irish and European artists from the 13th century. The collection includes water paintings, sculptures, prints, and more.

A Yeats museum also showcases the talented Yeats family, including Jack B Yeats and his father, John Butler. The National Gallery is a perfect first attraction to emphasise the city’s wealth of culture and history.

Time for a Pint: The Guinness Storehouse

If this is your first visit to Dublin, how could you pass up the opportunity to explore the iconic Guinness Storehouse, where the best beer in the world is made? The Storehouse is a museum of the iconic stout but also serves as a guardian of the history of Arthur Guinness, the famous Irish Brewer.

Due to its popularity, visiting this Dublin attraction on a weekday is recommended. It is the seminal stop if you are visiting Dublin for a day.

Afternoon in Dublin – Lunch Stop

Even if you are limited to 24 hours in Dublin, lunch in the city’s celebrated restaurant Brother Hubbard is mandatory. This spot opened in 2012 with nostalgic comfort food made with rich, local ingredients.

Opened at the height of the Irish recession, Brother Hubbard felt like an experiment for the owners who didn’t know if they’d survive the year. The restaurant has gone from strength to strength, serving a popular brunch/lunch menu.

Now the toast of Dublin, it is a local favourite offering simple but exciting food. If you do Dublin in a day, a lunch break at this beloved spot will delight everyone visiting.

Locked Up: Kilmainham Gaol – Amazing Dublin Attraction

After lunch, visit Kilmainham Gaol, a former Irish prison that has become a popular Dublin attraction. The jail is filled with history and ghostly stories of former Irish prisoners dating back to 1796.

A tour guide will take you around the gaol corridors, revealing Dublin’s most historic political prison. During the tour, the public witnesses the cramped cells that prisoners were kept in. At the Kilmainham Museum, you can uncover the fascinating photographs, letters, and drawings belonging to the former prisoners. It’s a great stop if you only have a day in Dublin.

Knowledge Is Power: Trinity College and the Book of Kells

To finish the afternoon off, head to Trinity College, a world-renowned University and marvel at its jewel in the crown – Trinity College Library. The library is home to the historic ‘Book of Kells’: one of Ireland’s most significant cultural pieces. It is considered the world’s most impressive 9th-century manuscript. You must check it out on your 24 hours in Dublin trip.

Also, take some time to walk around Trinity College and its stunning grounds. With divine architecture and picturesque views, you will walk in the footsteps of icons like Oscar Wilde, who studied here.

Evening in Dublin – 24 Hours in Dublin

As the evening approaches in Dublin, you’ll want to go to the Temple Bar Area, Dublin’s cultural hotspot, to listen to live music and mingle with the locals. One of Dublin’s hidden gems is the Vintage Cocktail Club. Hidden behind a mysterious black door marked with the letters VCC, go through it, and you will be exposed to an incredible cocktail experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city. 

No visit to Dublin would be complete without listening to traditional Irish music. Luckily, Temple Bar has a variety of venues in abundance. The Auld Dubliner is a great spot to enjoy the local scene, experiencing the warmth and craic that is reminiscent of Dublin. The decor is typical of a traditional Irish pub and offers Irish cuisine that would not be out of place on any Irish home’s table. 

The wonderful thing about the Temple Bar area is the variety of drink establishments. Every other building houses a pub, so you can walk around them all until you find one you’d like to spend the evening in.

If you follow ConnollyCove’s 24 hours in Dublin Guide, you’ll have a memorable trip to the Irish capital.

Let us know what you would do in Dublin with only 24 hours in the comments below.

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