Make the most it. That’s our motto when you have limited time in a place you love. If you find yourself in Dublin for a day, there are more options to fill your 24 hours than you can imagine. Here, we share four main themes to help you focus your time and—well, make the most of it.
Saint Stephen’s Green park, Dublin
PICK A PARK
Dublin is home to a number of enchanting parks with native plantings, pathways for walking, and even streams and water features. If the weather is nice, we recommend stopping in at one of these venues for a stroll. Walking through a park and taking in the sights is a no-fail way to get a feel for the local flavor of this capital city.
- Stephen’s Green – This 22-acre park, which features a Victorian layout is located in the center of the city.
- Phoenix Park – Originally used as a Royal deer park in the 17th century, this urban attraction is one of the largest designed landscapes in Europe; it offers numerous running trails.
- St. Anne’s Park – Located on the coast, this park features amazing views of the shoreline as well as numerous seasonal plantings.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
GO TO CHURCH
Perhaps nowhere is the exquisite architecture more on display than in the churches and cathedrals of Ireland. Attend a mass or simply take a tour of one of these structures to fully appreciate its meaning and beauty.
- Stephen’s Unitarian Church – Featuring an abundance of stained glass and a recently restored pipe organ, this centrally located church dates back to the mid 1800s.
- Patrick’s Cathedral – Perhaps the most well-known Dublin cathedral, this structure is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Visitors can tour the impressive structure, hear a daily sung service and visit the resting place of Jonathan Swift, which is marked by a brass plaque in the Cathedral.
Kilmainham Gaol
VISIT A MUSEUM
- Kilmainham Gaol – Tour this prison, which is currently one of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe, while learning about the penal system’s history as well as the structure itself.
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – Located in the vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building (which was the original departure point for many of Ireland’s emigrants), this museum offers an interactive experience chronicling the lives of those who have left the island.
- Chester Beatty Library – Offering free admission, this museum displays paintings, prints, drawings, manuscripts, decorative arts, and more; plus, it continues to be ranked as one of the must-visit attractions in Ireland as well as all of Europe.
TAKE A LOAD OFF
If you’re in Ireland, you’ll want a Guinness (or your preferred beverage of choice) to cap off the day. Visit one of these establishments for an authentic experience.
- Guinness Storehouse – The home of Guinness beer, this brewery is located in the St. James’s Gate Brewery. You’ll enjoy a pint while also learning more about this iconic beer.
- The Brazen Head – Ireland’s oldest pub (it dates back to 1198), this bar offers a full menu and live music nightly.
- The Pub Around the Corner – Rather than a specific destination, we recommend ducking around the corner and entering the first local bar or restaurant you come to; it’s a great way to take in the flavor of a city in a short period of time. Don’t want to go it alone? Ask your concierge or attendant for a recommendation.