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One Day in Dublin: What to See and Do on a Budget

Aerial view of the city of Dublin, Ireland.
Dublin is known for its magnificent medieval buildings. Credit: Courtesy Failte Ireland.

What can you do in Dublin in one day? A lot! Dublin is a very walkable city, which makes it a perfect destination for a quick visit.

Of course, the bustling Irish capital has much more to offer visitors, but if you are short on time, the city center is a great place to spend the day.

Dublin has an undoubtedly bohemian vibe. Perhaps it’s the weather, the cobblestone alleys, or the medieval buildings that remain alive despite the inescapable modernity. It doesn’t take long to realize that the Irish city has many treasures to explore.

Here is an overview of some of the best places to see, as well as handy tips to maximize your trip on a budget.

Getting from Dublin Airport to the City Center

Double-decker bus in Dublin.
Dublin’s buses are affordable and convenient. Photo by Nico Baum on Unsplash.

Dublin International Airport has two terminals, connected by an indoor walkway. After arriving at Terminal 1 and finding your way out, you’ll see many signs for bus services, especially Dublin Express.

However, the cheapest option -and our favorite- is to take the city bus. It’s cheap, convenient, and also picturesque, as it resembles London’s iconic red double-decker buses, but in different colors.

The journey from the airport to the city center takes about 40 minutes since the commuter bus has frequent stops.

Here are the details of the Dublin City Bus:

  • Lines 16 and 41 connect the airport to the city center.
  • A single ticket costs €2.60 in cash or €2 with a Leap Card.
  • You can pay directly on board in cash, with a Leap Card, or using contactless payment.
Learn more about the Leap Card with this short video from Transport For Ireland (TFI).

The best way to save on transportation is with the Leap Card, which has a regular version and a special one for visitors. 

The Leap Visitor Card can be purchased online (see Travel Tip) and at some convenience stores at the airport: Wrights (T1), WH Smith (T1), and Spar Shop (T2).

As a heads-up, we looked for the card at the airport and after being sent from one terminal to the other, none of the stores had the card in stock.

If you can’t find it at the airport, the Leap Visitors Card is also available at select locations in the city center.

A one-day (24 hours) pass costs €8.

Travel Tip: You can buy the Leap Visitor Card online, but it has to be before your trip since the physical card will be delivered to your postal address. 

These are other bus companies available at Dublin Airport:

Aircoach

  • Line 700 – Airport to Dublin City Centre & Leopardstown
  • Cost: From €7 one way and €9 round trip.

Dublin Express

  • Lines 782, 784
  • Cost: From €8 one way and €10 round trip.

Dublin Coach (Big Green Bus)

  • Line 750

Saving Tip: Book bus tickets online to save more and choose the best departure times, as they fill up quickly during peak hours. Also, buying a round-trip ticket is cheaper than two one-way.

Where to Leave Your Luggage

If you’re on a quick visit to Dublin, you might want to leave your luggage somewhere to explore the city more comfortably. A well-known website and app for luggage storage is Stasher.

There are locations at the airport and others near various tourist spots like Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse, and O’Connell Street.

We haven’t used this service in Dublin, since we usually travel only with a backpack. Be sure to read the frequently asked questions and the comments by scrolling down on the Stasher’s website.

What to See and Do for Free in Dublin

If you only have one day to explore Dublin, you may not need to use public transport for sightseeing. The great thing about the city is that many popular attractions are within walking distance.

Wear comfortable shoes and take your time walking through its streets, especially the old cobblestone ones that retain that medieval air you can sense when visiting the city’s architectural gems.

The following tourist spots are free to visit, although some tours require a fee.

Dublin Castle

Inner courtyard of Dublin Castle.
The Bedford Tower, completed in 1761, is one of the main sections of Dublin Castle.

Dublin Castle has been at the city’s heart since the 13th century. Rebuilt after a fire in 1684, Dublin Castle is a medieval building that has witnessed many important events in the history of Ireland.

Today, the castle is a governmental and cultural complex. Presidential inaugurations and other state events are held in the State Apartments.

Access to the inner courtyard and gardens is free, but tours of the State Apartments cost €8 for adults, €6 for students and seniors, and €4 for youth from 12-17. Children under 12 can enter for free.

Tours of the State Apartments, the Medieval Undercroft, and the Royal Chapel are sold at the castle’s ticket office.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral and garden, in Dublin.
The beautiful gardens of St. Patrick’s Cathedral are a great place to relax in the center of Dublin.

This majestic Gothic cathedral is the largest in the country and the main seat of the Church of Ireland. It is dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint of the Irish.

Built between 1220 and 1260, St. Patrick’s Cathedral stands as a symbol of Dublin’s medieval past. The temple stands on the site of an ancient well believed to have been used by Saint Patrick to baptize new Christians.

The church is open to the public during religious service hours, but tours require a fee. Self-guided tours cost €10 for adults, €9 for students and seniors, and €4.50 for children 6-12. There are family packages for €28.

The beautiful gardens are also open to the public, and it is common to see tourists and locals sitting on the benches or on the grass to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Christ Church Cathedral

Facade of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.
The stone plaza at Christ Church Cathedral is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

Another medieval building that will catch your eye walking through the center of Dublin is Christ Church Cathedral. This Anglican institution has a Viking past, as it was a Viking church from its foundation in 1030 until its incorporation into the Church of Ireland in 1152.

The church gardens are a good option for a relaxing break while admiring the colorful wildflowers that contrast beautifully with the gray facade of the building.

In the stone plaza, on the east side, there is a prayer labyrinth through which you can walk and pray following the steps.

There are tours to explore the cathedral’s interior, which holds several Irish historical treasures. Tickets for the self-guided tours cost €11 for adults, €9.50 for seniors and students, and €3.50 for children under 12.

Trinity College and the Book of Kells

The old tower of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.

A walk through Trinity College is like a return to the 16th century. The university is the oldest in Ireland and one of the most prestigious in the world.

It is a special place for fans of great Irish authors like Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett, who studied there.

Visitors can explore the campus, although the main attraction is the historic Book of Kells, a masterpiece of Christian medieval art. The 1,200-year-old manuscript is on display in the beautiful Old Library.

Long room perspective, Trinity College Library, Dublin.
The Old Library holds thousands of books, including the Book of Kells. Credit: ©James Bowden.

If you only have 24 hours or less in Dublin and want to see the Book of Kells, it would be ideal to start your tour of the city by going to Trinity College first.

Visits to the Old Library and the Book of Kells are very popular and fill up quickly, so it is advisable to arrive as early as possible.

This historical book is kept in a glass case, from where you can see the pages that are on display. The pages are changed every 12 days.

The entrance schedule from April to September is from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the months of October to March, the hours are limited.

Temple Bar District

Cobblestone alley in Temple Bar District, Dublin.

Known for its pubs, restaurants, galleries, and cultural activities, the Temple Bar district is one of Dublin’s most picturesque. It’s well worth taking the time to wander through its cobbled streets and admire the colorful facades that give it a bohemian and eclectic vibe.

Although this area is almost always busy, it is at night when it reaches its peak. Expect a vibrant nightlife, but also long lines and higher prices.

The most popular pubs?

People walking in front of The Temple Bar, in Dublin, Ireland.
  • The Temple Bar, with its red facade and hanging flowers, is a tourists’ favorite.
  • Kehoes is not as old as the others, since it is “only” 200 years old.
  • Mulligans is not only one of the oldest but also a traditional meeting place for Dublin writers.

In addition to hopping from one pub to another, the Temple Bar district offers free attractions such as the Photo Museum Ireland, Graphic Studio Gallery, Contemporary Music Centre, (the Irish Film Institute), and Icon Walk.

The General Post Office

Perspective of the General Post Office building, Dublin.
The GPO is one of Dublin’s most iconic buildings. Credit: Tourism Ireland.

This iconic building situated right on O’Connell Street is a symbol of the Irish uprising against the British. The high columns of the General Post Office (GPO) facade still bear the bullet holes from the rebellion.

Those interested in learning more about the historic 1916 uprising can visit the award-winning GPO Museum. The ticket prices and schedules are detailed on the museum’s website.

Grafton Street

People walking in Grafton Street, Dublin.
Grafton Street is a must-visit shopping area in Dublin.

Along this pedestrian street, you will find stores, shopping centers, lots of people strolling around, and a variety of street performers.

It’s easy to lose track of time looking at the storefronts and listening to the eclectic musical selection of the “buskers”.

Some recommended spots in this shopping area include department stores like Brown Thomas and Marks & Spencer (M&S), the historic Bewley’s Café—a great option for coffee to go and delicious pastries—and the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre.

Other attractions are the statue of Molly Malone on Suffolk Street, the Jameson Distillery, and the Irish Whiskey Museum.

St. Stephen’s Green

Grass and trees at St Stephen's Green, Dublin.
St. Stephen’s Green is a nature oasis in the middle of the city. Credit: Courtesy Gareth McCormack/Fáilte Ireland.

If you continue straight south down Grafton Street, you will end at St. Stephen’s Green, a Victorian-style park with large green spaces and beautiful gardens.

This natural landscape is an ideal place to relax and take a break after walking around Dublin’s center. It also has a lake with ducks, fountains from the 19th century, a children’s playground, a sensory garden, and cherry trees.

If your visit is during the summer, check if there’s a free open-air concert at lunchtime.

Just like the columns of the General Post Office, the holes left by bullets during the Irish rebellion of 1916 can still be seen in Fusilier’s Arch, which adorns the park’s entrance at Grafton Street.

More Travel Tips for Dublin

A sign that says "Love Dublin".
Credit: Courtesy Allen Kiely for Fáilte Ireland.
  • Don’t forget to bring a coat—and an umbrella—since the weather in Dublin is unpredictable. It can be cold or chilly even in the middle of summer!
  • The M&S supermarket is a good place to buy ready-made food or ingredients for a sandwich, as well as bread and sweet pastries from the bakery.
  • Coffee is relatively expensive in Dublin, even at convenience stores.
  • You can get cheap food and drinks at discount supermarkets like Lidl.
  • If your visit is on a Sunday, keep in mind that many places open around noon.
  • There are more than 700 pubs in Dublin, and according to locals, if you’re looking for the most authentic ones you have to venture outside the Temple Bar district. Two popular pubs are:
    • The Cobblestone, in Smithfield, which offers traditional Irish music shows daily.
    • The Brazen Head, established in 1198, is the oldest pub in Dublin. It was a meeting point for Norman mercenaries and Viking merchants. Located on Bridge Street.
  • Pubs don’t stay open very late at night. Generally, they close at midnight or around 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • The average price of a “pint” of beer is from €4 to €6.50, while a glass ranges between €5 and €6.50.
  • Dublin has a night bus known as the Nitelink.

In Summary

There’s plenty to see in Dublin, even if you’re just there for a day. The Irish capital has tons to offer, but if you’re on a quick trip, you can still get a great feel for the city.

Dublin’s center is easy to get around on foot, which is perfect for saving on transport. Plus, many tourist attractions won’t cost you much, if anything at all.

You can stroll down the cobblestone streets, take in the charm of the medieval buildings, relax in the green spaces, do a bit of shopping, or enjoy some Irish tunes in one of the many lively pubs. Dublin has something for everyone.

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