How can we explore a city in a single day and cover its main attractions? it’s quite difficult. Spending 24 hours in Dublin is a challenging time to make the most of the day to visit historical places. You can explore the main attractions of the city in a short time. Tourists do not have much time, like a month, to visit each place, but they look for single-day activities to complete the tour. Dublin has numerous places where you can spend a few hours exploring and immersing yourself in the culture.
In this guide, we will discuss how to spend 24 hours in Dublin.
24 Hours in Dublin
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland. It is an exciting experience to spend 24 hours in Dublin and visit famous buildings and attractions. With limited time, an organised itinerary helps you enjoy a Stress-free trip.
In the undersection, we have mentioned spending 24 hours in Dublin to explore its attractions.
Set the Alarm to Wake Up Early
Wake up early in the morning without snoozing the alarm button to start your busy day in Dublin. Eat a healthy breakfast for the energy that improves your mood and makes you ready for the day. Wear appropriate shoes and ask for recommendations from the hotel staff. Start the journey near attractions and have an enjoyable journey.
Visit the Dublin Castle

You can start the day at Dublin Castle, which looks like a royal palace with a historical background. The building has a stunning look, and it was constructed in the 13th century. The British have ruled over the Irish from this building. It has been reconstructed many times in the past. You can visit this castle easily in a short time. You can only visit with a guided tour and a self-guided tour. It is open daily between 9:45 am 5: and 45 pm.
Fee for Entrance:
- Guided Tour: 12 EUR
- Self-guided Tour: 8 EUR
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St Patrick’s Cathedral is a spiritual place in Dublin with architecture that captivates tourists. There is an old marsh library where you can see historic books. The Irish government has marked it as the national cathedral of the city and there is no official bishop like other cathedrals have. Take a short visit to learn about the spiritual background.
Fee for Entrance:
- 9EUR
Guinness Storehouse
If you have 24 hours in Dublin, then visit the Guinness Storehouse and view the 360 ° view of the city. Guinness Storehouse is a celebration of Irish entrepreneurship where you can witness and learn about the history of the famous export of beer Guinness. It is the hub of the world’s best pints. Guinness was first brewed in 1759, and now it is the most famous in the world. You can visit for around 90 minutes, and it is better not to visit during the weekend as it is full of people and you will not find a place to sit. Guinness is open during the day, 10 am to 7 pm. It is also open on Sunday from 9:30 am to 7 pm.
Fee for Entrance:
- Free pint: 26 EUR
- Stoutie option: 34 EUR
Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham served as a prison during the War of Independence in 1916. The government often kept eight prisoners in each cell. Prisoners only had one candle, and there were no age and gender differences, whether they were women, men, or kids. Now, the Irish government has made this building a museum, and it is open to the public. The building was reconstructed in 1960 and you can take a guided tour for one hour. The Gaol remains open daily between 9:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.
Fee for Entrance:
- 8 EUR
Break for lunch
You can take a break and eat lunch to be energetic for your next move. Go to Mary Street, where you can enjoy delicious dishes. It is also the best place for shopping as there are many bustling streets and shopping centers. You can find many hotels here and choose one that suits your preferences.
Irish Emigration Museum
Visit the Irish emigration museum where you can learn about the long but unfortunately not uplifting story of the emigration of the Irish. They faced political, famine-related, and economic conditions and religious conflicts. The museum pays tribute to the Irish and their contributions to history. You can witness many different exhibits about politics, technology, science, fashion, humor, and sports. These heart-touching stories captivate the hearts of tourists. You can spend about 90 minutes here, and it opens between 10 a.m. and 6:45 p.m.
Fee for Entrance:
- Online: 19 EUR
- At museum: 21 EUR
Trinity College

Trinity College is a famous institution, and it has years of history. The main attraction of the college is the Book of Kells, which is a collection of ancient manuscripts. It is the most exciting tour to spend a short time when you are spending 24 hours in Dublin. They have a strict policy about the guided tours — you can only join tours led by students of Trinity College. College management only allows you around 35 minutes to visit and explore. They also have specific times for the tour; these may change after a month.
Fee for Entrance:
- 18.50 EUR
Temple Bar
End your day at Temple Bar and enjoy the bustling street bars and food stalls. It is one of the favorite streets in Dublin, where most travelers want to relax and enjoy street foods. The music is always at its peak, filling the air with energy. You can meet with other travelers to enjoy together in a short time.
Read Also: Nightlife and Clubbing Hotspots in New York
Conclusion
24 hours in Dublin is an exciting experience for travelers to explore and enjoy the attractions of the city. You must wake up early in the morning to start the day. Enjoy breakfast and go to nearby attractions. Dublin Castle is the best place to explore its history in a short time. Now you can visit st Patrick’s Cathedral to look at its stunning building and spiritual background. The Guinness storehouse is the hub for entrepreneurs of pints. Make the most of the day and try to take a short tour of every place. Consider a tour guide to have a hassle-free and easy journey.
FAQ
One day is short, but you can still cover the city’s main highlights such as Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and Temple Bar. With smart planning, 24 hours in Dublin can be a memorable experience.
The best time is between April and September, when the weather is mild and you can walk around comfortably. However, Dublin is a year-round destination, and its indoor attractions make it enjoyable even in winter.
It’s best to start early in the morning, ideally by 8:00 am, so you can fit in key attractions like Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral before moving on to other highlights.
For a quick taste of Irish cuisine, try Irish stew, coddle, soda bread, or seafood chowder. You’ll find many good options around Mary Street and Temple Bar.
Yes, for popular sites like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College (Book of Kells), and Kilmainham Gaol, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
Yes, most attractions are within walking distance in the city center. However, for places like Kilmainham Gaol, you may need to take public transport or a short taxi ride.
The perfect way to wrap up your 24 hours is by heading to Temple Bar, enjoying live music, good food, and the city’s lively atmosphere.

