How we spent 36 hours in Dublin

Situated in the Republic of Ireland is the iconic capital city of Dublin. Famous for its culture, history and nightlife, its welcoming atmosphere has something for everyone to enjoy. With it only being an hour flight from Leeds Bradford, we visited the city for one night in June 2024. We had a fun filled two days.

Dublin recently received the European Smart Tourism Capital award in 2024 making it the perfect city break for beginners who desire to travel. From sustainability, digital innovations and accessibility, Dublin transforms the typical city break experience into a friendly community driven adventure.

Here is how we spent our 36 hours in Dublin…

Strolled around The River Liffey

After hopping off the Dublin Express bus from the airport to the city centre, we came across the River Liffey. The river divides the city into two, the north and the south. However, many bridges connect the two together so we grabbed a Starbucks coffee and went for a stroll. The first landmark we encountered was Samuel Beckett Bridge. Designed to resemble the iconic harp of Ireland making it a great sight for photographers but also a checkpoint for navigating the city.

The river also exhibits national history in which a series of bronze statues are situated as a memorial of the 1840s Great Famine. Across the road from the famine sculptures, you will find EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an interactive yet informative museum on Irish history. As we were limited to time, we did not explore this museum; however, we will be back!

Pit stop at Love Lane

Hidden in Crampton Court in Temple Bar is the instagram-worthy ‘Love Lane’. Consisting of a space covered in local artwork, colourful tiles and lovely quotes. We feel like this creativity tells stories of the community and ultimately generates a feeling of togetherness and joy!

Visited Dublin Castle

A 30 minute walk from Samuel Beckett Bridge is the historic Dublin Castle. Built in the early 13th century the castle is home to some amazing exhibitions. With eleven formally furnished rooms in which each hold significant displays of art, heritage and Irish history. We paid for tickets on the door costing €8 (approx. £6.67) however, you can pre-book them online which also provides you with the option to have a guided or audio guided tour. Dublin castle is a must see when visiting the city. From documents on the Viking settlement to centuries of British rule, it is one of the most important landmarks in Irish heritage.

Explored Trinity College

Just a 10 minute walk from Temple Bar is Trinity College. A university considered ‘ancient’ and ‘prestigious’ founded in 1592, and still in use by academics today. We explored the outside space of the college however, many events occur at the university such as the famous ‘Book of Kells’ experience. The college is home to a shop, cafe and overnight stays in summer months. So perfect if scholastic exploring is your kind of thing!

Boozed in Temple Bar

You can not visit Dublin without stopping at the famous Temple Bar for a fresh pint of Guinness. The atmosphere at Temple Bar is unmatched! From live singers all day every day to people getting up and dancing. It is the perfect bar to start a night out in the Guinness capital!

Experienced the Guinness Storehouse

Prior to arriving in Dublin we booked tickets to the Guinness Storehouse, a vital experience for your visit to the city. The price of tickets vary from €20 to €350 (approx. £16.67 to £291.78) depending on the type of experience you want and the time of week you go. As we weren’t in Dublin for long, we booked the ‘Guinness Storehouse Experience Only’. This took us approximately 2 hours, cost €20 and included a pint of Guinness at the Gravity bar to finish!

The Storehouse is recognised by AsIAm (Ireland’s National Autism Charity) and is very inclusive and disability/ autism friendly. With immersive floors and sensory-friendly rooms there is fun for everyone.

The storehouse explores all aspects of the famous brewery. From how it’s made to the history, you learn about how they gained the reputation they still hold today! We also stopped at the shop at the end in which a variety of souvenirs and merchandise was sold.

Wondered to the Molly Malone Statue

Before heading home we had some free time and took a walk to Suffolk Street. Located there is the famous Molly Malone statue. Molly Malone is a significant symbol of Dublin’s working-class women and was constructed to celebrate their contributions to the Irish community. 

Located near Grafton Street, if you choose to visit this statue there are also opportunities for shopping and dining!

What we missed…

We will definitely be back in Dublin for a short getaway in the future. We desire to visit the Jameson’s Distillery and experience whiskey tasting and tours. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and learn more about Ireland’s history. As well as the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin zoo!