What to See in Dublin in 1 Day: A Practical Guide to Touring the City in 24 Hours

The Dublin Gateway is an interactive art installation opening in May 2024, located on North Earl Street near O'Connell Street, the city's main thoroughfare. This circular structure, equipped with a giant screen, broadcasts real-time images from other participating cities, allowing visitors to observe and connect with people in distant locations 24/7.
The initiative, created by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys, seeks to foster empathy and understanding between different cultures by offering a direct window into the daily lives of other cities. Initially, the Dublin portal was connected to New York, but later expanded its links to include Vilnius (Lithuania) and Lublin (Poland), rotating the feed every 180 seconds.

St. Patrick's Cathedral, founded in 1191, is the largest church in Ireland and one of Dublin's most important historical sites. It is believed that Saint Patrick He baptized the Celts in a well located in what is now the cathedral garden, back in the 5th century.

His imposing Gothic architecture, their colorful stained glass windows and the Jonathan Swift's grave —author of Gulliver's Travels—make this cathedral a must-see for history and literature lovers.

Extra information: There's a coffee stand in the garden. If you're walking by and need a break, lie down on the grass and enjoy the view of one of Ireland's most beautiful cathedrals. ☕🌿

Dublin Castle, built in the 13th century, was the seat of the British government in Ireland for almost 700 years, until independence in 1922.

🛑 Warning: Don't expect to see a typical medieval castle. Over the centuries, the building was completely transformed, with renovations that transformed it into a more Georgian-style complex.

The only thing that remains of the original castle is a medieval tower, currently undergoing restoration, which is located in exactly the same condition as it was handed over to the Irish State in 1922.

It's a key place to understand the political history of the city and the country. 🏰

This beautiful garden is part of the complex of Dublin Castle and was formerly used as a recreational space by the Viceroy of the British Empire and its officials. On the same property there was a stable for their horses and carriages, which has now been converted into a art gallery with free admission.

Its modern, open design contrasts with the medieval feel of the castle, creating a special and highly photogenic corner within the heart of the city.

🌿 Historical data: In this place was the lagoon known as Dubh Linn (black lagoon), where the Vikings moored their ships. This is where the city's name comes from: Dublin.

The Chester Beatty MuseumLocated next to Dublin Castle, it houses one of the world's most important collections of manuscripts, religious texts, and ancient art. Spread over two floors, its galleries include pieces from Islamic, Chinese, European, and Egyptian art, among others.

The entire collection was donated by Chester Beatty, a British-Irish tycoon and philanthropist who bequeathed this cultural treasure to the city in the 1950s.

🆓 Access is completely free, and in addition to the visual and cultural…
Useful information: If you've been walking for a while and need a bathroom, this is the perfect time. 😉

George Street Arcade is one of the oldest covered markets in Europe, and a true gem in Dublin's city center. Its Victorian architecture and iron and glass roof make it visually unique.

Inside you will find alternative fashion stores, stalls crafts, antiques, books, records and much more. Ideal for searching for an original souvenir or simply strolling and enjoying its characteristic bohemian atmosphere. 🛍️

Powerscourt Townhouse Centre It's an elegant shopping center located in an 18th-century Georgian mansion. Once the residence of the noble Powerscourt family, it's now a charming space with independent designer shops, art galleries, and stylish cafes.

Its interior architecture, featuring columns, balconies, and skylights, preserves the aristocratic spirit of the original building, but with a modern and relaxed feel. An ideal stop for a coffee or a brief escape from the hustle and bustle. ☕🛒

Located on Suffolk Street, this statue pays tribute to Molly Malone, the legendary fishwife who stars in one of Ireland's most famous songs: “Cockles and Mussels”.

With his iconic seafood cartMolly became a figure in Dublin folklore, and her statue is one of the most photographed spots in the city. 🎶

📢 Extra fact: the song is so popular that many consider it the unofficial anthem of Ireland.

A few meters from the statue of Molly Malone is found Grafton Street, the most famous pedestrian street on Dublin's south side and one of the city's most elegant shopping centers.

Here you will find everything from luxury brands until stylish cafes, in a vibrant and lively environment. On weekends, the street transforms into a veritable stage: musicians, singers, and street performers share their art with passersby.

🎩 Suggestion: If you enjoyed the show, leaving a coin is always welcome.
👀 And don't forget to explore the perpendicular streets, where you'll discover pubs, unusual shops, and more charming spots.

St. Stephen's Green It is a beautiful Georgian park located in the heart of Dublin. 🌳 Personally, it is my favorite by far: It has ponds with ducks and geese, tree-lined paths, stone bridges, flower-filled pergolas and many quiet corners to relax.

But besides its beauty, it is also a place with history. During the Easter Rising of 1916, one of the key battles between Irish rebels and British forces was fought here.

Today, St. Stephen's Green is the green lung of the south of the city, ideal for relaxing after so much sightseeing.

Merrion Square Dublin It is one of Dublin's most elegant Georgian parks, surrounded by stately 18th-century houses. Some of the country's political activity is concentrated in its surroundings, as the Leinster House (seat of Parliament) and the Prime Minister's office.

The park is beautifully maintained and ideal for taking a break between visits, enjoying a picnic, or simply relaxing in its colorful gardens. Its location also makes it the perfect complement to a visit to one of the nearby museums, such as the National Gallery.

Merrion Square is especially known for the statue of the writer Oscar Wilde, depicted in an unconventional way: lying on a rock, with an expression that changes depending on where you look at him from.
There is a curious interpretation that suggests the following: if one looks at the statue from the bust of his wife, Wilde's face seems serious or melancholic; but if one looks at it from the bust of his great and forbidden male love, a knowing smileA detail full of history, art and sensitivity.

Trinity College Dublin It's one of Ireland's most prestigious universities and a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Founded in 1592, its campus is a haven of history and classical architecture right in the city center.

Among its greatest attractions are the imposing Long Room Library, considered one of the most impressive libraries in the world, and the Book of Kells, an illustrated medieval manuscript of enormous historical value.

📸 Useful information: You can walk freely around campus, take photos, and explore the courtyards without restrictions.
📚 Access to the library and the Book of Kells is pay, and an important detail: currently the 90% of the Long Room books are being restored., so you won't be able to see it in all its splendor. Even so, It's totally worth it the visit.