Traveling often involves going through impossible combinations of flights to get to your destination. And if you happen to be hopping across the pond, chances are you will have a layover in Dublin.
Given Ireland’s geographic position and historical relations with the Americas, the Irish capital is the perfect pit stop for flights coming into and from Canada and the U.S. In addition, carriers flying from Middle Eastern countries often pick Ireland as part of their multi-leg journey to North America.
If you find yourself on a pit stop in this vibrant city, there are plenty of amazing options to pass the time. From just a few hours to two full days, we’ve curated a few itineraries made for you to make the most of your layover in Dublin.
Dublin layover: Just a few hours
In most cases, your layover will only take a couple of hours, which you’ll be grateful for after a long journey. If it’s less than three, we’d suggest staying near the airport, as you might have to go through security and customs again.
Head to the terminal bar and delight in each sip of a creamy pint. Ireland packed in a glass!
Expert tip: Ireland has a preclearance facility, meaning that flyers to the U.S. can clear immigration, customs, and agricultural inspections before boarding their flight. Make sure to leave some time for this procedure. You may even have time to check out the duty free shops!
However, if your stay lasts longer, a wee nip into town won’t do any harm. Take a taxi or the express bus from the airport, and you’ll hit downtown in less than 20 minutes.
River walk
From there, you can head to the Liffey river, where you’ll cross one of Dublin’s most iconic bridges, the Ha’penny Bridge. Wait no more, Temple Bar’s cobblestone streets and glowing neons await on the other side.
St. Stephen’s Green
Take in the hustle and bustle, and should the weather accompany you, walk up Dublin’s ultimate commercial lane, Grafton Street, onto St. Stephen’s Green. This oasis of lush green, majestic sculptures, and a Japanese garden will undoubtedly make you forget you’re in the middle of a city.
If you’re in no rush back to the airport, take a moment to admire the Georgian-style architecture of houses and government buildings in Kildare St and its surroundings.
Dublin layover: up to 24 hours
Walking tour
Dublin’s relatively small size makes it ideal for short-to-medium stopovers. If you have the day all to yourself in the Irish capital, a Dublin in a Day tour will give you a comprehensive insight into the historical, artistic, and culinary legacy of the city.
Phoenix Park
Alternatively, you might want to take it easy and indulge in quality self-time. In that case, we suggest exploring the picturesque Dublin bookshops, grabbing a title, and heading to Phoenix Park for the day.
You can get in for free, and inside you’ll be met by forts, prehistoric burial chambers, twenty-two-acre Victorian flower gardens… and the Dublin Zoo!
Dublin Castle
Those with no time to spare will find their feet in the city center. Dublin Castle, with its stunning gardens and state apartments, offers a glimpse into Ireland’s regal past and recent history. Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II have both left their mark on its premises.
Trinity College
Home to literary giants like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, and boasting one of the world’s most famous libraries at Trinity College, Dublin undoubtedly pulses with literary energy. Many tours begin at this renowned university, exploring the intricate pages of The Book of Kells and the historic college grounds.
Grafton Street
It’s time to pause and indulge in some retail therapy. Brimming with bustling boutiques, street performers, and captivating window displays, Grafton Street is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs or simply people-watch over a steaming cuppa.
The Guinness Storehouse
Of course, a 24-hour break in true Before Sunrise fashion wouldn’t be complete without a pint. Apart from Temple Bar, The Guinness Storehouse is probably the best spot for a beer in town and an ideal way for travelers to spend a few hours learning about the origins and craft of Ireland’s best-known export.
Traditional cuisine
Hungry? Don’t worry, when it comes to appeasing your hunger, we’ve got you covered.
The Woollen Mills is heaven for Irish traditional food connoisseurs: Irish stew, potato pancakes, and seafood chowder are some of its most requested picks, while the iconic Horseshoe Bar, with its upscale take on traditional cuisine, offers an unforgettable dining experience.
Dublin layover: up to 48 hours
The good news about a longer stop is you add a short trip (and another city) to your adventure. Our 48-hour itinerary around Dublin packs a mighty start. Explore the town through its most quaint, avant-garde, and comforting brunch options and hit the ground running.
Then, follow the 24-hour layover plan, with a few added options for the full experience.
Museums
We think there’s always time to pack a bit of local art into your layover in Dublin, and the museums we’ve picked are a stone’s throw from benchmarks like St. Stephen’s Green or the Molly Malone statue.
- The National Gallery of Ireland perfectly connects European and local art, including works by Turner, Rembrandt, and Irish impressionist Walter Osborne.
- The National Museum of Archaeology takes visitors through the evolution of Irish civilization from the Mesolithic period to the Middle Ages.
- The Icon Factory and Walk. Quite a step away from classic art, this gallery finds itself off Temple Bar and presents the city’s iconic musical and literary output as reimagined by Dubliners!
Kilmainham Gaol
We’ll assume that a visit to jail might not be the first idea that comes to mind during your short stay, but if you fancy fitting something unusual into your two–day layover in Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol is a must.
Through exhibits including artifacts and photographs, the museum documents the imprisonment and execution of many leaders of the Irish rebellions, including the 1916 Easter Rising, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for Ireland’s independence and a defining factor of national identity.
Seaside day trips
Lastly, and on a milder note, if you wish to trade the urban landscape for a bit of green, the seaside towns of Bray and Howth (to the south and north of Dublin, respectively) can be easily accessed by DART — Dublin’s commuter trains. There you’ll be welcomed by calming scenic views of the harbor, energizing hikes on cliff trails, and some of the best seafood dishes in the area.
As you can see, Dublin is an incredibly versatile city that can easily fit into your schedule and pace. If your journey takes you through Ireland, a layover in Dublin is an adventure of its own and the best place to start!
And of course, if you really want to see the best of Dublin in a relatively short amount of time, why not sign up for a Jameson Distillery & Guinness Brewery Guided Tour. If your layover is less than four hours, this is a great option if you’d like to learn more about the rich history of Irish whiskey and everyone’s famous stout, Guinness.
