Our Fabulous Trip to Dublin – Castles, Cathedrals and Day Trips

Disclaimer: When you make a booking or purchase through links on this site, I may earn commission from partners at no extra cost to you. This helps me to build the site and bring you more great posts!

⌛ Short on time? Here’s where we stayed and the main things we did:
✅ CitizenM St Patrick’s Dublin Boutique Luxury Hotel
✅ Tour to Glendalough and Kilkenny
✅ Dublinia – buy Go City Pass for discounts
✅ Book of Kells Experience – book direct
✅ Trip to Malahide with Castle and Gardens (optional bus tour)

Why we chose a last-minute trip to Dublin

Our Dublin trip wasn’t planned at all. We had a few unexpected changes during our time in Scotland, which left us with some extra days and no accommodation booked, so I decided we may as well turn it into an opportunity for a quick city break.

I looked at a few Eastern European cities, but Dublin was an easy choice – no visas to think about as it’s in the Common Travel Area, short flight times, and a place my daughter had been asking to visit for ages. I kept it a surprise until the last minute, and her face when she found out made the last-minute planning worth it!

I also have a soft spot for Ireland as I spent several childhood holidays there touring the country with a caravan for several weeks at a time and I still have such happy memories of those trips. Oh and I’m a quarter Irish too!

Where We Stayed – CitizenM

Because our trip was so last minute and during peak season, accommodation choices were limited. I looked at quite a few options, including university accommodation, but the reviews mentioned too many small issues to feel comfortable – and travelling with a teenage girl, I wanted somewhere with a bit of privacy.

We opted for CitizenM, one of the more affordable options still available that wasn’t too far out. The hotel was stylish, vibrant and very welcoming. The room was small but it used smart tiny-space design so every inch worked hard and it didn’t actually feel cramped.

I have cleithrophobia (a fear of being trapped), which is often triggered in small rooms but it wasn’t small enough for that. However, if you travel with lots of luggage, you’ll find the space tight, but for a short city break it worked perfectly.

The only thing missing for me was a kettle – I do like my morning coffee as soon as I wake up! Otherwise, it had everything we needed.

The bed was very comfortable and the full-width window gave us a great view directly from the bed and included St Patrick’s Green and Cathedral. My daughter loved it too – especially the colour-changing lights and tech features.

When it comes to location, it was great. We walked everywhere within about 40 minutes with some sights just around the corner and others not too far away. It was central without being in a noisy touristy area.

We arrived at the hotel quite early, around 10:30 or 11:00, just hoping to drop off our bags but the staff let us check in straight away at no extra cost. Everyone we met there was friendly and helpful. We didn’t eat in the restaurant but it looked good and there were several comfortable public areas where you could sit, chat or work.

CitizenM has a modern, tech-savvy approach to travel, focusing on smart use of space, digital check-in and relaxed communal areas instead of traditional luxury. It’s perfect for independent travellers who like comfort and good design without the formality of traditional hotels. I might not be their youngest guest but I loved it all the same.

Would I book it again? Yes, absolutely – though next time I’ll pack something to make my morning cuppa!

We booked it as a package with flights but you can book the hotel only here. (Search options for Agoda packages here.)

Getting to Dublin

We flew into Dublin Airport from Glasgow with Ryanair though Aer Lingus also flies the route. Our flights were included for free in the Agoda package we booked, and like many budget deals, that meant an early-morning start. With hindsight, it’s worth paying a little extra for a later flight, using the Airlink bus, and having a more relaxed start and more time to enjoy Dublin. (Or maybe I’m just getting old!)

The Ryanair experience itself was good and we had no issues. As it’s a budget airline, checked luggage isn’t included but we paid for 10 kg carry-on bags, enough for our four-day trip.

If you’re travelling from mainland Britain, you can also reach Dublin by ferry, especially handy if you want to bring a car. For international visitors, Dublin Airport is well connected, with direct flights from many major cities around the world.

From the airport, we took the Airlink bus, which was quick and easy, around 30 minutes to the city centre. We bought our tickets at the stand and the stop was just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel.

A taxi is another option, and we used one for our early-morning return flight. We’d booked the taxi through an app but it arrived early and left before our scheduled time, so we had to order another. Just as well I always leave extra time even when the roads are quiet.

Dublin Airport itself was easy to navigate, and both arrival and departure were smooth with security and passport control being quick and easy,

You can check Airlink routes and timetables here.

Exploring Dublin on Foot

One of the best things about Dublin is how walkable it is. We spent some time just wandering around and seeing where it took us. The city centre is fairly compact, so you can walk from most sights to the next, crossing the River Liffey or detouring down side streets whenever something takes your attention.

Along the way, we came across several of Dublin’s famous statues. The Molly Malone statue, just off Grafton Street, is one of the best known, depicting the fishmonger from the traditional song, complete with her cart of cockles and mussels.

Then there were statues of famous Irish people like writer James Joyce and musician Phil Lynott (see photo above). Other sculptures and art installations were also scattered across the city.

Crossing the Ha’penny Bridge was one of those things you feel you have to do if you’re in Dublin but it was quite crowded and it’s quite hard to get a photo on it. The classic white iron bridge dates back to 1816 and links the Temple Bar area with the north side of the city.

We spent some time wandering around Temple Bar – after I discovered it was the name of the area and not actually a bar – and the wider area of St. Andrew’s. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, cobbled streets and traditional pubs. Even though we weren’t there for the nightlife, it was still fun to explore during the day and soak up the vibes.

We found a restaurant we liked on the Liffey called Viking, where we had pizza one day and a burger the next. Not typical Irish food but it tempted us back the next day when we were tired and just wanted to eat before heading back to the hotel. We must be more adventurous next time!

I wanted to try a pasty from the Hanley’s Cornish Pasties in Temple Bar but unfortunately, I didn’t time my hunger right and didn’t want to eat it cold later. There are lots of lovely little terraces around though.

Elsewhere, we explored a few of the pedestrian shopping streets, browsed a couple of bookshops and enjoyed looking at Dublin’s Georgian architecture. There are some beautiful old houses with turrets, arched windows and wrought-iron balconies and a few have been brightened up with a touch of paint.

We headed to the Spire of Dublin, the striking 120-metre stainless-steel monument that towers above O’Connell Street. However, I wouldn’t say it was worth going out your way to see it but if you’re around O’Connell Street anyway, it’s worth getting a better view.

It doesn’t really matter whether you’re doing planned sightseeing or just wandering aimlessly, Dublin is the kind of city where you’ll find little discoveries, lots of history and a fair bit of new colour among the older shades of greys and browns. It pays to be a little adventurous and not to just stick to a guide book or itinerary.

👛 Money-saving tip: Go City Dublin Pass 🚌 🎟️
If you’re planning a few paid attractions in a day, take a look at the Go City Dublin Pass (1–5 days). Includes attractions like Dublinia, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson, Christ Church Cathedral and a hop-on hop-off bus.
➡️ Get your Go City Dublin Pass here 🚌 🎟️

Dublin Castle

Not far from Trinity College, Dublin Castle is one of the city’s most historic landmarks. We bought tickets for the self-guided visit, which gave access to both the castle interior and the museum, but you can also join a guided tour if you prefer to hear the stories as you go and visit the Chapel Royal.

The first thing that struck me was that it isn’t the grand fortress the name might suggest. Coming from Scotland, I’m used to castles with towering walls and turrets. Dublin Castle feels different but its importance lies more in its history.

The castle has been at the heart of Irish government for more than 800 years, from its beginnings as a medieval fortress to its time as the seat of British rule and later as the place where power was handed back to the Irish Free State in 1922.

Most of what you see today dates from the 18th century after a major fire destroyed much of the medieval structure.

We started out tour in the State Apartments, which were beautifully restored and full of period detail – ornate ceilings, chandeliers and portraits of Irish and British monarchs. The elegant furniture gave us a sense of the life that once took place here.

The museum wasn’t very big but it had plenty of interesting displays and artefacts, offering exhibits on past presidents, insights into how the castle evolved and key events that shaped Ireland as it is today.

You can also visit the Chapel Royal on a guided tour. The chapel is known for its Gothic Revival architecture, detailed wood carvings and colourful stained glass windows. Unfortunately, as we didn’t book the guided tour, we didn’t get to visit it. There are occasionally events there too so look out if there’s anything during your planned visit.

If you’re planning your itinerary, a visit to Dublin Castle goes perfectly with Trinity College and the Book of Kells Experience as they’re all within an easy walk of each other.

Is Dublin Castle worth visiting?

Yes, if you have enough time. It’s not the biggest castle you’ll ever visit, but it’s packed with history and beautifully maintained. The State Apartments, medieval remains and Chapel Royal give a glimpse into different eras of Irish life and government.

It’s also a great size for exploring without feeling overwhelmed and its central location makes it easy to fit into any Dublin itinerary. We both enjoyed our visit, came away knowing more about the country’s history and my daughter’s love of castles was indulged!

Trinity College Dublin

Even if you don’t have a chance to go inside, Trinity College is one of those places that feels special the moment you walk through its gates and you’re surrounded by centuries of history and tradition.

My daughter, about to start her last year at school, was dreaming of studying there and living in the halls and I could see her imagining herself there and how her years ahead would look.

We didn’t go inside this time but spent a while wandering around the grounds, admiring the elegant old buildings. We found a quiet spot in the gardens to sit for a while, just enjoying the environment and talked about the many famous students who once walked those same paths.

Trinity’s alumni include poet Oscar Wilde, dramatist and Nobel Laureate Samuel Beckett, novelists Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift, journalists Robert Fisk and Mary Jordan, philosopher George Berkeley, former president Mary McAleese and Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire.

If you want to see more, you can book a Trinity College walking tour, which gives access to parts of the campus not open to the public. Booking ahead is recommended.

The Book of Kells Experience & The Long Room Library

We booked the Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College based on recommendations of local friends and it was definitely worth visiting.

The first part of the exhibition tells the story of the 1,200-year-old illuminated manuscript, created by Celtic monks, hidden from Vikings, lost, refound and now one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.

For the next part, we moved on to the Long Room Library, with its dark wood, arched ceilings and shelves lined with thousands of old books – a dream for any book lover. My book-lover daughter loved it!

The last stage of the tour ended in the Pavilion, with interactive exhibits and immersive projections. If you have time, it’s worth doing but book ahead. You can read more about our visit and see more photos from inside in my full post on the Book of Kells Experience here.

Dublinia

My daughter loves everything Vikings, so Dublinia was right up her street and it didn’t disappoint. I found it really interesting too and learned so much about Dublin’s history.

The museum takes you on a journey through Viking and medieval Dublin, with life-size recreations, sounds and displays that help you imagine what life was like centuries ago. Each area has been carefully curated and full of detail, with display panels sharing plenty of great info without being too overwhelming.

Alongside the displays are lots of interactive exhibits. You can handle replica tools, try on medieval clothing and armour and even smell some of the less pleasant scents of daily life! You can feel what it felt like in the stocks too. Some sections are mini living museums which makes it even more interesting.

We spent a couple of hours exploring everything. Both my daughter and I loved it and it’s the kind of attraction that has something for both adults and children.

Once we finished going round the exhibits, we climbed St Michael’s Tower, which has lovely views over the nearby neighbourhood. It’s quite a few steps up ( I think it was about 100) and you won’t miss a great deal if you don’t do it but it’s still worth it if you have the energy.

Afterwards, we visited the gift shop, which had some fun Viking and history-themed items and, needless to say, we didn’t leave empty-handed. Our last stop was to have coffee and cake in the café. The food was good, the staff were friendly and it was nice to sit next to the stained glass windows for a while before heading off to explore more of the city.

Is Dublinia worth visiting?

If you’re interested in history or are travelling with children, Dublinia is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. You can also buy a combined ticket for Dublinia and Christ Church Cathedral, which is right next door, and it’s good value if you plan to visit both.

St Patrick’s Cathedral and St Patrick’s Park

We didn’t go inside St Patrick’s Cathedral, but even from the outside it’s a pretty impressive sight. Founded in 1191, it’s the largest cathedral in Ireland and has strong ties to the city’s history, including its most famous dean, Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels.

The interior is filled with beautiful stained glass, memorials and intricate stonework. We just admired the stunning architecture from the outside and had a wander through St Patrick’s Park next to it.

The park itself is small but lovely – well kept, colourful and a peaceful spot for a short break in between sightseeing, with a historic backdrop as a bonus.

One point of interest in the park is St Patrick’s Well, said to mark the spot where the saint baptised converts to Christianity.

If we’d had more time, we’d probably have gone inside, but we had to pick and choose what to see most. If you do decide to go in, it’s easy to book tickets online or buy them at the entrance – though it’s best to book ahead at busy times. It’s only a short walk from Marsh’s Library, so you can visit both together. Dublinia is also within easy walking distance.

Marsh’s Library

Just around the corner from our hotel, beside St Patrick’s Cathedral and St Patrick’s Green, we found one of Dublin’s true hidden gems – Marsh’s Library. As soon as I read that it dated back to the early 1700s, I knew I had to add it to our list. My daughter is a book lover too, so was just as excited as me to go.

It’s one of the oldest public libraries in Ireland and feels as if it’s almost unchanged since it opened in 1707. The walls are lined with dark oak shelves stacked with thousands of beautifully bound books – some more than 300 years old – and it has that wonderful old-book smell that instantly makes you want to stay a while.

When I visit such places, I like to try to imagine it in days gone by and I thought of the how many scholars, and maybe famous people, turned those pages over the centuries and sitting at one of the desks diligently studying and taking notes with a quill. If only item machines were real.

You can also see the original reading cages, where scholars were locked in after book theft started to become common.

Admission was free for my daughter and just a few euros for me, and it was well worth it. They also had a Lego treasure hunt, with little characters hidden among the shelves to spot as you go. Probably meant for the younger ones but we had fun doing it too!

Before leaving, we stopped by the small gift shop downstairs, which had some lovely literary-themed souvenirs. If you love books, history or quiet corners full of character, put Marsh’s Library high on your Dublin list.

After you leave the gift shop, you come out into the garden where you can sit and enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful plants or take some photos.

Is Marsh’s Library in Dublin worth visiting?

If you are a book lover and like a bit of history, then yes absolutely! If you liked the Long Room at Trinity College, this is a much smaller but more intimate version that you can enjoy closer up. Although I’ve already been, I’d happily go back again next time.

St Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens

One of the things I loved about Dublin was how easy it is to find green space right in the middle of the city. We walked through St Stephen’s Green more than once, usually on our way somewhere else but each time it was lovely to see.

It’s a large, beautifully maintained park with ponds, bridges, statues and plenty of places to sit. There were people everywhere – friends chatting, others reading on the grass, families feeding ducks – and it gave us a little glimpse of everyday Dublin life.

We didn’t stop for long, but walked through it, watched the ducks and took in the statues before heading back out to the bustle of the streets.

Within walking distance is the smaller Iveagh Gardens, a hidden corner of tranquillity. It’s located behind Iveagh House, once owned by the Guinness family – as was the park – and featured in the recent Netflix series The House of Guinness.

The gardens have a rockery and waterfall, ponds and hidden woodland paths, a sunken garden, a mini-maze and a few statues, some broken, some not. It’s a fun park to take children to explore without being too big and makes for a good break between sight-seeing.

When we visited there was hardly anyone there at all. If you’re looking for a quiet, hidden spot to slow down, this is one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets. Entrance is free but it closes before evening. See times here.

Another lovely park is Merrion Square Park, a little smaller than St Stephen’s Green but bigger than Iveagh Gardens. It has similar features to St Stephen’s Green and a statue of Oscar Wilde. It is within walking distance of the National Gallery of Ireland.

Day Trips from Dublin

Bus tour to Glendalough and Kilkenny and sheepdog demo (and a boat trip!)

After a couple of busy days exploring Dublin’s castles, cathedrals and museums, we were ready for a change of scene and pace along with some fresh country air. A day trip to Glendalough and Kilkenny fitted the bill!

One of the highlights of our Dublin trip was a full-day coach tour into the Irish countryside. We booked it through Get Your Guide with Finn McCools Tours, and it was really a great choice including fascinating history, fabulous scenery, a lovely walk and a bit of rural charm.

Our first stop was Glendalough, the beautiful ‘Valley of the Two Lakes’ in County Wicklow. We joined the (optional) short guided walk around the early medieval monastery where we saw the round tower, the ruins of the cathedral and St Kevin’s Church.

Then, we wandered off on our own through the woods and along the lakes. The mountain views were stunning and although it felt far from the bustle of Dublin yet was just a short drive away.

Next came a visit to a working sheep farm, where we listened to a farmer talk about the training sheepdogs – much more than is involved than you might expect. That was followed by a live sheepdog demonstration. It was really interesting to see how the dogs responded to different whistles and moved the flock with the precision of a military operation.

Our last stop was the medieval city of Kilkenny, where we had a couple of hours to explore on our own. We took a short boat trip along the River Nore, passing swans and getting great views of Kilkenny Castle from the water.

Afterwards we wandered through the town, stopped for ice cream and sat in the castle gardens before heading back to the coach for the journey back to Dublin.

It was a long but very enjoyable day and an easy way to see more of Ireland without hiring a car. You can read the full story and see more photos in my detailed post here.

Trip to Malahide on DART

The next day we decided to have a relaxed start, stay closer to the city and explore somewhere we could reach easily by train. My daughter asked to visit another castle and so we chose Malahide.

The journey from the city centre took around half an hour and then, from the station it was just a short walk to Malahide Castle and Gardens. When we arrived, we bought tickets with full access which included the castle tour, butterfly house, the walled garden with Victorian conservatory and the fairy trail.

The castle itself was more like a grand stately home than a large fortress, but was filled with art, history and intricate craftsmanship. During the tour, our guide, who clearly knew her stuff, really brought the castle’s story over several centuries to life.

After the tour, we explored the butterfly house, walled gardens and conservatory, which were beautifully landscaped and full of interesting grasses, shrubs and trees collected from different countries, but mostly from Australia.

The fairy trail was spread over quite a large area and wound past lawns, through glades, over bridges and past sculptures and trees. It’s fun for children but just as enjoyable for adults. After that, we had lunch at the café in the visitor centre with good food, friendly service and I found it to be surprisingly good value.

From there we walked through the village, down to the green and along the front to the beach. There were lots of families out walking and relaxing in the sun but it wasn’t crowded.

The day included history, nature, village streets and even a bit of magic and was a perfect end to our trip.

If you have a full day, you can also combine Malahide with nearby Howth for a two-in-one coastal trip. We intended to do that but set off too late and spent more time than expected in Malahide. You can read more about our day and see photos from the castle and gardens here.

Other Day Trips from Dublin

Other easy and popular options include:

• Howth – a quick DART ride for cliff walks, seafood and sea views.
• Bray and Greystones – connected by a scenic coastal path, perfect for an afternoon outing.
• Newgrange and the Boyne Valley – prehistoric sites, ideal for history lovers.
• Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway – a full-day coach trip to Northern Ireland’s dramatic coastline.
• Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour (Coach Tour)
• Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour

Other Things to See and Do in Dublin (for our next trip and yours!)

Even though we packed a lot into our few days, there’s still plenty left on our Dublin list for next time.

One of the top things we missed was the Jeanie Johnston, the replica famine ship moored on the River Liffey. It tells the story of the thousands of Irish emigrants who sailed to North America in the 1800s. We passed it but didn’t have time to go aboard – and it’s definitely one we’d like to visit on our next trip.

EPIC Irish Immigration Museum also looks worth a visit and maybe especially interesting if you have ancestors who migrated from Ireland. You can see prices and buy tickets here. You can also buy a combined ticket for EPIC and Jeanie Johnston here.

My daughter also had her heart set on the Viking Splash Tour, the amphibious boat that takes you through the streets and then into the water – complete with Viking helmets and plenty of roaring! Unfortunately, it was fully booked by the time we checked, so we’ve learned that one’s best to book well ahead. (See reviews of the Viking Splash Tour.)

We’d also love to experience staying in Trinity College next time. You can actually book student accommodation there in the summer months and it would be such a fun way to soak up the atmosphere of one of Ireland’s most historic universities.

Beyond the city, we’d like to spend more time exploring the coastal towns along the DART line – perhaps Howth, Bray or Greystones – and maybe plan a longer Ireland trip to visit areas connected to my own family history.

And finally, we’d love to take in a show. Riverdance would be the classic choice, but a play like The Weir would also be the perfect way to round off another day in Dublin.

A Few More Ideas for Next Time

• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – an interactive and emotional look at the stories of Irish emigrants around the world.
• The Little Museum of Dublin – a quirky, small museum full of everyday artefacts donated by Dubliners.
• Kilmainham Gaol – a fascinating (and sobering) insight into Ireland’s political history.
• Guinness Storehouse – a classic Dublin experience with history, brewing, and rooftop views.
• National Museum of Ireland – home to the famous bog bodies and Celtic gold treasures.

Wrap-up on our 4-Day Trip to Dublin

What I loved most was the variety. One moment we were standing in an old library surrounded by ancient volumes, the next admiring butterflies in the gardens of Malahide Castle and later relaxing in a quiet park right in the city centre planning our trip to medieval ruins the next day. Dublin feels both lively and laid-back at the same time and you can easily find whatever vibe you’re looking for.

Looking back, our four days in Dublin turned out to be so much more than just a last-minute detour. It was a city break full of history, culture, nature and a good dose of fun – from wandering through cathedrals and cobbled streets to discovering peaceful gardens and venturing out on day trips into the countryside.

With Irish roots on my mother’s side, this visit reminded me how much I’d like to come back for a longer trip one day – to trace a few family connections and also explore more of Ireland beyond the capital.

You can read more about our day trips here:

• Glendalough, Sheepdogs & Kilkenny
• Malahide Castle & Coastal Walks
• Book of Kells Experience

See Map of accommodation in Dublin to choose where to stay, see prices and book.

FAQ about Planning Your Dublin City Break

If you’re planning a short city break, Dublin is the perfect mix of walkable streets, fascinating history and easy day-trip options. Whether you go for the castles, the cathedrals, the culture or simply the craic, you’ll come home with memories that last.

How many days do you need in Dublin?
You can see a lot in three to four days – enough time for main sights like Trinity College, Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral, plus a day trip or two. If you have longer, you can explore more of the coast or nearby countryside.

Is Dublin walkable?
Absolutely. Dublin is compact and easy to explore on foot. Most major attractions are within a 20–30 minute walk of each other and strolling through the streets is half the fun.

What’s the best way to get from Dublin Airport to the city?
The Airlink and Aircoach buses are the easiest and most affordable options, taking around 30 minutes. Taxis are also available, especially useful for early morning flights.

Do you need to book attractions in advance?
For popular spots like the Book of Kells, Dublinia or the Viking Splash Tour, yes – especially in summer. Others, like the parks and Marsh’s Library, you can visit freely without booking.

Is Dublin expensive?
It can be, especially in peak season, but there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do – from walking tours and parks to museums and cathedrals. Planning ahead and booking tickets online often saves money. Consider a Go City Dublin Pass to bundle entry and reduce costs.

Follow on Instagram or Facebook
Read about our trips to Oman
Visit my website on the United Arab Emirates