How to plan your 24-hour break in Dublin

Think of Dublin and you may think of Guinness, live music, charming cobblestone streets and many other famous attractions in Dublin. And in the interest of fairness, these clichés are pretty accurate. Dublin’s fair city is known to fulfil nearly every visitor’s expectations but over the years, the city has also been recognized as a hub of art and culture that is well worth exploring.

With thousands of years’ worth of history behind it, there really are so many experiences to immerse yourself in during a high-end break in Dublin. From enjoying the delicious local produce to experiencing an intimate evening in one of Ireland’s most renowned theatres where Orson Welles once stood. We’re here to help ensure you see it all with our guide on the best places to visit in Dublin.

Base yourself at Clayton Hotel Charlemont and you’ll have everything you need on your doorstep for the perfect city break.

Morning in Dublin

Breakfast with a View

Vitality Breakfast

It’s your first morning in Dublin and we hope you’ve worked up an appetite because first on the agenda is the most important meal of the day. Start with a Vitality Breakfast at Clayton Hotel Charlemont. Situated along the Grand Canal, you can enjoy and watch the Dublin city life pass by while indulging on a hearty meal. Choose from a full Irish breakfast with all the trimmings or some fruit, yoghurts, pastries and more. Why not grab a takeaway coffee to boost your energy for your day in Dublin!

Walk Along the Grand Canal

After breakfast, take a stroll along the Grand Canal, A local attraction in Dublin that once played a vital role in trading with barges moving up and down along the canal carrying crucial supplies and of course, Guinness.

Continue down along the canal where you will be sure to spot a bevvy of swans (no matter the weather) and plenty of locals sitting down, relaxing and simply taking in the easy-going atmosphere of this small piece of calm in the city. Why not take a rest along the way beside the infamous Patrick Kavanagh!

Visit the Museum of Literature Ireland

Ireland’s literary history is vast which can make it difficult to know where to begin but one of the latest additions to Dublin’s museum scene: Museum of Literature Ireland (MOLI), tells the story pretty impeccably!

Located just beside the historic St Stephen’s Green park, MOLI is the perfect place to visit in Dublin for an immersive experience. Home to unique exhibitions and impressive literary artefacts – including the first-ever copy of James Joyce’s Ulysses. Once you’re finished learning about some of Ireland’s greatest writers be sure to take a walk around St Stephen’s Green, and if you’re feeling peckish – grab a pastry from a local sustainable food café: Tang.

Afternoon in Dublin

Lunch in The Winding Stair Bookshop and Café, Ormond Quay

Pick up lunch at the Winding Stair Bookshop and Café which has been a part of the Dublin landscape since the ’70s. Overlooking the River Liffey and the famed Ha’penny Bridge, this spot was once a popular place for writers, musicians, and creative minds alike to meet and conceive impressive pieces of work.

The food available is authentic and traditional Irish home cooking and is created using some of the finest produce available across the island. With a beer and wine menu to match and the original charming bookshop still located on the ground floor, staying slightly longer than planned is easily done here.

Visit Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol exterior

A list of important cultural attractions in Dublin wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Kilmainham Gaol – a former prison located in Kilmainham that has been at the centre of Irish history since its foundation was first laid in 1796.

This is a highly popular place to visit in Dublin, online booking in advance is essential to gain entrance to the jail. Your ticket will include a timed guided tour that will take you through the great history of the prison where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed. Learn about the life and death of Michael Collins, get a glimpse of the cells of Éamon de Valera and Padraig Pearse, and visit the gift shop that sells plenty of special Irish memorabilia.

Evening in Dublin city

Pre-Dinner Cocktails

Bar Clayton Hotel Charlemont

The Lockside Bar/Social at Clayton Hotel Charlemont is the perfect place to start your evening with some pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. The chic bar offers a selection of draft and bottled beers, premium spirits and a range of delicious cocktails expertly crafted by the Bar/Social Team.

Dinner in Delahunt, Camden Street

It’s time to relax and enjoy a contemporary Irish meal in one of Dublin’s finest Michelin star restaurants: Delahunt. Once an old grocery shop, famously mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses, Delahunt has been restored into a stunning and welcoming dining area with a delicious seasonal menu to match

Once you’ve finished up, take a walk down Camden street, through Grafton Street, past Trinity College and through the ever-popular Temple Bar to really experience the energy of Dublin city when the sun goes down. And if you’re feeling up to it – why not treat yourself to a quick post-dinner Guinness before your next stop?

Catch a Show in the Gate Theatre

To end your 24 hours break in Dublin, get tickets for an evening performance at Dublin’s Gate Theatre. Founded in the 1920s, this theatre was where Orson Welles, Geraldine Fitzgerald, and Michael Gambon all started their thriving acting careers.

In recent years, the theatre is well known for its exciting productions so no matter what performance you get to see – it’s sure to be one to remember.

Four Star Hotel in Dublin City Centre

Bedroom at Clayton Hotel Charlemont

There is no better way to end your days in Dublin than with a stay in the stunning Clayton Hotel Charlemont. Our charming hotel offers a taste of luxury in the heart of the city centre. An ideal location for a couples getaway or for those looking to experience all the best places to visit in Dublin in a short amount of time. Discover our hotel offers and book your break in Dublin today.

Bedroom at Clayton Hotel Charlemont

Start planning your trip to Dublin and book your perfect break at Clayton Hotel Charlemont.

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