Celebrating my 25th birthday (quarter life milestone eek) in style, I grabbed my besties and hopped over to Dublin for 12 hours of food, fun and plenty of laughs. Yes, a single day! Here’s a breakdown of how we made the most of a whirlwind day trip in this charming Irish city, and how can too.
Contents:
– Brunch
– Guinness Superstore
– Irish Pub Crawl
– Temple Bar
– Things to Know
– Final Thoughts
8:55 AM – Touchdown in Dublin & First Stop: Brunch at Brother Hubbard
After an early flight, we landed at Dublin Airport for 8:55am and headed straight to Brother Hubbard for Brunch. Let me tell you – this place is a game-changer. Think warm, welcoming vibes, and unreal food. My pulled pork sourdough and poached eggs was life changing. I recommend booking in advance as the walk-in queue was crazy! We filled our tummies and left feeling full, caffeinated and ready to take on Dublin.
12:30 PM – The Guinness Storehouse Experience
Next up, we made our way to the Guinness Storehouse, one of Dublin’s most iconic attractions. Not being a Guinness Girlie, it’s an experience you must do whilst in Dublin. We explored the history of Guinness, learned how it’s brewed, and ended the tour with a rooftop view of Dublin from the Gravity Bar. And of course, your ticket includes a pint of Guinness (or a soft drink for those non-beer girlies). We toasted with a pint of Guinness (or two sips in my case). Even if you’re not a huge fan of beer (guilty), the vibes and views are worth it!
2:00 PM – Horse & Carriage Ride to O’Connell Street
O’Connell Street is the lively part of Dublin so a great spot for our next adventure. And what better way to feel like a queen on my birthday and travel in style than to hop on a horse and carriage? There was definitely not enough room for my group of 8 but it bought lots of laughs which I’ll never forget.
2:30 PM – Irish Pub Crawl & Reuniting with a Travel Buddy
What’s a trip to Dublin without a proper Irish pub crawl? We started hopping between a few local bars, soaking in the warm atmosphere and live music. To top it off, there was an Irish Rugby game playing, so we grabbed drinks and joined the locals cheering on their team. A highlight of the day was meeting up with my friend met earlier this year on a girls’ travelling trip to Bali (Read more about my trip here). Travelling with strangers can lead to lifelong connections so it was lovely to meet up during our trip to Dublin where she lives.
4:00 PM – Temple Bar & a Baby Guinness
You can’t say you’ve done Dublin without visiting Temple Bar (plus the iconic picture outside). It’s lively, colourful, and exactly what you imagine when you think of Irish nightlife. I couldn’t go Temple Bar without buying a birthday drink so we ordered a round of Baby Guinness. Time flew by as we danced our way through the afternoon.
6:30 PM – A Quick Bite & Airport Dash
Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the Airport. We grabbed a well deserved maccies (because dancing and walking across the city worked up an appetite). Soon after, we hopped on the Dublin Express back to the Airport. By 9pm, we were exhausted girlies on our flight home, after a wholesome day.
Things to Know for Your Dublin Day Trip
To make the most of your 12 hours in Dublin, here are a few tips to keep things stress-free:
- Use the Dublin Express: This Shuttle is a lifesaver, running frequently between the airport and the city centre. It’s affordable, reliable, and gets you where you need to go quickly.
- Book your Flights Early: Use sites such as Skyscanner to lock in the best deals, especially if you’re planning a quick getaway on a budget.
- Bring a Travel-Friendly Debit Card: Cards like Revolut are perfect for trips like this – no international fees, easy currency conversions, and peace of mind while spending abroad.
Final Thoughts
This was an unforgettable trip with the perfect mix of culture, fun, and quality time with my favourite people for my Birthday. We laughed, explored, and made memories I’ll treasure forever. It also reminded me how much you can fit into a single day when you’re in the right company.
Ready for your own Dublin day trip? Trust me, it’ll be one for the books. Let me know if you’ve done something similar – I’d love to hear your stories.
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