Extreme Day Trip Dublin… The Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary

Got a full day in Dublin and want to pack in the best of the city? This extreme day trip Dublin itinerary takes you from airport to Irish breakfast to rooftop Guinness with a view... and everything in between. It’s fast-paced, full-on, and absolutely worth it!

9:15am... Dublin Express from the Airport

Straight off the flight and into the city with the Dublin Express... super easy and saves you the hassle (and cost) of an Uber. It’s €12 return if you buy online, or €15 if you queue up at the ticket stands.

The pickup point is in Zone 1 at Terminal 1... just turn left when you exit the terminal and you’ll see the bus stands. They run regularly and drop you right in the heart of the city in about 30 mins.

If you're planning an extreme day trip Dublin adventure, this is the fastest and most efficient way to hit the ground running.

10:00am... Full Irish in Temple Bar

A proper start to your extreme Dublin day trip is a Full Irish Breakfast... I was heading for the Stage Door Café, but the queue was massive. Not in the mood to waste half the day standing around, I went next door to Fitzsimons and had breakfast there instead (€14).

My recommendation... queue up for Stage Door! I was looking forward to the best Irish breakfast ever but instead got the worst!

11:00am... Wandering Through Dublin

Next I'm heading to the Guinness Storehouse, but take the scenic route through some of Dublin’s historic and quirky spots on the way...

These little detours are what make this an extreme day trip Dublin itinerary... you’re not just ticking boxes, you’re soaking in the character along the way.

Wall of Love... A little alley off Temple Bar (Crampton Court), covered in colourful murals and quotes about love. Part of the “Love the Lanes” project, it’s a great little photo stop and a nice contrast to the city bustle.

Dublin Castle... Lots of construction work (as usual)... but the castle gardens are actually really peaceful. You get a lovely view looking back at the chapel and castle across the grass, while the construction sort of disappears from sight.

Christ Church Cathedral... One of Dublin’s most beautiful buildings. Outside, there’s a statue of Jesus sleeping on a bench... it’s actually a piece of art designed to raise awareness of homelessness, and it’s quietly powerful.

St Audoen’s Church... Cross the road and suddenly it feels like you’re in ancient Rome or Greece! This place has a real Romanesque vibe... calm, simple, and full of character. It’s the oldest parish church in Dublin and still in use today.

Church of Saints Augustine and John the Baptist... Now this one really surprised me. It’s got this incredible Gothic façade... and inside it’s even more impressive. Totally felt like I’d stepped into a medieval church in Prague.

12:15pm... Guinness Storehouse

No extreme day trip Dublin itinerary is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Tickets are €30, and it’s way more than just a brewery tour.

It starts off with the basics... barley, hops, yeast and water... and how they come together to make the perfect pint. Then into the history... including the famous 9,000-year lease signed for just £45 a year. Arthur Guinness wasn’t messing around!

There’s loads of info on the people who worked here, the impact Guinness had on Dublin (from St Stephen’s Green to the city’s transport system)... and a bit of Dublin history woven in too.

Next up is the Tasting Room... a bright white space where you learn how to properly taste Guinness (sip, hold for 4 seconds, exhale through your nose... try not to look awkward while doing it).

Then it’s on to the legendary advertising... cycling fish, flying toucans, and a little cinema showing the best Guinness ads from over the years.

You can even pull your own pint at the Guinness Academy (or get your face printed on one!)... it’s an extra cost, but fun if you’ve never done it before.

Floor 5 is cafes and restaurants, and then it's up to The Gravity Bar... with stunning views over the Dublin skyline and a free pint of Guinness to enjoy with it.

TrovenTrippers Tips:

Want that classic Guinness gate photo? Skip the main entrance (it’s busy and usually open)... instead, head to Robert Street down the side. Closed gate, no crowds, perfect pic.

There’s an audio guide opposite the shop as you enter... easy to miss, but really adds context if you want to dive deeper into the stories.

2:15pm... The Brazen Head

After all that walking, time to sit down with another pint... this time at The Brazen Head, officially Dublin’s oldest pub (since 1198!). You can feel the history in the stone walls and wooden beams... well worth popping in, even if just for a quick drink.

A stop here adds a bit of authenticity to your extreme Dublin day trip... and the atmosphere is as rich as the Guinness.

3:00pm... River Views and O’Connell Street

Take a walk along the River Liffey and cross the iconic Ha’Penny Bridge... for the best view though, stand on the Millennium Bridge just next to it and look back. You’ll get the bridge, the river, and the dome of the Custom House in one shot.

Then head to O’Connell Street... Dublin’s main avenue, lined with shops and monuments. You’ll spot the giant Spire, and the O’Connell Monument at the bottom end of the street.

Even a quick wander here keeps your extreme day trip Dublin itinerary nicely balanced between tourist sights and local feel.

4:00pm... Molly Malone Statue & Temple Bar Craic

Just off Grafton Street is the famous Molly Malone statue, known from the classic song “In Dublin’s fair city...”. She’s a fictional fishmonger with a wheelbarrow full of cockles and mussels... but has become a Dublin icon.

Don’t be that tourist... the brass has worn away on her chest from people rubbing it, and guards are now stationed nearby to stop it happening. Take the photo... no need for the grope.

It’s another must-see on your Dublin extreme day trip bucket list.

Time to end the day with music, a pint, and some proper Irish craic in Temple Bar. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s pricey (I paid €10 for a Guinness, no joke)... but the atmosphere is brilliant! Live music, cobbled streets full with energy, and that unique Dublin vibe you just can’t replicate anywhere else.

6:00pm... Back to the Airport

Jump back on the Dublin Express for the ride to the airport... quick, convenient, and the perfect way to wrap up your whirlwind day.

And just like that... Dublin done!

One full day. One epic extreme day trip Dublin itinerary. A proper taste of Irish charm, history, and Guinness... and all before your flight home.