How To Make The Most Of A Flight Layover In Dublin

Shirleydonlon

One of travel’s greatest perks is the long city layovers in cities that you weren’t even planning to visit.

Although some people might see having a 5-10 hour layover at an airport as a chore, we couldn’t think of any better way to get in a shneaky look at your layover airport’s city without even having to book a hotel to stay in.

And when it comes to Dublin, you’d be surprised how much you could see within just a couple of hours.

Here are some of the top must see Dublin attractions, if you only have a few hours to spare.

The Spire

Built in 2003, The Spire is one of the city’s more modern monuments, and also one of the easiest to take in. It literally looks like a giant pin in the middle of O’Connell Street, so once you take one look up and down, you’ll be ready to move on.

Ha’penny Bridge

The Ha’penny bridge, which is more than 200 years old, got its name because pedestrians crossing the bridge were charged one ha’penny once upon a time. Luckily for us, you no longer have to pay to cross the bridge, which leads you across the River Liffey and into Temple Bar.

Temple Bar

Full of bars (shocker), restaurants and funky thrift stores, Temple Bar is a definite must see for anyone wanting to take in the city’s culture with only a few hours to spare.

Take a stroll along the cobblestone, and pop into a cosy pub for a taste of Ireland in the form of a creamy Guinness or five – it wouldn’t be a trip to Dublin otherwise.

Dublin Castle

A 7-minute walk from Temple Bar will bring you to Dublin Castle, where you can join in on a walking tour and find out everything you need to know about the history of the building.

St. Stephen’s Green

Just a 16-minute walk from the castle, St. Stephen’s Green is one of Dublin’s most famous public parks. Grab a coffee in one of the nearby cafés and take a stroll through the green, which is particularly stunning during spring and summer.

And if you’re looking to pick up a gift or two to bring home from the Emerald Isle, you’re in the right place.

Grafton Street

Right beside the park lies one of Dublin’s most popular shopping streets. From Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre and Brown Thomas department store, to quirky little souvenir shops you won’t be stuck for a present to bring home to a loved one.

Molly Malone Statue

While you’re around this area check out the Molly Malone statue, which was created in 1988, and is situated on the corner of Suffolk Street.

Trinity College Dublin

Located at College Green, TCD was established in 1592, and is the country’s oldest university.

It is also one of the city’s most popular colleges for students to pursue 3rd level education.

One of the biggest attractions to the college for tourists is the Book Of Kells, which is located in the college’s Old Library.

The Guinness Storehouse

If you have a long layover and time is on your side, hop in a taxi or take the number 7 bus and head up to the Guinness Storehouse at St James’s Gate.

Here you’ll learn how the black stuff is made through a walking tour, and you’ll get to enjoy a creamy pint once you reach the 7th floor of the building – the Gravity Bar.