24 Hours in Dublin, Ireland
When Ireland is your destination, and your flight arrives via Dublin, spend at least a day in the city and explore its Irish charms. With a Northern Ireland visit planned, we opted to spend our arrival day in Dublin, a day of relaxation.
And, if there’s only a day in the city, let self-care and relaxation drive the itinerary. You’ll find most of our experiences happened in one location. Most of our time was spent inside or near The Shelbourne Dublin, a five-star locale that made us forget how tired we were from the daily grind and the long plane ride from Atlanta.
Arriving early morning in Ireland, we checked in at The Shebourne Dublin long before our room was ready, but they took care of us, stored our luggage, and escorted us to No. 27 Bar & Lounge (coffee by day, drinks by night) for coffee and scones. We spent the next hour enjoying Irish hospitality, and shortly thereafter, our room was ready. It was barely 11 a.m. and the entire day lay ahead.
For Irish hospitality at its finest, The Shelbourne is centrally located and offers a respite from the ordinary. Experience the 200 years of excellence if only for a day.
The Shelbourne Dublin
The Heritage Premium Room, located in the historic part of the hotel, offers a additional layer of luxury. Sitting room plus marble tub and shower elevate the experience.
The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
Part of the Marriott Bonvoy Collection
27 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin
Valet parking service available at 50 euros per day
Meet Me in the Spa
Before our arrival, we reserved services at the spa.
This luxurious and tranquil retreat is spread over three floors, making it one of the city's most extensive spa facilities. Indulge in holistic therapies and signature treatments developed in collaboration with renowned brands like Swissline, ELEMIS, and the Irish-owned GROUND Wellbeing.
The spa overlooks the serene St. Stephen's Green, adding an additional post-massage calm. Additional amenities include an 18-meter indoor swimming pool, eucalyptus-scented sauna, steam room, and a state-of-the-art gymnasium.
There’s also The Salon to pamper and primp.
We each indulged in a 30-minute (much too short) massage, followed by a glass of champagne and some alone time.
Book online or call the hotel.
Afternoon Tea Designed For A Queen
By early afternoon, we were renewed and refreshed. Our 2:30 p.m. reservation for the timeless English tradition of afternoon tea took us downstairs to Lord Mayor’s Lounge. We arrived early and eyed the perfect table - next to the windows with a view of St. Stephen’s Green. The natural light illuminated the mint green china, white tablecloths, and simply made me giddy with anticipation.
Alanna, our hostess, greeted us and shared what was about to unfold and that she would be taking care of us. We selected the Champagne Afternoon Tea, an experience accompanied by a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee. We chose our tea—The Shelbourne Blend, a hearty malty, spicy black tea—and allowed it to steep. There’s coffees available too, but why?
The menu: oak smoke salmon, classic egg mayonnaise and cress, roast chicken and chive mayonnaise, feta and tomato, classic buttermilk scones and lemon pound cake, and more sweets. And to top it all, Len shared with Alanna about my recent birthday, and any five-star hotel will tell you, they can’t let that pass without acknowledgement and celebration.
Jameson Distillery on Bow Street
It was late afternoon and we were ready for the Jameson Experience. At the Jameson Bow St. Distillery, the laughter is loud and the whiskey, flowing. The second you step inside you feel the love of everyone has for this liquid. It’s palpable and the fun is just getting started.
With a short time on site, we chose the 45 minute, Secret Whiskey Tasting, which provides an opportunity to taste the top shelf brands that aren’t available in the States. It’s a fully guided tasting with four whiskeys set before you. Inside John Jameson’s office (where the tasting takes place), you become part of history as the guide shares more of the family history and the history and tears in the glass. With only 14 spots, it’s an intimate and quiet experience that allows you to ask questions and enjoy. Advance reservations are always a good idea.
Jameson has just launched the Redbreast Tasting, which is a must for our next visit. It’s the next level of whiskey that will sure to become a favorite.
Afterwards, we did what we did on our visit five years earlier - bottled our own Black Label from the cask, signed our name in the book as the bottler, added the date and corked her up. It’s a tradition we have - every St. Patrick’s Day, we enjoy a pour from the bottle which brings Ireland closer to us. When we poured the last drop in 2024, we knew it was time to return.
Jameson Distillery Bow Street
Bow St., Smithfield Dublin 7, DO7 N9VH Ireland
Open daily, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Sunday hours vary
Book experiences online.
Hop On - Hop Off DoDUBLIN
I’ll admit, I’ve never been a big fan of the hop on - hop off buses, however, with limited time and still wanting an overview of a destination, they are perfect.
Before leaving Dublin the next morning and prior to checkout from the Shelbourne, we chose DoDublin. Our ticket was a 48-hour pass (great if you’re staying longer) with senior discounts. There are multiple stops throughout the city and we hopped on the bus directly across from the hotel. Along with the pass comes some great incentives, like kids under 15 free plus free admission into the Little Museum of Dublin. Various tours are available so it’s easy to find one that fits your schedule. They also have airport transfers available.
Pass landmarks like Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, The Irish Emigration Museum, Teeling Whiskey, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and more.
Irish Pubs
There are as many amazing pubs in Dublin as shamrocks on the roadside. Here’s some that are nearby and are worth the visit:
The Temple Bar Pub | Worth ONE visit but if you’ve been there, choose another; way too crowded with high-priced pints
Doheny & Nesbitt | One block from the Shelbourne, and it’s a classic. Est. 1867.
The Brazen Head | THIS is the one for an authentic experience. Music daily. Est. 1198
The Hairy Lemon | Trendy and unconventional. Look for the bright yellow building.
