Learn about a one day Dublin City itinerary focused on the Liberties and Dame Street in Dublin City Centre. Visit the Teeling whiskey distillery and embark on a pub crawl on Dame Lane. Check out classic Dublin attractions like St. Patrick's Cathedral and lesser known gems like Marsh's Library and the Chester Beatty Library.
About This Dublin City Itinerary
One Day in Dublin City Itinerary Rating: LeisurelyThis Dublin itinerary is recommended for people with the following interests: culture, history, music
The Liberties and Dame Street Itinerary in Brief
- Breakfast at the Fumbally
- Admire St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Walk in the footsteps of Jonathan Swift at Marsh's Library
- Sample a few wee drams at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery
- Explore ancient religious texts and grab lunch at Chester Beatty Library
- Walk the grounds of Dublin Castle
- Pub Stop in or near Temple Bar
- The Vat House
- The Stag's Head
- Dinner Choices in or near Temple Bar
- Umi Falafel
- Mongolian BBQ
- Rustic Stone
- Go on a pub crawl on Dame Lane
Explore other one day Dublin City itineraries here.
The Liberties and Dame Street Detailed Itinerary
Order at the counter and then grab a table. We were given a wooden block with the letter 'U' on it so the staff could find us when our order was ready.
We sampled delicious eggs on toast and avocado on toast. There were various daily specials on a handwritten menu but they tend to sell out early.
We managed to snag one of the last portions of fancy Moroccan spiced tacos with pineapple. We couldn't resist a bit of dessert but it was hard to choose since there were so many fabulous looking cakes on offer at the Fumbally.
We went with a traditional decadent chocolate wedge with cream. The Fumbally is a fantastic little spot and a great start to this day out in the Dublin Liberties.
After breakfast, swing by St. Patrick's Cathedral. An adult ticket to see the interior is 8.00 EUR at the time of writing with a small discount if you order online in advance.
If you go for a church service, you can get in for free. St. Patrick's often opens its doors for concerts. In fact, we went to see an organ concert called Stars and Stripes Forever.
The program promised a selection of American patriotic favorites played in a dramatic setting. The performance was free with donations accepted on a pay-what-you-like basis to support the Cathedral Choir Fund.
What is St. Patrick's like on the inside? Dating back to the 12th century, parts of the church have a medieval feel with crested flags flying and a row of helmets and swords below.
What is St. Patrick's like on the inside? Dating back to the 12th century, parts of the church have a medieval feel with crested flags flying and a row of helmets and swords below.
A regal eagle presided over the church. In the back behind the pews there is a series of chairs and each seat has its own personally embroidered seat cushion.
I've never seen anything like it before. They were pretty and practical! Not surprisingly, you'll also find the usual atmospheric stained glass and statues in the alcoves. Make sure to take some time afterward to walk around the park adjacent to St. Patrick's prior to moving on.
When you are finished at St. Patrick's Cathedral, head next door to Marsh's Library, the next stop on this Dublin day out in the Liberties. Marsh's Library is the oldest public library in Ireland (built in 1701). Given Marsh's Library's proximity to St. Patrick's, Jonathan Swift was a regular reader here.
The library is open on weekdays from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (closed Tuesdays) and from 10 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday.
We climbed the stairs to the impressive entrance. To enter Marsh's Library, you ring a bell at the side of an imposing door highlighting the librarians from the last 300 years.
We climbed the stairs to the impressive entrance. To enter Marsh's Library, you ring a bell at the side of an imposing door highlighting the librarians from the last 300 years.
After exploring the exhibit which featured various works of science over the past several hundred years, we ducked back down the stairs and out into the street. Marsh's Library is a fascinating place and a hidden gem in Dublin's Liberties neighborhood.
After this whiskey tasting interlude at Teeling, leave the Liberties and head into the heart of Dublin City Centre along Dame Street to Dublin Castle (one of the most historic castles in Ireland). Explore ancient religious texts and grab a late lunch at Chester Beatty Library.
After the serious business of visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral and Marsh's Library is complete, head into the heart of the Liberties to Teeling Whiskey Distillery for a tour and to sample a few wee drams at the end.
Dublin's Liberties neighborhood used to be home to scores of distilleries but when the Irish whiskey industry slumped in the 20th century for a variety of reasons, all the distilleries closed down or moved outside of Dublin.
Teeling is the first 21st century distillery to make and finally sell whiskey created within the Dublin city limits. The cost of a tour ranges from 15 EUR to 30 EUR depending on which Teeling whiskies you'd like to taste at the end.
The Teeling tour lasts about 45 minutes and is super-informative. Sample Teeling Whiskey at the bar or buy a bottle to take home.
Chester Beatty Library is an often overlooked gem in Dublin. Located adjacent to Dublin Castle, the museum houses a world renowned collection of religious manuscripts across Christian, Islamic, and Eastern faiths. Best of all, it's free!
In fact, the Chester Beatty Library is one of the most unique free things to do in Dublin. The Silk Road Cafe on-site has a fantastic Middle Eastern-inspired menu. Come for the books, stay for the food -- you won't be disappointed.
Take some time to stroll around the grounds of Dublin Castle (also free). There is a lovely park near the Chester Beatty Library in the back of the castle.
Take some time to stroll around the grounds of Dublin Castle (also free). There is a lovely park near the Chester Beatty Library in the back of the castle.
You can also take a guided tour of the State Apartments, Undercroft and Chapel Royal for €4.50 at the time of writing. Dublin Castle often hosts exhibits, speakers, and even a sandcastle exhibit!
For dinner, you have a number of options in the area. Pop into Umi Falafel for a quick bite with vegetarian options. If you are more of a meatatarian, head to the Mongolian BBQ in Temple Bar where you'll pick your meat, pick your seasoning, and watch the chefs dramatically cook the meat with swords.
SIDEWALK SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: Did you enjoy your visit to Dublin Castle so much that you want to see more castles? Why not head over to Drimnagh Castle, one of my favorite Dublin hidden gems. |
Head across Dame Street to Temple Bar for a late afternoon pint. The Vat House and Old Storehouse are two of my favorite pubs in Temple Bar and often feature traditional music in addition to a well-drawn pint of Guinness.
Alternatively, stay out of Temple Bar and head to Dame Lane. The Stag's Head has great atmosphere. You'll often find live music playing on the street.
The Stag's Head interior is wood-paneled and warm with various stags heads on the wall. Nip into a snug for a cozy pint. If you happen to drop by on a Tuesday evening, you'll find ukelele afficionados playing upstairs.
For a higher end experience, consider making a booking at Rustic Stone, a restaurant by famed Dublin restaurateur Dylan McGrath. Order steak on the stone where you slice up your meat and cook it yourself on a hot stone. Eat your dinner with a well-crafted cocktail or a glass of wine.
After dinner, if you have the energy, head back over to Dame Lane for a pub crawl to conclude this one day in Dublin adventure.
After dinner, if you have the energy, head back over to Dame Lane for a pub crawl to conclude this one day in Dublin adventure.
Map of This Dublin City Itinerary: The Liberties and Dame Street
Click on the image of the map below to open up an interactive version in Google Maps to help you plan your day out on Dame Street and the Liberties.
Guide to Sidewalk Safari Dublin City Itineraries
- Leisurely: No need to get up super-early to start this itinerary which is always good if you experienced a little too much of Dublin's famous craic the night before. Take your time exploring the sights on these itineraries or take detours that you discover on your own in the process of following my suggestions.
- Intermediate: You should be able to comfortably fit in the activities recommended even if you don't get an early start. There is a fair amount of walking involved in these itineraries to get from place to place.
- Ambitious: Lots to see plus a lot of walking. Make sure to get an early start or you won't make it to everything on the list.
The perfect formula for a day out in Dublin City includes: breakfast/coffee, morning activities, lunch, afternoon activities, a pub stop, dinner, and evening fun.
- Leisurely: No need to get up super-early to start this itinerary which is always good if you experienced a little too much of Dublin's famous craic the night before. Take your time exploring the sights on these itineraries or take detours that you discover on your own in the process of following my suggestions.
- Intermediate: You should be able to comfortably fit in the activities recommended even if you don't get an early start. There is a fair amount of walking involved in these itineraries to get from place to place.
- Ambitious: Lots to see plus a lot of walking. Make sure to get an early start or you won't make it to everything on the list.
The perfect formula for a day out in Dublin City includes: breakfast/coffee, morning activities, lunch, afternoon activities, a pub stop, dinner, and evening fun.
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