Dublin Itinerary from Newlands Cross

Afternoon

After arriving at Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross, check in, leave your luggage, and give yourself about an hour to settle in. The hotel is beside the Naas Road, a practical but busy suburban base rather than a sightseeing district, so ask reception about the easiest taxi pickup point and confirm the evening return journey before heading out. If you need groceries, toiletries, or a quick coffee, Citywest Shopping Centre is a straightforward taxi ride away; allow roughly 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Shops typically close around 6:00pm on Sundays, though opening hours vary in December, so go there soon after checking in rather than leaving it late.

Early Evening

From Citywest Shopping Centre, return toward Tallaght for an easy first look at Dublin’s tram network. The Luas Red Line runs through Tallaght and is useful for getting oriented, although there is no direct Luas stop at the hotel—use a taxi between Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross and the nearest convenient stop, usually Saggart or Tallaght, depending on traffic and the service running that day. A return ride takes about an hour and costs roughly €2–€4 with Leap or contactless; check the TFI app before setting off, as evening frequencies can thin out. Treat this as a relaxed orientation ride rather than a major excursion, and keep warm while waiting on the platform.

Dinner and Evening

For dinner, take a taxi from the hotel to The Merry Ploughboy Pub in Rathfarnham, allowing around 25–35 minutes in normal traffic and longer during the evening rush. It is a popular traditional Irish pub known for hearty food and live music; budget approximately €25–€40 per person, and reserve ahead because December evenings can be busy. Expect the music programme to begin later than dinner, so this is a good place to ease into the trip without rushing. Arrange a taxi back through reception or Free Now—public transport is less convenient late at night—and keep your first evening deliberately gentle after the journey.

Morning

Take Dublin Bus 69 or 69X from Newlands Cross towards the city, allowing roughly 35–60 minutes depending on traffic. Leave around 8:00–8:30am so you can start unhurriedly; use a Leap card or contactless payment, and check the exact stop and live departures on Transport for Ireland. Get off near the city centre and walk to St Stephen’s Green, where a 45-minute circuit through the gardens is a lovely way to ease into the day. In December, it is often dark and damp early, so wear waterproof shoes; the park generally opens around 7:30am on weekdays, though hours can vary seasonally.

From the park, stroll north along Grafton Street, Dublin’s pedestrian shopping spine. Allow about an hour for the shop windows, buskers, and side streets such as Duke Street and Harry Street. For your coffee-and-cake stop, settle into Bewley’s Grafton Street, a Dublin institution with stained glass and an old-fashioned interior. It usually opens from morning into the evening, but December hours can change, so check ahead; expect approximately €12–€22 per person if you add a substantial cake or light meal. This is best treated as a late breakfast or early lunch rather than a quick takeaway.

Afternoon and Evening

After Bewley’s, walk about 10 minutes towards Kildare Street for the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. Its prehistoric gold, Viking material, and Celtic artefacts make it one of the best free indoor stops in the city, especially useful if the weather turns wet. Allow around 90 minutes, and check the current opening schedule before setting out—the museum is typically open Tuesday to Saturday from late morning into the afternoon and on Sundays, but it is commonly closed on Mondays. If today is Monday, keep the building as an exterior stop only and leave the afternoon flexible for nearby streets or a longer rest, since there is no worthwhile substitute that preserves the planned visit.

For the evening, walk west through Dame Street and South Great George’s Street to The Long Hall, about 15–20 minutes from the museum. Its dark wood, mirrors, ornate details, and Victorian pub atmosphere are exactly what you want for a relaxed final stop rather than a rushed dinner venue. Arrive before the busiest evening period if you want a seat, and budget roughly €10–€20 per person for a couple of drinks or a simple pub bite. From there, city-centre bus stops and taxi ranks are close by for the return to Newlands Cross; allow extra time on the Naas Road during the evening commute.

Morning

Start in Dublin Castle on Castle Street, ideally arriving close to opening time—usually around 9:45am, though check the official schedule for December. Allow about 90 minutes for the State Apartments, medieval undercroft, and the castle grounds; indoor visits are especially welcome on a wet winter morning. From there, walk only a couple of minutes through the grounds to the Chester Beatty, one of Dublin’s most rewarding small museums, with beautifully presented manuscripts and decorative arts from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated; it generally opens later in the morning, so this pairs naturally with the castle rather than requiring another journey.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk down Dame Street to Queen of Tarts for an unfussy early lunch—soup, quiche, or one of the generous homemade cakes. Budget roughly €12–€20 per person, and expect limited seating at busy lunchtime, so a little flexibility helps. Afterward, continue west for about 10 minutes along High Street to Christ Church Cathedral on Christchurch Place. Set aside an hour to see the medieval nave, chapels, and atmospheric crypt; winter opening times can vary with services, and entry is typically around €10–€12. This is a good point to slow down and wander around Fishamble Street and the lanes beside the cathedral rather than adding another major attraction.

Evening

Finish with dinner at The Brazen Head on Lower Bridge Street, roughly a 7-minute walk from Christ Church Cathedral. It is tourist-popular but atmospheric, with low ceilings, old-world rooms, and traditional Irish dishes; reserve ahead for December, particularly on a Monday evening. Allow about two hours and €25–€40 per person. After dinner, the walk back toward the centre via Winetavern Street and the river is pleasant if the weather is dry; otherwise, taxis are easy to find around Christchurch and Usher’s Quay.

Morning

Walk east from central Dublin to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum at Custom House Quay—roughly 20–30 minutes—or take the Luas Red Line to George’s Dock and continue on foot. Aim for opening time, usually around 10:00am, and allow about two hours for the interactive galleries. This is one of the best rainy-day attractions in Dublin, with a clear, engaging look at Irish emigration, culture, and the worldwide influence of Irish communities; admission is typically around €20–€25, with online tickets often best value.

From EPIC, Jeanie Johnston is only a few minutes away along Custom House Quay. Join the guided tour of the famine ship—usually about an hour—and dress warmly, as parts of the vessel can feel chilly even indoors. Afterwards, spend 15–20 minutes at The Famine Memorial, just along the riverside. The bronze figures are particularly affecting in the quiet winter light, and this is a place to pause rather than rush through.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk south-east along the River Liffey, crossing toward Grand Canal Square, in about 20 minutes. The route takes you past the newer Docklands architecture and the striking Samuel Beckett Bridge. Stop at The Marker Hotel rooftop for a drink or light meal and views across the modern square; rooftop access can depend on weather and hotel arrangements, so check ahead, with roughly €15–€30 per person for a light lunch. Leave some time afterwards for a relaxed wander around Grand Canal Square and the quays rather than adding another formal attraction.

Evening

Continue west along Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to The Ferryman, around a 15-minute walk from the hotel. This traditional riverside pub is a good contrast to the glass-and-steel Docklands: settle in for a relaxed dinner of pub classics and a pint, budgeting approximately €20–€35 per person. Book ahead for an evening visit in December, especially on a Friday or Saturday, and check the return connection before leaving—walking back toward the city is straightforward, while the Luas from Spencer Dock or George’s Dock is useful if the weather turns poor.

Morning

From George’s Dock, take the Luas Red Line west to Smithfield—allow about 15–20 minutes including the walk to the stop—and head into Phoenix Park. Start near the Parkgate Street entrance and spend roughly two hours walking the broad tree-lined avenues toward Áras an Uachtaráin and the Wellington Monument. December daylight is limited, so aim to arrive around 9:00am; the park is free and open throughout the day. A rental bike can make the distances easier, but bring waterproof layers and expect muddy paths after rain.

Continue to Dublin Zoo, which is an easy walk within the park. Allow around 2½ hours for the main habitats, and check the official December opening time and last admission before setting out—winter hours are commonly shorter than in summer. Tickets are usually in the €20–€25 range for adults when booked online, with advance booking often cheaper. If you prefer a shorter visit, leave enough time for lunch rather than trying to cover every enclosure.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk back toward Smithfield for lunch at The Cobblestone on นorth King Street (North King Street), a genuinely local pub known for traditional Irish music rather than polished tourist presentation. Food is generally about €15–€25 per person; arrive early in the afternoon for a better chance of a table, as the pub is popular and music sessions can make it lively. After lunch, Jameson Distillery Bow St. is only a few minutes away on foot. The guided tour and tasting take about 1½ hours, with adult tickets typically around €30–€35 depending on the experience, so reserve a timed slot in advance.

Evening

Finish at Light House Cinema on Market Street, a short walk from both the distillery and Smithfield Square. Check the programme and book online—adult tickets are usually about €15–€25, with prices varying by screening and format. The cinema’s compact independent feel makes it a good final stop after a full day outdoors; pick up a drink or snack nearby before the film, then return to Smithfield Luas stop or arrange a taxi from the square for the journey back to Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross.

Morning

From Smithfield, take a Dublin Bus toward College Green or walk into the centre in about 30 minutes; allow 20–30 minutes by bus, depending on traffic. Begin with a relaxed circuit of Trinity College Dublin, entering via College Green and taking time to appreciate the cobbled Front Square and historic buildings before the library visit. The Book of Kells Experience takes roughly 90 minutes, including the manuscript exhibition and the atmospheric Long Room. Book a timed ticket ahead where possible—December is busy, and admission is generally around €26–€28 for adults, with opening times varying by day.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk south via Grafton Street and Drury Street to Avoca Suffolk Street, about 10 minutes from Trinity. Settle in for a café lunch and allow time to browse the Irish-designed clothing, homeware, and gifts; budget approximately €15–€25 per person. Afterward, it is a short walk through Merrion Square to the National Gallery of Ireland. Give yourself around two hours for the Irish and European collections, with free general admission; special exhibitions may charge separately. Check the gallery’s December hours before setting out, as opening and closing times can change around holidays.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Finish at The Pepper Pot Café inside Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, a few minutes’ walk from the gallery along Clare Street and South William Street. Its upstairs setting is a good place to slow down over tea, cake, or a light meal—allow roughly an hour and €12–€22 per person. The centre’s shops make for an easy browse afterward, and South William Street is particularly pleasant around dusk when the city’s Christmas lights are on. Keep an eye on closing times: cafés and shops often finish earlier in December, so arriving by about 4:00pm is safer than leaving it until evening.

Morning

From Merrion Square, take a southbound Dublin Bus—usually route 14, 15, or 15B—towards Rathmines, allowing roughly 20–30 minutes in traffic. Leave around 9:00am, checking the TFI Journey Planner for the best stop and live departure; contactless or Leap is easiest. Begin at The Stella Cinema on Rathmines Road Lower, an unusually glamorous place for a morning film, with velvet seating, art-deco details, and a proper old-cinema atmosphere. Check the December programme and first screening times in advance, as morning showings vary; allow about two hours, including time for coffee or a look around the building.

Afterwards, walk a few minutes along Rathmines Road to Rathmines Library, housed in a handsome historic Carnegie building. It is a small, peaceful stop rather than a major sightseeing attraction, so 30 minutes is enough to admire the architecture and browse the local shelves. For lunch, continue through the neighbourhood to BóBó’s Burgers. Expect a relaxed, casual meal of burgers, fries, and sides at roughly €15–€25 per person; it is worth checking opening hours before setting out, particularly for a weekday lunch.

Afternoon and Evening

From Rathmines, walk north-east towards Portobello Harbour, taking around 15–20 minutes depending on your pace. Follow the Grand Canal for an easy hour-long wander, pausing on the bridges and around the quiet waterside streets to appreciate the area’s Georgian terraces and lived-in neighbourhood feel. This is best kept unhurried—December daylight fades early, so aim to arrive by mid-afternoon and bring a waterproof layer, as the canal path can feel exposed.

Continue west along the canal towards Cross Guns Bridge and finish at The Bernard Shaw, a lively, informal venue known for street-food-style dining, drinks, and a creative, sociable atmosphere. Allow about two hours and budget €15–€30 per person for food and drinks. It is a good place to stay into the evening rather than rushing back to the hotel; check the current food vendors and opening times before going, since the offering and events can change.

Morning

Leave Rathmines around 8:00am for Connolly Station, then take the coastal DART to Howth; allow 60–80 minutes overall, including the connection, and check live departures with TFI before setting out. The train arrives beside the harbor, so you can begin on foot immediately. Spend about an hour around Howth Harbour, watching the fishing boats and browsing the small market area if it is operating—winter opening times can be irregular, and the waterfront is often breezy, so bring a waterproof layer.

From the harbor, follow signs up towards Howth Head for the Howth Cliff Path Loop. In December, choose the shorter, well-marked section if the ground is wet or visibility is poor; the full loop can take two to three hours, while the coastal views are still rewarding on a shorter walk. Wear shoes with good grip and keep back from the cliff edge, particularly in strong wind. The route eventually brings you towards Howth Summit, where The Summit Inn makes a practical early-afternoon stop: allow about an hour for a warm lunch, with mains generally costing €18–€30 and broad views across Dublin Bay when the weather clears.

Evening

After lunch, make your way back downhill to Howth Harbour, allowing roughly 25–35 minutes on foot depending on the path and conditions. Finish at The Bloody Stream, conveniently beside the station and harbor, for seafood-focused dinner; budget approximately €25–€45 per person and consider booking or arriving early on a December weekend. It is a good place to linger over the harbor atmosphere before taking the DART back towards Connolly Station and continuing to Rathmines; check the return connection rather than leaving it until the last train, especially after a windy coastal day.

Morning

From Howth, take the southbound DART towards Dún Laoghaire, allowing roughly 55–70 minutes, usually changing at Connolly Station or Pearse Station. Sit on the left-hand side where possible for lovely views across Dublin Bay, and check Irish Rail or TFI before leaving for Sunday engineering works. Aim to arrive around 10:30am; Dún Laoghaire Station is close to the harbour, with cafés and public toilets nearby.

Begin with a brisk walk along Dún Laoghaire East Pier, allowing about 90 minutes. The long granite pier is exposed and often windy in December, but the views towards Howth Head, Dalkey Island, and the open bay are excellent. Wear shoes with good grip and bring a waterproof layer. Afterwards, walk a few minutes inland to the National Maritime Museum of Ireland on Haigh Terrace, housed in the former Mariners’ Church. Allow about an hour; opening times can vary in winter, so check ahead, with admission generally around €7–€10.

Afternoon

For lunch, settle into Giddy Grocer, a casual café in Dún Laoghaire, for sandwiches, salads, coffee, or something warm—budget approximately €12–€22 per person. It is a good place to slow the pace after the waterfront walk rather than trying to fit in another major attraction. Then take an easy stroll through People’s Park, a compact Victorian green space near the harbour. If the Sunday market is operating, browse the food and craft stalls; otherwise, enjoy the paths, mature trees, and ornamental details for around 45 minutes. Market schedules and winter opening hours can change, so treat the stalls as a bonus rather than the main reason to visit.

Evening

Have dinner at Hartley’s Restaurant, a short walk from the harbour, and allow about 90 minutes. It is a comfortable choice for a relaxed meal, with a budget of roughly €25–€45 per person; booking is sensible on a Sunday evening. After dinner, return to Dún Laoghaire Station for the DART back towards Dublin, checking the final departures in advance—services are less frequent later at night. Keep a little extra time after the meal, as the seafront can be cold and windy while you wait.

Morning

Take the DART north from Dún Laoghaire to Tara Street or Pearse, then walk west into the centre. Allow 25–35 minutes on the train and aim to arrive around 9:30am, leaving plenty of time for a relaxed start at the Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street. It is a quick landmark stop—about 20 minutes—best paired with a wander through the surrounding lanes before continuing south-west to St Patrick’s Cathedral. Allow about an hour inside; December opening times can vary around services, so check the cathedral’s official calendar and dress warmly, as the interior can be chilly. Admission is usually around €9–€10 for adults.

Lunch and Afternoon

From St Patrick’s Cathedral, walk through The Liberties to The Fumbally, roughly 10 minutes along Patrick Street and nearby lanes. This is a good place to slow down over a creative brunch or lunch, with seasonal plates, excellent coffee, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere; budget approximately €15–€25 per person. After eating, walk or take a short taxi ride west to Guinness Storehouse at St James’s Gate. The route takes about 15–20 minutes on foot, while a taxi is useful in December rain. Pre-book an entry slot, ideally around 2:00pm, and allow two hours for the brewery exhibition and the Gravity Bar; tickets commonly cost around €22–€ treinta depending on date and booking time.

Evening

Finish with a short taxi ride or a 20–25-minute walk south-west to Rascals Brewing Company in Inchicore, where the pace is noticeably more local than in the city centre. Settle in for wood-fired pizza and house-brewed beer—allow about two hours and budget €20–€35 per person. Check the evening kitchen hours and reserve if possible, especially on a December weekend. For the return to Dún Laoghaire, a taxi is the simplest option late at night; if you prefer public transport, head back towards the centre for the last convenient DART service and verify departure times before leaving.

Morning

Have breakfast at Maldron Hotel Newlands Cross, then allow about an hour to pack, settle your bill, and check out. Ask reception to store your luggage if you have time before the onward transfer. Before leaving the hotel area, spend around 45 minutes at the Newlands Cross retail area for snacks, drinks, toiletries, or anything useful for the journey; it is a practical stop rather than somewhere to linger, so check individual shop hours in advance.

Lunch and onward transfer

If your departure schedule allows, make The Old Mill in Celbridge your final proper meal in Ireland. It is a good setting for an unhurried Irish lunch, with mains generally around €18–€30 per person; allow roughly 90 minutes, including the drive and parking. Confirm the restaurant’s December opening hours and whether your luggage can remain securely in the vehicle before setting off.

After lunch, continue to Dublin Airport or your onward destination. From Newlands Cross, a taxi or pre-booked car is usually the simplest option—roughly 25–40 minutes in light traffic, but allow an hour or more during peak periods. Book through Free Now or ask the hotel to arrange a pickup, and aim to reach the airport about two hours before a short-haul flight or three hours before a long-haul departure.