Ah, the classic day trip from Stansted to Dublin is a logistical masterpiece. It requires military precision, boundless enthusiasm, and an unwavering love for overpriced airport coffee. Some say you haven’t truly tested your endurance until you’ve survived a Ryanair flight and handled a Guinness-fueled adventure. Finally, try to look sophisticated at Café en Seine, all within 12 hours. Buckle up, fellow adventurer, because we’re about to embark on a whirlwind Irish escapade.
5:00 AM – The Bleary-Eyed Departure
It begins in the darkness. What better way to kick off a day trip than questioning all of your life choices at an ungodly hour? I leap out of bed, fueled by the excitement of a spontaneous adventure to Dublin. The plan? Fly from Stansted, explore Dublin, and return all in a single day. What could possibly go wrong? How about forgetting to book your airport parking!
I am armed with my handbag, a passport, and enough caffeine to fuel a small nation. I make my way through Stansted Airport.
I dodge the overly enthusiastic duty-free staff attempting to convince me I need a litre of Chanel No. 5 before sunrise.
With surprising efficiency, Ryanair tosses us across the Irish Sea, and before you know it, we land in Dublin, where the adventure truly begins.
09:30 AM – Touchdown in Dublin
Upon landing, I am greeted by unexpected sunny weather. We board the Dublin Express (€15 return), the bus that promises to whisk me into the heart of Dublin. The journey is scenic, offering glimpses of the Irish countryside, which I promptly ignore in favor of a nap.
10:00 AM – The Hop-on, Hop-off Experience (Otherwise Known as Dublin Speed-Dating)
Ah, the hop-on, hop-off bus, a concept so simple and elegant, it feels like cheating. Dublin’s version promises an efficient, educational, and mildly chaotic experience. I hop on, immediately confronted by a driver whose wit is sharper than a fresh pint of Guinness.
Top Tip: Buy your tickets online for a discounted price. They are valid up to one year.
First stop: Trinity College. I hop off. I pretend I’m intellectual enough to appreciate the Book of Kells. It’s a masterpiece, but also an excuse to say I saw culture today. Then, I hop back on.
Next stop: St. Stephen’s Green. I hop off again, marvel at the fact that people in Dublin can casually enjoy historical gardens without paying admission, and momentarily consider moving here.
I hop back on. I hop back off. I repeat this cycle until I begin questioning whether I am, in fact, just a glorified pogo stick.
11:45 AM – The Guinness Storehouse: A Pilgrimage to the Dark Nectar
At last, we arrive at Dublin’s crown jewel, the Guinness Storehouse. Home to the most famous pint in all of Ireland. Seven floors dedicated entirely to the velvety, rich, slightly intimidating liquid that has defined Irish culture for centuries.
Like any self-respecting tourist, I learnt how to drink a pint of Guinness correctly. I took the first sip straight underneath the foam to create a Guinness mustache. Then, I enjoyed the rich, creamy flavor.
At the Gravity Bar, I enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness, which is surprisingly refreshing. I also discover that the beer isn’t actually black, it’s a deep ruby red. Was anyone aware of this or am I the last to find out? Comment below.
Top Tip: Tickets to the Guinness Store sell out in advance. I suggest booking in advance to guarantee your space. We found the early slots went quickly.
2:30 PM – Temple Bar & Ha’penny Bridge: The Heartbeat of Dublin
I find myself at Ha’penny Bridge. It is a charming white cast-iron structure. It has elegantly arched over the River Liffey since 1816. It was once the only pedestrian bridge in Dublin. Back in the day, crossing it required a half-penny toll. That’s why it’s called Ha’penny Bridge.
Today, it’s free — though I suspect the city gets its money back via pint purchases. I pause mid-bridge. I watch Dubliners rush by. Tourists snap photos. Couples linger just a little longer. Somehow, the Ha’penny Bridge has mastered the art of being ridiculously romantic. It’s the perfect place to take a deep breath, soak in the city’s charm.
No trip to Dublin is complete without weaving through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar. It is the city’s unapologetically vibrant, slightly chaotic, and endlessly entertaining cultural hub. I arrive to the sound of fiddles, laughter, and the occasional enthusiastic shout engulfs me. Tourists are discovering the true strength of Irish whiskey. Every pub spills over with energy, their red-bricked facades standing like proud guardians of Dublin’s nightlife.
As I pass The Temple Bar (yes, the Temple Bar), I wonder if it’s physically possible to leave Dublin without sipping a Guinness here. I question whether one can truly skip this experience. Probably not. So, I dive in, enjoying the atmosphere where locals and visitors bond over live music and questionable dance moves.
4:30 PM – Café en Seine: Where Elegance Meets Slightly Overwhelmed Tourists
I refuse to leave Dublin without experiencing Café en Seine. This bar is so effortlessly glamorous. It feels like stepping into a Parisian dream. The décor is opulent, the drinks are sophisticated, and I am absolutely not dressed appropriately for this level of class.
I attempt to look refined. I sip on a cocktail. I do it with the grace of someone who has spent the last eight hours sprinting through Dublin. The waiter appears unimpressed, but I nod knowingly, as if this is entirely normal behaviour for me.
6:30 PM – The Reluctant Goodbye
I embark on a leisurely stroll through Dublin. I pass by the colorful umbrella street on Anne’s Lane, a hidden gem that brightens up the gray day. I also stop by Grafton Street, where buskers perform, adding a lively soundtrack to the city’s hustle and bustle.
And just like that, it’s time to bid farewell to the fair city. I board my Ryanair flight. I clutch a last-minute souvenir (a magnet that will inevitably never make it onto my fridge). I reflect on the day.
Dublin, you’ve been a delight. You’ve fed me, entertained me, and reminded me that hop-on, hop-off buses are not, in fact, for the faint-hearted.
Final Thoughts
A day trip to Dublin from Stansted is an ambitious endeavor. With careful planning, it’s entirely doable. A sense of humor also helps. The key is to embrace the spontaneity of travel. Enjoy the journey, even if it means sacrificing a bit of sleep. After all, as the Irish say, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures.”
Let me know if you have done a day trip to Dublin in the comments.
GlobeTrotting Goddess 