How to Plan a London to Dublin Day Trip for Someone’s Birthday
Is there any better way to spend a birthday than by exploring a new city? From its gorgeous architecture to its bustling nightlife, Dublin is the ideal destination for a birthday celebration!
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about planning a London to Dublin day trip for that special someone’s birthday, including how to get there and what to do once you’ve arrived.
Getting There
Did you know that Dublin is only around 450 kilometres northwest of London? You have a few different ways to get to the Irish capital, including:
By plane
The flight time from London to Dublin is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. Not only is this the fastest way to travel between the two capital cities, but plenty of cheap flights are available throughout the year. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or a train to the city centre.
By bus and ferry
The coach from London to Dublin departs from Victoria Coach Station and arrives at Dublin Central Bus Station. Typically, the journey takes over 12 hours, but you can book an overnight trip, sleep during the bus ride, and arrive in the morning. Keep in mind that you’ll need to book reserved seats.
By train and ferry
Head to London Euston Station and hop on a train heading to Holyhead, enjoying views of the North Wales coast along the way. Next, you’ll book a ferry service that crosses the Irish Sea before you arrive at Dublin’s ferry port. This journey usually takes several hours and is cheaper if you buy round-trip train passes ahead of time.
By car and ferry
If you want to travel to Dublin via car, the first step is to drive from London to Holyhead in Wales. Next, you’ll need to book a spot on a car ferry, such as an Irish Ferries ship, that will take you to Dublin Port. This option will also take you around seven hours, and you’ll get to drive along the picturesque west coast of Wales.
Things to do During the Day
Steeped in rich history, Dublin is a city filled with amazing restaurants, fascinating museums, and lush parks. Here are a few ideas of what to do in Dublin during the day:
- Visit St Patrick’s Cathedral
- Explore the library at Trinity College
- Stroll through Dublin Castle
- Walk along O’Connell Street
- Visit Dublin Heuston Station
- Do some shopping at St. Stephen’s Green
- Tour the Guinness Storehouse
- Take a trip to Belfast Castle (located around 2 hours from Dublin City Centre)
If you want your itinerary taken care of by a local guide, book a guided tour through Dublin City Centre.
Birthday Cakes in Dublin
What’s a birthday without a birthday cake? If you’re looking for a delicious birthday cake in Dublin, you have plenty of amazing bakeries to choose from, including:
- Mannings Bakery
- Caketopia
- Creative Cakes
- Thunders Bakery
Alternatively, you could always stop in at one of Dublin’s many cafes and enjoy a slice of lemon cheesecake or coffee cake to celebrate.
Things to do at Night
Sometimes one day in Dublin is simply not enough, so you may want to consider staying in the city overnight. After all, you don’t want to miss out on Ireland’s famous nightlife.
While there are plenty of pubs to choose from, you should not miss out on visiting McGowans. Not only does this bar offer an incredible food and drinks menu, but it also has a range of venue hire options should you want to throw a birthday party there.
You could also join a pub crawl, dance the night away at one of the many nightclubs, or watch live music. The choices are endless!
Places to Stay
There is no better area to stay in than the trendy neighbourhood of Phibsborough. Known for its Victorian architecture and artsy cafes, Phibsborough is located on the northern side of Dublin and is around 10 minutes from the city centre.
Just keep in mind that accommodation in Dublin can get fully booked quite quickly, especially during peak season, so it’s always a good idea to book ahead.
Final Thoughts
Getting out of the UK and exploring everything the capital of Ireland has to offer is the perfect way to spend a birthday! The best time to visit Dublin is between September and October when the weather is still good and the August crowds have dissipated.
While one day can be enough time to see the major attractions, you may want to stay at least a night or two to get a real feel for the city. To minimise the cost of your trip, remember to book travel and accommodation in advance.
