Day 1 in Dublin Itinerary?

Karen, we did the hop on, hop off bus tour when we went in 2009. It seems like a GREAT idea to get an overview of the city. And you don't have to do much jet-lagged thinking. Isn't the bus tour ticket good for 24 hours? We ended up using it as public transportation for at least a day or two which was handy. We will also be there (again) in April for round two! :D

Karen, it looks like the hoho bus goes by St Stephens Green, and, weather permitting this could be a nice way to relax and get in the swing of things. Weather not permitting for the park, the Museums are just a block away and I highly recommend the Natural History and Archeological museums, there are great displays of so-called bog men, and the crafts and jewelery are very nice.
If you intend to see the Kilmainham Gaol while you are there-you should-it pays to be there early, so that could make sense too, although it's decidedly more mentally demanding than the park and museums.
For a special dinner out, try The Pigs Ear.
Have fun,
Dave

Dave and Amy! Thanks so much for the ideas! Dave, can't wait to try that restaurant! Keep the suggestions coming!

I would not want to take the HOHO bus on the first day (though it is WELL worth doing). The swaying of the bus could quickly put you to sleep if you are the least bit groggy. Since you will be there so early, I would suggest going to Trinity College and being there when the Book of Kells opens (if you are interested in that). The line can become very long very early in the day. The same is true at Kilmainham Gaol (again, a very worthy stop). Staying outside, maybe browsing the stores, watching the musicians who are always out on Grafton St, or wandering in the Temple Bar area will get you acclimated and ready to start out the next day.

Nancy, I love that you called it the HOHO bus. That's the best name.

Nancy, Good thoughts! Thanks so much. And, good thinking on the HOHO bus! Probably best to be out in the fresh air walking! Karen

Karen what day of the week are you flying into Dublin? And how close is your hotel to city center.
I agree with Nancy on not doing the HoHo bus right away. You can get tickets for it for 24hrs or 48hrs.

On my arrival date in Dublin three years ago (from Portland via Toronto), I did the bus from the airport to the hotel near Christchurch. Then did the HOHO bus in the afternoon with stop at Guinness Brewery. Great orientation that doesn't take much thought. If I had to do it again though, I would have substituted a stop at Kilmainham Jail for the Guinness Brewery. There is a ton of history at Kilmainham that shouldn't be missed. Guinness really isn't that interesting.

Finally that night, I went to the Food, Folklore and Fairies dinner at the Brazen Head Pub. That was great fun and is highly rated on Trip Advisor.

Agree with the Gaol. Guinness was for us too expensive and boring. Also if you go on a rainy day, you can't see much from the roof. As Nancy said, for the Book of Kells and the Gaol, go first thing in AM. The Gaol used to be closed one day a week but not sure if that is true now. To us it was also worth going to the GPO and walking over the Halfpenny Bridge, don't think I spelled it correctly though. Enjoy.

Sarah, thank you. We will be arriving on a Wednesday.....our hotel is near St. Stephens green. Thanks for your ideas and help! Karen