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3 Days in Dublin Ireland: The Perfect Dublin Itinerary

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 39 Comments

Dublin is Ireland’s capital and largest city, offering an endless number of museums, attractions, and entertainment options. We’ve put together a recommended Dublin itinerary to help you get the most out of your 3 days in Dublin. It includes all the main highlights of the city such as Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, the Temple Bar neighborhood, and Christ Church Cathedral as well as a few lesser known sites.

We suggest using this Dublin itinerary as a starting point for planning your 3 days in Dublin, and you can edit it to create your own personalized itinerary that reflects your own needs and interests. In addition to the 3 day itinerary, we also provide tips on how to get around Dublin, a map of each day’s suggested attractions, tips on where to stay in Dublin, and how to save money during your 3 days in Dublin.

Table of Contents:

Planning for 3 Days in Dublin

Before we share our suggested day-to-day itinerary, here is some essential planning information on getting to Dublin, getting around Dublin, tips for saving money, how to find accommodation, and further resources for planning and making the most of your 3 days in Dublin.

Getting to Dublin

Dublin is easy to reach by plane and can also be reached via a combination of ferry, train, bus, or car. Dublin has one major airport, Dublin Airport with flights coming in and out from around the world.

From the airport, you can get into the city via taxi, Uber, bus, Dublin Express shuttle transfer , rental car, or by booking a private transfer .

Given that Ireland is an island with no bridge or tunnel connections, you can’t obviously reach Dublin directly by train or car if you are starting your trip outside of Ireland or Northern Ireland. If you are arriving from the UK or continental Europe, you can drive or take a bus or train to a ferry port in the UK or France, and then take a ferry to reach Ireland.

Dublin Port is the most convenient port for those wishing to visit Dublin. Stena Line and Irish Ferries both have a number of ferry routes to Dublin. The ferries take both foot passengers and cars. You can also check out the rail and sail options if your trip to Dublin will involve both train and ferry crossings.

If you traveling by train or coach to Dublin, you can check rates for tickets and schedules for both buses and trains on sites like thetrainline .

NOTE . If you plan to rent a car, please check your rental agreement as bringing a car to or from Ireland may be against your car’s rental terms (particularly if you want to take it on any ferry crossings). For instance, even cars rented in Ireland or Northern Ireland can sometimes not be brought by ferry over to Scotland or England and vice versa.

How to Get Around Dublin

Central Dublin is fairly compact and is best explored by a combination of walking and public transportation. Cabs, Uber, and bike hires are also options.

We would not recommend driving in Dublin unless you are planning to stay on the outskirts of the city or visit places outside the city as driving and finding parking in central busy locations can be difficult and parking can be expensive. If you are driving to Dublin, we’d recommend parking your car when you arrive in the city and then use public transport until you leave the city center.

Dublin has a good public transportation network which includes public buses , trams , and rail services  (for going outside the city center or outside the city). We used the bus several times on our most recent trip and found it easy to use.

There are also a few hop-on hop-off (HOHO) buses in Dublin, such as the City Sightseeing Bus and the Big Bus Open-Top Tours . If you have a Dublin Pass , you’ll get a free one day sightseeing bus ticket .

If you plan to use these buses, we recommend doing this when you first arrive in Dublin to get a good overview of the city before you start exploring. We find these tours are great ways to get a good introduction to a new city although not as practical if you are trying to get from one place to another quickly.

Best Time to Visit Dublin?

We love visiting Dublin at any time of year, and it really depends on your preferences. Dublin is a great year-round destination as most attractions are open year round in the city.

But we’d say spring, summer, or early autumn would be our recommended times of the year for a first time visit. Although winter is a great time to visit as well as it is less busy and you can enjoy the holidays, but it will also be darker and colder at that time of year. Halloween in October (believed to have originated in Ireland), Christmas in December, and St. Patrick’s Day in March are all accompanied by big celebrations and festivities in the city.

In terms of weather, you’ll have warmer days and more hours of sunlight in the summer. It may also rain less. However, whenever you visit, you will want to be prepared for rain so be sure to pack a rain jacket and/or umbrella. Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle, and all that greenery takes plenty of watering, so rain is a possibility at any time of year!

Where to Stay in Dublin for 3 Days

There are a range of lodging options in Dublin to suit all budgets and travel styles, from hostels to apartments to B&B’s to luxury hotels . If you are looking for a comfortable good-value hotel, we’ve stayed at a number of mid-range hotels in the city like the Ireland-based  Maldron hotels . We would recommend booking lodging in or near the city center to make the most of your time in Dublin.

Our current favorite way to find the best price on hotels when traveling in the UK is Booking.com. We find they tend to have the widest choice of listings, good discounts if you use them regularly, and an excellent selection of properties from hotels to apartments. See their Dublin city center listings here  to get started.

If you’d prefer an apartment or room, then you might also want to check out Plum Guide . They usually have some lovely properties available. Another option is Vrbo , who have many listings in Dublin.

If you are not finding what you want on those sites, check out our guide to the best AirBnB alternatives for lots of other accommodation booking options for your trip.

How to Save Money in Dublin

As a capital city in Europe, Dublin is not a budget destination but it is also not the most expensive city either. Generally, you’ll find that the main costs are going to be food, entertainment, accommodation, and sightseeing.

There are loads of ways to save money. Budget accommodation include hostels, budget motels, and rooms in private homes. You can save money on food by cooking for yourself or getting take away. There are also lots of free or inexpensive things you can do from admiring the city’s architecture and city parks to having a pint in a pub to enjoying a free city concert.

There are a number of great free museums in Dublin which include the National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Hall, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Also keep an eye out for discount cards, coupons, and special deals to save money on tickets, tours, and meals.

Our favorite way to save money on sight-seeing in Dublin is to invest in a Dublin Pass which allows for free entry into over 35 of Dublin’s popular attractions (see full attraction list ). It also comes with a free hop-on, hop-off bus ticket and additional discounts on food, shopping, and tours. It also includes fast track entry to many of the included attractions.

We’ve used the Dublin Pass twice when visiting the city, and for a three day visit, the savings can really add up. You can read our review of the Dublin Pass to figure out if it is worth investing in for your trip and more about our experiences using it.

Other Practicalities for Traveling to Dublin

Power:  Electricity in Dublin is of the 220v standard, and power outlets use the same three pin plug that you’ll find throughout the UK and British Isles. Travelers from most countries, including continental Europe and North America will need a travel plug adapter  like these or a universal adapter like this . Be sure to leave electronics that don’t support 220v at home or you’ll need to purchase a voltage converter .

Currency: Ireland (the Republic of Ireland) is in the Eurozone, so the currency is the Euro. You can get Euros from ATM’s, banks, and currency exchanges, although credit cards are of course widely accepted throughout the country. Note that if you plan to visit Northern Ireland, you’ll need to switch to GBP as the currency in the UK is pound sterling.

Internet:  Internet access is easy to find in the form of WiFi all around the city, as well as in the majority of hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our  guide to getting online when travelling  to help you figure out the best options.

Water:  The water in Dublin (and Ireland) is perfectly safe to drink unless otherwise posted. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available.

Safety:  We’ve never had any problems with safety when visiting Dublin, just take basic precautions with your valuables and personal safety, and you should be fine.

Further Resources for Planning your Dublin Trip

For information on events, happenings, and more ideas for what to do in Dublin, take a look at the official Visit Dublin website . If your travels are taking you elsewhere in Ireland, check out the official Ireland tourism website and our recommended two week itinerary for the UK and Ireland which includes Dublin.

There are several great day trips you can take from Dublin. For instance we’ve done a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher . Day tours also visit Belfast and the Northern Ireland Coast which has fantastic attractions like the Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Museum, and the Dark Hedges .

If you are looking for a guidebook, you might want to get a copy of the Rick Steves’  Dublin Snapshot Guide  or latest Ireland guidebook . For a good street map to help you navigate Dublin’s city center, we personally love the laminated Streetwise maps by Michelin.

3 Day Dublin Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Dublin

Dublin has a large number of attractions, museums, shows, and potential things to do. This can be overwhelming for first time visitors so we’ve put together our suggested 3 day itinerary that takes in Dublin’s most popular attractions, museums, and neighborhoods. We’ve also tried to arrange them in a logical order so you spend less time traveling around the city and more time sightseeing.

Use this as a guide and starting point for planning your 3 days in Dublin, not as a definitive itinerary. This itinerary is pretty jam-packed and may be too packed for someone who wants to explore the city at a more leisurely pace. It also reflects some of the most popular highlights, but you’ll want to add or substitute places that reflect your own special interests. For example, it doesn’t include attractions like the Dublin Zoo, Avia Stadium, the botanical gardens, the wax museum, or trips out to Dalkey or Malahide Castle.

Be sure to check on admission days and hours for any must-see attractions before you set out as some attractions close for one day per week, or may be closed due to a special event or renovation. Many attractions have reduced winter hours and longer summer hours.

For all attractions with an admission fee, we’ve noted there is an entry fee by writing “(fee)” next to them. Note that since many people use the  Dublin Pass , the attractions that are included on the Dublin Pass (at the time of this writing) are starred (*) denoting that passholders receive free entry so they have “(fee*)” next to them. We do our best to provide the most updated information, but things change so you may want to double-check fees and check the latest list of attractions included by the Dublin Pass before your trip.

Dublin Itinerary Day 1

For the first day of our suggested 3 day Dublin itinerary, we have you exploring the area south of the River Liffey in the western part of central Dublin. Today you’ll learn about Dublin’s medieval and Viking past, have a chance to visit the city’s two famous cathedrals, pay a visit to one of Ireland’s most famous prisons, and end your day of sightseeing with a pint of Ireland’s most famous brew!

Dublin Castle

We’re going to start with a visit to Dublin Castle (fee*). There has been a castle on this site since 1166, although most of the current complex dates from the 18th and 19th century and doesn’t look too much like a medieval castle anymore. However parts of the medieval castle still exist and the State Rooms of the castle are still used for official state engagements. Many famous figures have visited the castle including Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, and Dublin-born author Bram Stoker worked as a civil servant at the castle for several years before moving to London.

Visitors to Dublin Castle can see the excavation site of the Viking and medieval parts of the castle, the Gothic Chapel Royal, and the State Apartments. You can purchase a ticket for either a self-guided visit of the castle or guided tour. Dublin Pass holders can take a self-guided tour for free or upgrade to a guided tour for just £3 extra. Do bear in mind that access to Dublin Castle may be restricted due to government events or activities, so check the official website before your visit to avoid disappointment.

Within the Dublin Castle complex are also the Garda Museum (Irish Police museum) and the Chester Beatty Library museum. Both of these are free and worth visiting, especially the library museum, if you have time.

Christ Church Cathedral

Dating back to 1028, Christ Church Cathedral (fee*) is Dublin’s oldest medieval cathedral and is found in the heart of what was once medieval Dublin. Although it dates back to medieval times, the Christ Church cathedral that exists today is a mix mainly of Gothic, Romanesque, and Victorian elements. It serves as the seat of the Church of Ireland (Anglican church) in Dublin. Fans of the Showtime TV show The Tudors  will likely find it recognizable as many of the cathedral scenes from the show were filmed on site here.

There is a lot to see at Christ Church cathedral. First there is the beautiful nave and main building, which contains the organ, the Musician’s Corner, and some tombs including the disputed tomb of Strongbow , a medieval Norman-Welsh earl and warlord. There’s also the crypt which is the largest cathedral crypt in the British Isles. The crypt contains a number of items of interest, including monuments, a mummified cat and rat that were found stuck in the organ pipe, and an extensive silver collection.

The cathedral’s choir is very well known throughout Ireland and those who enjoy choir music may want to make time to listen to the choir for evensong which is normally performed several evenings a week in the cathedral.

You can visit the cathedral as part of a self-guided tour, or join a guided tour (additional fee) that are offered on most days at set times (check website for times). You can purchase tickets in advance here .

Next door to Christ Church Cathedral is Dublinia  (fee*), a fun family-friendly museum which tells the story of medieval and Viking Dublin. Along with the cathedral, this part of the city was at the center of medieval Dublin, although construction and city changes mean that not much else has survived from that time period.

At Dublinia, visitors can learn all about life in medieval Dublin on a self-guided visit, told through various mediums, which includes interactive exhibits. This being medieval times, there is naturally a large section dedicated to the Plague, or Black Death, which was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Dubliners. A part of the museum also covers how archaeologists have unearthed artifacts to help understand and bring the past to life. At the end of the visit, there is also the chance to climb the steps of the medieval St Michael’s Tower.

Most tours are self-guided; however, once per day, they do a guided tour in English of one of the sections of the museum with a costumed actor guide. These interactive tours are well worth taking, especially if you have children, and help bring a bit more life into the information. Check times before visiting if interested in the tour.

Dublinia and Christ Church Cathedral are next door and connected by the Synod hall and bridge. Both attractions are included for free with the Dublin Pass, but if you are not planning to buy a Dublin Pass but still want to visit both attractions, you can purchase a discounted combined ticket for both at the Dublina’s welcome desk.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

If you are interested in visiting another cathedral, you can also visit the nearby  St. Patrick’s Cathedral  (fee*). Dublin is unique for having not one, but two cathedrals and both date back to the medieval period. It is believed that St. Patrick’s Cathedral (fee*), founded in 1191, was initially intended to replace Christ Church but for whatever reason this did not happen and the two cathedrals have had to learn to co-exist together. Like Christ Church, it is part of the Anglican Church of Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the  Church of Ireland and its spire makes it the tallest church (but not cathedral) in Ireland and the largest. It is said that Saint Patrick used a well on this site to baptize people in Dublin approximately 1,500 years ago. The author of Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift , once served as dean of St. Patrick’s and is buried within the cathedral. It is an impressive cathedral and the church can be visited on a self-guided visit. An audio guide is available for an additional fee.

You can buy tickets for St. Patrick’s Cathedral here .

Interested in seeing more of Dublin’s Churches?  There are loads of churches you can visit in Dublin. If you are surprised like we were that both of the cathedrals in Dublin are part of the minority Christian faith of Ireland (Anglican), this is because both cathedrals changed from Roman Catholic to the Anglican Church of Ireland following the Protestant Reformation. If you are looking for the main Roman Catholic church in Dublin, you might want to visit St. Mary’s Church which is the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin. Also if you enjoy church crypts, you might to visit St. Michan’s parish church , an Anglican church with an interesting crypt that is open on most days for public tours.

Kilmainham Gaol

We’re coming towards the end of the first day of our three day Dublin itinerary. Our next attraction is a little further out of the city, but worth the trek if you have the time.  Kilmainham Gaol  (fee) is a former 18th century prison which is today run as a museum by Ireland’s Office of Public Works.

Kilmainham Gaol opened  in 1796 and closed in 1924. During this period it housed convicts convicted of crimes ranging from stealing food to murder. In the early 19th century, about 4,000 prisoners were transported to Australia. In the early 20th century, it was mainly used to house rebels and military prisoners, and the leaders of the 1916 rebellion were notably held here and executed. Film fans may recognize this as the filming location for the prison that Michael Caine is held in the original Italian Job movie .

Kilmainham Gaol can only be toured as part of a guided visit, with tickets sold for specific times of the day. Tickets are usually available for walk-ins, however this is a very popular attraction and we recommend buying your ticket in advance online to avoid disappointment.

Guinness Storehouse

Our final stop on the first day of our three days in Dublin is Dublin’s most popular visitor attraction—the Guinness Storehouse  (fee*). We think this is an absolute must for most people when visiting Dublin! It is interesting even if you are not a big fan of Guinness or even beer.

The Guinness Storehouse is on the site of St James’s Gate Brewery. This is where Ireland’s legendary drink, Guinness, has been brewed since 1759. It’s quite the success story, with over 50 million barrels of Guinness being produced annually at St. James Gate brewery. The Guinness Storehouse itself is a huge seven storey visitor attraction arranged around a central atrium. The Storehouse was built in 1904 and used for fermentation until 1988, but is no longer part of the active brewery.

The tour, which is self-guided, goes across all seven floors, and you’ll learn a bit of everything including the  founder Albert Guinness’ story,  how Guinness is made, and how the brand’s iconic advertising has changed from the 18th century to now. Once you’ve learnt everything you can about Guinness, the tour culminates at the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor. Here you’ll get to sample a pint of the good stuff (included with your ticket), and admire a spectacular view of the city. Not a bad way to end your first day in Dublin, we think you’ll agree.

This is one of the most popular attractions in Dublin so we recommend that you  buy your tickets online , which will save you money compared to buying them on-site and you also have access to the fast track queue. You also get free entry and access to the fast track queue with the Dublin Pass.

Want more Guinness? After the Guinness Storehouse closes, you might want to make your way to the Open Gate Brewery  at St. James Gate to try some of the latest Guinness beers as well as experimental batches. It is a bar which is located within the Guinness active experimental brewery facility and is currently only open to the public on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. To visit, you must reserve a spot in advance online and you must be 18 years or older to enter.

Dublin Itinerary Day 2

On the second day of your 3 days in Dublin, we suggest visiting more of Dublin’s classic sites,  seeing one of Ireland’s top cultural treasures, taking a break in the city’s most popular green space, visiting one or more of its free museums, and watching sunset over the River Liffey. Then after dinner, we recommend heading out to experience some of Dublin’s nightlife in the famous Temple Bar neighborhood. Today’s itinerary has you exploring the eastern area of central Dublin south of the River Liffey.

Trinity College and the Long Room

Trinity College  Dublin, officially the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, is the only college of the University of Dublin. It was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 and is widely regarded as the finest university in the country. The college has a rich history and is an impressive place to wander around and visit.

One of the most popular attractions in Trinity College is the Old Library (fee), also known as the Long Room. This dates from the 18th century, and houses over 200,000 books which are kept across two  floors. The library is over 200 ft long, and is a sight you have to see when you visit Dublin! When you visit Trinity Library, you can also see a section of the Book of Kells . This 9th century decorated copy of the four gospels is the world’s most famous medieval manuscript and is regarded as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure.

Entry to both the Book of Kells and the Long Room are included in the same ticket, which you can buy directly from the Trinity College Dublin website , or in person when you arrive. You can also take a walking tour which includes the Book of Kells as well as Dublin Castle.

Molly Malone Statue

No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s most famous inhabitants —Molly Malone. Or at least, her statue. Molly Malone, as you are likely aware, is a fictional character who features in one of Ireland’s most well-known songs , which tells the story of a fishmonger plying her wares in Dublin. As you can probably tell from the photo below, many tourists like to touch her statue, particularly her breasts, and unfortunately this has caused some of the bronze to be worn off.

The statue of Molly Malone was historically located on Grafton Street, but due to construction work on Grafton Street at the time of writing, she can currently be found just outside the Irish tourist information office on Suffolk Street.

Grafton Street

On your walk from the Molly Malone statue to the next site, the Little Museum of Dublin, we recommend walking along Grafton Street. This is one of the best known streets in Dublin and one of the city’s main shopping streets. It’s a lively place with lots of stores, restaurants, cafés, and street buskers (street performers). The majority of the street is pedestrian-only making it a friendly place for walkers and tourists.

Little Museum of Dublin

If you are interested in life in Dublin through the 20th century and up to the present day, then you should consider a visit to the Little Museum of Dublin (fee*). This museum of the people will take you on a journey through life in 20th century Dublin. It has over 5,000 artifacts on display across three floors, including a room devoted to Ireland’s most famous musical exports: the rock band U2.

It’s worth noting that the Little Museum of Dublin, as the name suggests, is a relatively small museum. As a result, visitor numbers are carefully managed, and the main exhibition has to be seen as part of a guided tour which lasts about an hour and begins at the top of every hour. Slots on these tours can fill up quickly at busier times of year, so to avoid disappointment we would recommend booking in advance, which you can do here . If you don’t want to do the tour, the temporary exhibitions can be seen on a self-guided visit.

St. Stephen’s Green

Once a marshy common grazing area, St. Stephen’s Green is one of the Dublin’s most popular green spaces and a nice place to take a short break from sightseeing. It includes trees, a lake, a playground, a number of labeled plants (including some in Braille), fountains, statues, and memorials. This city center park is located just across from the Little Dublin Museum.

Those who enjoy gardens and green spaces might want to also visit the nearby Iveagh Gardens , a Victorian era garden featuring a rose garden, cascades, and yew maze. The garden is free to visit.

Dublin’s Free Art Museums & History Museums

We recommend using the afternoon for time to visit a museum or two. Dublin offers a number of free museums which include three locations of the National Museum of Ireland, the National Gallery of Ireland, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. You can’t visit all of these museums so I’d based your choice on your interests, time, and location.

In terms of today’s itinerary the nearest museums to St. Stephen’s Green (10 to 20 minute walk) are the National Gallery of Ireland, National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, and Dublin City Hall. But you can adjust the itinerary to fit as needed.

All the museums mentioned offer free general entry at the time of writing. Temporary and special exhibitions usually require a ticket and fee, and these are normally free for those with Dublin Passes.

History & Science Lovers:

• National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology – This museum tells the history of Ireland through archaeology, presenting a wide range of objects from metalwork to weapons to religious objects to  preserved Iron Age “bog bodies”. Includes objects from Ireland as well as those found in other parts of the world.
• National Museum of Ireland – Natural History – This museum houses a large collection (around 2 million specimens) of zoological and geological artifacts and exhibits collected from around the world.
• National Museum of Decorative Arts & History – A museum that will appeal to both art and history lovers. It is filled with decorative arts, jewelry, furniture, costumes, weapons, Asian art, & history exhibits.
• Dublin City Hall  exhibition – An interesting exhibit that tells the story of the city of Dublin from the first Viking invasion to the fights for Irish independence to modern Dublin. Notable artifacts on display during our visit included the Seal of Dublin City, the Great Mace of Dublin, The Sword of the City, and one of the original Proclamations from the 1916 Easter Rising. Note the City Hall suspended its entry fee in 2016 and was still free when we visited last in 2017 but the entry fee may be reinstated in the future (free for Dublin Pass holders).

Art Lovers:

• National Gallery of Ireland  – This is Ireland’s national collection of Irish & European art, including works by Burton, Turner, Monet, and Caravaggio. This would be my choice if I was only going to visit one art museum in Dublin (although modern art lovers would probably prefer one of the other museums).
• Irish Museum of Modern Art – Ireland’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art by both Irish and international artists located in a 17th century hospital building arranged around a large central courtyard. A good bet for modern art lovers.
• Hugh Lane Art Gallery – A contemporary and modern art museum housed in a 18th century former home that includes the Francis Bacon studio. Founded in 1908, it is believed to be the first public gallery of modern art in the world.

Sunset over the River Liffey & Ha’Penny Bridge

We’re coming to the end of the second day of our three day Dublin itinerary, and what better way to finish off than by watching the sun set over the River Liffey, which runs right through the center of the city. If the weather is good, we can highly recommend taking a moment to enjoy the sunset view of Dublin. Most of the city center bridges along the River Liffey will offer you a good view. The most famous bridge is the Ha’Penny Bridge , a cast iron pedestrian bridge built in 1816.

You might also want to take a boat tour of the river during your trip to Dublin. If you are interested in taking a boat tour of the River Liffey or exploring the beautiful Dublin Bay (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), there are a number of boat tour options in Dublin, including dinner cruises. Just be sure to book in advance.

Temple Bar District

If you are not too tired and want to experience some of the Dublin nightlife, we recommend exploring the popular Temple Bar District. It is a good place discover the “craic”, the all-encompassing Irish word for having a good time. This is the party capital of Dublin, and if you’re seeking out pints of Guinness, live music, and lots of the aforementioned “craic”, this is definitely the place to come.

Yes, the prices are higher than everywhere else in town, and it’s also going to be full of tourists. But there are plenty of locals out here too, and you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time.

The most visited bar is The Temple Bar , but there are loads of bars in this area to grab a pint and many also offer food. A few others to consider are The Palace Bar , a traditional Victorian-era pub, The Brazen Head which is believed to be Ireland’s oldest pub dating back to 1198, and Buskers which offers a more contemporary bar atmosphere with modern cocktails.

If you prefer, you can also take an evening pub crawl tour with a guide, like this one . This can be a fun way to experience some new venues and meet different people from around the world.

Dublin Itinerary Day 3

On the final day of our Dublin itinerary, we recommend crossing the river to explore the area of central Dublin north of the River Liffey. In the morning, we recommend learning a bit more about Dublin’s history by visiting a few of the recommend museums to learn about Ireland’s emigration history, the 1916 Easter Uprising, and Dublin’s rich literary history. It is a busy morning/afternoon if you want to visit them all so if you want a more relaxed day, I’d choose the attractions that are of most interest rather than trying to visit them all. Then later in the afternoon we recommend sampling some Irish whiskey and then going out for a night of traditional Irish food, drink, and entertainment. 

Jeanie Johnston Tallship & Famine Experience

The Jeanie Johnston tallship (fee*) is a remake of the original Jeanie Johnston, a three-masted sailing ship that was originally built in Quebec, Canada, in 1847. It was one of the so-called “famine ships”, which was used to transport emigrants between Ireland and North America. During the Great Famine in Ireland from 1845 to 1849, about one million people died in the country and a million more people left Ireland to seek a new life, primarily to the United States, the UK, Canada, and Australia. Liverpool was a particularly popular city for emigrants and it is estimated that today about three-quarters of the population has Irish roots.

Today you can take a guided tour of this replica ship built in the 1980’s, and learn about life on board for both the emigrants and crew. The Jeanie Johnston made 16 voyages carrying emigrants across the Atlantic to North America, and she was particularly noteworthy as she didn’t lose a single passenger or crew member on any of her voyages. It can be quite a moving experience, particularly if you had family who would have undertaken a similar voyage. On our tour, one of our fellow tour participants became quite emotional when he revealed that his ancestors had actually sailed on one of the original famine ships from Ireland.

Visits are given as part of a guided tour which lasts about 50 minutes. Be sure to check on tour times before you visit.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Ireland has experienced a number of periods of mass emigration, not just during the Great Famine, and many Irish people continue to emigrate. If you want to learn more about the Irish emigration experience, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum  (fee*) is a museum that tells the story of Irish emigration around the world. I reland is a country that has had its fair share of troubled times and this has led to an estimated 9 to 10 million people having emigrated since 1700! 

Through a self-guided interactive experience, the museum guides you through the personal stories of many people who have emigrated and their journeys. You’ll learn what caused them to emigrate, what that process was like, and what their new lives were like in their new home country. If you’ve ever visited Ellis Island in New York and learnt about immigration into the USA, this is a great counterpart to that experience. We both enjoyed the museum, and learned a great deal.

The museum is located in the CHQ building which is also home to several restaurants and cafes if you are looking for a convenient coffee, meal, or snack after your visit.

You can buy your entry ticket in advance online here .

Trying to find out more about your own Irish heritage? If you are specifically trying to find out more about your own Irish heritage, you might want to stop in at the Irish Family History Centre afterwards (located near the EPIC gift shop) to look up genealogy information. You can also book a private consultation with a on-site genealogist for more assistance.

GPO Witness History Exhibition

If you’re interested in learning a little bit more about 20th century history in Ireland, particularly the 1916 Easter Rising , a visit to the GPO Witness History Museum  (fee*) should be high on your list. This is found in Dublin’s General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street, a beautiful Georgian building built in 1814 and one of Ireland’s most famous buildings.

In the self-guided exhibition you’ll learn all about the events of the 1916 Easter Rising as well as the events leading up to the uprising and the subsequent effects. On Easter Monday 1916, a group of Irish republican rebels who wanted Irish independence from Great Britain stormed the GPO and seized control of the building. This forced occupation lead to a bloody 6 day affair, which lead to the death of over 450 people which included civilians, British military officers, police, and rebels. The exhibition uses direct witness accounts, documents, and interactive exhibits to tell the story. There’s also a memorial to those who were killed in the rebellion, including an outdoor sculpture for the children killed.

It’s an informative and interesting experience, and definitely worth a visit for those interested in this period of Irish history. There is also a cafe on the ground floor, and we enjoyed coffee and pastries here after our visit.

Dublin Writers Museum

Time for some literary themed attractions. Ireland is famous as being a nation of storytellers and Dublin is a UNESCO designated City of Literature. One of the best places to learn about the literary heritage of Dublin is at the Dublin Writers Museum (fee).

This museum has displays dedicated to some of the most notable writers in Irish history, including James Joyce, Jonathan Swift, George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, and William Yeats to name but a few. It is housed in a beautiful 18th century mansion on Parnell Square, and is next door to the present-day Irish Writers Union.

For anyone with an interest in writing and Ireland’s literary heritage, this is definitely a museum not to be missed. Visits are self-guided and tickets can be purchased on-site.

James Joyce Centre

If you want to learn more about Irish writers, you might want to seek out information on specific writers. One of the most famous Dublin born writers is James Joyce who wrote the 20th century classic Ulysses ( free on Kindle ), and the James Joyce Centre (fee) is dedicated to the author and his writings.

Here you can learn all about both the life of James Joyce, as well as his famous novel, told via film and exhibits. The museum also has the front door from No. 7 Eccles Street on display, which readers of Ulysses will know as being the home of protagonist Leopold Bloom.

Other Dublin Literary Spots? If you are looking for more literary spots consider visiting the  National Print Museum , doing a  Dublin Literary Pub Crawl , seeing some of Dublin’s beautiful libraries (Trinity’s Long Room, Marsh’s Library, Chester Beatty Library), or browsing for books at some of Dublin’s many popular book shops. The birthplace museum of George Bernard Shaw (33 Synge Street) was closed several years ago but there are hopes that it will re-open. But even if closed, you can see the plaque outside as well as many others literature related plaques in Dublin such as the one on Bram Stoker’s birthplace at 15 Marino Crescent (private home) and the plaque at Oscar Wilde’s childhood home at Number 1 Merrion Square (owned by the American College Dublin).

Jameson Distillery

Time to learn about (and drink!) another famous Irish beverage: whiskey! One of the most well-known Irish whiskeys is Jameson’s Whiskey, which you can learn about and sample at the Jameson Distillery on Bow St.

This is a fully guided tour through the former Jameson Distillery at which you’re going to learn all about the history of Ireland’s most famous whiskey, which was distilled at this site from 1780 until 1971. The tour is a lot of fun, and you get to try Jameson’s whiskey, as well as compare its flavor to other leading whiskeys to see if you can tell the difference. At the end of the tour you also get a whiskey to enjoy at the bar at your leisure.

Tours can be booked online , which is the best option to avoid disappointment as this is a popular attraction. Although you can also buy tickets and book a tour on arrival. Holders of the Dublin Pass have a free tour included .

Want more Irish Whiskey? If you are interested in Irish whiskey, there are several other whiskey experiences and tours you can take in Dublin in addition or as an alternative to the Jameson Distillery tour. If you are interested in visiting an active whiskey distillery, you might try the distillery tour and tasting at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery  (fee*) which opened in 2015 and is the first new distillery in Dublin in 125 years. A free Teeling distillery tour and tasting is available for Dublin Pass holders. Other Irish whiskey experience options include the Irish Whiskey Museum Experience  (fee) and taking a whiskey tasting tour  (fee) with a local around Dublin’s pubs. Book any of the whiskey experiences or tours in advance if you can as they are all popular.

Not interested in Whiskey? If whiskey is not of interest, I’d skip this visit. You can spend more time at the prior attractions or alternatively consider sitting down to relax for an afternoon tea or a coffee nearby, visiting Dublin Zoo  (fee*) within Phoenix Park, visiting the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland (fee*), or exploring one of the city’s many free museums (see Day 2 list).

Traditional Irish Night Out

Ok, we’re coming to the end of our three days in Dublin! How about going out with a bang, and celebrating all that is fun in Dublin, with a night of Irish food, drink, and some traditional Irish entertainment?

There are a number of locations offering various types of traditional Irish evening entertainment whether you just want to find a pub with some live music or you want to go to an entertainment show. We’ve attended the  Traditional Irish Night show at Dublin’s Belvedere Hotel and you can read about our experience . We also heard good things about Taylor’s Irish Night , although this is located a little south of the city center. Other options include the Irish House Party  dinner and show, a dinner cruise on a canal barge , or an evening pub crawl with traditional Irish music.

Save Money in Dublin with the Dublin Pass

We think a great way to save money is on sightseeing with discount passes and cards. Our recommended way to save money on sight-seeing in Dublin is to invest in a Dublin Pass .

We’ve used these on a couple of occasions when visiting the city, and for a 3 day trip that includes visiting a number of attractions, the savings can really add up. You can read our Dublin Pass review for more information.

As noted before, the Dublin Pass is popular among travelers to Dublin and one we recommend for active sightseers to the city. We wanted to give you an example of the cost savings over 3 days in Dublin if you have a Dublin Pass.

The following is based on the above itinerary for 2 adults:

if you used the sightseeing bus and visited all of the main attractions listed on the suggested 3 day Dublin itinerary included in the Dublin Pass, it would cost you €198.5 at normal adult admission prices (April 2023 prices). A 3-day Dublin pass currently costs €109. This means you would save €89.5 per person or €179.00 for 2 adults!

Obviously you might not want to visit all the sites listed, but you can see from the above that even if you visited fewer sites, you would still save money with the pass if you plan to visit a number of attractions in Dublin.

The pass can also save you time by allowing you to skip the ticket lines and join fast-track lanes at many sites. Definitely a discount pass worth checking out before your trip to Dublin.

Walking Tours of Dublin

If you’d like to take a guided walking tour of Dublin, which can be a great way to learn about the city from an expert guide, then there are a few options to choose from. Different walking tours focus on different subjects, with some being more broad, whilst others might narrow down on a specific subject. Here are a few to give you some ideas of what is available.

• This full day tour of Dublin with one of our favourite walking tour companies, Take Walks, includes Trinity College, the Book of Kells, the Guinness Brewery, Dublin Castle, and a whisky distillery.
• This personalizable private walking tour with a local can be adjusted to meet your interests and availability
• This 2.5 hour guided bike tour lets you cover many of the highlights of the city
• This 1.5 hour guided walking tour focuses on the spooky history of Dublin, from ghosts to cults!
• This 2-3 hour walking tour covers the main highlights of the city as well as a few hidden gems. A good general introduction to the city.
• This 3.5 hour food tour will have you sampling many of the city’s famous dishes and drinks
• This 3 hour food tour with Devour Tours (we love their food tours!) has you sampling some of the best of the Dublin food scene

As you can see, there are plenty of tour options to choose from!

And that’s the end of our 3 day Dublin itinerary! Hopefully this Dublin guide and itinerary has given you a good idea for what you can do with 72 hours in Dublin.

What would you do with 3 days in Dublin? Have you been do Dublin? If so, what were your favorite things to do? If you are planning a trip to Dublin, feel free to reach out with any questions as you plan your trip. Just type any comments or questions in the Comments section below and we’ll be happy to answer them.

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Alex Post author

October 2, 2023 at 10:16 am

I am currently planing on visiting Dublin for the first time and this is exactly what I needed! Great descriptions of the many places to visit and plenty of options. I will definitely use your Google Maps itinerary and adapt it to my personal preferences.

Thanks a lot!

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

October 2, 2023 at 6:24 pm

So glad you are finding our Dublin itinerary suggestions helpful in planning your upcoming trip. Yes, we try to give a lot of suggestions so people can tailor an itinerary to their own interests, budget, and speed. If you have any questions as you plan your trip to Dublin just shout!

Best, Jessica

Tony Post author

August 20, 2023 at 9:16 pm

G’day guys, from the land Aus,

Great Blog and really insightful information on Dublin.

We are in the early stages of planning an extensive trip Sep/Oct 2024, with intentions of touring Ireland/Scotland primarily, and then spending some in London.

We are looking at spending around 14 days touring each location(Ireland/Scotland), which seems to be the recommended duration. We have looked at Touring companies and they can become quite expensive. We are looking to self drive, organise our own accommodation etc. giving us flexibility in what we see and where we go.

Thus, do you have any suggested itineraries for both Ireland and Scotland. Any advice would be extremely helpful

We have read your Blog London Itinerary: 6 Days in London which will suit what we are looking for from London.

Many Thanks Tony

August 23, 2023 at 12:35 pm

Glad you enjoyed our blogs on Dublin and London, you should be able to put together your own personalized itinerary based on those posts. Also I would consider if the city passes would be worth it for your trip, if spending 6 days in London I would definitely recommend it there.

So if you were considering a touring company, I would recommend taking a look at Rabbie’s, they are an Edinburgh based company and lead tours all over the UK and Ireland. You can see their Ireland tours here and their Scotland tours here . They offer a big range of tour options, from short day trips to longer (10-14 day) trips.

What I might recommend if you like the idea of tours but also want some independence is to consider something like basing yourself in places and taking tours from there. You can easily independently tours places like Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, etc. and many places you can easily get to via train (or bus or ferry). Then for seeing more countryside, islands, and smaller places, most can be reached via tours (such as day tours or longer 2-5 night tours) from the larger cities. That would give you a nice mix of tours and independent travel without needing to worry about driving and there would be less to plan/book, and might be a happy medium between booking a tour and planning everything yourself.

Happy to help you plan an itinerary but would need to know an idea of the sort of places you definitely want to go, activities you like to do, budget, hobbies, general plan of travel (starting/ending point), etc. A couple who loves castles, museums, & shopping is going to want a very different itinerary who someone who is focused on golf, whisky distillery tours, birdwatching, and beaches.

You can see our Scotland content across our two blogs and here . We don’t have nearly as much Ireland content but you can see what we have here and here . We have guides on all the major cities in Scotland as well as Dublin and Belfast and day trip ideas for lots of places and that should give you a good idea of the kinds of places you are likely going to want to visit. But of course we have been to many places we haven’t written about, especially in Scotland, where we’ve traveled pretty extensively over the 5 years we lived there. The other thing that might help you have an idea of what kind of places you want to visit is the Rabbie’s tours (and other tours) as they often cover the highlights and things travelers are most interested in seeing.

Are you planning to fly between Ireland and Scotland, and then train from Edinburgh to London?

Anyway, hope that helps get you started, and happy to help with more questions and an itinerary as you get further into your planning!

Leonie Cornell Post author

October 17, 2021 at 7:35 am

Hi. I love your 3 day itinerary. We aim to be in Dublin for 4 nights and so 3 and a bit days. Love HOHO buses, and so will probably do the Dublin pass. We then have an 11 day tour booked ( or it will be once we organise.) This tour was meant to be in 2020, and so our dream is already 3 years old. We are in our late sixties, so a little reluctant to hurry around. But really interested in Guinness storehouse, the Gaol, EPIC and I might want to to see Trinity college again ( had a half day in Dublin in 2013 as part of a whistle stop tour of UK and Ireland) Your advice is timely and very recent so gives me a lot of hope. Do you know how early you need to book things like the Guinness storehouse? I am worried that using the pass we will only be able to book once we arrive and pick up the pass and may miss out.

October 17, 2021 at 2:06 pm

I am happy to hear that you are working on rebooking your trip to Ireland! And glad that you are enjoying our Dublin itinerary and yes, I think if you are planning 3-4 days in Dublin, you’ll probably save money with a Dublin Pass as long a you plan to visit several of the attractions which it is sounds like you plan to do.

Our itinerary is pretty busy, so I think since you want a more leisurely visit, I’d do less than what we suggest each day so you are not in a huge rush. It should help you choose the places and attractions that are of the most interest to you. You can also stretch out these attractions over an extra day or two as well if you do want to do/see a lot.

If you get the Dublin Pass, depending on the number of days you have in Dublin, I’d make sure you do all the things included on the Pass on consecutive days. So if you have 4 days total and a 3 day Pass, you might use the first day to sightsee and visit any places that are free or not included on the pass (e.g., the Gaol, Trinity College) and then do the rest on the other three days (HOHO bus, EPIC, Guinness Storehouse, museums, Saint Patrick’s, etc.) to make the most of your pass.

Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed things quite a bit in terms of the Dublin Pass. The Dublin Pass is now an online only product, so you can order it at home. As of 2021, there’s no longer a physical pass to pick up. Instead, the pass is a QR code that you can show on your smartphone, or you can print it out at home before you travel. We recommend having it both on your phone and to print the QR code as well as back-up (just in case there is an issue with your phone, such as it runs out of battery, etc.).

When you buy the pass, you will be sent the pass code (a number), your QR code, and instructions. You can then use this to book any attractions that require reservations, you’ll just need to put in your Dublin Pass details. There’s a list of those you can see here , along with instructions on how to book.

Most attractions did not require reservations before the pandemic, but a number of attractions to require reservations now so it is good to pre-book attractions at least a couple of days before you plan to visit. Some attractions also have more limited hours and opening times so I’d recommend checking on all the places you plan to visit to ensure they are open and to see if they require reservations. For the Guinness Storehouse, they recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance, but we’d suggest booking as soon as you have your pass and know your exact dates.

Using your pass number to book does not activate the pass. The pass only activates the first time an attraction scans the code. So you can start making reservations for attractions as you soon as you purchase your passes.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions.

Wishing you a great trip to Dublin! Jessica

October 17, 2021 at 4:07 pm

thank you Jessica. That solves many of my questions. I have used a city pass before, so I should have realised the activation only happens at the first attraction. But I can book attractions ahead without paying upfront, so that is good. We hope to spend 3 weeks all up in Ireland and including Northern Ireland, so getting excited now. regards

October 19, 2021 at 5:41 am

Happy to help!

Yes, so you do have to purchase the Dublin Pass upfront to book attractions, of course, but you can do that before you leave for your trip (as soon as you make the purchase). But you don’t have to pay for the individual attractions that are included with the pass to make the bookings, you just need to give them your pass information to secure the bookings.

3 weeks is a great amount of time to spend in Ireland and Northern Ireland – so much to see and do and wishing you a wonderful trip!

Jenny Post author

July 26, 2020 at 3:11 pm

Hi! How much woul it take to travel to Dublin, Ireland?..I am from Phils. I am looking forward for an answer. Thanks?

July 27, 2020 at 10:48 am

It really depends on what you plan to do, where you plan to stay, and how long you plan to stay in Dublin. You can stay on a lower budget if you want to stay say in a hostel, eat at lower priced eateries or cook your own food, take public transit, and buy an attraction pass to save money on attraction fees.

I’d check out prices to get to Ireland, lodging you are interested in, and attractions you really want to visit to get an idea of how much your trip may cost. Once you are a bit further in your planning and know what you want to do and can tell me more about your budget, I would be happy to help you decide if your budget is reasonable or not for what you want to do.

Just note that now, as in most countries, there are travel restrictions for anyone traveling to Ireland from overseas. Travelers from most countries are currently are subject to a 14 day quarantine on arrival.

Janet Hindman Post author

November 2, 2019 at 7:44 am

This is very helpful. Some girlfriends and I are planning a trip to Ireland. We plan on staying in Dublin and doing a few day trips out but primarily just staying in the Dublin area. Thanks for sharing all this wonderful information.

November 2, 2019 at 8:08 am

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and glad you found our information helpful!

Yes, there is plenty to do and if you have more than 3 days in Dublin there you can take your time and explore at a more leisurely pace. We give lots of suggestions in our itinerary and those suggestions can be spread out over several days. If you plan to visit several attractions (especially higher priced ones like Guinness Storehouse), you might want to consider the Dublin Pass to save money.

Also plenty of day trips you can take from Dublin to nearby places when you want a break from the city! Just let us know if you have any questions.

November 2, 2019 at 8:48 am

Thanks. Yes we are planning on about an 8-9 day stay

Borislava Apostolova Post author

April 26, 2019 at 6:45 am

Very helpfull and usefull!!!Thank you!

April 27, 2019 at 10:33 am

Glad you found our Dublin itinerary helpful! Best, Jessica

Patty O'Brien Post author

January 17, 2019 at 11:08 am

Your article is very helpful. I will be visiting in February for 6 1/2 days- along with my daughter and her friend (18 year old). I have printed out the map and 3 day itinerary. We are just doing one big day trip up to Belfast and Giant’s Causeway and I booked a day/time for the Goal. Other than that we are just going to wing it.

[in October 2017 I took the two of them to Ireland and we did the Southwest – Lahinch to Dingle to Kerry to Tipperary – back up to Ennis – and they loved it – driving was frightful for me – but fun. This time I want to relax and soak it all up. no driving!]

January 17, 2019 at 12:40 pm

Great, glad to hear that you are planning another trip to Ireland, sounds like you had such a great experience back in 2017. There is plenty to do and see in Dublin and surrounds without a car. Laurence also recently wrote a Dublin Pass review which may be useful in saving money since you will be in the city for several days.

We also have a post on things to do in Belfast and a guide to highlights of the Causeway Coastal Route that may be of interest for your day trip to Northern Ireland.

Have a wonderful trip! Jessica

Frances Scheele Post author

January 16, 2019 at 10:27 am

this information seems to fit the bill for me. I will be 80, still active, and do not want to play mountain goat and climb mountains or explore very large castles. I do use tours as they provide transportation for me. I would also like information on seeing Belfast and Waterford. these are the cities that interest me the most and I know I would be able to see. thanks for all that you can provide. Fran Scheele

January 16, 2019 at 11:52 am

Glad you are finding our Dublin itinerary helpful for planning your time in Dublin. You can reach both Belfast and Waterford easily by train from Dublin, or you can join a guided tour from Dublin.

We have a guide to the top things to do in Belfast as well as a suggested 2 day itinerary that you can check out.

If you’d like to do a day tour to Belfast or 2 day tour, we’d check out these options on GetyourGuide and Viator . Some also visit other destinations in Northern Ireland like the Giant’s Causeway, Castle Ward, and the St. Patricks Centre.

We don’t have any posts on Waterford Ireland although we did get some Waterford crystal when we were last in Ireland 😉 You can get to Waterford by train on your own or you can take a guided day tour from Dublin, such as this one (by train) or this one (by coach) .

Hope that helps, and let us know if you have further questions. Wishing you a wonderful trip to Ireland.

Bill Post author

January 7, 2019 at 5:17 pm

Thank you so much for this! It is so helpful in our planning! I can’t seem to find your write up for the day trip to the cliffs of Moher. I’d love to learn how you chose to do that.

January 7, 2019 at 5:44 pm

Hi Bill, Glad you are finding our Dublin itinerary helpful! Oh, yes, I mention a day trip to the Cliff of Moher but didn’t include the link as it is on our other travel blog (Finding the Universe) and you can read about the day trip here . I will also add it to the article. Just let us know if you have any other questions. Best, Jessica

sally sullivan Post author

July 21, 2018 at 10:19 am

Hello, We love visiting Dublin Ireland and this post lists some of our favourite places! We also made time to go on a wonderful pub tour in the wicklow mountains with Rural Pub Tours. Its a small group tour which enables you to see unique pubs that would otherwise be difficult to get to. Shane is the owner and driver and he is so much fun. If you decide to check it out, you won’t be sorry!

July 22, 2018 at 12:53 pm

Hi Sally, Glad you enjoyed our Dublin itinerary and thanks for the pub tour tip! Maybe we’ll check it out the next time we are in Dublin and want to do something outside the city. Best, Jessica

Rob+Ann Post author

May 4, 2018 at 11:02 am

This is an awesome itinerary! Although, we could be entirely happy just stumbling around Dublin for a few days. It’s such a great city, at once charming and exciting, historic and modern. What we didn’t do – but will next time – is invest in the Dublin Pass! Besides the savings, we find the passes often get us to go places we might otherwise pass by. Pinning this one for later – Thanks guys!

May 6, 2018 at 12:38 am

Hi Rob & Ann, Yes, we definitely agree about the passes. We find that city passes like the Dublin Pass often encourage us to stop by museums or attractions we probably would not have visited otherwise because of the entry fees. Hope you get back to Dublin soon! Best, Jessica

andrew Post author

May 2, 2018 at 1:07 am

Amazing, Dublin is a must visit the place, from the beautiful historical monuments to museums, picturesque landscapes to the trendy flea market. Visiting Dublin is a treasure, I have been there and fall in love with the astonishing city.

May 2, 2018 at 12:02 pm

Hi Andrew, Thanks for taking the time to comment – yes we love Dublin too 😉 We haven’t been to the flea market there, perhaps on our next trip if it is happening! Best, Jessica

Jessica Post author

May 1, 2018 at 6:38 am

What a treasure trove of incredible information! I visited Dublin a few years back, but would love to go again. I especially loved the experience at the Guinness Storehouse! I pinned this for my next trip there, thanks!

May 1, 2018 at 1:33 pm

Hi Jessica, Yes, the Guinness Storehouse is definitely a crowd pleaser and they seem to keep just adding new parts to it 😉 Glad you enjoyed our Dublin itinerary and hope you get a chance to return to Dublin to see more! Best, Jessica

Anna Post author

May 1, 2018 at 1:40 am

Hopefully, I´ll get a chance to visit Dublin any time soon. You’ve put together such a great itinerary! I love cities where you can walk a lot! The Old Library in the Trinity College has been on my travel bucket list for a while! I get super excited every time I see that many books

May 1, 2018 at 1:27 pm

Hi Anna, If you love books and literature, you’ll probably really love Dublin as it some great literary spots. If you like libraries, there is obviously the beautiful Trinity College Long Room but you would probably also like Marsh’s Library and Chester Beatty Library. There are also a few good literature related museums as well as some great book shops 😉 Hope you get a chance to visit Dublin soon! Jessica

Nath. Post author

April 30, 2018 at 7:09 am

Thanks for creating this great guide to Dublin Jessica and Laurence :).

I also recommend going to see a play (often with fantastic actors) at the Abbey Theatre or at the Gate Theatre. Temple bar can be fun but drinking there is expensive.

A couple of good pubs with live Irish music: O’Donoghues Bar or The Cobblestone. Two great traditional pubs: The Brazen Head or Mulligan’s.

My first impression on discovering Dublin: grey buildings, grey sea, grey sky. But don’t let that put you off, Dublin is an old city with a young population and lots on offer.

You’ll leave with a warm fuzzy feeling.

April 30, 2018 at 7:25 am

Hi Nath, Glad you enjoyed our Dublin itinerary and thanks so much for those great recommendations! We’ve been to The Brazen Head but not the other pubs you recommend, only so many pubs you can visit each time 😉 We’d love to see a play or other performance in Dublin at one of the theatres – and will try to do that on our next trip.

Oh, yes, the weather can have such a major factor in first impression when traveling. We had OK weather in Dublin on our last trip but I remember my very first visit to London (similar experiences in Edinburgh and Aberdeen) – it was cold, raining, hailing, and windy! Not a good first impression but seeing it in the sunlight the next day and exploring some of the attractions helped change that 😉

Anda Post author

April 29, 2018 at 2:09 pm

Great guide for visiting Dublin. A lot of useful information in it, like always. It’s good to know what the Dublin pass covers. I didn’t realize you would need to a voltage converter in Ireland.

April 30, 2018 at 2:45 am

Hi Anda, Yes, Dublin has a lot to offer and the Dublin Pass can be a good investment if you plan to visit a number of the covered attractions. We’ll probably use it again on our next trip to Dublin as there are still several sites we haven’t visited that are included on the Pass.

Yes, like all of Europe (and most of the world), Ireland uses 220v but some countries (particularly the USA) do not and the USA uses 110v. You don’t want to plug a 110v applicance into a 220v outlet or vice versa without a converter. You could damage the device and/or the electrical system (I’ve accidentally ruined a handheld water heater and flat iron this way over the years). Now the good news is that most newer electronics are dual voltage these days meaning that work with both 110v and 220v (e.g., laptops, tablets, phones) but most other things (e.g., curling irons, flat irons, hair dryers, DVD players, some phone chargers) are not. It should be labeled on the device or in the manufacturer’s book. We buy dual voltage appliances or have two of things (e.g., flat irons) for the things we travel with a lot.

Anisa Post author

April 29, 2018 at 12:41 pm

Wow such a comprehensive list of attractions in Dublin, one of my favorite cities. I have been a few times but did not know about some of the museums you mentioned. I will have to check them out on my next trip.

April 30, 2018 at 2:37 am

Hi Anisa, Glad you enjoyed our post, and glad we could mentioned a few additional places to visit on your next trip to Dublin! Best, Jessica

Lolo Post author

April 29, 2018 at 12:16 pm

I am a full on believer now of these city passes! They definitely save a lot of money, especially when transportation is included! I just said to my husband a few minutes ago, we should look into other city passes! I think this was a sign haha

Hi Lolo, Yes, we often use discount city or region passes, as they save us a lot of money since we go to so many places. Although you do have to watch out as some are not the best deals especially if you are not visiting a ton of attractions. But I’ve used them in the USA, Europe, Korea, etc. and have found them a really good way to save money without skipping places we want to visit. The Dublin Pass is one we’d definitely recommend as it is easy to save money if you plan to visit several more pricey attractions! Best, Jessica

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Visiting Dublin: a travel guide for first time visitors

Travel guide for visiting Dublin, Ireland. expert travel tips to make the most of your time in Dublin Fair City

Dublin, the beautiful capital of Ireland, is a lovely destination: whether you come to Dublin for a city break, a work meeting or use the city as a jump-off point for visiting Ireland , Dublin has something to offer.

Looking for history? Dublin has museums and a castle for you! In need for a fun night out? Dublin has lovely pubs, music venues and great restaurants 9did you know? Yes, really, it does!). Looking for family activities: Dublin has those too!

I have been calling Dublin home for the last 15 years and, over this time, I have faced all the questions of the visitors and found all the answers as a local!

This is my travel guide to Dublin for first-time visitors.

This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

How many days in Dublin?

Dublin is a dynamic European capital with many museums and things to do, however, most of its must-see attractions can be seen and enjoyed in about 3 days

This is not to say that 3 days will be enough to see everything or that you will get bored if you stay any longer.

Rather, it is the amount of time that I believe is ideal for a visitor to get a sense of the city, see some of its main sights and feel they have actually seen the place.

With three days in Dublin, you can have a nice stroll in the city center, enjoy Dublin’s pubs and restaurants, relax in a park, see some museums and even the Guinness storehouse, one of Dublin’s biggest attractions.

Where to stay in Dublin?

Dublin is a surprisingly large city with a compact city center and large residential areas sprawling towards the surrounding counties.

The best area to stay in Dublin for sightseeing is the city center and in particular, the areas around Trinity College, Merrion Square and Christchurch.

These areas are all on the Southside of the river and put you in close proximity to most of Dublin’s main sites and attractions. These are also areas that will allow you to discover most if not all of the city on foot.

The Trinity and Merrion Square areas are a little more expensive while around Christchurch you have more mixed prices.

Another good address I always recommend is the Hilton Garen Inn on the river. Unlike the other areas above, this is a stretch of Dublin on the Northside of the river and while it is not the most atmospheric, it will well connected to the city center and pleasant (it is also where the Epic Ireland exhibition is). This is a good mid-budget option.

Hotels I recommend in Dublin city center are:

• Merrion Hotel (5 stars) – stunning and right in the city center
• Hilton Garden Inn Custom House (3 stars) – on the river, close to the center
• Radisson Blue Royal hotel city center (4 stars) – very well located for sightseeing
• Clayton hotel Chaerlemont (4 star hotel) – new hotel in an excellent central location

How to budget for a trip to Dublin

Dublin is an expensive city, surprisingly so. How much or how little you spend is always down to own decisions however, to give you an idea, consider that:

• A good room in a mid-range hotel costs easily between 100 and 200 Euro, closer to the 200 Euro mark
• A cup of coffee is about 3.60 Euro
• A beer is about 5.50 euro depending on size/brand
• A nice dinner for two in a mid-range establishment is around 60 euro
• Single hop bus ticket is 1.15 to 3.80 euro (depending on your exact journey and if you are paying cash/with leap card) – you can find more info on how to get around Dublin here

The best things to see in Dublin: Dublin must-see attractions

Dublin has many beautiful interesting attractions, most of them in the city center.

Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the unique medieval manuscript in its old library, is one of the most if not the most famous attractions in the whole of Dublin.

The College is right in the city center and therefore really easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city: I usually recommend it as the first stop for any Dublin trip both for location, interest and visual impact.

Worth seeing here are both the college grounds, the Library and the Book itself. Crowds can be intense so I do recommend you book tickets in advance.

A good offer is this one , which combines fast track entry to see the book and entry to Dublin castles, down the road from Trinity College and the next attraction on this list.

How to get there: any bus serving College Green, Luas Green Line Colleg Green, walking distance from O’Connell Bridge and Grafton Street.

Dublin Castle

Dublin castle is right in the center of Dublin and while not the most impressive castle you will see in Ireland, it is so significant in Irish history it rightly appears as a must-see place in Dublin.

The inside is also very beautiful and it is still now used for official State functions.

Dublin Castle is a short walk from Trinity College and you can visit both the college and the castle on the same day with this combined ticket here.

If you prefer to visit it separately, you can buy tickets on the official site or get hold of the Dublin Pass, which gives discounted and easy access to many city attractions.

How to get there: bus, walking distance from Trinity College and Christchurch cathedral

The Guinness Storehouse

Another heavyweight among Dublin attractions is the Guinness Storehouse, a place to famous and quintessentially Dublin to make a visit to the city without a stop here almost unthinkable.

The Storehouse is very touristy but also a lot of fun. The space itself is fun (it also has lovely spaces for drinks and events), the tour is fun and the view from the Gravity Bar at the end, where you can taste Guinness with a 360-degree view over the city is special.

Good to know: you don’t need to be a drinker to enjoy the tour. While you can taste a pint at the end, if you do not drink alcohol for any reason (whether you are an adult or a child) you will be offered a soda / juice instead. the tours is fun and informative anyway.

The Guinness Storehouse is very popular: I recommend you book skip the line tickets in advance here .

Jameson Distillery Visit

If you are more into whiskey than beer, then you may like to visit the Jameson Distillery in the area of Smithfield. This is a very fun visit that even I, a non-whiskey drinker really enjoyed.

The distillery itself is lovely and the tour fun (you also learn what makes Irish whiskey different from Scotch): definitely one I recommend! You can find cost and tickets here

St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and a wonderful place to see when in Dublin. Dating back to the 13th Century, the cathedral is said to be on a well allegedly used by St Patrick’s himself and is beautiful to visit inside and out.

Admissions to the cathedral is ticketed and you can pay the small entry fee on arrival. Tours of the church are available: you can find official info and how to pre-book here

Good to know: beside St Patrick’s Cathedral lies the Marshs’ Library, which is an old library said to be inhabited by a ghost! Make sure you add a stop here when visiting St Patrick’s, it is just around the corner from the main entrance.

Temple Bar is maybe the most famous street in Dublin, a pedestrianized road full of pubs, bars and restaurants. Temple Bar is nice during the day and can be fun at night but you need to know what you are in for, should you decided to go.

During the day and early evenings, you have a buzzy, dynamic atmosphere with lots of places to eat and drink and you have a huge variety of styles and people. later ar night, it becomes party central and you mostly have hen and stag parties.

Good to know both if you want to join them or avoid them!

Ha’Penny Bridge

Close to Temple Bar lies cute Ha’Penny Bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in Dublin. While not as impressive as the newer Calatrava ones farther down the river, the Ha’Penny Bridge is so quintessentially Dublin you simply have to see it and take a photo of its peculiar iron frame!

St Stephen’s Green Park

If you are in Dublin on a sunny day (and yes, you have many!), you may want to have a break in lovely St Stephen’s Green, the large city center park at the top of Grafton Street.

laid out with nice paths, a duck pond and kids playgrounds, this is a lovely place for a romantic stroll or just getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and hang out with the locals.

EPIC Ireland

A newer and wonderful attraction in Dublin is the EPIC exhibition , the permanent exhibition about Irish Immigration. Hosted in a beautiful dedicated space along the Liffey, this is a place to learn about Irish emigration and find your Irish roots visiting the Irish Family History Centre located right at the exit of the museum

Fun things to do in Dublin

As well as Dublin attractions, there are many fun things to do in Dublin for all types of visitors.

Go to the pub

Dublin has a huge number of pubs and they are so varied in size, style and clientele you are sure to find one to your liking!

Some pubs offer a more traditional experience (no food, slightly older clientele, lots of chatter), some offer cooked dinners and even cater to families, some are more local, some have beer gardens and so on: whatever pub experience you are after, Dublin has one for you! Head to the streets behind Grafton street for the widest selection and just pick any you like

Go on a literary pub crawl

Dublin has a fantastic literary tradition and a wonderful way to learn about it while having a good time is to join a literary pub crawl. This will bring you to some cool establishments and will make you familiarize with Irish writers and writing thanks to the aid of skilled readers and actors. This is a great activity and something pretty special you can do in the city.

Take a hop on hop off bus tour

A hop on hop off bus tour is a touristy activity but a fun one in Dublin. While most attractions in the city center are walking distance from each other, other cool Dublin attractions such as the Guinness storehouse, the zoo and the botanical gardens are not. A hot on hof off tour is a great way to add something a little more off the beaten track to your visit.

You can see exact stops and book your ticket here

See Irish dancing

Another really fun thing to do in Dublin is to go and see Irish dancing, a show that is incredibly energetic, fun and addictive! You can see Irish dancing at the Arlington Hotel , the (wonderful) Johnny Fox’s pub on the Dublin mountains and on selected nights at O’Sullivan’s on 2 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar.

Useful Dublin Travel resources: how to get around Dublin

Dublin has a decent public transport network made of:

• Tram (the Luas)
• Light urban railway (the DART)

Bus tickets can be bough on the bus itself and must be paid with coins (no cards accepted): the fair depends on the number of stops you need to reach your destination and has a maximum fare of 3 euro.

If you are staying in the center, you are likely to only need the bus occasionally however, if you are planning on staying in Dublin longer or your hotel is not in the city center, it can be convenient to buy a prepaid visitors card that allows you good saving on individual tickets.

You can find all you need to know about getting around Dublin and how to use Dublin’s public transport here .

Visiting Dublin with kids

Dublin is wonderful to visit with kids. Most main sightseeing attractions are easy to visit with children in tow and, if you need some entertainment that is just for them, Dublin delivers with both indoor and outdoor family activities!

To give you an idea, Dublin offers:

• Imaginoslity Children Museum
• Indoor play centers (Jumpzone for trampolining, Climbing walls, Pottery painting studios etc)
• Many parks and playgrounds
• Dublinia (the interactive museum of Dublin’s Viking history)
• Dublin splash tour

You can find my full guide to visiting Dublin with kids here and the best indoor activities for kids in Dublin on our sister site learning escapes here.

What to pack for Dublin

Dublin is a relaxed city and you can be as dressy or as casual as you fancy and be pretty sure you will fit in! The variety of styles in the city is one of my favorite things about it.

However, you always have to deal with the weather and since what you get changes every few minutes, some attires are better than others! I recommend you pack for Dublin your Ireland travel essentials plus:

• Good walking shoes
• Short-sleeve tops for the summer / long sleeve tops for the winter
• LIght sweater for summer /warm woolen sweater for winter
• Light jacket for summer evenings / warm waterproof coat for winter
• Scarf, gloves and hat for winter
• A nicer dress/shirt and shoes for going out
• Sunglasses for the summer
• Power bank for phone and all your tech
• Travel adapter for Ireland (we use a 3 pin sock, like the UK)

You can find Here >>> my full packing list for Ireland, month by month .

What to eat in Dublin

In the last few years, Dublin has grown to become a real foodie destination with excellent restaurants catering to most types of palate. The most traditional food you find here is spring lamb and salmon, but ethnic restaurants now abound too.

While not as popular as you may expect in a city on the sea, seafood can be great in Dublin too. I personally love it in Howth, the coastal area of North Dublin with the fishing port.

I hope you enjoyed this essential guide to visiting Dublin: safe travels!

Mama Loves Ireland

Céad míle fáilte! A thousand times welcome! I am a travel-loving Italian Mama lucky enough to call Ireland her home. Let my articles help you plan your trip to Ireland and get ready to fall in love with the Emerald Isle, just like I did. With love. M x

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A Weekend in Dublin – My Guide to 48 Hours in Dublin

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Welcome to my Dublin travel blog! So, you’re planning a weekend in Dublin? Good choice! Having grown up in Dublin I congratulate you for having impeccable travel tastes! As with any major city, Dublin has no shortage of cool things to do and see.

If you’re not a morning person there are plenty of things to do in Dublin at night. And the craic. Definitely do not forget about the craic! If you don’t know what that means then you might want to check out my guide to Irish phrases .

When you only have 48 hours in Dublin you might feel a bit overwhelmed about where to begin and how to really make the most of your time to experience the best that the city has to offer. Never fear. Marco Polo and I are here to help you out.  Marco Polo, you ask? The famous explorer? Well, kind of – The Marco Polo Guide Book to Dublin , s tuffed to the gills with useful information.

It’s a real gem when it comes to maximizing your time and planning your trip. Each part of the city is handily dealt with in separate sections. It’s easy to see at a glance which attractions are close to each other, how to get to them, and where to find great food without going out of your way. So you can get the most out of your 3 days in Dublin. Navigating and finding your way around has never been easier. Let’s get planning your Dublin weekend.

*BUY YOUR HANDY GUIDE TO DUBLIN – HERE *

A Weekend in Dublin

Getting to dublin.

Before you start your Dublin weekend you have to get there! If you’ve flown in there’s a high chance you’ve come with Ryanair . Whatever carrier you’ve flown with, getting from Dublin Airport to the heart of the city is easy as pie with the AirLink. It stops at the main bus station before making its way to one of the major train stations via O’Connell Street.

OR, if you’re on a budget, you can hop on the number 16 Dublin bus which leaves from outside terminal 1 and drops you off at several points in the city centre. It costs €3.30 for a single fare into town. If you’ve come over the water by ferry, Dublin Port is just a hop skip and a jump away; catch the number 53 City Bus. Or walk to the Three Arena and hope on the LUAS into town. If you’ve traveled to Dun Laoghaire, the DART is your best bet for getting into the city.

Of course, taxis are always available too. Apps like Uber, MyTaxi and Lynk can all be used in the city. Maybe you’ve taken the ferry into Rosslare? No worries, take the train direct into Dublin city and get your weekend in Dublin started! To get around the city pick up a Leap card and top it up to use the buses. It’s a bit like the Oyster card in London or the Octopus card in Hong Kong. It will make your 3 days in Dublin a lot smoother.

What to See and Do With 48 Hours in Dublin

From Dublin’s myriad of attractions, here are the top places to visit on your first weekend in Dublin:

•  Guinness Storehouse: Home of the famous Irish “Black Gold”, learn about Guinness’s history, see how it’s made, and enjoy a pint from the panoramic bar. This is a massive tourist trap of course, so be prepared for crowds. However, it’s worth it for all the old Guinness ads and the view from the Gravity Bar at the top of the Storehouse. Despite the crowds, it is something you need to tick off the bucketlist of things to see in Dublin. **You can book a “skip the queue” tour for only €25 – HERE  . I highly recommend it for saving time and hassle.**
• The Old Jameson Distillery : See where Jameson Whiskey was made until the 1970s and sip on some of the legendary fire water. It’ll put hairs on your chest! This is one of my favourite tourist attractions in Dublin. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and it’s great value for money. Try the Jameson and ginger complimentary cocktail at the end of the tour, it’s delicious. **If you only do one alcohol related tour in Dublin, I highly recommend this one. You can book a tour of the Jameson distillery for €22 – HERE **

•  St Michan’s Church: One of Dublin’s quirkiest attractions, descend into the crypt and meet the mummies. Tours of the crypt are only available on Saturday. The church is still used for worship so it is closed on Sundays. During the summer tours available on weekdays as well.
• St Patrick’s Cathedral: The grand medieval cathedral is the tallest in all of Ireland.  Hmmm, are there too many churches on this list? Upholding the religious stereotype! But seriously, this is a gorgeous building. If you have a chance to attend a choir recital here, take it. And there’s a nice little garden area beside it, perfect for a picnic.
• Christ Church Cathedral: Another religious beauty, you can also see the mummified cat and rat. Scenes from the Tudors were filmed in here. In fact, my sister was an extra in a few of the scenes. Buy a combination ticket and visit Dublinia next door for a bit of a living history tour of the city.

• Kilmainham Gaol: Step into the past and see where the heroes of the 1916 Easter Rising were housed after events that ultimately (in 1949) led to Ireland officially gaining its freedom from England. Learn more about the previous inmates of the prison too, they weren’t all heroes. Scenes from the original “Italian Job” were filmed here, not to mention “Michael Collins” and “The Wind That Shakes The Barley”.
• Molly Malone: Previously located on the shopper’s paradise of Grafton Street, the lovely Molly has now been moved to Suffolk Street just across from O’Neill’s pub. Make sure to learn the song so that you can sing it to Molly. I’ll give you a few lines; “In Dublin’s fair city, where the girls are so pretty, I first laid my eyes on sweet Molly Malone”. There you go, now make sure to Google the rest of the lyrics so you know her history.

• Dublin Castle: Slap bang in the heart of the city, the historic castle is well worth a quick visit on your weekend in Dublin. This is also a popular wedding venue. It has been used in movies such as “Becoming Jane” and “Michael Collins”.
• Phoenix Park: At 1752 acres Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed parks in a European capital city. Herds of deer have lived in the park since around 1660. You can get quite close depending on their mood, but I don’t recommend posing for silly photos or trying to touch them. I’ve seen many tourists fall foul of Bambi trying to get too close. Appreciate the beauty from a respectful distance. Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the Irish president, can also be found in Phoenix Park, as well as Dublin Zoo!
• Ha’penny Bridge: So called because back in the day you had to pay a ha’penny to cross the bridge. Spanning the River Liffey, it offers great views of both sides of Dublin’s dividing river. People have started putting love locks on this bridge. I don’t recommend it as I don’t want the Ha’penny bridge ending up like the one in Paris. 

If you’d like to check out other tours and attractions around Dublin then check out my favourite tour website – HERE .

*Want more ideas of what to do in Dublin?! Here’s my full guide of all the best THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN .*

Things to do in Dublin at Night

An essential part of any Dublin mini break is the nightlife! Temple Bar is the must-visit spot for first-timers experiencing a weekend in Dublin. Well, if you want to be the quintessential tourist that is.

You’ll find very few local people in Temple Bar. But it does have its charms. The cobblestone streets are quaint. Personally, I’d only ever spend time in Temple Bar shopping, eating or to check out photography exhibitions during the day. Definitely head there a bit earlier if you’re not a huge fan of raucous merriment. Have a few drinks to settle in, and you’ll likely be singing and swaying along like everyone else before you know it.

Just be aware that the price of a drink in Dublin is quite high in comparison to most parts of the world. Pints have been known to cost anywhere up to €7 (seriously) in the most touristy of pubs in Temple Bar.

If you want to meet some other travellers and be shown around some of the best pubs in Dublin then book yourself a pub crawl – HERE .

If you want to experience proper Irish dancing and singing, as opposed to drunken shenanigans, check out Johnnie Fox’s. You’ll need to venture into the mountains, but it’ll be a great night out.

For a night out with the regular Dublin crowd check out the plethora of bars and cocktail bars in and around South William Street, George’s Street and Wexford Street. Alternatively, book tickets for an evening at the Gaiety Theatre and enjoy some high-quality drama. Dublin gave the world Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and George Bernard Shaw, to name a few greats, you know! 

What to Eat in Dublin

With about two days in Dublin you’ll have plenty of time to feast on some Dublin delicacies. If you’re looking for some traditional Irish fare to sink your teeth into on your weekend in Dublin, you can’t go wrong with Irish stew. Another one-pot dish to try is coddle.

Bacon and cabbage, as unappetizing as it may sound, is also really tasty.  Grab a breakfast roll in the morning, or sit down for a full breakfast of sausage, bacon, eggs and other goodies. 

Speaking of goodies, if you have a sweet tooth then you absolutely have to check out this article all about the best dessert places in Dublin . Your teeth will hurt just reading it!

If you’re veggie like me then have no fear, Dublin has gotten a lot better for vegetarians in the last few years. I love The Farm and Sprout & Co, both on Dawson Street, Cornucopia on Wicklow Street and Taste Food Company on South William Street. ALSO, Umi Falafel on Dame Street is incredible. Your Marco Polo guide will show you the best spots to savour Irish cooking at its best. 

Have a ball during your weekend trip to Dublin! If you have any questions about my city let me know!

Recommended Reading

Hilarious Irish Phrases Translated

Things Irish People Are Sick of Hearing

A Daytrip on the Paddywagon

2 Secret Game of Thrones Locations in Ireland

Thanks for showing me around during my time in Dublin you beautiful, free-spirited soul!!! LOVED my time there and cannot wait to return and explore the rest of your stunning country xxx

http://bohemianmuses.blogspot.co.za/

I’ve lived in the UK my whole life and never been to Dublin :/ (its a travesty I know)!! Reading this has simply confirmed to me that I need to hurry up and take a weekend trip to the wonderfully city! I’ll be coming back to this post to brush up on things to do 🙂

Hi! I am Julia, being a newbie to blogging I mostly visit blogs listed at ShoutmeLoud and link of your blog whereistara, I’ve seen there. So visited here and found you have a really cool blog. You look so professional and highly educated to blogging. Can you share some useful tips to successful blogging? Thanks

I had almost four days to spend in Dublin, but I could have spent twice as many visiting all wonderful spots inside and around the city. The Vintage Radio museum in Howth impressed me the most. The Howth harbor is also beautiful, with its friendly seagulls and delicious fish meals. I can’t wait to get back there!

Ireland is number 1 on my travel list. I want to read more about your adventures in this amazing country!

Thank you for sharing this information , it was very useful. I am planning to visit Dublin next month. Keep on writing these amazing blogs.

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The Complete 2 Days in Dublin Itinerary

If you’re headed off to explore the Emerald Isle, there’s a (very) good chance that your plane is going to touch down in Ireland’s capital city–and there’s no better way to kick off a trip to Ireland than by spending 2 days in Dublin.

While Dublin may not have the romantic beauty of Paris or the grandiosity of Rome, it is a compelling–and in places gorgeous–city that is packed with interesting things to do.

No, you shouldn’t plan a trip to Ireland and base yourself for weeks in Dublin, but spending a couple of days in Dublin before you take off for green pastures and dramatic coastlines is definitely an excellent idea.

Trying to put together a 2 day Dublin itinerary and not sure where to start?

Here’s what to do with a couple of days in Dublin.

Table of Contents

How We Structured This 2 Day Dublin Itinerary

Day 1 in dublin: trinity college, dublin castle, temple bar + beyond, day 2 in dublin: guinness, st. stephen’s + more, where to stay in dublin, how long to stay in dublin, how to get around during 2 days in dublin, the best time to visit dublin.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

This Dublin itinerary is designed for a (potentially jetlagged) traveler touching down in the capital city before leaving to explore more of the Emerald Isle and is intended to give a nice overview of the best things to do in Dublin while maintaining a lowkey pace that won’t exhaust you before you get to Ireland’s biggest natural treasures.

However, if you’re taking a short city break or planning a weekend in Dublin, this guide to spending 2 days in Dublin can work for you too–though you could also condense, say, 65% of this Dublin itinerary into one day and spend your second day in Dublin on a day trip outside the city, and that would be our recommendation!

Start your sightseeing at the General Post Office. 

Dublin’s General Post Office (or GPO) may seem like a strange place to kick off your 2 days in Dublin–but with impressive Georgian architecture, a prominent location on O’Connell Street, a beautiful interior, and a compelling history that involves playing a role in Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising, it’s actually the perfect place to start.

The GPO is still a working post office, so during business hours, you’re welcome to take a peek inside–but if you want to learn more about the building’s 1916 history, we recommend visiting its Witness History exhibit.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the nearby James Joyce statue as well!

Book your ticket for the Witness History exhibit today!

Cross the Ha’Penny Bridge. 

Built in the early 19th century, the Ha’Penny Bridge earned its nickname (it’s technically called the Liffey Bridge) for a very simple reason: for the first 100 years of its existence, a ha’penny–or half pence–toll was charged to cross it.

Today, crossing the bridge is one of the many fun free things to do in Dublin , and is a great way to grab some views of the River Liffey.

Before crossing, book lovers may want to duck into the beautiful bookshop right across the street from the bridge: The Winding Stair.

Head to Trinity College.

Located in the center of the city and dating to the 16th century, Trinity College is Ireland’s most prominent university–and it’s also a beautiful place to visit.

Head over to campus and admire its beauty while making your way to what is arguably one of the prettiest and best-known libraries in the world: the Long Room.

Step inside the Long Room and check out the Book of Kells. 

The Long Room at Trinity College holds around 200,000 volumes, is around 65 meters long, and dates to the 18th century–but honestly, all of those facts fade away very quickly when you’re confronted with the beauty of the room itself (at least for bibliophiles like us!).

Truthfully, the Long Room has been on my list of must-see literary locations for years, and while the crowds (because there are definitely crowds!) definitely ensure that it feels more like the tourist attraction that it is than a peaceful library, it is an incredible sight, and well worth experiencing during your 2 days in Dublin.

Perhaps less well-known to foreign visitors but at least as interesting is the Book of Kells, which you’ll also gain access to with your ticket to the Long Room: this 9th-century illustrated copy of the Gospel is written in Latin and is incredibly beautiful and well-preserved.

Say hi to Molly Malone.

The legend of Molly Malone is a short, sad one.

Molly Malone was said to be a fishmonger (possibly from the 17th century), who sold cockles and mussels in a wheelbarrow… and then died of a fever. In some versions of the legend, she was also a prostitute.

Molly Malone’s legend and the song commemorating it are connected to Dublin–and on your walk from Trinity College to Dublin Castle, you’ll come across a statue dedicated to her.

Pay a visit to Dublin Castle. 

As compared to what you’ll find in Ireland’s smaller towns and countryside, it’s fair to say that Dublin Castle doesn’t look all that much like, well–a castle. Not in the traditional sense, anyway!

However, Dublin Castle has been an important government site in Ireland for most of its existence (the castle dates to the 13th century), including the present, and is absolutely worth visiting.

If you’re in a hurry or simply jetlagged, you may want to merely check out the exterior–but if you’re interested in learning some Irish history, it’s best to head inside on a guided tour, which will take you behind-the-scenes to parts of the castle you can’t otherwise access.

Once you finish up in the castle itself, consider stopping by the nearby Castle Gardens or the beautiful Chester Beatty Library that is located right next door!

Check out the Christ Church Cathedral.

There are few cities with two cathedrals–but Dublin is one of them.

While St. Patrick’s Cathedral is perhaps the more recognizable of the two, Christ Church Cathedral is equally compelling, and actually predates St. Patrick’s Cathedral by more than 100 years.

The crypt is one of the most interesting parts of the cathedral, in part because of the mummified cat and rat that are on display there, famous for being mentioned by James Joyce in Finnegans Wake. You can also find Ireland’s first copy of the Magna Carta here!

Head over to the Temple Bar district.

The Temple Bar district is undoubtedly touristy, not to mention expensive (even by Dublin’s pricey standards), but it’s also quite beautiful, and can be a fun way to introduce yourself to the city!

Even if you’d rather stray further off the beaten path to eat and drink on your first night in Dublin, we still recommend at least walking through the Temple Bar district and admiring its cobblestone streets and decked out, colorful buildings.

If you are looking for something to eat in the area, nearby Leo Burdock’s is famous for serving up tasty and affordable fish and chips.

Kick off your day in Dublin with a full Irish breakfast. 

There’s nothing quite like the delight of a full Irish breakfast (full as in complete, but also full as in, “you’ll be so incredibly full after eating one that you won’t be able to eat for hours”).

Boasting a fried egg, sausage, Irish bacon/rashers, beans, black and white pudding, mushrooms, grilled tomato, and occasionally potatoes, eating at least one full Irish breakfast is a must-have experience during your 2 days in Dublin.

For this Dublin itinerary, we can absolutely recommend the delicious breakfast at Beanhive Coffee , which is just a stone’s throw from your first sightseeing stops of the day.

Digest with a walk through St. Stephen’s Green.

There’s no better place to walk off your heavy breakfast than lovely and peaceful St. Stephen’s Green, a quiet and leafy public park that dates back hundreds of years (though its current layout was developed in the 19th century).

It’s a beautiful place for a morning walk in Dublin’s city center !

Duck inside the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre.

You don’t need to spend much of your 2 days in Dublin inside a shopping center , but as this center at the top of popular Grafton Street is right next door to St. Stephen’s Green Park, it’s worth ducking into for a quick look at its stunning interior–just look at that light!

Stroll to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. 

Founded in 1191, St. Patrick’s is arguably the best-known church in Dublin–and it’s certainly one of the most impressive!

As the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is insanely beautiful, both inside and out, and is open to visitors.

Come to admire the Gothic architecture, to check out the Door of Reconciliation, or, for literary fans, to see where author Jonathan Swift is buried.

There’s also an incredible peaceful park right next door, so if you’d like to rest your feet a bit (or watch cute dogs–definitely a big selling point for us), feel free to settle on a bench for a few minutes.

Buy your entrance ticket to St. Patrick’s Cathedral today!

Head to the Guinness Storehouse for the ultimate Dublin experience.

Dublin and Guinness go hand-in-hand, and a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is the perfect way to enjoy the famous brew!

Learn some of the history of the iconic brand, learn how to pull your own Guinness, go for a taste test, and take a walk through the brewing process (in theory, that is–the beer is no longer brewed on the premises).

You can also c heck out some cool vintage Guinness advertising campaigns (one of my favorite parts of visiting), and top it all off by soaking in some of the best views of Dublin with a cold one in hand.

As someone who takes a casual-at-best interest in beer, the views another one of the highlights for me: you can see all across Dublin and right over to the Wicklow Mountains from the lounge at the top of the Guinness Storehouse.

Your ticket includes a drink, with Guinness, of course, being the most popular choice, but soft drinks available for under-18s and the non-drinkers among us.

Fair warning, though: the Guinness Storehouse gets packed.

Be prepared to share the space with plenty of other visitors!

Book your skip-the-line ticket to the Guinness Storehouse (pint of beer included) today!

Finish your 2 days in Dublin with dinner at an Irish pub. 

Visiting an Irish pub for an evening of tasty food and (hopefully) some live music definitely deserves to be part of your 2 day Dublin itinerary!

There are plenty of pubs to choose from in Dublin, so whether you’re looking for a touristy good time at Temple Bar, a quiet, offbeat experience, or something in between, you’ll find one suited to your taste.

If you like chasing history, consider a stop at Brazen Head, which purports to be Dublin’s oldest pub and boasts live music every night!

Abbey Court Hostel — Located right across the street from the River Liffey and less than a 5-minute walk to the Ha’Penny Bridge, Temple Bar, and more, you can’t ask for a better place to stay on a budget in Dublin than Abbey Court Hostel.

We stayed here during our first trip to Dublin, and while the accommodation and included breakfast were nothing to write home about–it’s a hostel, after all–we had no complaints and were thrilled with the location.

Check rates & book your stay at Abbey Court Hostel!

Hotel St. George — We stayed at Hotel St. George on our most recent trip to Dublin, and were completely happy with the experience!

The location allowed us to comfortably walk to most of Dublin’s major sites, the room was clean and quiet, the lobby beautiful, and the customer service excellent. We would be happy to stay here again!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel. St George!

The Wilder — If you’re looking for a luxury experience in Dublin that lends itself to a bit of peace and quiet, the Wilder is the place for you.

Boasting impeccable reviews and an excellent location near St. Stephen’s Green, The Wilder is within easy reach of all of Dublin’s top sights, while also being far removed from the noise, hustle, and bustle of places like the Temple Bar District.

Check rates & book your stay at The Wilder!

While Dublin is a fun city, and spending a couple days in Dublin definitely enhances a trip to Ireland, be cautious of allotting too many of your precious days in the Emerald Isle to the city: outside of the large cities (large being a relative term, of course) is where Ireland really shines.

Two days in Dublin is the perfect amount to get a taste of the city if you’re spending roughly 10 days to 2 weeks in Ireland. With only a week or so on the island, we’d recommend spending only one day in Dublin. With three weeks or more, you could consider dedicating more time to the city.

If you do have more than 2 days in Dublin, consider paying a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol, visiting the mummies at St. Michan, or touring one of the many fascinating museums in Dublin, from meaningful spots like the Irish Emigration Museum and Irish Famine Museum, to more lighthearted options like the Leprechaun Museum.

If you book a centrally located hotel in Dublin, you’ll find most of the destinations on this 2 day Dublin itinerary fairly accessible by foot–on our most recent visit to the city, we only used alternate transportation to get to and from the airport, and to get back to our hotel after visiting the Guinness Storehouse.

However, if you would like to use Dublin’s public transportation system, you’ll find plenty of public buses available (exact change only, or you can purchase a transportation pass ), as well as some trams.

Taxis and Uber are also both available in the city.

There’s no doubt that if you’re hoping to see the sunshine or avoid bundling up, summer is the best time to visit Ireland, and that includes Dublin as well.

However, this 2 days in Dublin itinerary works for any time of the year, so don’t shy away from the city if your opportunity to visit falls outside of June, July, and August–just be prepared for the distinct possibility of less-than-ideal weather, and to dress accordingly!

If you are interested in spending a weekend in Dublin during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, expect high prices, plenty of tourists looking to have a rowdy time, and for the River Liffey to be green –whether that sounds fantastic or terrible to you is absolutely a matter of preference. If you want to go, though, be sure to book your hotel way in advance.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

17 thoughts on “The Complete 2 Days in Dublin Itinerary”

Best Dublin/Ireland blog I’ve come across! Thank you for helping us plan our trip!

So happy to hear, that Ariel! Hope you guys have an amazing trip to Dublin!

Any thoughts on EPIC? We are debating if this museum is worth the visit as we only have 2 days in Dublin.

We haven’t been yet personally, but we’ve heard good things about it! It’s supposed to be very well done.

Would always recommend tourists go to Kilmainham prison to learn the history of Dublin

My daughter and I went. The guide was amazing we really enjoyed the tour!

I highly recommend the National Gallery. A large portion is free and the exhibits are fantastic.

Have you driven through City Center at all? We went ahead and booked a car at the airport for convenience sake and now im wondering if learning to drive on the left side of the road in a busy city center is smart! We’re staying at a hotel in Temple Bar district.

Yes, once or twice. It’s not our favorite thing to do in Ireland, LOL.

The Temple Bar district is very dense, and I’d recommend picking up your rental car as you get ready to leave Dublin if at all possible!

If not, make sure you have a good GPS and be very careful navigating to a parking garage.

What a great post! Some of the Dublin spots I want to make sure I get to, but laid out in such a concise way with some great tips and recommendations! Going next yr. thank you!

Thanks so much! That’s exactly our goal. 🙂

This was really great thank you!

You’re welcome!

This is exactly what we needed. A blog like this with great and important details… the best Ireland travel blog… We loved because of the step by step- it gives you a sense of a planned full day…

Thanks, Sammy! Enjoy Dublin.

We used your itinerary last September – very useful – it was great to have all your info and we knew exactly what we could accomplish in our two days. Easy, walkable city. We added Dublin at the end of a European trip and did not rent a car. We used public transportation to and from the airport – easy to book and pay on-line with the company we used. Once we were in Dublin, it was all walking and we loved every minute.

That’s fantastic to hear, thank you Connie! Really appreciate you taking the time to share. 🙂

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Dublin Travel Guide: Is Dublin Worth Visiting in 2023?

· everything you need to know about planning a trip to dublin, ireland in 2023, including the top things to do, how to get there, and how to stay safe. ·.

Irish culture and heritage spread far beyond the borders of this little Atlantic island. In fact, there are more Irish citizens living outside of the country than ones living within its borders! This post is going to take a look at Ireland’s biggest city and economic hub, Dublin.

I’ll outline the best things to do in Dublin and how to get to Dublin, and then I’ll provide a couple of pointers that will help you plan your trip to Dublin.

This post contains affiliate links through which we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own.

Best Things to Do in Dublin

Dublin is the biggest city in Ireland, and you can definitely feel it. While many people come looking for the countryside charm found in many places throughout Ireland, Dublin undeniably has its own flare and appeal. This city has no shortage of cool experiences to check out, is packed with great restaurants and pubs, and is a great place to base yourself for day trips around the country. Here is my list of the best things to do in Dublin.

1. Have a Pint and Tour the Guinness Storehouse

Guinness is one of the world’s most successful brands of beer, and it is beloved in Ireland more than anywhere else. This legendary brewery is one of the most successful companies to come out of Ireland, and I believe a tour of the Guinness Storehouse is the best thing to do in Dublin. I have been on brewery tours all over the world, and I can confidently say that the Guinness Storehouse tour in Dublin is the best one I have ever been on.

The brewery is set up like a museum, and you work your way up from the bottom floor all the way seven floors up to the top. Tickets are cheap, as they only cost €24 and include the price of admission and a beer from the Gravity Bar on the roof. You can buy your tickets online here.

The bar has really great views of Dublin, and making it to the top is a lot of fun. They say that Guinness tastes better in Ireland than anywhere else in the world, but I’d take that statement even further; Guinness at the Storehouse tastes better than the rest of Ireland! The brewery and the tour are amazing, but the highlight for me was the perfectly poured Guinness in the Gravity Bar.

Sipping on that Guinness while talking to a friend and overlooking the city is easily one of the best things to do in Dublin.

2. Go on a Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most beautiful natural landscapes I have ever seen, beating out the Cerro de Los Picachos in Panama, the Grand Canyon , and Big Sur in California. This stretch of the Atlantic coastline ends abruptly with sudden cliffs that are 700 feet above the water.

There are no barriers to protect you from falling, and you can walk (or crawl) right up to the edge and look down. I do not advise this, as it is extremely dangerous and the winds tend to be very strong…but I’m sure you will see people doing it!

Getting to the Cliffs of Moher is pretty simple. While they are located on the completely opposite side of the country, Ireland is pretty narrow, and making a day trip to see them is perfectly doable. I wrote an entire post about taking a day trip from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher , and I break down every possible way you can get there and other logistics for your visit.

Visiting the Cliffs of Moher is easily one of the best things to do in Ireland, and coupling it with a stop in Galway makes the day even better.

3. Grab a Drink at the Temple Bar

The Temple Bar has been around for centuries – closer to a millennium, really. This bar has been open since the 1300s and continues to serve both Irish locals and tourists as one of the most popular establishments in the city. Its most distinguishing quality is its red exterior, and the Temple Bar’s central location makes it one of the best places to be when the evening rolls around.

This place will be packed with people, and most of them will be tourists. While I tend to prefer non-touristy things and roll with locals, a quick stop into the Temple Bar is a must, if not only to be able to say you did it. The drinks are moderately priced and there was live entertainment when we visited. If you’re ready to party, one of the best things to do in Dublin is a long night out at the Temple Bar! When in Ireland, right?

Temple Bar has been open since the 1300s.

4. Take a Tour of the Abandoned Prison of Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is a really interesting place to visit, and it carries a long and storied past within its walls. It gives me major Alcatraz vibes, for those who have visited the infamous island prison off the coast of San Francisco.

The prison has held some of the most notorious criminals, rebels, and enemies of the government that Ireland has ever seen, and many of them were even executed within its walls.

Nowadays, the prison of Kilmainham Gaol is run by the Office of Public Works, and they have turned it into a very informative and reflective museum that has become one of the best things to do in Dublin. The people who were housed inside this prison were usually not treated very well, and while the prison housed some high-profile names, most of its inmates were regular people who got caught committing petty crimes.

The museum costs only €8 for an adult to enter, and you must make a reservation in advance. Entrance is permitted by the time slot on your ticket, so be sure to pick a time that you will be available!

5. Learn About Ireland’s Long and Rich History at the National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland is spread out over a few different museums, including Decorative Arts and History, Country Life, Natural History, and Archaeology. As the most prestigious museum in Ireland, you could spend days pouring through the information that is available here.

While each of the museums is fantastic, I personally recommend the Museum of Decorative Arts and History. The Country Life Museum is unfortunately not located in Dublin and is a significant drive away from the city.

The National Museum of Ireland is free.

These museums are all great, but what sets them apart even further is their price of admission, which is nothing. The National Museum of Ireland is free to visit, and the information on display is worth much more than nothing! Take advantage of this, as visiting the National Museum of Ireland is definitely the best free thing to do in Dublin.

6. Sip Some Irish Whiskey and Tour the Old Jameson Distillery

The Irish really love their drinks, and you can’t blame them. They’ve got it down to a science over the years! A visit to the Guinness Storehouse tops my list of the best things to do in Dublin, but no trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery .

While the Old Jameson Distillery hasn’t actually been actively distilling anything since 1970, seeing the infrastructure of the building and the distillery process is really cool and educational.

The distillery also goes by the name of Bow St. Distillery, and there are a handful of cool experiences that can be booked to do while visiting. From Whiskey blending sessions to tours and bottling your own whiskey. Tickets can be bought online, and I advise doing so to make sure you have a slot! The Bow St. Experience, which includes a tour, tasting, and more, costs €25 per person, and tickets can be bought here.

How to Get to Dublin

Dublin is served by only Dublin International Airport (DUB) , which is one of the busier airports in Western Europe. As a result, there are probably going to be plenty of affordable flight options to bring you right into Dublin from anywhere in the world. There really is no other airport I advise looking into, as Dublin will be the best option 999 times out of 1000. There really isn’t a better option.

For some tips on saving a little money on your flight, I’d recommend that you check out my detailed guide to finding cheap flights . Dublin International Airport is also served by several great budget airlines, which is a huge plus if you are looking to save money. If you are skeptical about flying on budget airlines or want to know how to get around their sneaky fees, be sure to read my budget airline guide.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Once you arrive at the airport, you have three options to get downtown.

Use a Private Transfer

The best way to get from the airport to your hotel in Dublin is by booking a private transfer with our partners at Welcome Pickups .

Welcome Pickups offers personalized, private, comfortable rides from the airport into the city for about the same price as a standard taxi. They monitor your flight status while you are in the air, and a driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it as soon as you arrive.

Secondly, you can take a bus, which costs about €10 per person per way. If you are traveling alone, I highly recommend this as it will be the cheapest option for you and the buses are very nice and comfortable. However, if you are traveling with at least one other person, you will want to take a taxi. I am very partial to Uber, and I use it as my first choice all the time when public transportation isn’t a good option.

Take a Taxi or Uber

I am very partial to Uber, and I use it as my first choice all the time when public transportation isn’t a good option.

However, in Ireland Uber can only be used to hail official taxis. I would first check the Uber app to see what the cost of an Uber taxi would be, and then compare it to the going rate of €20-30 that airport taxis charge. The odds are that a taxi for two people will cost about the same as a bus for two people, so you might as well go for the taxi.

How to Get Around Dublin

BUS | COASTAL TRAIN | TRAM | TAXI

Getting around Dublin is very easy thanks to its extensive public transportation system. While there is no subway system, there is a great bus network, a coastal train, and a tram system that connect the city to the suburbs. While you always have the option of a taxi and can hail them from the Uber app, I personally found that I was just fine using public transportation to get everywhere I needed to go.

Remember that Ireland doesn’t allow private vehicles to be used for Uber, so calling an Uber will just result in a ride from a regular taxi.

If you are staying for a few days, I recommend purchasing a LEAP card. This is a public transportation card that can be used on all of Dublin’s bus, train, and tram lines. In fact, LEAP cards can be used in other cities around the country, too!

All of the information you could possibly need can be found here , but in summary, you can use an app on your phone in lieu of a physical card and you can top up the balances from your phone whenever you need. Each ride of under 3km costs €1.60, and anything further than 3km costs €2.30.

If you’re staying in Ireland for a few days we recommend purchasing a LEAP card.

Safety in Dublin

You may find yourself wondering, “is Dublin safe to visit?” This is a valid question, as it is a major city and is fairly densely populated. The good news is that generally speaking, Dublin is a very safe city to visit. It is the most dangerous city in Ireland, yes, but Ireland as a whole is a very safe country.

There is no major safety risks in Dublin other than petty theft.

There are no major risks or threats to consider, and the worst thing that is likely to happen is a run-in with a pickpocket or petty thief. These occurrences themselves are also rare, and as long as you take normal precautions, don’t stumble around too late at night, and don’t carry wads of cash with you everywhere you go, Dublin is a very safe city to visit.

What Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Dublin?

Dublin is in Ireland, and while Ireland is not a part of the United Kingdom, it is geographically pretty much the same. England is known for its dreary weather, so you can probably infer the same about Ireland, right?

Well, yes and no. It is true that there is a not-so-pretty season in Ireland, and that runs from November to late March. Ireland gets pretty cold, rainy, and snowy during those months, and the wind can make your visit a little bit less pleasant.

Don’t visit during St. Patrick’s Day. You will be very disappointed just as I was.

While this rules out a visit during St. Patrick’s Day, you’re not missing out on anything. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in the United States and is a wholly American holiday – in Ireland, it is not a giant party. Been there, done that.

There is a cool parade and some happy people, but alcohol sales were actually banned for the whole morning of St. Patrick’s Day while we were there because the country wants to keep the sacred aspects of the holiday intact. It is a saint’s feast day, after all.

The best time of the year to visit Dublin depends on what you are looking for, but generally, there are two windows of time to consider. The best weather and the most lively events in Dublin occur during the summer months, from June to August. The sun is shining, people are outside having fun, and the country is gorgeous.

This is when most people choose to go to Dublin, and typically crowds know best. The drawback to visiting in the summer, though, is that the prices will all be higher for the peak season and all of the attractions and restaurants will be fuller. If you are fine with waiting in lines and paying more for your hotel, this is the best time to visit.

Personally, I am not into that. I like smaller crowds, paying less for accommodation, and generally being freer to explore the city at my own pace. If this is you, you probably want to visit during the spring shoulder season, which is April and May.

Either visit Dublin in the summer or during the shoulder months.

All of the prices during this time are a bit lower, the crowds are much smaller, and the city feels much more like its normal self rather than just a tourist destination. Regardless, if you visit between April and August you are bound to have a great time!

Is Dublin Worth Visiting?

Despite its small size, Ireland is a very popular country to visit, and its capital city is also its main gateway. Most people who visit Ireland pass through Dublin on their way to anywhere else they go in the country, and the vast majority of them spend a day or two in Dublin before venturing further out into Ireland.

Personally, I highly recommend this. While there are certainly other cities and towns in Ireland with more charm, nowhere in Ireland is quite like Dublin. From the iconic brewery and distillery, to the free museums, to the wide range of things to check out, Dublin is absolutely worth visiting.

After all, Dublin has been the center of culture and life in Ireland for a very long time, and many of the most important aspects of Irish history and culture stem from Dublin. While you may be tempted to skip right over it and head elsewhere, I highly recommend a visit to Dublin while you’re in Ireland.

That’s all we have for you about vacationing in Dublin in 2023! Hopefully, this Dublin Travel Guide helps you to plan the perfect trip and gives you a better idea of the best things to do in Dublin.

If you’re planning a trip to Dublin, let us know! We’d love to chat ahead of time and answer any questions you have.

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Hamish Wilson

I’m considering making Dublin my next backpacking destination, being from Scotland I find it mad that I’ve never made the trip. I think what has put me off Ireland is that it looks way too similar to my home country. I suppose this post has given me some inspiration for what I’ll do when I go there.

I’m so happy to hear that! Dublin is an amazing place. I hope you thoroughly enjoy it! Next time I’m headed to Scotland I’ll need your tips!

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48-Hour Guide to Dublin

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Dublin is a must on any Eurotrip. Whether it’s your first or 15th visit, you won’t run out of things to do – or drink.

The word ‘lively’ comes to mind when thinking back on my two days in Dublin, Ireland . The Irish are friendly, chatty and love a good pint. On returning home I had to go for a giant 12-hour sleep to recover from my nights singing to live music in pubs… I also had to go on a diet after all the Guinness and hearty pies, pancakes and stews. I’d do it all over again, though. The most famous area of the city is Temple Bar. Before arriving I was a bit confused because so many restaurants and hostels described themselves as being in Temple Bar. I was like… how big is this bar?? Turns out Temple Bar is the area. But to add to the confusion, there’s also an actual bar called The Temple Bar. I spent two nights in here and it’s a great atmosphere, even if you can find cheaper and less touristy options elsewhere.

Day 1 exploring Dublin

Fill your first morning with some of the city’s sights which are all within walking distance of the city centre. I’d recommend these stops:

Trinity College

It doesn’t take long to wander around Ireland’s most famous university, Trinity College. I spent less than 20 minutes in total but there are guided tours if you want to learn a little history and stay longer.

The Book of Kells in Trinity’s Old Library

Don’t leave Trinity before seeing Ireland’s most famous artefact, the Book of Kells, which contains the gospels of Jesus’ life and was written in the 9th Century. Yep, when that book was written, Vikings ruled Britain and we wouldn’t even be hearing the word ‘Australia’ for 1,000 years. There are only four books in the world older than the Book of Kells and two of those are carved into gold! It’s €13 to enter the exhibition and see it but well worth it if you’re a history fan.

The colourful doors of Merrion Square

Walk 10 minutes from Trinity College and you’ll find tens of colourful Dublin doorways set around leafy Merrion Square. Your Instagram feed will be happy for weeks.

Lunch – Gallagher’s Boxty House

For a proper Irish feed it doesn’t get much better than a boxty – or a potato flour pancake to you and me. These come with different fillings but mine was stuffed with corned beef, cabbage and a cream sauce. Boxty House is in Temple Bar so you can combine lunch with a wander of the cobbled streets.

T ip – dine off the brunch menu if visiting before 3pm as the prices are considerably cheaper than the main menu. Walk off your lunch around Temple Bar and see the sights. Just two minutes away you’ll find Ha’Penny Bridge and the river.

Afternoon – Guinness Storehouse

Honestly, I’m not the biggest Guinness fan but it’s still worth taking a trip to Ireland’s most visited attraction, the Guinness Storehouse . You’ll have some tasters, enjoy a pint at the top and master the art of pouring one. I liked the lights display visualising the fact that there are 30 million bubbles in each pint.

Top tip – book online to save 30% on tickets on the door.

Your options include checking out some of the city’s restaurants (see my list below) or heading back to Temple Bar to experience the Irish nightlife. The Quays Bar and The Temple Bar are two of the liveliest spots but you’ll find plenty of others too.

Day 2 in Dublin

Howth cliff walk.

Catch the 31a bus from Dublin’s Busáras Bus Station to Howth Railway Station (a 35-minute ride, €3.30 each way). From there you can explore the quaint town of Howth and also walk the 6km loop track around the peninsula. It’s a beautiful walk which takes around two hours. If you don’t fancy the whole thing, you can take part of it and walk back on yourself.

Grab a lunch or a late brunch in either Howth or back in the city centre. If it’s sunny why not head for a picnic in…

St Stephen’s Green

Did you know there’s a 22-acre park right in the middle of Dublin? It’s full of flowers and features the same Victorian design it’s had for many years. Fun fact – when Irish republicans were at war over British rule, they fought in Stephen’s Green but ceased fire once a day so the groundsman could feed the ducks!

The Little Museum

The best place to learn about Dublin. You can wander the bottom and top floors by yourself but to visit the middle floor which contains the most Irish history , you have to join the hourly tour (included in the €10 entrance fee). This was great as the chatty museum director gave us a funny and factual view of his city and its past. I didn’t book my tour in advance but you can get them on the website in case they sell out. The most interesting fact I learnt was that in Ireland’s days of hardship, a census showed that over 800 people lived in just 15 houses. Crazy!

If you want to escape to a slightly more local spot on your last evening and don’t mind travelling outside the city centre, check out:

• Johnnie Fox’s Pub , Glencullen – perched on top of a mountain, this is the highest pub in Ireland and a real experience with local music and first-class pub grub. For €10 you can get a return shuttle bus from the city centre
• The Blue Light , Sandyford – a real little Irish pub with views over the city
• The Exchequer – upstairs is the place to be for catching up-and-coming comedians.

Where to eat in Dublin

First, let me say I loved the Irish food. The traditional dishes are meaty and heavy like this pie I tucked into in Galway. There’s plenty of world cuisine if that’s not your bag and a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients – and veggies and vegans will be well fed, too.

Even though I didn’t get around to dining at all these Dublin eating holes myself, I have two lovely Irish friends who have lived in Dublin for 30 years and recommended me the best gastronomic spots for this blog. Check out:

• Fish Shop – award-winning and you can get mussels and chips for €12. What more could you want?
• Green Bench Cafe – barbeque pork sandwiches for just €6, plus breakfasts, barista coffee and giant scones. SOLD.
• Skinflint – the best pizzas in Temple Bar for around €12, as well as salads and small plates.
• Cleaver East – fancy brunch and bottomless mimosas. You’ll also get a similar deal around the corner at Beef & Lobster which is run by the same people. All the mimosas you can drink are €18 plus the price of your brunch dish (€10-20).
• The Winding Stair – a creative hangout popular with writers, artists and musicians, this bookshop and restaurant is about hearty home cooking and views of Ha’penny Bridge.
• L’Gueuleton – fine French dining. Prices for dinner are about €25 per main but if you want to treat yourself this is the place to do it for the quality ingredients.

Top tips – brunch in Dublin is a big deal and very affordable. Usually, there’s a separate menu and even at more upmarket places (like the three above) dishes are half the price of those on the dinner menu. I ended up eating my big meals in the daytime and having cheap, snacky things in the evenings.

Where to find the best coffee

• 3fE – known as one of Ireland’s leading coffee roasteries, 3fE was set up by an ex-investment banker gone caffeine mad. You can sample a tasting menu of all the house blends if you’re unsure which to pick.
• Kaph – a minimalist cafe with great coffee and cakes even for those who are gluten-free/vegan.
• Frank and Honest – probably the only time I’ll recommend a convenience store to you! You’ll find this gourmet coffee chain inside Centura stores and not only are the beans ethically sourced from Brazil and Colombia, they even serve my favourite matcha lattes.

Where to stay 

Save: I stayed at Kinlay House Hostel which wasn’t particularly special but did the job with comfy beds and a buffet breakfast, plus for €15 a night you couldn’t be better located (just a two-minute walk from Temple Bar).

Splurge: Right in the centre of town, you’ll find Trinity City Hotel just five minutes from the famous college. Stylish rooms from £110 per night.

Getting around

I saw Dublin by foot and paid in cash for the odd bus journey. Alternatively, you can take the Hop-on Hop-Off bus. Get the 48-hour pass for €20 which includes your journey from the airport.

Getting there/away

Dublin airport flies all over – my flights to London were only £40 return. The Airlink Express, aircoach, 700 and 747 buses all travel between the city and the airport, taking 30 minutes and costing €7 each way.

Where next?

If you’re not jetting off home, you might head to Galway or Cork. Or why not take a trip to the Cliffs of Moher? It’s easier to visit from Galway but if you’re short on time, take a day tour from Dublin.

Thanks for reading!

If you liked it, please share it 🙂

Check out my other Ireland blog posts:

• The backpackers guide to Galway
• The perfect Cliffs of Moher trip from Galway

See you next time for more adventures,

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

3 thoughts on “ 48-Hour Guide to Dublin ”

Hey Rose. Wish I could have joined you. Looks amazing !

I’ve been living in Dublin for about half a year now and it’s so fun getting to see the city from the eyes of someone visiting! As ‘touristy’ as it can be made out to be, I definitely agree with you – Temple Bar is always a good time! Will definitely be checking out some of your restaurant suggestions! #GLTLove

Thanks Jordan! Glad you enjoyed the blog. What are you doing in Dublin? Seems like a very cool place to be based!

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Dublin Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

I love Dublin. While the city isn’t the prettiest in the world (and on a cloudy day it can feel downright gloomy), there is so much literary and cultural history here you can’t help but feel inspired as you explore. It’s a lively city brimming with traditional pubs, live music and dancing (so much Irish jigging), and a hearty, vibrant food scene.

While Dublin does have something for everyone, I think history buffs and late-night revelers will get the most out of the city. Some of the world’s most famous writers cut their teeth here and there is a sprawling pub scene that ensures you’re never far from your next pint.

Best of all, Dubliners are a friendly, inquisitive bunch always happy to show you a good time.

You just simply can’t go wrong with a few days in this city.

This budget travel guide to Dublin will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Dublin

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Dublin

1. Tour the Guinness Storehouse

Learn the history and brewing process of Ireland’s most famous export. Brewed in Ireland since 1759, Guinness is an Irish dry stout created by Arthur Guinness, that is beloved around the world. The Storehouse building dates to the early 1900s and Guinness originally used it as a fermentation house. Each entry ticket comes with a free pint which you can enjoy in their in-house bar. Explore seven floors within the building and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city. If you book online, you get 10% off and can skip the line. Admission is 15 EUR.

2. Relax in St. Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green is one of the oldest commons in Dublin. Located right in the heart of the city, it provides a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle. The land was originally occupied by St. Stephen’s church in the 13th century and was used to graze livestock. In the late 1600s, the City Assembly decided to turn the land into a public park, and by the 18th century, it had become a fashionable place to see and be seen by wealthy socialites. Stroll along the Beux Walk on the northern edge of the park, and you’ll walk in the footsteps of Dublin’s high society. The park has a sensory garden for the blind, busts paying tribute to famous figures like James Joyce, a memorial to the Great Famine (1845-1852), and other historic statues. Plenty of plants and animals call the natural oasis home, and on a sunny day it’s one of the best places for people-watching and picnics.

3. Take a tour of Trinity College

Founded in the late 16th century, Trinity is Ireland’s oldest university. It was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 and remains one of the most distinguished colleges in the world. The college has an art gallery and displays the Book of Kells, an ancient manuscript dating to 800 CE. The Old Library, which houses the Book of Kells, also houses the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic along with a harp from the 15th century that has served as the model for Ireland’s emblem. A guided tour is 29 EUR and includes admission into the Old Library Exhibition and the Book of Kells.

4. Tour Kilmainham Gaol

Erected in the late 18th century, Kilmainham is the city’s famous former prison. The jail once held some of Ireland’s most notorious prisoners and revolutionaries, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising (an armed uprising against the British). You can even view the eerie Stonebreaker’s Yard where 14 of the political prisoners were executed by firing squad. The prison closed in 1924 and was restored in the 1960s. The tour is really worth taking too; it takes about an hour and a half and afterward you’ll be able to explore the museum on your own. Admission is 8 EUR.

5. Drink in Temple Bar

Although it’s crowded and touristy, Temple Bar is the place to experience Dublin’s nightlife. The area dates to the Middle Ages and fell into disrepair before being rebuilt in the 17th century. It was named after Sir William Temple, who was the provost of Trinity College in the early 1600s. The neighborhood runs along the River Liffey and performers, pubs, and independent shops line the streets. For drinks, check out the famous Temple Bar, Vintage Cocktail Club, and The Norseman. If you visit the area during the day, you’ll often find it just as lively with street festivals and markets.

Other Things to See and Do in Dublin

1. take a free walking tour.

I’m always a fan of walking tours as they offer a lot of insight into the history of your destination. Dublin Free Walking Tour and Generation Tours offer regular tours that last 2-3 hours and cover the main highlights. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land and ask a local expert all your questions. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Explore The Chester Beatty

Situated at the back of Dublin Castle, The Chester Beatty boasts a wonderful and sizable collection of Asian, Far Eastern, and Islamic artifacts. You can admire Egyptian Books of the Dead, illuminated Ethiopian parchments, Jesuit travel journals, French manuscripts, Iranian narrative paintings, and more. They also host a lot of temporary exhibitions, lectures by invited guests, and workshops, most of which are also free to attend. It’s one of the best museums in the country. Admission is free.

3. Learn about “Dublinia”

Dublin was founded by Vikings and this museum focuses on the city’s Viking and medieval history. It’s a historical recreation museum with exhibits like medieval street scenes and Viking longboats. They also have actors in costumes to bring it all to life (you can get dressed up in period clothing too). You can learn about crime and punishment in medieval Dublin, see period weapons and armor, and get a glimpse of actual artifacts on loan from the National Museum. You can also climb the 96 steps to the top of St. Michael’s tower (a real medieval tower) to take in the view, however the tower is temporarily closed for renovations.

4. Visit the Dublin Zoo

Located in Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo opened in 1830 and spans almost 70 acres. It has several different areas, each with its own unique flora and fauna. Tigers, hippos, elephants, sloths, primates, pythons, and everything in between can be found here. It’s both fun and educational and a perfect place to spend the day if you’re traveling with kids. Admission is 21 EUR (18.25 EUR if you purchase them online).

5. See Dublin Castle

At the heart of the city lies Dublin Castle, which was completed in the early 13th century. Built as a defense against future invasions, the castle acted as the English seat of governance in Ireland . In 1673, it was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt in the Georgian style. The castle remained the seat of government until 1922 when Ireland gained independence. Today, the building is used for governmental business, state receptions, and inaugurations. You can explore the grounds for free but a self-guided tour of the State Apartments costs 8 EUR. You can also do guided tours for 12 EUR.

6. Go on a literary pub crawl

Dublin has a long history of producing incredible writers. This city produced Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, and W.B. Yeats to name just a few. The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl is a two-hour walking tour conducted by actors who perform scenes from some of Ireland’s literary greats while you enjoy a drink at four different pubs along the way. It costs 15 EUR. They also run a weekly literary walk that visits iconic spots around the city that relate to Dublin’s famous writers. These tours last two hours and cost 15 EUR.

7. Tour the Jameson Distillery

Jameson was one of Dublin’s first distilleries, dating back to 1780. It’s the world’s best-selling Irish whiskey and although Jameson isn’t made in the city anymore (it’s made in Cork now), their distillery remains and hosts daily tours. You can learn about the whiskey-making process and sample the product at the end of the tour. Guided tours are 25 EUR. You can also take a whiskey blending class for 60 EUR.

8. Wander through Phoenix Park

This massive park is the second-largest enclosed city park in all of Europe . Spanning almost 1,800 acres, the homes of the U.S. Ambassador and the President of Ireland can be found here (as well as wild deer that have been living here for centuries). The park was created in 1662 and is also home to a polo field and the Dublin Zoo. It’s an ideal place for a quiet walk or a relaxing picnic on a sunny day.

9. Shop on Grafton and Powerscourt Center

Powerscourt Center is one of Dublin’s most popular shopping centers. Located just off Grafton Street, it’s located inside an 18th-century Georgia townhouse that’s been converted into a retail center. Admire the Rococo-style hallway, the Neoclassical music room (now a bridal boutique), and the ballroom (now an art gallery). While the intricate details within the house are stunning, the central courtyard, with its glass ceiling and crystal chandeliers, is even more eye-catching. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, this is a cool place to browse.

10. Take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher

If you don’t have time to fully explore the west coast during your visit, try taking a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs, which stand a whopping 213 meters (700 feet) tall, are one of Ireland’s top attractions and a stunning sight to see up close. Most tours also include a stop in Galway , which can give you a little taste of life in western Ireland. Tours from Dublin take the whole day as you literally need to cross the entire country, but if it’s your only chance to see the Cliffs of Moher then you shouldn’t pass it up! Tours start at 65 EUR.

11. Visit Marsh’s Library

Built in 1707, Marsh’s Library is the first public library in Ireland. The library is located across from the cathedral in St Patrick’s Close. It has over 25,000 books and 300 historic manuscripts. Inside, you’ll find three traditional scholar alcoves (think “cages”) where readers would get locked in when reading a rare book so that they wouldn’t walk away with it. Admission is 5 EUR.

12. Go to the National Leprechaun Museum

This quirky museum focuses on the folklore and mythology of leprechauns and fairies. A tour of the museum includes fun exhibits of giant furniture and other optical illusions. I had a lot of fun playing here with my friend and listening to the oral history of Ireland’s famous folklore. It was surprisingly informative and fun. On Friday and Saturday nights, there is a DarkLand tour featuring tales from the darker side of Ireland, including some grim Irish folklore (it’s not suitable for kids). It costs 16 EUR for the daytime tour and the DarkLand tour costs 18 EUR.

13. See Newgrange

Located 45 minutes north of Dublin by car, Newgrange is a prehistoric burial mound that dates back over 5,200 years (which makes it older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids). Human remains, as well as other artifacts, were found in the massive tomb, which is composed of a ring of stone topped by dirt. Inside are several chambers and passageways. Every year on the Winter Solstice, a beam of light streams down the perfectly aligned entrance passage to illuminate the interior of the burial chamber. Admission is 10 EUR.

For more information on other cities in Ireland, check out these guides:

• Cork Travel Guide
• Galway Travel Guide

Dublin Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 8-10 beds starts at 32 EUR per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45 EUR. Private rooms average 100 EUR per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have kitchen facilities so you can cook your own meals.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic plot for two people without electricity can be found outside the city for around 15 EUR per night.

Budget hotel prices – A centrally located two-star budget hotel starts around 90 EUR. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and a basic free breakfast.

On Airbnb, private rooms start around 45 EUR per night though they average closer to 80-120 EUR per night. Entire homes start at around 75 EUR per night but are usually closer to 150-200 EUR per night (or more).

Food – Ireland is very much a “meat and potatoes” country. Cod, salmon, and oysters are some of the most popular seafood options, with other staple dishes being shepherd’s pie, black pudding, bacon and cabbage, fish and chips, and meat stews. You’ll find the heartiest food in the pubs, where portions are large and filling.

A traditional meal costs around 17-20 EUR. For a multi-course meal with a drink, expect to pay at least 40-50 EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) starts at 9.50 EUR for a combo meal. Pizza costs 10 EUR for a medium while Chinese food costs around 10-13 EUR for a main dish. Fish and chips can be found for as little as 6 EUR.

Beer is around 6 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3.60 EUR. Bottled water is 1.70 EUR.

Try Klaw in Temple Bar for oysters and Ramen Bar for ramen. Be sure to also eat at Hatch and Sons and The Pig’s Ear.

If you want to cook your meals, expect to pay 45-65 EUR per week for groceries that include basic staples like pasta, rice, produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Dublin Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 70 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do free and cheap activities like free walking tours and visiting the Gaol. If you plan on drinking, add 5-15 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 150 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals at cheap fast food places, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like touring Trinity College or visiting the Cliffs of Moher.

On a “luxury” budget of at least 285 EUR per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car for day trips, and do as many tours and excursions as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Dublin Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Dublin isn’t a super cheap city, but it doesn’t need to break the bank either. Here are some tips to help you save money in Dublin:

• Ask for student discounts – A valid student ID can get you discounts of up to 50% on attractions throughout the country. If you are a student, always ask for student discounts as many places offer them.
• Drink less – Ireland’s pub culture can hit your wallet hard. Temper the cost by visiting happy hours, drinking at home, or skipping drinks altogether.
• Eat the pub food – Eat at the pubs for hearty Irish food that won’t destroy your wallet. It’s not healthy, but it’s affordable and delicious!
• Get the DoDublin Card – This tourism card includes access to six of the city’s main attractions. If you’re planning to see a lot, this card can save you money. It’s 50 EUR.
• Get an OPW Heritage Card – If you love to tour heritage sites, pick up this card. It provides free access to most of the castles throughout the country. The card costs 40 EUR. This is a must for people visiting multiple cities in the country!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give a free place to stay and introduce you to the city. It’s a great way to save money and make new friends!
• Eat early – Many restaurants have budget dinner options if you eat early (usually before 6pm). You won’t have as much variety since it’s a set menu, but it will be cheaper.
• Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are a great way to see the main sights on a budget. Dublin Free Walking Tour and Generation Tours offer regular tours that last 2-3 hours and cover the main sights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Dublin

Dublin has a ton of fun, affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Abigails Hostel
• Abbey Court
• Abrahams Hostel

How to Get Around Dublin

Public transportation – There is an extensive bus system in Dublin which runs through the city center and into the suburbs. Buses run from 5:30am to midnight and a single ticket costs 1.30-3.90 EUR depending on how far you go. A day pass is 8 EUR.

The Airlink Express bus travels from the airport to downtown. A single ticket costs 7 EUR.

The city also has a light rail system. There are two lines to choose from and trams run from 5:30am to midnight. A single ticket costs 2.10-3.20 EUR and a round-trip ticket costs 3.70-5.50 EUR.

For travel to the suburbs, there’s the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) which operates from 6am-midnight. Single fares cost 3 EUR.

Taxi – Taxis in Dublin can be expensive, with a daytime starting rate of 4 EUR. The rate is 2.41 EUR for each additional kilometer so skip them if you can!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Dublin but is regulated so it’s the same price as taxis. Skip them if you can!

Bicycle – DublinBikes has self-service bicycle rentals around the city. A day pass costs 3.5 EUR and the first 30 minutes are free (after which an hourly fee is charged).

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. However, you’ll only need a car if you’re leaving the city to explore. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old. Also, keep in mind that they drive on the left here.

When to Go to Dublin

Dublin’s mild, temperate climate makes it a good destination to visit year-round, keeping in mind that you’re guaranteed to encounter rain no matter when you visit!

The summer months (June-August) are the warmest so this is when the city is at its liveliest. However, keep in mind that this is peak season so you’ll compete for accommodation. Prices are a little inflated too. Average temperatures during this time hover between 13-20°C (56-68°F) but sometimes can climb up to 25°C (77°F) or more.

Winters can be drizzly with short daylight hours, but temperatures rarely fall below freezing. It’s chilly, grey, and grim. Some people find that unflattering, but I actually enjoy its moody charm. Just dress warmly and be prepared for lots of indoor activities.

Saint Patrick’s Day in March is huge in Dublin and the city becomes crowded with locals and tourists ready to get their party on. During this time, hostels and hotels fill up quickly and prices spike. Temperatures are still mild and Ireland is just as beautiful as ever.

Overall, the shoulder season (April-May and September-October) is my favorite time to visit. Aside from St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll find prices to be a little lower and the city to be less busy. The weather is decent enough for exploring too. Just bring an umbrella!

How to Stay Safe in Dublin

Dublin is very safe and the risk of violent crime here is low. Petty theft and pick-pocketing can occur around high-traffic areas like Temple Bar as well as on crowded public transportation but as long as you keep an eye on your valuables you should be fine.

Some of the rougher parts of town you may want to avoid are Tallaght, Ballymun, Ringsend, Crumlin, Cork Street, Finglas, and Inchicore.

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Don’t leave valuables inside a car if you rent a vehicle as snatch and grabs on tourist vehicles are common in Dublin.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 or 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Dublin Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Dublin Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Dublin and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Dublin

The Best Walking Tours in Dublin

The 5 Best Hostels in Dublin

Where to Stay in Dublin: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Tour Companies in Ireland

My Love Note to the Irish

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31 best things to do in dublin [ireland] in 2024.

When we think of places to visit in Ireland , the city of Dublin is often the first that springs to mind.

Not surprising, as Irish travel and tourism statistics show it's by FAR the most popular spot for tourists.

All for a good reason. Dublin is a fantastic capital city, absolutely bursting with awesome things to do and see.

I visited Dublin many times in my lifetime so far and I swear each time I visit, I find something new to do! 

You can’t get bored!

So here we go, my guide to the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland! 

These are in no particular order, just as they came to my head ...

Travellerspoint

1. Visit Trinity College Library

Ah, Trinity College Dublin.

Actually this is a pretty famous university for it’s prestigious law degree, but aside from that, it’s got an amazing library.

So much so that it’s a popular spot for people to visit.

Imagine something like the cool libraries in Harry Potter, but real life! 

Grab a coffee and browse the books, or even sit down and read for a while.

One of the great things to do in Dublin when it’s raining! 

2. Check out the River Liffey

The River Liffey runs through Dublin city centre and it’s probably the most well known rivers in Ireland!

There is a lot of history to it and you can take river cruises as part of a sightseeing tour which is worth it.

Check out this river tour here.

3. Have a pint at Temple Bar

Temple bar is without doubt the most famous bar in Dublin and everyone and anyone visits here!

It’s even had superstars Pink and Ed Sheeran pop in for drinks.

Not only is temple bar famous for its pints of Guinness, live music and amazing atmosphere, it’s also popular for oysters! 

So, fancy a pint and some oysters with a side of great music? Then head to temple bar.

It’s always busy, no real way to avoid that, but that’s part of the charm and fun. 

4. Visit the buskers at Grafton Street

I love Grafton Street because I love live music and I love hearing the singers and entertainers perform here.

It’s said that Ed Sheeran once performed on this famous busking street before it made it to the superstar he is! It’s a nice street in general too with shops and cafes. 

5. Step back in history at Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is such an interesting spot and absolutely should be a priority on your list of things to do in Dublin.

Ireland has a rich, interesting and sad history and this gaol (Irish for jail) will give you some insight into that history.

The tours of this gaol are so popular they often sell out in advance, and for good reason!

You can book online to secure your place- do not miss this! 

6. Pour a pint at the Guinness Storehouse

Ah, Guinness. Fun story, since my second name is “Magennis”, people at university often assumed I would love Guinness and in freshers week I had a few people buy me a couple of pints. But, I actually HATE Guinness. BUT, I know many people who love it. 

So if you’re part of that team, then a trip to the Guinness Storehouse should be top on your list.

Actually, I think statistically this is the most popular spot that people go to when they visit Ireland! 

You get a tour of the factory and then you get to pour your very own pint of Guinness at the end. 

Skip the queue with this great value tour. 

7. Visit the animals at Dublin zoo 

Dublin Zoo is one of the great things to do in Dublin with kids.

They’ve got seals, elephants, giraffes, basically all the animals to impress children!

You can find out more about opening times, prices etc all here on their website .

READ: Best places to visit in Ireland

8. Explore Dublin Castle 

Dublin castle is actually a government complex as well as a popular tourist attraction in Dublin.

There are castle gardens, a tower, and much more to explore.

This is a great place to visit in Dublin and you can buy your tickets online for convenience.

Check out this tour.

9. Check out the Jameson Distillery for Whiskey 

More of a Whiskey lover? I’m not surprised.

Ireland is famous for its excellent Whiskey and if you want a taste you can head over to the Jameson Distillery for a tour and a taste!

Combine this with the Guinness storehouse and you’ve got yourself a boozy day in Dublin. 

(May as well visit Temple Bar on the same night! :P)

Check out this great tour. 

10. Visit Christ Church Cathedral 

This is a very picturesque cathedral both inside and outside and worth a spot on a Dublin city tour.

You will need to pay to enter but if you want to visit, make sure you check times of any services going on so you don’t disturb (unless you want to join in!). 

You can get tickets here.

11. Relax at Phoenix Park 

Located next to Dublin zoo, this urban park is a very popular spot when the sun decides to make an appearance in Dublin. You’ll find people relaxing, having picnics to playing games! If you’re heading to the zoo, you may as well pop over. You can get a public bus to here. 

12. Picnic at St Stephens green

This is one of my favourite places in Dublin to simply relax.

Again, a popular spot in the summertime, but equally as beautiful in spring and autumn.

It’s a public park with beautiful plants, scenery, walking areas and even a playpark for children (or the young at heart!). 

One of the best things to do in Dublin that’s free! Pack a picnic and spend a couple of hours relaxing on the green.

13. Check out St Patrick's Cathedral 

This is actually the tallest and largest church in Ireland, so it’s worth a visit.

Just like the other cathedral I mentioned above, it’s very beautiful both inside and out, but if you’ve only got time to visit one cathedral in Dublin, then make this your top choice. 

Get your tickets here.

14. Head on a Dublin Bar Crawl

If you have at least a couple days to spend in Dublin , then why not make the most with a big night out on the town?

Dublin is the capital city and a student city which means that there are lots of opportunities to party and have a great night out!

Because of that, there are a variety of organised Dublin pub crawls available.

This is a great way to meet other backpackers (if you’re a backpacker). 

Or you can DIY your own bar crawl by visiting every bar you see...but I warn you, limit it as there is a crazy amount of bars in Dublin, you’d be there all year trying to get through them!

This is definitely one of the best (if not the best) fun things to do in Dublin at night. 

You can book your pub crawl online here. 

15. Visit Penny Bridge

Officially the Liffey bridge on the river Liffey, this bridge is a great little tourist spot in Dublin for a picture.

Fun fact it was the first pedestrian bridge built to actually cross the river Liffey. 

This won’t take long to visit and you’ll find information about the history of the bridge, on the bridge, but it’s worth a stop.

Throw a penny for good luck.

Read: Best Campervan Rentals in Ireland

16. Kiss the Molly Malone Statue

“In Dublin's fair city, where the girls are so pretty, I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone”.

A famous song in Ireland and the statue of Molly Malone can be seen.

It’s said that if you kiss her boobs, she’ll bring you good luck.

Brad kissed it, and he’s still with me, so I guess the good luck thing works! :P 

One of the more unique things to do in Dublin, and it’s totally free.

17. Visit the best museums in the city 

Dublin city is bursting with great museums, ranging from free ones to ones that have a small fee.

Museums are a great activity when it’s raining, or just plain cold outside.

So below I’ve listed 4 museums you must visit in Dublin! 

• The little museum of Dublin
• National History Museum Dublin
• National Gallery of Ireland
• Irish whiskey museum 

18. Check out Dublin Bay 

Dublin bay is an awesome place to visit on a day trip from Dublin city.

It was actually declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for it’s amazing flourishing habitats and it’s biological diversity.

The area is lined with castles, beaches, cliffs and coastal gems.

There are lots of great restaurants and a great stop is the town of Howth, a fishing village with wonderful charm.

A great place to visit in Dublin, especially if the sun is shining. 

19. Take a day trip to the iconic Slane Castle and try local Slane whiskey

Ah Slane Castle, home to some of the best concerts in all of Ireland.

Actually my parents have seen both David Bowie and Queen here , how lucky are they!!

A major concert is still held once a year (typically) and it’s always a well deserved artist! 

When concerts aren’t occurring, Slane Castle is still a very beautiful castle to visit.

Entry is free to wander around the grounds and there is a lovely restaurant and bar inside that’s quite popular and not badly priced for a castle. 

Slane also has an interesting history, but you can read all about it on the walls of Slane inside!

A must-see when visiting Dublin. 

Whilst you’re there you can check out the Slane Whiskey distillery. I wasn’t aware they even made whiskey until we visited! 

READ: Things to do in Belfast!

20. Visit the Powerscourt House, Gardens and waterfall

The powerscourt house and gardens are super beautiful, and this is actually one of the most popular things to do in Dublin amongst tourists.

It’s only 30 minutes from the city centre, so you can get there via bus, taxi or you can take an organised tour for convenience. 

I suggest you visit when the sun is shining as it will show off the beauty of the gardens.

There are lots of beautiful walks to take here, a waterfall to discover and there is an on-site restaurant if you’d like to grab a bite to eat. It’s also next to a golf resort, but I’m not sure just anyone can play!

Grab a tour here.

21. Visit Iveagh Gardens

This beautiful gardens in Dublin are worth a visit when the sun is shining, or the autumn leaves are falling.

It’s a beautiful tranquil spot and a great place to take children, or even have a romantic walk as a couple .

It’s actually got a history that dates back over 300 years! 

Make sure you pop this on your list of things to do in Dublin!

22. Take a Dublin bike tour 

Dublin is a quite a big city and if you’re not up for walking to all the best sights in Dublin, then why not take a Dublin bike tour!

Riding a bike is a popular way to get around the city anyway, so you won’t stick out like a sore thumb. 

Plus you’ll have a guide who can answer any questions you may have about the Dublin attractions you’re visiting. 

Book your tour here. 

23. Forge a silver ring with jewellery 

This is a pretty unique thing to do in Dublin, you can learn how to make a real sterling silver ring with a jeweller!

How cool is that?

This would make an awesome birthday gift, or romantic gift for a loved one- crafting your own ring! 

24. Go on a Dublin photoshoot

We live in a world where we want awesome pictures and a photoshoot is one way to get those.

Dublin has some amazing photo spots and I actually think organising a photoshoot is a very romantic thing to do in Dublin, something you could do to celebrate an anniversary. Then you could get the photos printed for awesome memories.

Definitely one of the fun things to do in Dublin on a date. (Super unique too!)

You can get out this tour here that organizes photoshoots in Dublin. 

25. Take an Irish dancing lesson

Irish dancing is the heart of Ireland and as a child both my sister and I had lessons.

She was far better, (I’m clumsy), but I still remember a few moves.

It’s unique, it’s fun and it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Dublin.

Learning a new skill is always fun and if you do this with a group of friends, you’ll have so much fun seeing who can master the Irish dance! 

Check it out here.

Best day trips from Dublin

I’ve sectioned these next few things to do in Dublin as day trips.

Basically these are the most popular things people do when they visit Dublin, because they’re in such close proximity, so I felt they should be included on the list.

26. Take a day trip to NewGrange

Newgrange is about 45 minutes from Dublin city centre and closer to the lovely town of Drogheda, (which I’ll discuss a little later).

What’s amazing about Newgrange is the history, like crazy historic.

It’s a grand, beautiful passage tomb that was built during the Neolithic period (we’re talking 3200 BC) which actually makes it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids! Wild ! 

As of June 2019, the visitor centre was currently under construction which meant tours were free but sold out fast at the start of the day!

This may not be the case any more but you can check out the website for more information. 

Tours to Newgrange are popular and you can check them out here. 

27. Take a day trip to the Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara is located quite close to the above sight, so it’s a good idea to see them both in one day.

A seat of the high kings of Ireland, this is an ancient ceremonia and burial site which is fascinating.

Again, bursting with history!

You can take tours to the Hill of Tara from Dublin city centre and you can check out some of them here. 

This is a great combined tour of the Hill of Tara and Newgrange. 

28. Visit nearby Drogheda

Drogheda is a town that’s about 45 minutes away from Dublin. It’s actually very charming and has a very beautiful seaside.

I think it’s definitely worth a visit.

You can pop into the main town for a spot of lunch, then had to the town for some ice cream and sunshine! 

29. Visit Malahide castle

Ireland is FULL of amazing castles, so much so that we've done a whole guide on the best castles in Ireland.

But, if you’ve got a limited amount of time, you’ll only get to visit a couple of castles, so this one should make your list. 

Just 30 minutes from the city centre, this beautiful castle and gardens is a great place to explore,relax and grab a bite to eat. It’s got a rich history to learn about and is actually over 800 years old! 

Be sure to pop this one your list of places to visit in Dublin.

You can get a tour to the castle here. 

30. Visit your favourite P.S. I Love you filming locations

I’m a very open PS I love you movie fan.

Actually I prefer the book as Ceclia Ahern is my favourite author of all time (she’s never written a bad book!), but since part of the movie was filmed in Ireland, you can actually visit some filming locations in and around the city of Dublin. 

The Irish pub in the movie where Holly and Gerry reunite is actually a pub in Dublin, so you can visit for a drink.

It’s called Whelans Pub, and if you head out to the Wicklow national park, you can walk around the whole area where they first meet! Plus it’s super beautiful there. 

31. Visit iconic Belfast

If you know anything about Ireland’s history, you’ll know that Ireland is split into the North and South, with the south being independent and the north belonging to the UK (at this time).

So therefore the north of Ireland has a capital city too, Belfast .

It’s where I grew up and it’s actually the home of all things Game of Thrones, so I suggest you head on a tour of the filming locations if you’re a fan. It’s super cool!

You’ve also got the beautiful Antrim coast with the Giants Causeway, Dunluce castle and much more to explore. A great day trip from Dublin.

Just be aware the currency will change from euro to pound sterling once you cross the border. 

Read: Best things to do in Northern Ireland

Planning what to do in Dublin (Ireland): All common questions answered

When is the best time to visit dublin.

Dublin is pretty popular all year around. I actually think it’s amazing at any season, but of course most people tend to visit in the summer months.

I think winter has an amazing atmosphere in Dublin and it’s my absolute favourite time to visit Dublin (just wrap up warm), but every month has its charm! 

Getting around Dublin

Dublin recently got Uber, but it’s not exactly cheap. Basically the easiest way to get around Dublin is walking, taxi, the bus system (which is great by the way!) or via tour. If you’re just visiting sights within the city centre itself, you could do the hop on-hop off type bus tour for convenience.

Then rent a car in Ireland if you want to venture to some of the best sights near Dublin. (a tour is also an option as there are LOTS of tour companies in Dublin). 

Read Also: A Guide To Getting Around Ireland: Everything Explained!

How long do you need in Dublin?

Dublin is the perfect place for a city break. So therefore I recommend a stay of around 3-4 nights, but you could easily make it in a weekend break.

But you won’t be able to do everything on this list of the best things to do in Dublin.

You could also send a week here and venture to some of the great places around Dublin. 

Where to stay in Dublin?

For our trip around Ireland, we hired a vehicle from Spaceships Rentals .

It was such an awesome time and you can read our in-depth review of them here . They’re actually located just 40 minutes outside Dublin, so you’re in the perfect spot to pick up your campervan.

We spent most nights wild camping or on campsites when we were travelling through Ireland . But if you need awesome hotels in Dublin, you’ll be happy to know that there are LOTS! I recommend using the following sites to find the best deals.

• Airbnb - Perfect for a homey feel, or if you want your own space 
• Booking.com - the majority of our bookings are with these guys 
• HostelWorld - perfect for finding cheap hostels in Dublin
• Couchsurfing - Want the local experience? Then try this! 

Read Also: The Best Romantic Hotels In Dublin

Can you book tours in Dublin?

Indeed you can. Since Dublin is the capital city, it’s actually bursting with tours and tour companies. And if you don't want the hassle of organising your own Dublin itinerary, then a tour is the best way to go.

I actually suggest you book online because you know you’re probably getting a decent price. 

Whenever we book tours, we always use these 2 sites.

• GetYourGuide - Usually our No.1 choice
• Viator - Sometimes have a wider variety of tours on offer

Useful tools for planning your visit to Dublin

If you need cheap flights to Dublin, you can use Skyscanner for the best deals.

Typically it’s not too expensive to fly from Europe and you can get great deals from America, particularly Boston. 

Don’t travel without your travel insurance! World Nomads are usually a great, affordable choice.

If you want a taste of vanlife and to venture out further of Dublin, then check out Spaceships Rentals for excellent campervans and motorhomes.

For car rental, opt for RentalCars.com .

Other useful posts for planning your trip to Ireland

Below are some more guides we’ve written that you might find useful for your trip Dublin

• What To Pack For Ireland
• Backpacking Ireland
• Things to do in Belfast
• Things to do in Cork ‍
• Things to do in Northern Ireland

So there you have it, my guide to the best things to do in Dublin, Ireland. I hope you’ve found this post useful and helpful and I hope it’s inspired you to visit some great places in Dublin! If you’ve got anything else you’d like to add to this list of great places to visit in Dublin, then drop me a comment below. 

Happy travels! 

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Where to stay in Dublin: The Best Hotels And Neighborhoods

• March 20, 2018
• Last updated: June 13, 2019
• Destinations , Europe , Ireland , Where to stay

Home » Travel Blog » Where to stay in Dublin: The Best Hotels And Neighborhoods

Dublin is a compact city but with hundreds of hotels spread across different neighbourhoods, choosing from all the accommodation Dublin has to offer can be overwhelming! Our guide to where to stay in Dublin shows you our top picks for the best hotels in the city.

Where to stay in Dublin

Considering it is one of Europe’s smaller capitals, Dublin packs a mighty reputation. It is lively and buzzing city, with one of the Europe’s premier nightlife spots in Temple Bar as well as the home of the famous Guinness Storehouse. Even so, it has far more to offer than boozy evenings. Being the seat of Trinity College as well as the home city of many of the worlds great literary names, Dublin is today an eclectic city that mixes old and new with aplomb.

For booking your room or apartment in Dublin, we highly recommend Booking.com , TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined  where you’ll find the best deals for your next trip. 

Do you want to enjoy a cosy room, apartment, or a villa instead of a hotel room?  Check out Airbnb – a platform with great selections of homes around the world.  Click here and and get $40 credit for your first booking!

Always make sure you travel with travel insurance! Be adventurous, but not careless.  Check out some of the most reliable insurance companies out there: True Traveller if you’re an European and World Nomads if you’re from elsewhere.

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Where to stay around temple bar, trinity college and grafton street.

Dublins compact centre is located just south of the River Liffey. It features three of the big names of Dublin – Trinity College for academia, Grafton Street for shopping and Temple Bar for nightlife. This is not the cheapest part of the city – or the quietest – but it is one of the best places to stay in Dublin to be right in the middle of the action.

Our top pick > The Merchant House

Luxury > The Westbury Hotel

Located on Grafton Street, the Westbury is a five-star luxury Dublin hotel with much to boast about. As well as tastefully decorated rooms and suites, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the Gallery. There are also two restaurants serving up contemporary cuisine and the 1930’s styled cocktail bar is the place to partake in an after-dinner tipple. If all that sounds like over-indulgence, then you can work it all off in the onsite fitness centre. Check the latest price on Booking.com or HotelsCombined .

Mid-range > The Norseman (formerly Farringtons of Temple Bar)

Dating back to the 1500’s, the Norseman claims to be the oldest pub in Temple Bar. As well as the bar with a fine selection of whiskeys and live music, and an elegant restaurant on the second floor, the property offers 5 ensuite luxury rooms as well. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor  or HotelsCombined .

Budget > Barnacles Temple Bar House

The price of truly cheap hotels in Dublin city centre won’t buy you a private room but it will get you a bed in a shared dorm. One in a fantastic central location, in what has been voted the best hostel in Ireland. Barnacles offers tons of freebies including breakfast, Wifi, walking tours, in-house events and a shared kitchen, making it a top budget hotel in Dublin. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor  or HotelsCombined .

Check out some awesome tours in Dublin with Viator:

• Skip the Line: Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket
• Dublin Historical Walking Tour
• Irish Food Walking Tour of Dublin

Where to stay around Docklands

East of the city centre and spanning both banks of the Liffey, Docklands is the area of Dublin that links the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal with the Liffey, and close to where the river meets the sea. Today, it is the thriving financial centre of Dublin. Recent developments have made it much sought-after as a place to live.

Our top pick > Maldron Hotel Pearse Street

Luxury > Spencer Hotel

The Spencer Hotel is a four-star luxury accommodation that also features a spa with sauna and hot tub, and indoor swimming pool. Rooms have air conditioning and rainforest power-showers. The hotel also has an onsite Asian restaurant and bar that serves signature cocktails. Check the latest price on Booking.com  or HotelsCombined .

Mid-range > Grand Canal Hotel

A family run, 4 star hotel south of the Liffey, with 142 standard and deluxe rooms and located within easy distance of the city centre. The Grand Canal also has an onsite bar, restaurant and coffee shop. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor  or HotelsCombined .

Budget > Isaacs Hostel

Dublins only hostel with a sauna, Isaacs Hostel has previously featured in Lonely Planet and is one of the top-rated hostels in the city. The hostel offers clean rooms, great security including lockers and free WiFi for all guests. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined .

Check some awesome tours in Dublin with Viator:

• ‘Game of Thrones’ Film Location Tour from Dublin Including Giant’s Causeway
• Dublin Viking Duck Tour
• Dublin Smiles Air Tour

Planning your trip to Europe? Get inspired by more travel articles:

• Train Travel in Europe with Interrail
• Things to Do in Athens, Greece: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
• Where to Stay in Berlin: The Best Hotels and Neighbourhoods
• Where To Stay in Milan, Italy: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
• Best Hikes in the World: Europe
• Best Travel Backpack For 2018

Where to stay around Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square

The area south of Trinity College around Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square feature Dublins finest Georgian architecture as well as being one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in the city for residential properties. Quiet, and yet still close to the city centre, for all these reasons this is one of the places to stay in Dublin where you are opting for chic rather than cheap.

Our top pick > Latchfords Townhouse

Luxury > The Merrion Hotel

Five star hotel, featuring the only restaurant in Ireland to hold two Michelin stars, and multiple awards are just some of the reasons that the Merrion Hotel is consistently listed among the best hotels in Dublin Ireland. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor or  HotelsCombined .

Mid-range > House Hotel

If the Merrion Hotel is (understandably!) out of your price range, then the House Hotel is a more reasonably priced bed and breakfast Dublin has to offer in the same vicinity. Located just on the other side of Fitzwilliam Square, the House Hotel features cosy but very stylish rooms. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor .

Budget > There are no budget options in this neighbourhood.

• Book of Kells Early Access Tour with Dublin Castle
• Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience
• Vegan Dublin Food Tour (Afternoon Crawl, including Afternoon Tea Sampling)

Where to stay around Portobello

Once nicknamed “Little Jerusalem” due to the influx of Jewish migrants from Eastern Europe during the late 19th century, Portobello is where to stay in Dublin if you are looking for a trendy and hip neighbourhood. Numerous brunch hotspots and antique shops make it a local favourite for eating and shopping. It is located on the south side of the city, easily walkable to the city centre.

Our top pick > Camden Court Hotel

Luxury > Hilton Hotel Dublin

A modern, luxury hotel overlooking the Grand Canal offers all amenities including onsite restaurant and gym. Rooms have all amenities – everything you can expect from the world-renowned hotel chain. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor  or HotelsCombined .

Mid-range > Portobello Hotel

First opened in 1793, the Portobello Hotel is something of a local institution. It has spacious rooms and suites available and breakfast is included. The hotel also boasts an on site restaurant and bar, and evening entertainment in the attached nightclub (over 30’s only!). Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor  or HotelsCombined .

Budget > Harrington House Hostel

The en-suite private rooms in this popular hostel may not all be at the budget end of the scale especially during peak times, but the dorm beds are very reasonably priced for such a prime location. Breakfast is included, as well as free bike rental and use of a shared kitchen. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor  or HotelsCombined .

• North Coast and Malahide Castle Day Tour from Dublin
• Glasnevin Cemetery Tour in Dublin
• Dublin Shore Excursion: Dublin and Glendalough

Where to stay around Stoneybatter

Dublin is home to Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Western Europe, and Stoneybatter is located right next-door to it. A great location for visiting the famed Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson distillery, Stoneybatter is the best neighbourhood to stay if you are looking for a more local experience in Dublin away from the tourist-packed bars and restaurants of Temple Bar and the city centre.

Our top pick > Smithfield Apartments

Luxury > Ashling Hotel

A four star hotel also located by the river, and close to Heuston station, Dublin’s main railway hub. Rooms are tastefully decorated, and the hotel also has an onsite bar and brasserie. Check the latest price on Booking.com  or TripAdvisor .

Mid-range > Maldron Hotel Smithfield

The Maldron Hotel is a three-star B&B Dublin hotel offering a great selection of rooms and suites for singles, couples and families. Some also have balconies. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor  or HotelsCombined .

Budget > Generator Hostel

Part of the Generator chain of hostels, this uber-trendy accommodation offers a mixture of dorm beds and private rooms. The hostel also offers free walking tours and an in-house travel shop for trips and excursions. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor  or HotelsCombined .

• Dublin Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl
• Blarney Castle and Cork Day Trip from Dublin
• Private Tour: Personal Travel Photographer Tour in Dublin

Where to stay around Ballsbridge

Located on the south side of the city and further outside of the main tourist areas, Ballsbridge is home to Dublin’s embassies and this neighbourhood boasts some of the city’s most exclusive real estate. Ballsbridge also contains Dublins historic Lansdowne Road rugby stadium – now renamed the Aviva stadium.

Our top pick > Premier Suites Plus Dublin Ballsbridge

Luxury > Intercontinental Dublin

Five star accommodation located only a 15 minute walk from the coast of the Irish Sea. With marble bathrooms, landscaped courtyard and onsite wellness centre, this is a great luxury pick away from the hustle of the busy city centre. Check the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor  or HotelsCombined .

Mid-range > Roxford Lodge Hotel

Despite being a three star hotel, Roxford Lodge is a highly rated boutique hotel located in a Victorian building within easy reach of the Grand Canal. The higher priced rooms feature balconies, spa baths and even saunas. Check out the latest price on Booking.com ,  TripAdvisor  or HotelsCombined .

One final note – in researching this article it is clear that last minute hotels Dublin has to offer can be scarce and where they are available, expensive. Cheap hotels in Dublin can be difficult to find at the best of times, therefore booking well in advance – particularly during peak periods – is strongly advised.

Whether you are looking to experience Dublin for it’s renowned riotous nightlife or are looking for a quieter or more local cultural experience in the Irish capital, we hope that our where to stay in Dublin guide has shown you that there are plenty of accommodation options available to help you choosing the best Dublin hotel for your stay.

Sarah Rothrie

• Published: March 20, 2018

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TRAVEL BLOG

Long Weekend: Dublin

Tipples and tarts, Guinness and gruel, whiskey and Wilde, there’s plenty to experience in Dublin whatever the weather. Our expert on Ireland, Rachelle Thompson , shares the sights and secrets of The Fair City…

There’s a reason why Dublin has one of the fastest growing populations of any European capital city – people come for a city break and then make plans to move here. However it isn’t all about the ‘craic’, as most guidebooks would have you know, and Dublin runs deeper than its famous pints and stiff-armed dancing. Strong literary and political history has coloured this city, so that it shines with the passion of the past, from the physical evidence of the 1916 uprising at the General Post Office to the banter of Oscar Wilde , quoted many times over on Dublin’s streets and stages.

Any local will tell you that Dubliners remain amongst the most opinionated and yet friendliest people in Europe, keen for a conversation and willing to let you in on all the secrets of the city. Do you know where the best flea markets are? Coin collectors? Quirky statues? Ancient artefacts? They do, and they are happy to share. This is a city with strong unchanging roots, a great pride and quality characters, as important as the physical elements of the city itself.

Here are our tips for a long weekend away…

Best of the Beaten Track

The one thing everyone knows about Dublin is that it’s good for a tipple. Guinness boasts that one in every two pints drunk in Ireland is the black stuff, so it should be fairly obvious that a trip to the Guinness Storehouse is a must. An interactive tour runs through its history, ingredients and campaigns until you reach the Gravity Bar, offering 360 degree views of the city (also the highest bar at 46 meters) to go with your complimentary pint. If you prefer a stiffer option then best head to the Old Jameson Distillery which is renowned for its intimate tours, and rosy-cheeked patrons. The other obvious area to head to is the medieval Temple Bar district , embodying the typical Irish bar experience for tourists, complete with the bar of the same name at the centre, The Temple Bar .

Once you’re good and merry then why not walk along the Liffey, the river that separates North and South of the city and cross over the historic Ha’penny Bridge built in 1816 to create a crossing, costing… you got it, a Ha’penny. Along the Liffey is the beautiful Four Courts Building hosting the main courts of the Republic of Ireland, and just a short walk on from there lies the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral the origin of which can be traced back to 1038.

The diligent tourist should also head to O’Connel Street, taking in The Spire for modern history and the GPO for a more sombre look at the Easter Rising of 1916 . Trinity College, still a functioning university to this day, holds the famous Book of Kells within its library, a tome transcribed by Celtic monks c.800 AD.

For more inspiration check the full range of tours, activities and tickets available via Get Your Guide .

Hipster’s Guide

Dublin has an obsession with statues ; they are littered all over the city, often in unlikely areas. One of the quirks of the locals is to rename them, so that Oscar Wilde is known as ‘The Queer with the Leer’ and Molly Malone is the ‘Tart with the Cart’.

Drop into the Market Arcade for a proper alternative look at Dublin’s tourism and locals all mixed in together, bohemian cafes, little market stalls, clothes from India and Asia mixing with record collections to kill for!

Experience & Events

There is quite a desire to escape the beaten path when travelling, possible more so in a city like Dublin where every weekend is a tourist filled one! However there are some alternatives for learning something unusual outside of what is on offer at the tourist office, such as walking tours with the gregarious Pat Liddy , an historian soaked in Dublin’s everyday life. The Viking Splash Tours will not just show you the Liffey, but put you in the river with their converted land/sea vehicles. If that is a bit too wild for you then perhaps slip into The Huguenot Cemetery and meet some of the old habitants of Dublin in one of the best kept secrets of the city.

Naturally the event of the year is Saint Patrick’s Day, in celebration of the patron saint of Ireland, celebrated on the 15th of March. If you’re in Dublin sooner though you should get to the Temple Bar Trad Fest , in its fifth year of providing Traditional Irish music, bar hops and food.

Pillow Talk

If you’re in Dublin to live it up then the Shelbourne Hotel will deliver. It has a deserved 5 star rating and is slap in the centre of town. The Princess Grace suite comes with a private butler and a view out over St. Stephen’s Green . More affordable, but still right in town (perfect for the drunken stumble home) is Kinlay House , whilst Kellys caters for the hard-partying weekend break crowd (read our review here ). For a more romantic and country styled accommodation it is best to head slightly out of town to stay at the Lansdowne Hotel in Ballsbridge. Backpackers should consider Abigail’s hostel , which is highly rated modern establishment on the south bank of the Liffey in Temple Bar. Otherwise you could search Homestay.com for hosted apartments. This Dublin start up continues the original spirit of Airbnb (ie. living with locals), without any of the service charge, cleaning fee nonsense. (Update: Urban Travel Blog readers now get 5% discount when they click one of our links to go and book!).

Dublin’s dining options are almost as plentiful as its drinking holes, from sushi to curry to home-style cooking. The Pig’s Ear is a classy but affordable option, where dishes like slow-cooked duck’s leg have helped earned it one of Michelin’s gourmand bibs. Whilst the down-to-earth Hairy Lemon Cafe offers a variety of cheap Irish stews, served up by wise-cracking waiters. The Bald Barista is a relatively new addition in town, serving up quality coffee with a great atmosphere. Another venue not to miss is the famous Butlers Chocolates . Their hot chocolate has been warming hands and hearts for decades, never mind their quality confectionery. The Queen of Tarts have cornered the market on perfect afternoon tea treats – you may have to wait a little while to get a place, but you won’t regret it. Street food to go? Don’t go past Lemon who can give the French a run for their money with their steaming crepes.

While there is a lot more to Dublin than hen parties and Guinness, it would be remiss of me not to give you the scoop on the best places to go wild away from the Pink Ladies! If you’re after a night that’s a bit grungy, a tad down and dirty, then Fibbers offers live rock and cheap booze. Locals and tourists alike get a chance to shake their stuff without trying to beat a door policy from a style guide. The place for intimate gigs and bit of alternative funk is The Sugar Club , whilst Whelans is another of the city’s great live music venues, with concerts almost every night of the week. They also have regular comedy nights. The Bar With No Name is a lively first floor bar with several rooms and a terrace, good for mingling. For a kitsch fest, end the night at dedicated 80s venue Club Nassau .

Getting There

Cheap airlines jetting in to the Emerald Isle include Aer Lingus and Ryanair, whilst if you’re coming from mainland UK then there are also ferries from Stena Line’s HSS, Irish Ferries and Norfolkine which arrive into either Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire.

Dublin In Your Pocket is a good local guide that doesn’t mince its words. The Dublin Tourism website will provide you with links to city passes (great for cheap deals for entry to major museums and sights) while The Dublin Blog will provide insights into the daily life of a Dubliner as well as post new events.

Lonely Planet, AA, Eyewitness and Rough Guides all have great books about the city sights. For something a bit more cultured watch The Commitments , and get a copy of the Irish writer Jonathan Swift’s Gullivers Travels (the quintessential travellers book). If you’re enjoying this then delve into the literary history of the city with James Joyce ( Ulysses and The Dubliners , amongst others, are set in the capital), Oscar Wilde and a bit of Samuel Beckett !

Silver Screen

The Commitments , the story of working class Dubliners who form a soul band, is considered by many Ireland’s best ever film and well worth a watch. Another music-themed movie is Once , a romantic drama that won several awards and made a healthy 20 million dollars at the box office. Game of Thrones geeks will also delight in this tour that departs daily from Dublin and takes you over the border to Northern Ireland to filming locations for Winterfell and Robb Stark’s camp amongst others.

Soundtrack to the City

The Blower’s Daughter – Damien Rice The Dancer – The Frames Smoke and Strong Whiskey – Chrisey Moore Seize the Day – Damien Dempsey The Rocky Road to Dublin – The Young Dubliners

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Current version updated on April 13th, 2017

First published on December 29th, 2013

Posted in City Guide with destination tags Dublin , Ireland

2 thoughts on “ Long Weekend: Dublin ”

Very good information about Dublin. I’m glad I consulted this blog before going there. Thanks a lot for sharing.

I really recommend the viking splash, it is good fun.

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WHERE TO STAY in DUBLIN in 2024

Natalie Dyer Last Updated: October 26, 2023

Dublin won’t be the biggest city you ever visit, but you still want to choose a hotel in a cool area that suits your vibe. We’ve put together our favorite areas in Dublin and why you’ll love them. From Portobello to Temple Bar, here’s where to stay in Dublin for families, solo travelers, and couples.

Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our Dublin Guide with more planning resources, our exciting Dublin tours for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in Dublin .

Where To Stay in Dublin: Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

If you’re thinking of visiting Dublin, this guide will help you scope out the best neighborhoods to stay in, as well as the top hotels, B&B’s, and short-term rentals. Dublin has a surprising number of areas we could recommend since it’s come a long way in terms of tourism recently. But to make it easier to choose, here are our favorite neighborhoods for staying in the city.

Merrion Square

• Smithfield and Nearby
• The Liberties 

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Temple Bar & Trinity

Temple Bar is the hub for all things touristy in Dublin, so it’s perfect for those who want to be in the center of it all, including families. We’ve included the nearby area of Trinity with Temple Bar because there’s just a lot of great hotels in this part of Dublin and tons of top attractions .

In 1599, Temple Bar started as a settlement for wealthy English families, but now it’s beloved for boozy bachelor parties and the “plastic Paddy” experience. You’ll find Dubliners are the first to knock the area because it doesn’t represent an “authentic” Dublin, but most travelers think it’s charming and full of excitement. The wonky cobblestones and the talented buskers—they’re all essential to Dublin’s character.

Why I love Temple Bar:

• The cobblestones, which are part of Dublin’s history and character
• Getting to watch visitors experience Dublin with fresh eyes
• Independent vintage clothing stores like Tola, Nine Crows and Siopaella
• Pubs and clubs that have a mix of locals, expats and visitors (Bad Bobs, Anne’s and Button Factory)
• The street buskers

Attractions Near Temple Bar:

• Gallery of Photography Ireland
• National Photographic Archive
• Temple Bar Gallery and Studios
• The Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience
• The National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland
• Meeting House Square (food markets)
• The Temple Bar pub (photo opportunity) and earth cam, where you can wave to the world in real time
• Dublin Castle
• Trinity College and The Book of Kells

Best Restaurants in Temple Bar:

• Vintage Cocktail Club 
• The Stage Door Cafe (for breakfast)
• Piglet Wine Bar (nice side street away from the crowds)  
• Featherblade Steak Restaurant
• Gallaghers Boxty House  (for traditional Irish “Boxty”)
• The Ivy Dublin
• SOLE Seafood & Grill

Best Hotels in Temple Bar:

The grafton hotel.

€€  | 4 Star Hotel | Quirky Carnival Design | Family Friendly

The main perk of The Grafton Hotel is that children under the age of twelve can stay for free, and they have several family rooms available. It’s in a safe part of town near St. Stephen’s Green so you’re out of the busiest areas, but close enough to walk for dinner or attractions.

Location, Photos, and Booking

The Fleet Hotel

€€€ | 4 Star Hotel | Cozy & Comfy | Luggage Storage after Checkout

The Fleet Hotel has all the glitzy bells and whistles of a 4-star hotel but goes for comfort and warmth in the bedrooms. It’s located on Fleet Street, which is dead center of Temple Bar (but on the quiet side). A logical choice for visitors who want to see the mainstream attractions.

Location, photos, and booking

The Westbury Hotel

€€€ | 5 Star | Luxury but Affordable | Tepees for Kids

The Westbury is a glamorous and centrally located hotel right on Grafton Street that is ideal for pedestrians (and strollers). Typically, the hotel attracts business tycoons, luxury shoppers, and socialites, but it’s also surprisingly child friendly with babysitting services, adjoining suites, etc. Ask for a teepee for the kids!

Staycity Aparthotels Dublin Castle

€€ | Self Catering Studios | Modern | Multilingual Staff

Staycity aparthotels bridges the gap between hotels and studio apartments. This means more facilities at your disposal like microwaves, sinks, toasters, office desks. All perfect for families, long-term stays, business trips, or young couples on a budget in Dublin.

Portobello 

Portobello is perfect for those nightlife seekers who want to stay in a newer area that’s rivaling some of the more well-known tourist areas. A hotspot for going out on the town is on Camden Street, a mile-long strip of trendy bars and restaurants. Or you can head to Harcourt Street where all the clubs pop off.

If you’re a coffee lover, head to my favorite spot called The Last Bookshop and order a sambo (sandwich), read a book, and sip on a cappuccino without city noise on the back patio. Or head to the canal and drink a pint amongst the swans and barges that drift by. Young travelers looking to rub shoulders with other young travelers will love Portobello.

Why I Love Portobello:

• The social buzz on the canal in the evenings, people chattering and “drinking cans”
• Awesome art murals on buildings, street corners, and electrical boxes
• Tons of coffeehouses and bookshops
• Basement clubs in unassuming Georgian buildings 
• Pubs with creaky, wooden floors dating back to the 17th century

Attractions Near Portobello:

• Irish Jewish Museum
• Extreme time off kayaking
• St Kevin’s Church and garden

Best Restaurants in Portobello:

• Las Tapas De Lola 
• Brother Hubbard South
• Locks Windsor Terrace
• Assassination Custard

Best Hotels in Portobello:

The green dublin.

€€€ | 4 Star | Family Friendly | Great Views | Fantastic Breakfast

Right next to St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin, The Green is a stylish hotel with everything you need. With a central location, delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms, it’s a great base to explore the city’s top attractions and best restaurants.

The Dean Dublin

€€€ | 4 Star | Boutique | Modern | Panoramic Rooftop Bar

The Dean is a slick boutique hotel with moody interiors and pop art touches. The hotel lies on Harcourt street, which is Dublin’s main district for clubbing and nightlife. Furthermore, it’s just minutes by foot to high-end shopping on Grafton Street.

Camden Court Hotel

€€ | 4 Star Hotel | Family Suites | Pool, Sauna and Gym

The Camden Court Hotel is a basic but reliable hotel with lots of facilities – even a hair salon. The rooms range from standard singles to large family rooms with sofa beds. This is a popular choice for families and business groups. 

Not ready to book a tour? Read more in our Dublin Guide .

The postcode of “Dublin 2” is crazy desirable, particularly the quarters surrounding Merrion Square park. It’s a well-appointed location with lots of upscale hotels (at great prices), but few residential areas and restaurants (find more just over in Temple Bar/Trinity area.

You’ll love Merrion Square if you’re looing for a quieter area in Dublin that’s a little nicer but still close to Trinity and St. Stephens. There’s plenty to do in the area, such as art museums, impressive government buildings or visiting a “dead” zoo. Authentic Irish pubs like O’Donoghue’s on Baggot Street are also a hit with celebrities. Rihanna once had her Thanksgiving party there!

Why I Love Merrion Square:

• Packed with cultural attractions and museums
• A sense of opulence and grandeur from government buildings
• The ONLY part of Dublin that has barely any traffic and wide roads
• Frequent concerts, food markets and art stalls at Merrion Square

Attractions Near Merrion Square:

• National Concert Hall
• The National Gallery of Ireland
• RHA Gallery
• National Museum of Ireland (“dead zoo”)
• MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland
• O’ Donoghue’s pub on Baggot Street

Best Restaurants in Merrion Square:

• Cirillo’s 
• Bloom Brasserie 
• The Commons at MoLI
• Suesey Street 
• La Peniche (evening canal cruise barge)

Best Hotels in Merrion Square:

€€ | 4 Star | Luxury Townhouse | Classic Design in a Historic Building

Number 31 is an eclectic townhouse that has been lovingly redesigned with respect to the Jazz Age. The interiors are a mix of art deco and mid-century modern, particularly the 70’s conversation pit in the lobby. This would be the best hotel for couples, design lovers, and those in need of a recharge.

The Mespil Hotel

€€  | 4 Star Hotel | Contemporary | Hotel Restaurant   | Family Friendly

Kids under twelve stay for free and the rooms are reasonably sized. Families can request a selection of board games and puzzles at reception. It has a great view of the canal and you’re just a 15-minute walk from it all.

The Merrion Hotel Dublin

€€€€+ | 5 Star Luxury Hotel | Georgian Architecture | Pool, Spa and Gym

The Merrion Hotel is unequivocally “extra.” Case in point, their regency-style rooms with low hanging chandeliers and plush bedding. This is the ultimate display of self-indulgence. One would say the only thing missing is being mouth-fed grapes by a member of staff.

Smithfield and City Center

So, technically, we’ve put together Smithfield with another central area in Dublin, but they’re super close to each other. Smithfield has revitalized itself over the last decade with a plaza for outdoor markets and a lingering industrial revolution vibe.

If you like to stay near the best food scene, then a hotel in Smithfield or nearby is ideal. (Even up in Stoneybatter.) Couples and young people love staying in this area in Dublin and often head to the Jameson Whiskey Distillery or Phoenix Park (largest part in Europe). It’s a great area to explore further since you’re across from Temple Bar and near the Dublin Docklands.

Why I Love Smithfield:

• Impressive large scale art murals
• 10 minute walk to the city center and well connected via The Luas tram and city buses
• Sustainable clothing shops like Dublin Vintage Factory
• Weekly flea markets in Smithfield Plaza
• Restaurants and cafés that are ahead of the curve

Attractions Near Smithfield:

• Phoenix Park
• Áras an Uachtairain in Phoenix Park (equivalent to The White House)
• Token (a retro arcade with food and drinks)
• The Jameson Whiskey Distillery
• The Cobblestone pub for live Irish music
• James Joyce Bridge

Best Restaurants in Smithfield:

• Proper Order Coffee Co
• Underdog @the Legal Eagle
• The Winding Stair
• Kalabasa Market

Best Hotels in Smithfield:

The hendrick smithfield.

€ € | 3 Star | Quieter Area | Family Rooms

If you’re looking for a cheaper stay that’s still nice for families or groups of friends, try the Hendrick in Smithfield. Some rooms are smaller but others have bunk beds. You’re close to transportation options here and not far from the Jameson Distillery.

Zanzibar Locke, Ha’Penny Bridge

€ € + | 4 Star | Bright & Modern | Rooms & Apartments

Choose your room style, then love how comfortable you feel inside this bright hotel. If you need a long-terms stay, this is an ideal choice. But it’s also perfect for travelers who want a nice hotel on the canal near all the top attractions.

Arlington Hotel

€ € | 3 Star | Basic Rooms | Fun Entertainment

The funnest part of staying at the Arlington Hotel is the attached bistro with a medieval theme. It makes up for the older decor throughout the hotel, but you’re not going to be in your room much anyway. It’s a good price in a central location for budget travelers.

The Morrison Dublin

€ € € | 5 Star | Hotel Bar/Rest | Couples Favorite

You’re super central at this 5-star hotel in Dublin’s city center. It’s a sophisticated hotel that has super clean lines for a modern vibe. For convenience, you can use the bar and restaurant onsite, or hit up the gym if you didn’t get your steps in already.

The Liberties

For the most historic place to stay, try The Liberties. Fair warning, there aren’t a lot of hotel options here (more rentals and hostels), but it’s a cool area if you’re interested in old pubs, flea markets, and breweries like the Guinness Storehouse. The Liberties is the oldest part of Dublin, established in Anglo-Norman times over 1,000 years ago.

Look for the Gothic-inspired Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral (which has a medieval crypt) here too. The architecture in the area is also mostly Victorian redbrick, which sets The Liberties apart from any other Dublin neighborhood. This is your best bet if you’re an older traveler looking for authentic Dublin or a younger traveler looking for rentals.

Why I love The Liberties:

• Real Dublin accents and personalities
• Young men using the roads on horse and cart
• The unique Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets
• The offbeat coffee shops, bars and restaurants – the old mixed with new
• The Music scene (intimate concerts in Vicar Street or jazz gigs in Arthur’s Bar)

Attractions Near The Liberties:

• The Guinness Storehouse
• Teeling Whiskey Distillery
• Pearse Lyons Distillery
• Roe & Co Distillery
• Kilmainham Gaol
• IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art)
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral

Best Restaurants in The Liberties:

• The Fumbally
• Variety Jones
• Coke Lane Pizza at Lucky’s Pub
• D-8TE (high-end food trucks with seating at Roe and Co Distillery)

Best Hotels in The Liberties:

Hyatt centric the liberties dublin.

€€€ | 4 Star Hotel | Chic | In Oldest Part of Dublin

Hyatt Centric is an ideal destination for romantic breaks or girls’ getaways. The interiors are minimalist, feminine, and paired back, with a touch of Scandinavian design and “hygge” lighting. The hotel is a short walk to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Staycity Aparthotels – Tivoli

€€+ | 4 Star Hotel | Apartments | Traveler Favorite

For a quiet, long-term stay in Dublin’s oldest neighborhood, the Staycity Aparthotels – Tivoli are a safe bet. You can add on the breakfast buffet or use your own kitchen. Plus you’re about halfway between Temple Bar and Guinness Storehouse here, so it’s perfectly situated.

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Art & Culture Travel Blog

Dublin travel diary: five days in dublin.

• Tea Gudek Šnajdar

Ireland was a country I wanted to visit for such a long time. I always loved Irish music and humour. And those forty shades of green were something I wanted to see for ages. So, when a few months ago Marijan and I learned we’re going to have a week for ourselves, we immediately booked flight tickets to Dublin. We’ve spent five days in Dublin, and you can read my travel diary from it, here.

Dublin Travel Diary: Five days in Dublin

We arrived in Dublin on Sunday evening, after a short, hour and a half long flight, from Amsterdam. After checking in at our hotel, we went for dinner to a cute little Italian restaurant close by. It was already quite late, so we went to bed early to have some energy for exploring the city the next day.

Ierland Toerisme helped in organising our trip, so when we came to our hotel room, there was a media pack already waiting for us. It was filled with entrance tickets, brochures and many useful information. I love when something like that is waiting for me in a hotel room. It feels so welcoming!

Some tips before your visit to Dublin

# – Get a Dublin pass – It was one of the most useful things we had during out trip. It has saved as a lot of time and money. We got a three days Dublin pass, which included free public transport, hop-on-hop-off bus and free entrance to many museums and attractions. You can check out the prices and get your Dublin pass on a link here !

# – Take a ride with Hop-On-Hop-Off bus – It’s one of the things I’m usually considering to be so touristy and am not really doing while travelling. However, Marijan was really into it, so we went for a ride. And it was one of the best things we did in Dublin. It’s a two-hour bus ride during which you can see most of Dublin’s attractions, and it will give you a better feel of the city. However, the best part of it was our driver. His name was Ken, and he was one of the funniest guys ever. We were laughing so much on his jokes and observations, and after it, I had a feeling like I really saw Dublin through the eyes of a local. A big recommendation for it!

# – Public transport in Dublin – Public transport is organised by buses in Dublin. Those (mostly) green double-deckers are giving a great charm to the city. Dublin is quite small, but going to some places like Guinness Storehouse or Kilmainham Gaol Jail would require you to take a bus. Especially if you’re planning to spend five days in Dublin like we did, using public transport from time to time could be handy.

# – Getting to the city from Dublin airport – There are buses in front of the airport building that will take you to the city centre. They depart every few minutes, and it will take you between 30 – 60 minutes to get there. You can choose between a city bus no. 747 or the Airlink Express , which is the express service. Both are included in the Dublin Pass , so it’s good to get it prior to your arrival to Dublin.

Day one – Monday in Dublin

During our five days in Dublin, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Hotel at the O’Connelly Street. It has a great location right in the city centre, and we were so close to the General Post Office (one of my favourite places in Dublin). The hotel has a nice common area, restaurant and a bar on the ground floor. Our room was quite spacious and modern. And a great thing was that breakfast was included in the room price.

City walk with Una

After having breakfast (and learning what the Irish breakfast is), we went to the Trinity College where we had to meet our guide Una from the Angel Tours . Una took us on a private city walk and have told us about Dublin and Ireland. We’ve taken a walk down the O’Connelly Street till the Garden of Remembrance. She has also told us a lot about James Joyce and some places in Dublin he’s mentioning in Ulysses.

It was so nice having a local with us telling us about her country and everyday life in Dublin. We were also quite fascinated with our guide who was 78 years old lady but had a spirit of a 20-year-old. Such an inspiring person…

Lunch at Temple Bar

After spending the whole morning with Una, we needed some rest from walking and exploring hidden gems of Dublin.

We’ve taken a break and went for lunch to one of the pubs in Temple Bar. Although I heard some negative things about being a tourist trap, I actually quite liked it. The atmosphere there was charming and the fact there was live Irish music in every single pub there was something I really liked.

Dublin’s architecture

Later on, we’ve strolled around the city, trying to feel it’s spirit more. Dublin has some great examples of Medieval stone architecture (mostly churches), anyone is probably imagining when thinking of Ireland. Then, there is a historicist architecture of mostly old residential buildings in the city centre. And industrial, late 19th Century brick buildings, that reminded me of London and even Hamburg a bit. It’s a city where you can feel the high culture in combination with the working class and industry.

Dublin’s Cathedrals

I wanted to explore more two Medieval buildings, I especially liked during our tour with Una, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral . They are quite close to each other and the architectural style is also similar. I loved the combination of stone architecture and colourful tiles on their floors. Also, little stories and legends in both of them. You can spend quite some time in them, by watching videos on their history, learning about some famous events happening there or about people that are buried inside them.

* TIP no. 1 : Jonathan Swift, the author of the Gulliver’s Travels, was a dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the first half of the 18th Century. You can see his epitaph in the cathedral today.

* TIP no. 2 : On a street between two cathedrals there is a lovely little shop with work of Irish designers, called Jam Art Factory . Check it out for some cool souvenirs from Ireland.

Day two – Tuesday in Dublin

Trinity college & book of kells.

One of the things I was mostly looking forward before our trip to Dublin, was visiting the Trinity College . Especially its library and seeing the Book of Kells. So, the next day, we went there first thing in the morning. There is something so magical in visiting universities. There’s so much knowledge at one place, and there’s always such a great vibe on them.

During the time we were in Dublin, the ‘Green Week’ was taking place. And we came to Trinity College just in time when a big gathering related to it started. Few weeks before, new research made by the University about climate change and negative impacts on Earth was released. So, they started with many initiatives on how to have more sustainable University and how to protect the nature of Ireland more.

Standing there and listening, the speakers felt so surreal to me. I felt like it was one of those historical moments we’ll be talking about in fifty years. You know how in the Young Indiana Jones series he’s always finding himself on some of those historical events. Well, I felt just the same at Trinity College that day.

We went to an old library of Trinity College afterwards and were stunned entirely with it. Despite being surrounded with a bunch of loud Italian students that were visiting it at the same time, it felt so peaceful and out of this world. I also loved seeing book restorers on their work, repairing some old books.

The exhibition about the Book of Kells was there, as well. It’s one of the most important Medieval books that survived until nowadays. The exhibition is explaining everything from how many people worked on it, pigments used and education during that time.

* TIP : Book of Kells ad Trinity College library are among the most visited places in Dublin. So, queues to get in could be really long. Be sure to get your ticket on line to avoid waiting for hours.

Archaeology Museum

Tuesday was reserved for museums, so the next place we went to see was the Archaeology Museum . Located in a beautiful historical building, with some amazing floor mosaics again (it looks like having beautiful floors is a thing in Dublin). Museum has a great collection of Medieval Irish art and archaeology. I was especially interested in a collection of Irish gold (talking about some amazing jewellery here) and the Viking history of Dublin. Luckily, there was a huge exhibition about Vikings in Ireland on display. It’s interesting to see that combination of Celtic and Viking influences on Medieval Irish culture. Although the museum is a bit outdated with its setting, it was so worth seeing it.

* TIP : There’s no entrance fee for this museum. It’s free of charge for everyone!

Vegan lunch in Dublin

Maybe still under the influence of the speech, we heard at the Trinity College, or already a bit tired of pub food, we wanted to have a vegan lunch that day. We made a quick search to see what’s nearby and have found one of the restaurants we really liked – Le Pain Quotidien . And was that delicious! I really liked that raspberry lemonade, as well. I think I should visit it more often in Amsterdam, too.

Museum of Irish Writers

After Una told us about Ulysses and some Irish writers, I was really eager to learn more about them. I was also wondering why there are so many famous writers and poets from Ireland, and there are almost no famous Irish painters at all. OK, beside Francis Bacon. I hoped to find an answer at the Museum of Irish Writers .

Well, here is a spoiler: I haven’t found it there! But, I think I did at the Cliff of Moher the next day (so, keep on reading for it).

Museum has quite a nice overview of Irish writers and their work. It also has a beautiful book shop that could be a great place to buy a souvenir from Dublin.

I wanted to do precisely that. I read some of the Irish writers back in high school, but I wanted to buy myself a book I’ll be reading during the trip. I wanted to go with Ulysses, but after reading a few lines, I realised it’s too advanced for me. So, I went with another classic, Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

⤷ Click here to read my ‘Literary Guide to Dublin’!

Modern Dublin

Whenever we’re travelling, Marijan and I always like to go to more residential areas trying to feel an everyday life in the city. We were quite fortunate because one of my good high school friends, Maja lives in Dublin, and we agreed on having dinner together. She promised to take us to a nice restaurant in her neighbourhood. We meet at the Grand Canal which is a modern area of Dublin. Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, an example of amazing modern architecture, is there, as well. Together with some tech companies like Google, Facebook etc. It looked completely different from the old Dublin we’ve seen earlier that day.

Day three – Wednesday at Cliff of Moher and Galway

Next day was reserved for a day trip outside Dublin. After doing some research prior to our trip, we liked the most a day trip to Cliff of Moher and Galway we’ve found at Get Your Guide website.

If I would do anything differently during our five days in Dublin, I would take two days to go on trips outside the city. Ireland is so beautiful, and it would be a shame not seeing that amazing nature during your visit. I think that we really did see those 40 shades of green and 50 shades of grey.

We first went to Cliff of Moher, and it was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Nature was fascinating and frightening at the same time. It also had such a spiritual feel. It reminded me a lot on Stonehenge and the feeling I had there. It was really windy, and in a moment we would be in the middle of a cloud, while the other one the sun was shining. At one point, I was looking to the cliffs and huge waves crushing to them, and all of a sudden I heard the music. An old man was playing his accordion, and I could hear those beautiful lyrics:

The island, it is silent now But the ghosts still haunt the waves… Thousands are sailing Across the western ocean To a land of opportunity That some of them will never see…

And I could almost see them. Boats with people leaving for a better life. And here, on these cliffs, those who already missed them, put their feelings into those beautiful words. Well, maybe that’s the reason for all those famous Irish writers…

It was such a magical moment I couldn’t stop my tears. I will always remember that day on Cliffs of Moher and that old man playing…

We continued our ride towards the small village of Doolin where we had lunch in a local pub. We then rode alongside the seashore, and although the road was so narrow, and at the moments it seemed like we wouldn’t manage to pass next to the cars coming from another direction, the scenery was amazing. It’s known as the Burren, and it’s a part of the national park and a protected landscape.

Finally, we came to Galway, the city I knew so well from all those traditional Irish songs. The cute little town was a place where I saw the most street musicians than anywhere else in the world. Literally, every fifty meters someone was playing or singing.

Well, after we’ve come back to Dublin, we ended up at a pizza place again (it looks like we were eating a lot of Italian food in Dublin). It was the Milano Restaurant in Temple Bar, which is a sub-brand of London’s Pizza Express, I love to go to when in England. It was nice and cosy, and the pizza was delicious!

Day four – Thursday in Dublin

Besides a trip to Cliff of Moher, this was probably my favourite day in Dublin. The weather was great, and we’ve spent it by exploring Irish history.

General Post Office

During our five days in Dublin, I have learned probably the most about the Irish fight for independence. We started our day by visiting General Post Office were the Irish Revolution in 1916 started. There is an amazing exhibition and a movie about it in the basement of the building.

After we’ve seen it, I’ve finally understood all the issues from Irish history and also the problems and differences there were between the south and the north. It’s also visible in the Irish flag. It’s said that a green colour symbolises the south of Ireland, orange the north and the white in the middle a peace between them. This exhibition is probably the most significant recommendation I have for anyone visiting Dublin.

EPIC Museum & CHQ Building

We’ve continued in a similar tone and have went to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum . It’s a great place to learn about the reasons for such a huge emigration from Ireland during the history. Being an immigrant myself, I could relate with so many stories there. It was also quite interesting to learn about some famous Irish emigrants, like Liam Neeson, or one of my favourite, Samuel O’Reilly, who invented the modern tattoo machine.

EPIC Museum is located at a lovely CHQ Building with many co-working spaces, tech offices and restaurants. We were there during the lunchtime, and I really liked it. Many people that are working there were having lunch at the same time as we did. It has such a great atmosphere with so many young people around. I almost felt like the new Facebook founder was sitting at the same restaurant. It’s really a cool and vibrant place.

* TIP : Get your ticket for the EPIC Museum on line before your visit ( click on a link here ).

Dublin is filled with public statues. One of the most intriguing for me was The Famine Memorial in front of the EPIC Museum. Designed by Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie in 1997, the statues commemorate the Great Famine of the mid-19th Century. Approximately one million people died during that time in Ireland. And a million more emigrated from the country during it. It’s such a sad part of Irish history…

Guinness Storehouse

We’ve taken a walk next to the River Liffey in the afternoon. I’ve enjoyed so much seeing all those different architectural styles on our way. Once again, Dublin has it all, from the historicist 19th Century architecture to industrial brick warehouses until some very modern buildings.

One of the last things on that day was a visit to the famous Guinness Storehouse . I really liked the part of the exhibition about the Guinness commercials. The rest of the exhibition was dedicated to the way they’re producing the beer. So, if you’re not really interested in it, it could be a bit boring, I think. However, I definitely liked the roof-top bar where we had a pint of Guinness. There is a beautiful view of Dublin from there and that Guinness was one of the best I ever had.

* TIP : Queues to get into the Guinness Storehouse are really long! So, my advice is to definitely get your ticket on line in advance ( here is the link )!

Dinner at the oldest pub in Dublin

Since it was our last evening in Dublin, we wanted to visit a few more pubs that night. We first went to infamous The Brazen Head and had a dinner there. It was founded back in 1198, and I think the oldest pub/restaurant I’ve ever been to. They are saying they’re the oldest pub in Ireland, and although there are some debates about that, it’s old enough for me. Tables are close to each other in it, so it’s also quite nice for meeting people around you.

Drinks in the coolest pub in Dublin

After a dinner there, we went to another, slightly different pub – The Porterhouse . It’s one of the rare pubs in Dublin that doesn’t serve Guinness, and the reason is in a range of craft beers they’re producing themselves. Some guys were playing music at one of the tables, and the atmosphere was really nice and friendly. I’m definitely recommending it for drinks while in Dublin.

Day five – Friday in Dublin

Our plane was departing in the afternoon, so we decided to spend the morning at the Kilmainham Gaol prison. We thought the best way to get there would be by taking a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus. Since Marijan wanted to ride on it since we came to Dublin (I know, I know… I also have thought I’ve left a four-year-old at home) we’ve decided to take it to get to the prison.

Green Dublin bus

Well, I’ve mentioned already at the beginning of the post how I’m usually not really thrilled with that kind of buses. But, since Marijan was insisting, we’ve taken a ride. And like the most excited kids, we set at the first row on the top floor.

When we were entering the bus, I’ve asked our driver is it possible to get out at the prison and he told me, with a completely serious look, that unfortunately, this is a ‘hop-on-stay-on’ kind of bus, and we can’t leave it before the end of the tour. He said that totally serious and I wasn’t even aware he was joking with me. So, I was like, ohh, that’s really a shame, but there’s nothing we could do now… Well, after some time I realised that’s a famous Irish humour. I’ll just say we loved our driver and his humour so much, we missed the prison and stayed on a bus until the end of the ride.

* TIP : We’ve missed the Kilmainham Gaol prison, but with what have I heard about it, it’s an amazing place. So, plan your last day better than us and try to visit it!

Lunch at a seafood bar

After the tour, we went to our last lunch in Dublin. This time we’ve find a real restaurant gem there – KLAW The Sea Food Cafe . It’s a small seafood restaurant with a very cool interior and some delicious food. I had a DELICIOUS crab pasta. A great place for lunch and probably the place where I had the best food in Dublin.

After it, we went to a hotel to pick up our bags and have gone to the airport. Five days in Dublin is enough time to get a feeling of a city and visit some of its major sights. If I could do it again, I would definitely add one more day of visiting the rest of Ireland.

It’s a beautiful country with such a great spirit, personality and people. If you’re planning your trip to Dublin, definitely include some sights where you can learn about its history, fight for independence and emigration. And, of course, don’t forget to read something written by one of the famous Irish writers before your trip.

*A big thanks to Ierland Toerisme for helping us organise our trip and providing us with media passes and some complementary entrance tickets while there. *This post contains some affiliate links!

Dublin Travel Tips. A Complete Guide for Visiting Dublin

Traveling to Dublin for the first time and not sure where to start? Planning a trip to Dublin might be challenging indeed and especially so if this is your first time in the city. How long do I need to spend in Dublin? When to visit? What are the best places to stay in Dublin? How to save time and money and still see the best that Dublin has to offer? From castles and beaches to windmills and lighthouses, here are some clever Dublin travel tips and tricks you should know before you go.

To help you plan your first trip to Dublin, I’ve put together some of the best tips for visiting Dublin. This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your Dublin trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your trip, time, and budget. Find out!

If you want to know how to prepare for a trip to Dublin you’ve come to the right place. This is a wonderful city to visit for the weekend. With a vibrant nightlife, rich pub culture and friendly people, there is always something to discover. While it’s no secret that Dublin is one of the best cities to visit in Europe, it can be pretty expensive.

You know the truth – the best things in life are free. You can visit Dublin on a budget if you drink less, use the advantages of free attractions and hit the supermarkets. Keep in mind that most people only spend a few days here before hitting the countryside.

Things To Know Before Visiting Dublin

Dublin history.

Dublin or “Dubh Linn” comes from the Gaelic word, meaning “black/dark pool. The city was founded by the Vikings in the mid 9th century. Irish Gaelic is spoken as a first language and English is the dominant spoken language.

Dublin is the capital and by far the largest city of the Republic of Ireland. The republic encompasses most of the island of Ireland, the westernmost country of the British Isles. It contains twenty-six counties. The six counties in the northeast make up Northern Ireland – a part of the UK. The two neighbors are very different in ambience and infrastructure.

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Ireland has been an independent republic since 1922, after prolonged uprisings and discontent with British rule. Many of the insurgencies took place in Dublin and on my travels in the city, I saw the references and old photographs, which celebrate the hard-fought struggle for independence. An example is the 1916 Easter uprising at the General Post Office in O’Connell Street. This is commemorated in several locations, including the statuesque building itself.

Dubliners are very proud of the rich culture associated with the city and it has produced many world-renowned poets, authors, artists, and musicians. Every time I wandered through Dublin I discovered some unknown references to the city’s famous sons and daughters – Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, WB Yeats, Francis Bacon, Iris Murdoch to name but a few.

Dublin is irrevocably linked to Ireland’s turbulent history. It is a port city and from here, many poor emigrants left during times of hardship – such as the potato famine of the 1800s – to settle in faraway places including England, the United States , Australia , and South Africa. Ireland has a current population of nearly five million – two-fifths of whom live in the Greater Dublin area. There are also countless millions of folk living all around the globe. They are proud and celebrate their Irish roots.

Don’t Expect to Party All Night

Despite Dublin’s reputation of being a city that’s fond of a pint (or two), don’t expect huge crowds and wild parties like you would expect in other European cities. On weeknights, most pubs close their doors at 11:30 PM. On weekends, it’s 2:30 AM. Off licenses and supermarkets don’t sell alcohol after 10 pm, while public drinking is illegal in Dublin. However, you can hit Coppers or Diceys if you really want to keep the party going.

How Safe Is Dublin for Travel?

Even if you may have heard about bombs and riots, Dublin is a very safe city to visit. Of course, as with any big city, certain petty crimes do occur in Dublin, but most of it is non-violent. Avoid the empty streets late at night when drunk people express violent behavior. Depending on your interests, there are, however, few areas you should refrain from visiting late at night (Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Dolphin’s Barn).

How to Get to Dublin

Dublin International Airport is located about 10 kilometers north of the city and has direct links with North America , Europe , Africa the Middle East and Hong Kong . It is the headquarters of Ireland’s flagship carrier Aer Lingus and has frequent flights to major cities in Ireland and the UK.

There are daily car ferries from Liverpool in England and Holyhead in North Wales. I also took advantage of an extensive motorway system within the country with links to other Irish cities and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Ireland uses the Euro, making it easy for travelers who are coming or going to other parts of Europe. Although the airport is not connected to the city center by rail, there is an express coach. There are several buses running to the city center, but Aircoach provides direct service to the central parts of town and its stops include Kildeer Street, O’Connell Street.

Getting Around Dublin

Getting around Dublin is an adventure of its own. There is no metro in Dublin but there are buses, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) regional train service, and LUAS light rail system. LUAS was opened in 2004 and currently, there are two lines and 67 stations with plans for further extensions. Dublin has an extensive bus network and a railway line, which follows the coast and can bring you on a scenic coastal journey to visit Howth, Dalkey, Dún Laoghaire, Skerries and Malahide.

Metered taxis are plentiful and taxi services have their own apps, that allow you to instantly request a taxi, or to book one for an upcoming date and time. Take a closer look at the NRC Taxi App. There is also a very successful bike hire scheme (Dublinbikes) in operation in the city. Motorists drive on the left and the driving standard is good. If you plan to travel further afield in this fascinating country, car hire is a viable option.

If you want an easier time getting around Dublin, I would recommend buying a SIM card with data and have a salesperson install it for you. I got a Lycamobile Ireland SIM card the last time I went and it worked great for me. Some mobile carriers allow you to use data in other countries, which will be useful for your Euro trip. There is a great complimentary WiFi at the airport and Dublin City buses are all equipped with free Wifi.

Get a Good Deal on Public Transportation

If you’re visiting Dublin on a budget, you should definitely know that there is the Leap Visitor Card. It was one of my primary money-saving tools in Dublin. Depending on how long you plan on staying in Dublin, you can choose from a number of days. This way, you always know exactly how much you spend on topping up your Leap Visitor Card. Pick up your Leap Card in the airport on arrival and you’ll be set to ride the buses, DART, rail, and Luas around Dublin.

Dublin Travel Tips | The Best Time to Visit Dublin

Dublin’s weather is not its biggest asset and summer temperatures average only about 17 or 19 degrees Celsius (63-69°F). The warmest month is July. The winters are mild by Northern European standards – January at 5 degrees being the coolest. It rarely snows but it does get more than its fair share of rain. The climate can be unpredictably changeable and locals know that. That said, even if you’re traveling to the Irish capital city during the summer months, you can expect at least a shower or two during the course of your visit. This leads me on to my next point.

Essentials You Need to Pack for Dublin

Wind-proof umbrella.

Did you know that in Dublin it rains up to 255 days per year?! Fret not though, just make sure to pack a travel umbrella that can withstand the weather or get one as soon as you arrive in Dublin.

Wind-Proof Jacket

Right after you pack your travel umbrella reach for a rain jacket. You’re going to need an Irish raincoat or jacket that will keep you warm and dry. No matter the season a rain jacket is always essential for visiting Dublin. I have a rain jacket made by Patagonia. It is durable, lightweight, packable, waterproof, and windproof. A wind-proof jacket doesn’t have to be expensive, so any rain shell will do. But the top-dollar ones will hold up and help in nasty weather.

Universal Adapter

Unless you live in the United Kingdom, this device is something worth investing in. You’ll absolutely need one if you plan to charge any electronics at all in Dublin, as the outlets are not the same as outlets in continental Europe. Ireland uses the same British “Type G” power outlets and plugs. A quality universal travel adapter is key because super cheap adapters tend to be glitchy and can damage your device.

Dublin Travel Tips | Top Places to Visit

Dublin’s temple bar district.

The city center is relatively compact and I visited many places of interest in one day by walking. A good central starting point is O’Connell Bridge, which crosses the River Liffey, and is unusual for being wider than it is long. Nearby is the famous Temple Bar area. This is a pedestrian-friendly area of pubs, restaurants and quirky clothes shops. I had a great time exploring the area and listening to some of the Irish Traditional Music in many of the pubs and by buskers in the street. The area really comes to life at night.

Nearby, and providing a good photo location, is the excellent Molly Malone statue. Molly was a fictitious shellfish vendor from the nineteenth-century music hall song, which begins “In Dublin’s fair city, where the girls are so pretty.” It is the unofficial anthem of the city.

Explore Trinity College Cobblestone Grounds

A short walk from Molly will bring you to the grounds of Dublin’s famous center of learning, Trinity College. You can wander freely around the grounds of the very impressive buildings and there has been a university on the site since 1592. The current buildings date from the eighteenth century and surround two large quadrangles and playing fields.

The college library contains the Book of Kells, which is the world’s most famous illustrated medieval manuscript of the four gospels from the Bible. It is written in Latin and dates from the 9th Century. For 10 EUR you can view some of the original folios. If avoiding long lines really is your top priority, arrive earlier in the day.

Strolling down Grafton street

From the college, walk along Grafton Street where you are sure to be impressed by the street’s grand and tall Georgian townhouses, many dating from the early 1800s. Now they are mainly used as business premises or professional institutions. They still show the grandeur of days long gone when they were homes of the wealthy, complete with basements and servants’ quarters.

If you plan on doing some shopping, Stephens Green Shopping Centre should be your go-to place. Located at the top of Grafton Street, Stephens Green is a place to shop, eat and admire architecturally luxurious townhouses.

Merrion Square is a small park just off Grafton Street and in one corner, you will find Oscar Wilde’s reclining statue. On the day I visited, there was a display of fine paintings by local artists attached to the railings all around the perimeter of the square.

The Bridges of Dublin

You can’t visit the Irish capital city without exploring its bridges. The River Liffey with many bridges across it flows through the center of Dublin and flows into the Dublin Bay. I believe it is because of the number of lovely bridges, I now remember Dublin as a city of bridges. As you stroll along the Liffey long banks you can find O’Connell Bridge, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Rory O’Moore Bridge, Sean Heuston Bridge and, of course, Ha’penny Bridge. Each one of them has its own history and worth spending some time gazing into the Liffey water. However, my favorite one is the James Joyce Bridge.

James Joyce is one of the most widely read Irish novelists and writers. If you’re a James Joyce fan make sure to pay a visit to his statue near the O’Connell street and the bridge that is named for the writer. One of Joyce’s short stories was set in the house facing the bridge on the south side.

The bridge was opened in 2003. The thing I loved the most is the fact that the bridge has cozy benches along the lane and I spent two hours reading “Ulysses” there. This modern-style bridge somehow reminiscent of Samuel Beckett Bridge, but I think it is organically fit into the urban landscape. It looks even more spectacular at night when the streetlights turn on.

Kilmainham Gaol Prison

This is a notorious site in the history of Irish nationalism and it is an old jailhouse, which dates back to 1796. This is where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were first jailed before they were then assassinated for the act of high treason. You can tour the impeccably restored building and the exhibition here will make you understand the struggles were like before Irish go independence.

An hour’s tour of the old prison takes you through the yard, and the rest of the jail where you will hear stories of the rebel leaders and Irish Republicans once imprisoned in Kilmainham Gaol. You can also visit the Stonebreaker’s Yard where the executions of its famous convicts took place.

Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium

Irish people love animals and placing bets. Shelbourne Park Stadium is the only place in Dublin to enjoy the greyhound racing after closing of Harold’s Cross Stadium in 2017. Races are held daily. With a cozy restaurant, it is still better to visit the stadium in a group to save money on food. Booking table in advance is preferable. You can bet starting from one EUR.

I was a complete novice but the waitress helped me a lot and explained how to bet. The race is fun indeed! If you go there on a low budget, expect to get extra fun as the race results usually determine if you get another Guinness. Despite the fact that greyhound racing is a bit of gambling, you will notice that locals come here with kids to get some family fun. Don’t forget your student ISIC card to get an extra discount.

Tour Historic Dublin Castle

Built in the early 13th century, Dublin Castle is an impressive building sitting in the middle of the city. It offers amazing insights into Irish history, so chances are you’ll eventually find yourself here at some point of your trip. The castle is now a government building, but you can still visit it on self-guided and guided tours.

There are museums like Chester Beatty Library, Chapel Royal, Revenue museum, cafes and many rooms to explore. However, most people come to hang out in the gardens and on the huge lawn.

Iveagh Gardens

Located not far from St.Stephen’s Green Park, Iveagh Gardens is a place of tranquility and serenity. During my stay in Dublin, I found it to be less crowded than St.Stephen’s Green park because the Gardens are almost completely surrounded by buildings so it takes more effort to notice it. That is the reason why you should visit it at least once, and if you are lucky enough to see the rose blooming.

There also was a lawn near the Earlsfort Terrace entrance, a lovely waterfall and a maze with a sundial in the center. I would totally recommend going there if you want to unwind from the hustle and bustle.

Where to Go Shopping in Dublin

There are plenty of Irish souvenir shops in Dublin. Favorite locally produced goods include linen, tweed, crystal glass, and whiskey. A lucky Irish leprechaun (elf) is a favorite keepsake. For the best shopping experience, visit Creative Quarter that is home to a bunch of galleries, shops, and restaurants. Make sure to explore George’s Street Arcade, South William Street and Dame Street.

Another place not to miss is the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. Located not far from Molly Malone statue, this re-purposed mansion is now turned into a shopping mall with piano music playing Irish songs.

Where to Stay in Dublin

Best luxury hotels in dublin.

The Shelbourne | The Merrion | The Fitzwilliam

Best Boutique Hotels in Dublin

The Mont | The Wilder | The Morrison Dublin

Best Cheap Hotels in Dublin

Barnacles Temple Bar House | McGettigans Townhouse | Generator Dublin

Best Hostel in Dublin

Ashfield Hostel

Food in Dublin

Dubliners are cosmopolitan people and there are restaurants of many cuisines in the city. If you want to try some hearty local food, however, I recommend Irish stew, boxty (potato pancake) and coddle. This has layers of meat and vegetables and was a traditional way of using up leftovers. When in Dublin you must try a pint of its most famous beer – Guinness. It was invented in the city in 1759. You can find that food in Dublin can be a little expensive.

Where to eat and drink in Dublin

Let’s face it, a big part of traveling to Ireland is finding places to eat. All of the suggestions below are great for those traveling to Ireland for the first time, and they won’t dent your food budget too much. Here are some Dublin travel tips on where to find the best food in the Irish capital city and save money:

Breakfast places in Dublin: Tang Cafe; Brother Hubbard North; Keoghs Cafe; Laine, My Love; The Pieman Cafe

Lunch restaurants in Dublin: Oxmantown; El Grito; Umi Falafel; Govinda’s Restaurant

Cake and coffee in Dublin: Dwarf Jar Coffee, Beanhive Coffee, Stage Door Café, Legit Coffee Co

Dinner restaurants in Dublin: The Ramen Bar, Cirillo’s, Featherblade, Shouk

I am very fond of Dublin. It is an enchanting and friendly city where it is easy to break into conversation with the locals, who are well known for their wit and conversation skills. I have also discovered that Dubliners are among the friendliest people in Europe.

So, these are the essential practical tips you should know when traveling to Dublin for the first time. Do you have any questions or maybe want to share your experience when visiting Dublin? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.

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33 comments.

Amanda Keeley-Thurman

I would definitely want to walk around the city center and hit up the Temple bar.

MindTheTravel

Hey, Amanda! Temple Bar area is totally worth a visit if you want to have some fun! It gets a bit noisy at night. But the kids gonna certainly love it!

I loved this article! Thank you! I have a special place in my heart for Ireland

Thank you for reading!

Louisa Grey

That’s great! Now I wanna go to Dublin and explore it myself

I’m sure you going to love it and it will make you want to return!

Lara Dunning

I was in Dublin years ago and would love to go back and check out the food scene and the park .

Don’t miss the Iveagh Gardens! Especially if you want to go on a picnic!

Since I came to live in England about 14 years ago, I’ve visited lots of places across Europe. Dublin is on my ultimate bucket list and I’m sure I’ll visit one day. You make it look and sound like a great place to visit. Thanks much for pushing it up to number one spot. Now to start saving.

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy Dublin! Just don’t forget to bring some Euros! 🙂

Dublin is such a beautiful city! Thanks for all the tips. I will definitely use it when I go back again one day.

Hey, Debbie! I’m glad you found my post useful! There’s never enough Dublin!

I love everything Irish, music, food, drinks… hehe. I loved reading your post, Amazing photos. I am sure to take the traditional taxi option in the picture and food recommendations when I am in Dublin next.

I took a trip to Ireland as a teenager, but I would love to return as an adult. I think I would appreciate the city of Dublin more and would have a better understanding of the culture. Great post! I agree that it is always best to look at a new place like a local would versus going in blind.

i have never been to Dublin but i love the cultures, writers, music and way of life. i hope to be there soon

Sidhu Jetha

It looked like a nice city to walk around or roam in public transpot. Thats one reason I will definitely try to be there. This post will help me.

Joli @ Dipkiss Travels

Great post – hope to visit Dublin one day! My husband’s been there before and he loved it. He raves about the drinks and especially, the food (believe it or not — most Irish folks think he’s joking!) I’d love to try Irish stew and hit up Temple Bar, too!

Dublin is one of my top priority ”to visit” place so I really appreciate this post!

I Loved walking around the Trinity University grounds when in Dublin and imagining all the great authors who had roamed the streets and written in pubs there as well (some of my favorites!) However I will say it was the coldest I’d ever been in a city (granted it was January) and the cost of living is so prohibitive I couldn’t consider living there but oh do I love Ireland-we are actually considering Cork as one of our potential places to move this next year.

It looks like we were having quite similar experiences! I love roaming around Dublin with my head full of exalted thoughts about Irish authors and their works! If you’re planning on going to Cork, you should definitely check some of Frank O’Connor’s novels before you go!

We are going to Dublin in February and will definitely be revisiting this post come that time. We are very excited to see the pubs and drive around the country and see the natural beauty

Thanks for sharing, seems like a really interesting place to visit. Definitely planning to have a beer when I get here.

Kellyn, with so many alcoholic drinks available in Dublin, I guess Guinness and Jameson are probably the most recognizable trademarks!

I’ve yet to visit Dublin, thanks for these great tips! I’d like to try some of that Irish stew. Good to know that the weather there isn’t super appealing, I’d definitely time it so we visit in July when it’s the warmest

Bruce Schinkel

Really great overview of a place that keeps popping up in my life lately. Armed with this post, I’m sure I can now plan an amazing trip to Dublin, so thanks!

Hey, Bruce! I do hope you will enjoy your stay in Dublin! Thanks for stopping by!

My coworkers are from Dublin and I keep hearing great things from there! And it seems like in all the Dublin blogs I read, people really like to visit The Temple Bar! (Or at least take pictures of it.) Definitely a great list of itinerary suggestions and will keep it bookmarked for when I visit. Thanks for sharing!

I’m not a big fan of reckless drinking, but there’s no way you can avoid visiting Temple Bar area! It is a must in Dublin! Thank you, Jasmine, for the kind words!

Marky Ramone Go

Dublin is one of those cities best seen by walking around. This will definitely come handy once i finally step put in this city someday 🙂

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Your style is so unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog. http://novel-secrets.blogspot.com/

Julie Plagens

I love all the pictures. Imaynever ho so it’s nice to read about it. Thanks for sharing.

I love Dublin! I’ve been there twice, and another great spot to try is The Big Blue Bus. It’s a double-decker bus revamped, so there’s a kitchen on the bottom serving SUCH good wood-fired pizza and it’s a super cool beer garden + bar! For sure something I always recommend to people when visiting.

Hoang Nguyen

Great photos. I would like to visit Dublin someday

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