I love Dublin.
Ever since I first visited in 1999, I’ve held a special place in my heart for the Irish capital. It’s so different than what you might expect – maybe a little smaller, maybe a little rougher around the edges. But also more cosmopolitan, more multicultural, more modern and somehow even more fun.
As a small city, you can do a lot with 3 days in Dublin. A long weekend is a great option to see the city before moving on to other parts of Ireland. Whether you’re interested in seeing famous historical landmarks, exploring the lively nightlife, or simply relaxing in a pub with a pint of Guinness, Dublin has something for everyone. Here is a perfect Dublin itinerary for exploring all that this wonderful city has to offer and getting to know the capital of craic (Irish for “fun”).
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3 Days in Dublin
Dublin Itinerary Day One:
Books and the Black Stuff
Trinity College
College Green
Dublin City Center
After tucking into a full Irish breakfast at your hotel (you can’t really visit Dublin without trying one), start your three days in Dublin with a visit to Trinity College, one of the oldest (and certainly the most prestigious) of Ireland’s universities.
Situated right in the middle of the city center, Trinity College is close to many of the areas you’ll want to visit in the city, such as Grafton Street, Temple Bar, Merrion Square and St. Stephen’s Green. Its green space and gothic architecture are a great introduction to urban Ireland.
You can choose to walk the easily-navigated campus on your own, or add on a guided campus tour as part of your visit to the star attraction at Trinity – the Book of Kells.
The Book of Kells
Old Library, Trinity College
Check opening hours and ticket prices
After a stroll through Trinity’s charming campus, then head inside to see the world-famous Book of Kells. This 9th-century manuscript is on display alongside other examples of early Christian art, and is one of those things you have to see at least once.
The Book of Kells is an illuminated copy of the New Testament and the four Gospels. Illuminated manuscripts are highly decorated, hand written texts, mostly from the Middle Ages. This book is so highly prized – and so often visited – because it is probably the most famous medieval manuscript, and best example of illuminated text, in the world.
Irish monks were crucial in keeping a record of the history of European culture between the Classical period and the Renaissance. Visiting the Book of Kells is a great way to learn about this fascinating part of Irish history.
And to create some more, er, contemporary artforms – on your way out, take a bunch of photos in Trinity’s iconic Old Library.
Temple Bar
When you’ve finished with the Book of Kells, head to Temple Bar. Rather than a traditional bar, the Temple Bar district is a city center neighborhood (granted, there’s a pub called the Temple Bar, but avoid it – it’s a tourist trap).
Temple Bar is ostensibly Dublin’s cultural hub (and it’s tourist hub, to be fair), as the Dublin City Council invested in its redevelopment with an eye towards attracting artists and theatres to the area. As with much of urban development, this has been both a blessing and a curse – the artists have made the area so vibrant and fun and interesting that it’s become too expensive for the artists to live here anymore!
But vibrant and fun and interesting it is, so when visiting Dublin you will want to make at least one stop here (but likely more). Browse the shops and stop for lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants – Zaytoon, an inexpensive Persian spot, is a perennial local favorite. For dessert, the Queen of Tarts cafe on Cows Lane is a personal favorite.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Close, The Liberties
Included in Dublin Pass
In the afternoon, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church. Continue your tour of the medieval period that you started with the Book of Kells; St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the few buildings from the Middle Ages left standing in Dublin. The architecture is impressive, and so are the luminaries buried here. Hundreds of people are buried on site, including Jonathan Swift (who pretty much invented political satire with A Modest Proposal).
Kilmainham Gaol
Inchicore Rd, Dublin 8
or
Guinness Storehouse
St. James Gate, Dublin 8
Included in Dublin Pass
Once you’ve had a quick peek at the beautiful Gothic architecture, head a bit further from the city centre to one of Dublin’s two best attractions – Kilmainham Gaol or the Guinness Storehouse. At this point in the day, it will probably be too much to tackle both of them (you don’t want to pack your Dublin itinerary too full), but you can’t go wrong with either.
Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that now houses a museum chronicling the tragic figures of Irish independence who were executed there. In 1916, the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB)(“Republican” meaning they were seeking to create an Irish republic and end British colonialism of Ireland) led a failed uprising on Easter Sunday.
The Easter Rising was the most significant armed rebellion against British colonial rule, and though the IRB failed in their goal that day, it led directly to independence in 1929. The leaders of the Rising and other political prisoners were jailed and, sadly, executed here.
If you’d like a lighter stop, you can instead tour the Guinness Storehouse, home of the famous stout – this is Ireland’s most visited attraction. You can scarcely escape the allure of – and advertising of – Guinness while you’re in Ireland. It is nearly ubiquitous.
The Guinness Storehouse is a salute to all things stout, and you’ll feel downright patriotic by the time you get to the 360 degree glass bar at the top. Take a stroll through the process of making, marketing, and of course, drinking Guinness. Just make sure to let it sit before you dive in – I’ve had my hand swatted away by more barmen than I’d like to admit when I tried to take a sip before the second pour.
End your day with dinner and drinks at one of Dublin’s many lively pubs.
Dublin Itinerary Day Two:
Dublin Castle and Contemporary Culture
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Place, Wood Quay, Dublin 8
Included in Dublin Pass
Spend your second day exploring some of Dublin’s famous historical landmarks. Visit Christ Church Cathedral – if you’re not cathedral’d out after yesterday. Christ Church Cathedral was built over 1,000 years ago, and it’s still a working church.
One of the best times to visit Christ Church is during a choral performance or rehearsal, or when the bells are rung. The acoustics in this cathedral are absolutely astounding! Even if you don’t catch it at a musical moment, it’s still a lovely space, and a beautiful way to start the day.
Dublin Castle
Dame St, Dublin 2
Included in Dublin Pass
Chester Beatty Library
Dublin Castle, Dublin 2
Included in Dublin Pass
When you’ve finished at the cathedral, walk along Castle Street to Dublin Castle. Built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier Viking settlement, Dublin Castle was once the seat of British power in Ireland. Today, it houses several museums and art galleries, with the free-to-visit Chester Beatty Library being the absolute best.
After touring Dublin Castle, stop by Butler’s Chocolate Cafe on Wicklow Street or Grafton Street for the best hot chocolate you’ve ever had. Take it to go and make your way to St. Stephen’s Green, one of Dublin’s main parks, for a respite from the chaos of the city. Relax for a bit on one of the benches or take a stroll around the lake before stopping for lunch at Matt the Thresher on Lower Pembroke Street. In the afternoon do some shopping on Grafton Street—Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare, or take in a matinee at the Abbey Theatre. Finish up your day with a stunning Italian dinner at Bar Italia on Ormond Quay.
Dublin Itinerary Day Three:
Traditional Irish Music and the National Museum
Bewley’s Cafe
78-79 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
To cap off your 3 days in Dublin, take things at a slower pace and enjoy some of the city’s more low-key attractions. Start with breakfast at Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street (a must when visiting Dublin).
Bewley’s opened in 1927 and is an iconic landmark in the city. The draw is the architecture and the atmosphere – Bewley’s has an Art Deco style that is unique in Dublin. Be sure to check out the amazing stained glass windows!
Grab a pot of tea and either a full Irish breakfast or something lighter, and take your time.
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
Kildare St, Dublin 2
Included in Dublin Pass
National Gallery of Ireland
Merrion Square West, Dublin 2
Included in Dublin Pass
After breakfast, make your way to a museum. I recommend either the The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology to see some fascinating ancient artifacts from all around Ireland, or the National Gallery for Irish and European art.
The NMI-Archaeology is the best place to get a glimpse at prehistoric Ireland. This is the primary location for Irish artefacts in the world. Items on display include Viking and medieval gold, the famous “Tara Brooch” and Neolithic weaponry.
If you’re looking for more modern forms of art, the National Gallery, in nearby Merrion Square, is Ireland’s premier art museum. It houses a fantastic collection of Irish visual arts, as well as a broader range of European art such as paintings by Degas, Vermeer and Picasso.
The Old Mill Restaurant
14 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
The Gutter Bookshop
Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar
Phoenix Park
Dublin 8
For lunch on this day, I recommend The Old Mill Restaurant for some delicious traditional dishes like boxty (with a whiskey to wash it down of course). In the afternoon, do some shopping in and around Temple Bar. The Gutter Bookshop is a personal favorite!
Or, if you’re looking for some more nature, take a taxi to Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest enclosed park which is home to several interesting monuments as well as wild deer. This being an urban park, of course, you won’t need hiking boots! There are botanical gardens, flower gardens and even cafes for you to take a break.
Chapter One
18-19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Cobblestone Pub
77 King Street North, Dublin 7
End your weekend in Dublin with a swanky dinner at Chapter One – if you can get a reservation. Widely considered to be the best restaurant in Ireland, with two Michelin stars to prove it, Chapter One offers a high end dining experience and features the best Irish ingredients available. This is art on a plate. Aim to make reservations well in advance.
After dinner, stop by the Cobblestone pub for live music and one last pint before heading home. The Cobblestone is the quintessential traditional Irish music pub, and is beloved by locals. You can expect to find a traditional music session each night, so stop by and see what’s playing. There’s no cover charge – just grab a Guinness or a whiskey, grab a seat and enjoy.
I’d love to hear your favorite spots in Dublin! Leave a comment and let me know.
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