So you’re arriving in Dublin? What next?
Dublin is a lively city loaded with historic pubs, great museums, and a booming foodie scene. It’s not as sophisticated or romantic as cities like Paris or Rome.
But who cares really? The city’s history feels within touching distance. It was little over a century ago that many key moments of Irish independence played out on these streets.
Some people skip Dublin. But I wouldn’t do that unless you only want to see Ireland’s glorious landscapes. Spend a couple days before heading off to greener pastures.
Snapshot Of 2 Days In Dublin
Here’s a quick glance of what you can do in Dublin with this itinerary:
- Trinity College & the Book of Kells
- St. Stephen’s Green
- Grafton Street
- Merrion Square
- Museums
- Dublin Castle
- Temple Bar
- Kilmainham Gaol
- Irish Museum of Modern Art
- Guinness Storehouse
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Christ Church Cathedral
- North Dublin
- General Post Office
To avoid disappointment, there are several things you should consider booking well in advance, especially during high season:
- Kilmainham Gaol ticket
- Book of Kells tour
- Guiness Storehouse ticket
- historic pub tour (just loved this!)
- guided walking tour
- guided food tour
- Dublin Pass
Detailed 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary
Day 1
Trinity College & The Book of Kells
Start your day at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and explore the Old Library.
Trinity College was founded all the way back to 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, who was trying to civilize the “barbarous” nation.
Over the centuries, the college became one of the world’s most renowned seats of learning. Some of its graduates include Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Samuel Beckett and three presidents of Ireland.
You can walk under the arch into Parliament Square, the buzzy center of the school. Check out the towering campanile (which is currently being restored).
The main reason to visit Trinity is to see the Old Library and the Book of Kells.
The library incorporates the dramatic Long Room, built in 1732. It’s over 200 feet long with vaulted ceilings.
The Long Room holds over 200,000 old books, the Brian Boru harp and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic from the 1916 Easter Rising.
Many of the books have been removed for restoration. In fact, the Old Library and Long Room were due to close in late 2023. But they will remain open until the end of 2025.
The Book of Kells is one of the most valuable books in the world, maybe the most valuable. It was reputedly written in 800 and contains the gospels of Jesus as written by angels.
The book is beautifully illuminated. But fragile. There’s usually only one original page on display at a time.
But, in a museum setting, all the most important pages are reproduced and there is a movie explaining the whole lot to you.
You can visit Trinity on a guided tour or buy a ticket and tour about yourself.
St. Stephen’s Green
When you’re done at the college, enjoy a leisurely stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, a peaceful park near the city center at the top of Grafton Street.
The park covers a 22 acres. And what lovely acres. You enter through Fusiliers’ Arch.
Once inside, you can wander the flower lined paths that snake around the pond, admiring the many statues, fountains, and swans.
Grafton Street
Next, wander down Grafton Street, Dublin’s bustling shopping street. It’s a rather posh street with loads of boutiques and international shops.
Take in the lively atmosphere and stop for lunch at a local café.
I liked Hugo or Bewley’s in this area. Bewley’s has beautiful stained glass windows created in 1931. For something healthy, grab an acai bowl at Oakberry.
You’ll also want to pop off down Duke Street. There are 3 famous pubs there — The Bailey, The Duke, and Davy Byrne’s.
Not far from Grafton is the iconic bronze statue of Molly Malone.
She’s a legendary figure in Dublin’s folklore, said to have been a fishmonger who sold cockles and mussels from a wheelbarrow.
According to legend, she died of a fever. In some versions of the tale, she also worked as a lady of the night.
Nowadays, Molly Malone is an iconic symbol of Dublin, reflecting the city’s love for everyday working class people. Her famous folk song, Cockles and Mussels, is the unofficial anthem of Dublin.
As with all statues in Dublin, it’s has various nicknames, including “The Tart with the Cart.” You will notice that her breasts are shiny from people rubbing them for good luck.
Merrion Square & Georgian Buildings
After exploring Grafton Street, head to Merrion Square and Merrion Street.
Take a stroll around the square to admire the beautiful Georgian architecture. Many of the buildings have double doorways, columns and elaborate semicircular fanlights above.
The lovely townhouses have been home to the posh Irish and various celebrities. It’s all very well-preserved, and unmarred by the path of progress.
#1 Merrion Square is the house where Oscar Wilde grew up. It’s now been turned into a museum that you can visit on a guided tour.
I didn’t have time to go inside on this trip. But my guide on this wonderful history waking tour said it was well worth a visit.
You can also see the man himself. The Oscar Wilde Memorial is set inside a lovely park in the center.
It’s a rather peculiar statue. It shows Oscar reclining on a granite boulder with a half grimace half smile. This statue had been nicknamed “The Fag on the Crag.”
With the rest of the afternoon, I would either visit some museums or Dublin Castle.
Museums
Not far from Merrion Square, you’ll find both the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Ireland.
The National Gallery of Art shows off a pretty nice collection of works in a gussied up building with big space.
You’ll find works by Vermeer, Picasso, Turner Titian, Rembrandt, and Monet.
The most famous piece is The Taking of Christ by Caravaggio, only discovered in 1990.
The National Museum of Dublin on Kildare Street is splendid!
It holds the nation’s most significant archeological finds, spanning 5,000 years. It’s a purpose built building modeled on the Pantheon in Rome.
The exhibits are arranged over two, not very well organized, levels.
Some of the must sees are the Tara Brooch, the Ardagh Chalice, the Lurgan log-boat, Viking artifacts, and the bog bodies.
Best of all? Both museums are completely free!
Dublin Castle
If you prefer a castle to museums, head to Dublin Castle.
It’s a bit of a mishmash of Medieval grimness and mellow Georgian brick. It really looks more like a government building than a proper castle.
The castle was built in the early 13th century as the seat of power for the English imperialist rulers.
If you’re in a hurry, just check out the exterior.
But for 8 euros, you can also go inside and tour the opulent 18th century State Apartments, various towers, a medieval undercroft, and the Chapel Royal.
The statue of Justice in the courtyard also comes with a tale. She looks inward toward the castle, effectively turning her back on the people of Dublin. What you’d expect from the English occupiers.
Chester Beatty Library
You can also visit the Chester Beatty Library in the gardens at the back of the castle. This splendid collection was bequeathed to Ireland by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty.
It’s an impressive collection of manuscripts, paintings, objects from around the world. There are pieces of Oriental, Islamic, Japanese, and Chinese art.
The array of Japanese paintings and the illuminated Islamic manuscripts were the most beautiful to my mind.
And? This museum is also free!
Temple Bar Area
After all that culture, it’s time to relax and explore the Temple Bar area for a bit. It’s undoubtedly very touristy, crowded, and pricey. But it’s pretty too.
Take in the colorful buildings, adorned with massive flowers spilling out of pots, and vibrant street art. But I would skip dining here.
For dinner, I recommend Kari Indian Restaurant near Kilmainham Gaol. It’s a bit out of the way, but the food was to die for.
If you’re up for it, end your day with a live traditional Irish music session at a local pub outside the Temple Bar area, such as The Cobblestone.
Day 2
Kilmainham Gaol
Begin your day with a visit to the historic Kilmainham Gaol, which opens at 9:30 am. Honestly, although a jail sounds grim, this is one of the very best things to do in Dublin!
The guided tour will give you insight into Ireland’s struggle for independence. This historic jail once housed some of the most notable military and political figures in Irish history.
It later became a powerful symbol of the nation’s fight for independence, where many Irish men and women gave up their freedom—and, in many cases, their lives—in the struggle against English rule.
You can explore the old West Wing and pop into cells or spy into peep holes. You can walk down the 1916 Corridor where many of the Easter Rising rebels were stashed before their execution.
Then, you’ll head to the Victorian era East Wing, which has appeared in quite a few films.
Finally, you’ll step into Stonebreaker’s yard. This is where the 1916 rebels were shot, one by one, by British firing squads, ensuring their subsequent martyrdom and jump starting the independence movement.
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
If you’re a fan of modern art, after your jail visit, head across the street to IMMA, housed in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
It features a diverse range of exhibitions and installations from both Irish and international artists
Guinness Storehouse
Time to tour the Guinness Storehouse and grab lunch and a pint. Presumably, your morning of sightseeing has put a fierce thirst on you.
This attraction will tell you all you would ever want to know about the process of making beer and then some. If you read everything, you could be there all day.
The storehouse is a 6 story exhibition space, based around a giant atrium shaped like a pint glass.
You can taste test the black nectar, learn how to pull a draft at the Guinness Academy, check out the cool vintage advertising campaigns, and get your free pint at the Gravity Bar at the tip top.
I’ve heard people rave about the views from the bar. But to my mind, the skyline of Dublin is not terribly impressive.
For lunch, the storehouse has a restaurant, 1837 Bar & Brasserie.
It serves up a variety of Irish-inspired dishes, including a beef stew made with Guinness. Indeed, half of the offering seems to be laced with it.
>>> Click here to pre-book a timed entry ticket
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
After lunch, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s Ireland’s largest church, with an incredibly rich history and beautiful architecture.
Much of it dates from the 12th century, with a west tower and spire that soar to 225 feet.
The cathedral was built on the site of a well where St. Patrick baptized converted pagans. And you can see the ancient cover of the well inside.
The cathedral is stuffed full of splendid statuary, tombs, and monuments. You’ll find the grave of its dean, Jonathan Swift, and his companion “Stella.”
Try to attend one of the performances of the boys’ choir!
>>> Click here to pre-book a ticket
Christ Church Cathedral
You’ll also want to explore Christ Church Cathedral. It’s one of the oldest places of worship in Ireland and a symbolic site.
The precious relics kept here attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
The 12th century medieval crypt is one of the largest in Ireland and filled with treasures and unusual knick knacks.
>>> Click here to pre-book a ticket
North Dublin
Take a stroll across the iconic Ha’penny Bridge and enjoy the scenic views of the River Liffey.
Check out the Famine Memorial sculpture on Custom House Quay.
The bronze statues depict emaciated figures, representing those who suffered during the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s. It’s very haunting. And seeing the dog trail after them, waiting for them to drop … to gobble them up.
Then, head down O’Connell Street, where you’re walking through history. This street has seen splendor, tragedy, and moments of great significance.
One stop along the way is the James Joyce statue, located near the junction of North Earl Street.
The famous writer, who immortalized Dublin in works like Ulysses, is depicted in a bronze sculpture affectionately nicknamed “The Prick with the Stick” by locals.
Just ahead, you’ll find the Portal, an innovative art installation that links Dublin with New York and other cities. Using a live video feed, it creates a digital bridge where people can connect across the world in real-time.
At the southern end, you’ll see the statue of Daniel O’Connell, known as “The Liberator.”
He led the charge for Catholic emancipation in the 19th century. Surrounding him are four figures, including “Courage,” which still bears a bullet hole from the 1916 Easter Rising.
And of course, you can’t miss the Spire of Dublin, which replaced the statue of Admiral Nelson blown up by the IRA.
It’s a bit of a mystery, even to locals, who’ve given it nicknames like the “Stiffy on the Liffey” and the “Erection at the Intersection.”
Then, there’s the General Post Office (GPO), arguably the most famous building in Ireland. This Neo-Classical beauty was the rebel headquarters during the Easter Rising.
On Easter Monday, 1,200 rebels took control of key points around the city, raised the Irish flag, and declared independence.
Though the rising was crushed, its significance remains, and the GPO is now home to the Witness History exhibit, where you can learn more about the 1916 events.
Evening
There are a bunch of great pubs in northern Dublin not far from the GPO.
The Gravediggers is located near Glasnevin Cemetery. It dates back to 1833 and has retained much of its old-world charm, including original Victorian features and snugs (private drinking rooms).
Ryan’s of Parkgate Street is fabulous, known for its beautifully preserved Victorian interiors, including original woodwork and stained glass.
The Oval is another charming pub, dating back to 1820.
For your final dinner in Dublin, pick one of its best restaurants. Reserve ahead!
I loved Camden Kitchen in the Camden neighborhood with modern Irish cuisines and a Michelin star.
I also recommend Fig (innovative seasonal menus), Pickle (Indian), and Note (modern European cuisine focused on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.)
If you’re interested, you might also consider joining a literary pub crawl that explores famous Dublin pubs associated with writers like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde.
Tips For 2 Days In Dublin
How To Get To Dublin
The fastest and most common way to reach Dublin is by flying into Dublin Airport, located about 16 miles north of the city center.
Here are your options to get into the city:
- Aircoach: Offers 24-hour service between the airport and various city locations.
- Dublin Bus: Routes 16 and 41 run between the airport and the city center.
- Taxis: Readily available outside the terminal and typically take about 20-30 minutes to the city center.
- Private transfer: Someone will wait for you to chauffeur you to your hotel.
How To Get Around Dublin
Dublin is a highly walkable city, especially in its central areas.
Many of the key attractions, landmarks, and popular neighborhoods are located within a relatively compact area, making it easy to explore on foot.
You can also hop on an e-bike tour, a walking tour, or take the hop on hop off bus.
Taxis and Uber are also both available in the city.
Dublin Pass
To save money on sightseeing in Dublin, we recommend getting a Dublin Pass. It’s great for a two-day trip that includes several attractions—the savings really add up.
As of July 2024, a two-day Dublin Pass costs € 109. If you visited all the attractions listed above that are covered by the pass, plus used the Hop-On Hop-Off bus , you’d spend around € 151 without the pass.
Where to Stay In Dublin
Dublin’s most famous hotel is The Shelbourne. It’s a historic Victorian building where both Irish rebels and fancy celebrities gathered. Inside is the famous Horsehoe Bar, which got a mention in James Joyce’s Ulysses.
A classic five-star hotel located in the heart of Dublin, The Merrion is known for its Georgian architecture, beautiful gardens, and Michelin-starred restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud.
Located just off Grafton Street, The Westbury offers contemporary luxury with chic interiors and a prime location. It’s known for its sophisticated afternoon tea in The Gallery and the glamorous Wilde restaurant.
A beauty on St. Stephen’s Green, The Fitzwilliam combines modern design with comfort. It’s known for its stylish rooms, personalized service, and the Michelin-starred Glovers Alley restaurant.
A more moderate, but still very nice option, is the Hyatt Centric. It’s well located and has a range of rooms and suites. It’s close to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Temple Bar.
When To Visit Dublin
The weather is fairly temperate so there’s no singular best time to go.
Summer is high season. But if you want to see the sun without bundling up, this is your best option.
Spring and fall are less crowded. Some attractions and hotels are shut down in winter.
Anytime of the year can be cold and rainy. Everyone likes to say you can get all four seasons in one day.
If you want to visit for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March, you can see the Liffey River turn green. But you should expect massive crowds and high prices.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my 2 days in Dublin itinerary. You may find these other Ireland and UK guides useful:
- beautiful places to visit in Ireland
- 3 days in Dublin itinerary
- Dublin bucket list
- what not to do in Ireland
- 1 day in Belfast itinerary
- guide to St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- 3 days in London itinerary
- 5 days in London itinerary
- best day trips from London
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