Dublin 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Dublin Itinerary:

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: Generator Dublin, Abbey Hotel, The Fleet Hostel
  • Mid-Range: Maldron Hotels (various locations), The Alex Hotel, Brooks Hotel
  • Luxury: The Shelbourne Hotel, The Merrion Hotel, The Westbury Hotel

(Choose a place that suits your budget and travel style. Hotels in the city center are generally more expensive, but offer convenient access to attractions.)

Day 1: Historic Dublin

Morning:

  • Trinity College & The Book of Kells: (9:30am - 12pm) Start your day with a visit to one of Ireland’s most prestigious institutions. Explore the historic campus, including the iconic Long Room library.

    • Things to know: Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues. Allow at least 2 hours for the full experience, which includes seeing the Book of Kells and visiting other parts of the university.
    • Time: Aim for a morning visit as it tends to be less crowded.
    • Cost: Entry to the Book of Kells exhibition is €18 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch: Grab a bite at The Woollen Mills, a popular restaurant overlooking the Ha’penny Bridge in the city center. Enjoy traditional Irish fare with a modern twist.
  • Historical Exploration: (1pm - 4pm) Choose a historical site to explore:
    • Dublin Castle: Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history, from Viking fortress to symbol of British rule and into its current role as a seat of government.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Experience the vibrant pub scene at The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub with a traditional atmosphere and live music.
    • Things to know: The Brazen Head is known for its hearty meals and historical setting. Reservations are highly recommended.
    • Evening Activities: Enjoy a pint of Guinness and listen to some live music at a traditional Irish pub like the Cobblestone (Folk Music) or explore the lively nightlife in Temple Bar, with plenty of pubs offering traditional music and entertainment.

Day 2: Literary Dublin & Beyond

  • Morning:

    • Lunch: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bewley’s Cafe, a historic establishment known for its coffee and pastries, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
    • Guinness Storehouse: Explore the iconic Guinness brewery and learn about the history of this famous Irish stout.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional pub lunch at The Winding Stair (known for their focus on local ingredients) or explore the literary treasures within its walls at the Dublin Writers Museum (located nearby).

  • National Gallery of Ireland & Museums: (2pm - 5pm) Spend the afternoon exploring the masterpieces of Irish and European art housed in the National Gallery.

  • National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology:

Discover the fascinating archaeological artifacts that tell the story of Ireland from prehistoric times to the present day. * Things to know: Free entry, but booking is recommended for exhibitions.

  • Dublinia & Kilmainham Gaol: (2pm - 5pm) Journey through the history of Viking and Medieval Dublin at Dublinia before venturing into the past at the historic Kilmainham Gaol.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner and a pint at The Brazen Head.

Things to remember:

  • Currency: The currency in Ireland is the Euro (€).
  • Language: English is the official language, but you’ll hear some Irish (Gaelic) spoken in certain areas, especially by older generations.

Tips for your trip:

  • Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
  • Consider a Dublin Pass: This pass offers free entry to many museums and attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse and the Dublin Writers Museum.
  • Explore beyond the city center: Dublin is just the starting point for your Irish adventure.

Things to know about Dublin:

  • Walkable City: Dublin’s city center is easily walkable, but public transport is a good option for exploring further afield.
  • Transportation: The LUAS tram system and Dublin Bus are efficient ways to get around the city and see many of the sights.**

Food & Drink:

  • Guinness Storehouse: Enjoy a pint with a panoramic view of the city.

Things to do:

  • Dublin Castle: Visit for a glimpse into the history of Ireland, from its medieval origins as the seat of Viking power to its modern role as a government building.
  • Trinity College Library: Explore the Long Room, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
  • Dublin Writers Museum: Discover Irish literature through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

Dublin Castle & The Book of Kells:

  • Things to do: Explore the historic chambers and learn about the lives of famous Irish writers like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett.

Evening:

  • The Temple Bar Pub: Enjoy traditional music and a lively atmosphere in this iconic Dublin pub.
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife: Dublin has a fantastic nightlife scene. Check out:
    • Traditional Music Session: Listen to talented musicians play Irish folk music in a cozy setting.

Other things to consider:

  • Transportation: Dublin is a very walkable city, but it’s good to have a plan for getting around the city and beyond (especially if you are traveling with a group or have limited time).
  • Guinness Storehouse: Explore the history of this iconic brewery, enjoy a delicious meal at their restaurant and bar, and learn about the brewing process.

Things to remember:

* **Weather:** Be prepared for all types of weather! It's Ireland, after all. Pack a raincoat or umbrella (or both!), even in summer.
* **Language:**  While most people speak English in Dublin, it's always polite to try and learn a few basic Irish phrases.

Things to remember:

  • Dublin is known for its unpredictable weather, so pack accordingly!
  • Layers are always a good idea, and even in summer, you might need a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings and the occasional rainy day.

Beyond the City:

  • Guinness Storehouse: Enjoy a tour of the iconic brewery and learn about the history of this beloved Irish stout.
  • National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology:

Explore the fascinating history of Ireland’s past, from its ancient settlements to its historical treasures.**

  • Live Music Venues: Dublin has a vibrant music scene. Check out:

    • The Cobblestone: A traditional music pub with live sessions every night.
    • Whelan’s: A legendary venue for live music and events of all kinds.

Things to know:

  • Guinness Storehouse:

It is a popular tourist attraction, so be prepared for crowds.

  • Transport: Dublin has excellent public transport options, but consider using taxis or ride-sharing services for late-night travel.
    • The Winding Stairs:

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Dublin’s historic heart.

Things to do in the evening:

  • Explore the city’s vibrant nightlife and enjoy a pint at The Temple Bar.
  • Visit one of Dublin’s many traditional music pubs, like the Cobblestone, where you can listen to live sessions and experience the traditional Irish culture.

Things to know about Dublin:

  • The Winding Stairs: A historic building with a long history in Dublin, it has been a site for breweries, courts, and even a medieval courthouse.
  • Dublin Castle:

Located in the city center of Dublin, Ireland, the

  • Other Attractions: Dublin is known for its historical sites and museums.

Things to see:

  • The Temple Bar area: Explore the historic heart of Dublin and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

  • Museums:

Learn about the history of Dublin at the Guinness Storehouse, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

  • Guinness Brewery: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of The Guinness Storehouse with its views of the city.

Other interesting things to see and do in Dublin:

  • Explore the historic city center: Walk through the cobblestone streets and see iconic sights like Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and Dublin’s historical landmarks.
  • Visit a museum:

Choose from a variety of museums in Dublin that showcase Irish history, literature, art, and science.

Beyond the Museum:

  • Guinness Storehouse: Experience the historic city center with its vibrant atmosphere and traditional pubs.

  • The Book of Kells:

See the ancient manuscript housed at the Trinity College Library.

  • National Gallery of Ireland: See the beauty and grandeur of Irish art and history, from the Book of Kels to modern masterpieces.

  • Kilmainham Gaol: This historic prison is a powerful reminder of Dublin’s past.